1997 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1997 Ford Taurus. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
770 complaints64 involved a crash12 involved a fire50 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Oil light does not come on when low. 2. Engine light always on. 3 when I was driving this winter, the brakes, they locked up on me and I almost had a collision with two other cars but I hit a curb and was able to get my car moving again. 4.CAR IS loud while driving. 5 can't get good gas milage.6.car has developed an oil leak.
- Unknown or other
Auto trans. Shift quad quickly became sloppy and in fact sometimes would not start in park pos. And you had to hunt for neutral where it would always start. Then on the third day, while parked overnight on private property, it did start in park, but while on a very high idle I got out of the car…
Auto trans. Shift quad quickly became sloppy and in fact sometimes would not start in park pos. And you had to hunt for neutral where it would always start. Then on the third day, while parked overnight on private property, it did start in park, but while on a very high idle I got out of the car for a second and while standing beside the car it slipped out of park and into reverse knocking me to the ground as it rapidly sped rearward till it hit and came to rest against a concrete wall
- Engine · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
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…
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 compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Service brakes
When driving the car at a low rate of speed a few miles from my neighborhood, I noticed that the brake light indicator came on. I slowed down to look around the car but could not find anything. I drove the car home and just as I was driving into my neighborhood, the brakes stopped working. Very…
When driving the car at a low rate of speed a few miles from my neighborhood, I noticed that the brake light indicator came on. I slowed down to look around the car but could not find anything. I drove the car home and just as I was driving into my neighborhood, the brakes stopped working. Very luckily, I did not get into an accident. It turns out that the metal rear brake lines running underneath the driver's side front door were completely corroded and one of the lines had burst (the one affecting the diagonal brake circuit for the front driver side and rear passenger side). This came without warning, and I could have easily been stranded (or killed) on a busy highway out of control. This IS a safety issue justifying a recall. Amazingly, the other underside components of the vehicle are in much better shape than the brake lines. why ford would fail to properly coat or protect a critical component like the rear brake lines so that they would not corrode IS an inexcusable safety hazard. I have read of this rear brake line issue elsewhere being extremely common for this vehicle, so this IS not a "one off" event. sooner or later, someone will get into a serious accident or be killed!
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
On 4/3/2015 my mother in law pulled into the driveway after a 10 mile trip to town. Upon pulling in the driveway the car started on fire immediately, at first she thought the car was overheating (white smoke) then realized the car was actually on fire (black smoke). She had to be helped by an idaho…
On 4/3/2015 my mother in law pulled into the driveway after a 10 mile trip to town. Upon pulling in the driveway the car started on fire immediately, at first she thought the car was overheating (white smoke) then realized the car was actually on fire (black smoke). She had to be helped by an idaho power employee who was driving by. A total of two 15LB fire extinguishers and garden hose were used to keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived. The car was destroyed from the dash panel forward. The fire department determined the fire started at the power distribution box located by the master cylinder on the firewall. The fire department determined the cause as an "electrical fire", up until the fire the car had no known electrical or major mechanical problems. The car had no modifications and was completely stock. No insurance claim was filed as I only carried liability coverage on the car. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle failed to shift gears and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was jumpstarted. The failure recurred on multiple…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle failed to shift gears and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was jumpstarted. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Unknown or other
Muddy water in overflow tank
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer had not been able to determine what caused the failure. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 140,000. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the a frame sheared off and landed on top of the steering box, causing steering loss. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was told that the a frame was completely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 135,000.
- Engine · Steering
I purchased my 1997 ford taurus in february 2010, and shortly after experienced my odometer stopping and my power steering stopping at the same time. It usually happens if I drive the car longer than 30 minutes, or if I sit at a stop light to long. It also seems to happen at speeds of 40 mph or…
I purchased my 1997 ford taurus in february 2010, and shortly after experienced my odometer stopping and my power steering stopping at the same time. It usually happens if I drive the car longer than 30 minutes, or if I sit at a stop light to long. It also seems to happen at speeds of 40 mph or higher. I also noticed that my transmission will slip, and I will find my car moving forward after stopping. I have gotten used to staying a good distance from cars so I have room to stop. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that all four coil springs failed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 4v332000 (suspension: front: coil springs) but was advised by the manufacturer that the 1999 model was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. He failure and the current mileage was 88,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal would stick when the cruise control was being utilized. The contact had to depress the brake and disengage the cruise control in order to stop the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal would stick when the cruise control was being utilized. The contact had to depress the brake and disengage the cruise control in order to stop the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle speed control but found no failures. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage and the current mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. the contact stated that during an inspection, the dealer diagnosed that the frame on the base was rusted, deeming the vehicle as unsafe to drive and non-repairable. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and the current mileage was 81,540. updated 02/09/12*lj updated 03/16/12
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated after closing his seat belt, it would retract back. The vehicle was not inspected nor had it been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. I have not had the defect…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated after closing his seat belt, it would retract back. The vehicle was not inspected nor had it been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. I have not had the defect repaired. The buckle releases by itself approx 2% of the time, even after I pull on it initially and it seems secure. I was in a accident approx 2-3 years ago, and the belt didn't release. It was a minor accident with on injuries. [Xxx] *ln information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I heard rattling in the front of the vehicle towards the wheels of the car. I assumed that it was my brakes needing replaced. I took it in for regular maintenance to have the brakes replaced at which time they did a diagnostic on the brakes, they were still good and found that my automatic braking…
I heard rattling in the front of the vehicle towards the wheels of the car. I assumed that it was my brakes needing replaced. I took it in for regular maintenance to have the brakes replaced at which time they did a diagnostic on the brakes, they were still good and found that my automatic braking system had failed (hydraulics that actually push the brake pads down), thankfully I was not on the highway going 55mph like I usually do when this happened. ford needs to recall the entire braking system of the ford taurus GL station wagon according to all the complaints that I have seen also keeping in mind most of the complaints were over 100,000 miles. Someone will be killed due to this failure. God forbid there might be children in the vehicle when it happens. ford step up to the plate and fix this problem now!! It IS going to cost me $2100.00 to have the pump and hydraulic system replaced and this IS not an exaggeration. I depend on this vehicle and can not afford to be with out it. :( as far as I am concerned one complaint should warrant a recall. Lives are at stake. *kb
- Power train
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated the transmission slipped and the rpms increased while driving at various speeds. The contact performed a diagnostic test and the failure was located within the transmission head gasket and filter. The transmission head gasket and filter…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated the transmission slipped and the rpms increased while driving at various speeds. The contact performed a diagnostic test and the failure was located within the transmission head gasket and filter. The transmission head gasket and filter were replaced. The failure was not corrected. The transmission continued to slip and the rpms increased. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000 and the current mileage was 137,777.
- Structure › Frame and members
Clunking sound emanating from engine compartment. Took in for oil change, was told that the engine cradle ( sub-frame ) was dangerously rotted out. cradle replaced with one without rot. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I own a 1997 ford taurus wagon. emphasis on wagon. it has the same frame as the windstar vans and I have the same problem. my engineer husband, who spent years in the auto industry, will not allow me to drive the car as, 'the car IS going to break in half when you are driving down the road.' I…
I own a 1997 ford taurus wagon. emphasis on wagon. it has the same frame as the windstar vans and I have the same problem. my engineer husband, who spent years in the auto industry, will not allow me to drive the car as, 'the car IS going to break in half when you are driving down the road.' I had it towed to our local repair shop and they verified the same. I called the ford recall department in detroit after seeing the windstar recall on the local news. ford told me to have it fixed and save the slip in case a few years from now it was part of a recall I might be able to be reimbursed. this repair IS thousands of dollars. I am on chemo with a co-pay of $3102.98 and fifteen doses to go. I can either not live and buy a car or live and not have a car. after explaining this to the ford rep I was told to contact you. there IS no excuse for this corrosion problem and I do not feel I should have to pay for what IS already a recall issue. the ford case number IS [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake line burst. control became nonexistent. got very lucky bringing it home, although I did run into the back of my garage (because the brakes didn't work). *tr
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving out of his garage, the front coil spring on the drivers side broke and ripped the tire apart. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. There were no warning signs or prior instances of the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving out of his garage, the front coil spring on the drivers side broke and ripped the tire apart. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. There were no warning signs or prior instances of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who advised him to take the vehicle to an authorized dealership. The current and failure mileages were approximately 176,000. updated 12/29/10 *bf updated 12/30/10
- Suspension
Frt and rear springs on my 97 ford taurus broke premature. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Ford has not included the 97 taurus wagon-we have in the front end et. Motor cradle, frame failure, in the recall, they have years both sides. I have lost all trade in value on this veh. And it could have been very dangerous, had it not happened in my driveway-- the frame on both sides failed and…
Ford has not included the 97 taurus wagon-we have in the front end et. Motor cradle, frame failure, in the recall, they have years both sides. I have lost all trade in value on this veh. And it could have been very dangerous, had it not happened in my driveway-- the frame on both sides failed and the car can not be driven, if this had happened on the open road it would have been a disaster/ steering would have been impossible-- they are getting away with this, just by limiting the years covered-- it IS happening to all taurus' with the same front frame prob. It has cost me a very good car with only 80K miles on it, and made it impossible to get a trade on a new veh. I still have the car in my yard for inspection, if anyone IS interested,which I doubt. I can't afford to get an attorney to fight this, and I think there are many other users in the same boat- poss. Some of them injured in accidents because of this, you have my e-mail if another questions need clarifying thanks *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. While the contact was driving at approximately 60 mph using the cruise control, the contact applied the brakes and noticed that the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate. The contact pushed the cruise control deactivation button which stopped the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. While the contact was driving at approximately 60 mph using the cruise control, the contact applied the brakes and noticed that the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate. The contact pushed the cruise control deactivation button which stopped the acceleration. There were no warning lights before the failure occurred. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealership at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were 75,469. Updated 05/07/10. *Lj updated 07/12/10*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The plastic overflow bottle from the radiator keeps failing. I have replaced it 3 times in the past 4 years,was told at parts store they sell about 5 a month between the ford taurus and mercury sable,it IS getting costly and ford has no answer. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL* the contact owns 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated as he was driving at 65mph the cam shaft fail. The cam shaft slipped into the motor where everything just shuts down. The warning light illuminated and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was told he had to replace the motor. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10008592Exhaust system y-pipe crack at the noise vibration harness bracket.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008314Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003741In vehicle loctite service procedure for camshaft tube and gear.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092093Nners of the edsr-of-the-month quality award announcement for september.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090649Information regarding slight vibration upon acceleration. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090053Some vehicles equipped with AX4S transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637741Some sho vehicles may exhibit a ticking noise originating from the valve cover area.
- 635968Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V duratec engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with a diagnostic trouble code p1518, intake manifold runner control.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
- 630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624854Some vehicles may exhibit a harsh 2-3 shift after installing a remanufactured automatic transaxle.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.