1997 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,003 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Taurus year — the 1997 model ranks #12 of 39 Taurus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 58 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (228), engine (173), and brakes (78), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,003

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ford Taurus problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	228	23%	— flat
Engine	173	17%	▼ down
Brakes	78	8%	— flat
Electrical System	74	7%	— flat
Steering	61	6%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	60	6%	— flat
Speed Control	58	6%	▲ up
Airbags	42	4%	— flat
Lighting	39	4%	— flat
Fuel System	34	3%	▲ up
Suspension	29	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	28	3%	— flat
Other	26	3%	— flat
Seat Belts	25	2%	— flat
Body & Structure	25	2%	▼ down
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	15	1%	— flat
Latches & Locks	4	0%	▼ down
Seats	3	0%	▼ down
Child Seat	1	0%	— flat

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

98V028000LightingFebruary 10, 1998 · 571,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

97V097000TransmissionJune 9, 1997 · 100,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

Consequence

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.

96V166000TransmissionSeptember 5, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Consequence

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE CAR. IT FIRST WENT OUT FOUR MONTHS AFTER WE GOT THE CAR. WE GOT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2001 FROM UGLY DUCKLING CAR SALES NOW KNOWN AS DRIVETIME. THIS CAR IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. I THINK IT HAS BEEN IN SOME MAJOR ACCIDENTS....”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 15, 2000 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 21, 2016 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES TO COME TO A GRADUAL STOP AND BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED, THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE . WITH FULL PRESSURE ON BRAKES, VEHICLE KEPT GOING ABOUT 200 YARDS BEFORE VEHICLE STOPPED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 13, 2000 · crash

“VEHICLE PARKED. OWNER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT & BLACK SMOKE ESCAPED & THEN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED & PUT FLAMES OUT. GAVE NO INDICATION OF ORIGIN OF FIRE. INSURANCE INSPECTOR CHECKED VEHICLE & INDICATED A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 24, 1999 · fire

“DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SENSOR POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN UP A CURB AND INTO A BUILDING. THERE IS A TSB BULLETIN ON THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 1, 1999 · crash

1997 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford Taurus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,003 complaints put the 1997 model at #12 of 39 Taurus years. It is one of the Taurus years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (228 complaints), engine (173 complaints), brakes (78 complaints).

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus years to avoid are 1993, 2002, 1995, 2003, 2000, 1994, 2001, 1996, 1999, 1992, 2005, 1997, 1991, 1989, 2013, 1998, 1990. The cleanest record among Taurus years belongs to 1983.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other Taurus years?

What are the most common 1997 Ford Taurus problems?

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford Taurus reliable?

What are the most common 1997 Taurus problems?

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

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