1) I had the front and back brakes replaced 15,000 miles ago. Last weekend the car started to shake when braking, and I felt like the brakes were going to fail. I was told that the pads were fine, but the discs weren't. They were warped and needed to be serviced. I am the primary driver and not hard on my brakes, so having the brakes serviced after having them taken care of 15,000 miles ago is upsetting.
2) Then the dealer told me that I had a leak and I needed a power steering pump, which cost over $500. They returned the car to me 9/10/04. Driving home 9/11/04 the steering wheel started to squeal more than it ever did. I brought the car back to the dealer today. Now they are telling me that I need a new rack @ $750. I took the time to read other reviews of the 1999 Taurus and I see that I'm not the only one with this problem. Perhaps Ford needs to consider a recall? I am also extremely irritated that this has happened at 61,000 miles...
My parents bought a Windstar at the same time I bought my Taurus, and they had trouble with the van from the beginning. My first car was a Honda. We still have the 1986 Accord with 125,000 miles on it. We have only had to pay for minor repairs. It still runs beautifully. I think that my biggest mistake was buying a Ford in the first place. I can't wait to get rid of this Taurus!
Consider buying a high rated Honda or a Toyota. You'll be glad that you did!
I bought a 99 SE in 2000 with 9,000 miles on it. I replaced the battery at 60,000 miles. Brakes and rotors at 75,000 miles. Power steering pump at 95,000 miles. Rack and pinion at 106,000 miles. Rotors need turned and upper tie rods need replacing at 110,000 miles.
Bought a 98 Ford Taurus with 16,000 miles on it back in 2000. I knew the previous owner who hardly drove it being he had 2 other cars. So that being said here are the facts.
17,000 - 19,000 miles I brought back to dealer for hood not opening (replaced lever 3 times - still a problem to this day..) Doors, windows, not opening with switch.. (brought back 2x still a problem..) inside light staying on now and then??
At 24,000 miles the front end would vibrate violently when exiting off highway. Brought into dealer who immediately replaced rotors, tie rods, and stabilizers. I was told this was frequent with this vehicle.. - At 32,000 vibrating came back.. warranty over about 700$ to fix.. not doing that.. Mechanic told me it was a flaw in the design where the rotors get warped.. suggested I live with it or I'll keep paying..
30,000 Water pump - fins were completely, gone.. this is a good one apparently the anti freeze reacts with the cast of the motor and produces this sludge.. Ford knows of the problem and had a customer satisfaction limited re - call which ironically the previous owner did? The engine had a acid flush, new water pump, and bypass kit for the heater core.. (12,000 miles) I guess this wasn't the solution?
55,000 alternator, battery - 320$
85,000 miles the heater core plugged.. yes, I did a flush 2x 1 at 30k for above and 1 at 65k.. This was going to be 600$ until I read about back flushing the heater core which fixed the problem for less than 10$
Gas mileage - around 15mpg.. my wives Toyota around 38mpg had for 6 years.. all I've done was change the oil..
Ford says quality is job one? Why don't they back this up?
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