1997 Ford Taurus problems
Owners have filed 1,003 complaints about the 1997 Ford Taurus with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 22.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 16.7%.
Complaints1,003
Crashes73
Fires16
Injuries58
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Power train 22.7% · 228
Engine and engine cooling 16.7% · 168
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.1% · 71
Electrical system 6.7% · 67
Steering 6.1% · 61
Visibility 6.0% · 60
Vehicle speed control 5.8% · 58
Air bags 4.2% · 42
Severity
Of those complaints, 73 describe a crash, 16 describe a fire, 58 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 26 model years of the Ford Taurus in this data, 1997 sits 12th by complaint volume. 1993 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 6 in the last three years against 7 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 81,540 miles.
In owners' own words
The transmission failed to work and had to be rebuilt at the cost of 1926.00. The transmissions shop that did the work stated that there were numerous updates he had to do to this vehicle to correct problems that had come defective directly from the factory when the vehcile was new. I dont feel I should have to pay for repairs that were defective from the factory and have Ford tell me , save your receipts. Power train
Consumer experiencing transmission thunk condition, was told by formerford dealership mechanic to have dealership replace the transmissionsince the defect was with the parking pawl and transmission abutmentplate, also replacement of the transmission was the only correction forthe problem, consumer found recall 96v166 regarding same problem, however,was unable to receive recall repair work. Power train
When coming to a stop the transmission kicks out of gear . Must rev motor to get it to kick back into gear. Took car to dealership they told me it was the forward clutch piston.Said Ford replaced it from aluminum whiched kept cracking to steel .Would cost 900.00 To fix.This problem is common with these cars they told me.I think they should fix this before someone gets seriously hurt. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…