1997 Ford Taurus: common problems and reliability

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. Owners most often flag internal water pump failure (3.5l & 3.7l engines) — coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. a very expensive repair requiring engine removal. frequency: very frequent (for 2010-2019 models).

Safety record for the 1997 model year

867
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
65
Crash reports
16
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
224
engine and engine cooling
178
service brakes
80
hydraulic
74
electrical system
69

Recalls affecting the 1997 Taurus

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

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 REQUIREMEN…

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E026000

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 T…

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 98V028000

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…

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 97V097000

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…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model variant, ranging from extreme frustration to high satisfaction. The sixth-generation (2010-2019) models, particularly non-SHO trims, attract significant criticism for major, costly mechanical failures, inclu

  • Internal water pump failure (3.5L & 3.7L engines) — Coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. A very expensive repair requiring engine removal. Frequency: very frequent (for 2010-2019 models).
  • Transmission shifting problems — Includes rough shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, failure to shift into higher gears (stuck in 3rd), and feeling of being in neutral. Affects 6F50/6F55 transmissions. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Persistent electrical and module failures — Includes audio control module failure (resulting in no sound), malfunctioning wiper switches, interior lights that won't turn off, and failing airbag sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Cooling system failures — Radiator explosions, rotting hoses, and thermostat issues, particularly in older high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine misfires and stalling — Intermittent power loss, flashing check engine lights, and engines shutting off while driving, often related to ignition components like the DIS module in older SHOs. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Taurus.

Typical used price

Used Taurus listings typically run $8,910–$14,348 across 2003 to 2019 model years.

Other Taurus model years

2019 Taurus2015 Taurus2013 Taurus2009 Taurus2007 Taurus2003 Taurus2000 Taurus
Full Ford Taurus owner reportCompare against another car