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1997 Ford Taurus: common problems and reliability
867 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about power train. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Taurus?The 1997 Ford Taurus has 867 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Taurus?
Across the 24 Taurus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 17 (2019) to 1,471 (2002). With 867 complaints, the 1997 Taurus sits above the model's median of 318.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Taurus
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT 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.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN 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.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 98V028000VEHICLE 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."
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 97V097000VEHICLE 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.
Show 1 more recall
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 96V166000THE 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model variant, ranging from extreme frustration to high satisfaction.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Taurus. See the full Taurus owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Taurus listings typically run $9,114–$14,953 across 2010 to 2019 model years.
Other Taurus model years
Compare every Taurus year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Taurus against its rivals
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