1997 Ford Taurus Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 153,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 1% of the 770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 153,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11403159, filed 2021-03, 162,846 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10463622, filed 2012-06, 153,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10703759, filed 2015-04, 127,700 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10525753, filed 2013-07“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10851899, filed 2016-03Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 3 | 6% |
| 2017 | 4 | 9% |
| 2016 | 12 | 14% |
| 2015 | 33 | 12% |
| 2014 | 16 | 7% |
| 2013 | 70 | 12% |
| 2012 | 11 | 14% |
| 2011 | 40 | 21% |
| 2010 | 37 | 18% |
| 2009 | 6 | 9% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 24 | 8% |
| 2005 | 68 | 9% |
| 2004 | 25 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 2% |
| 2002 | 9 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 3 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Taurus
214 complaintsEngine cooling
145 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsSteering
59 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
57 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsEquipment
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology