VehicleVerdict

1997 Ford Taurus (sho) problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Taurus (sho) year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 10 Taurus (sho) years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 60% of all reports (24 of 40), far ahead of electrical system at 4.

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Taurus (sho) years?

Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted40 complaints1990: 4 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 29 complaints1994: 13 complaints1995: 9 complaints1996: 31 complaints1997: 40 complaints1998: 14 complaints1999: 22 complaints
Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus (sho) years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ford Taurus (sho) problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2460%
Electrical System410%
Transmission38%
Suspension25%
Lighting25%
Brakes25%
Speed Control25%
Airbags13%

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ACCELERATED AS NORMAL TO 30MPH, RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UP TO AT LEAST 50MPH. FAILED TO STEER 90 DEGREES LEFT, RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING THE CURB. LOST CONTROL IN DAMP GRASS, AND RAN INTO A TREE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 18, 2012 · crash

“THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 FORD TAURES. I REPLACED THE FUSE FOR MY POWER WINDOWS & NOW MY DASH LIGHTS & TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK. I WAS LOOKING AT THE LIGHTS & THE SOCKET IN WHICH THE BULBS GO ARE BURNED. MOTOR CAUGHT SLIGHT FIRE BUT CAN'T FIND THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2005 · fire

“ACCELERATED AS NORMAL TO 30MPH, RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UP TO AT LEAST 50MPH. FAILED TO STEER 90 DEGREES LEFT, RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING THE CURB. LOST CONTROL IN DAMP GRASS, AND RAN INTO A TREE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 18, 2012 · crash

“ACCELERATED AS NORMAL TO 30MPH, RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UP TO AT LEAST 50MPH. FAILED TO STEER 90 DEGREES LEFT, RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING THE CURB. LOST CONTROL IN DAMP GRASS, AND RAN INTO A TREE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 18, 2012 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT CAUSED THE OIL PUMP TO NOT TAKE PRESSURE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE, REAR END, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1997 Ford Taurus (sho) — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford Taurus (sho) reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 10 Taurus (sho) years. It is one of the Taurus (sho) years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Taurus (sho) problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Ford Taurus (sho). Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Taurus (sho) years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus (sho) years to avoid are 1997, 1996. The cleanest record among Taurus (sho) years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.