1997 Ford Taurus Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 3%of 770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,902miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 3% of the 770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,902 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10325039, filed 2010-04, 80,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379414, filed 2011-01, 135,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10392702, filed 2011-03, 75,000 miles“Frame (motor cradle) rusted right off both sides and let the front end of car drop down- prevented steering very dangerous-- happened in drive way luckily.”
NHTSA complaint #10233234, filed 2008-07, 81,125 miles“While the consumer was inspecting his vehicle, he found the subframe has rusted out. The consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. Both confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10107325, filed 2005-01, 90,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 11 | 21% |
| 2017 | 7 | 16% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 2% |
| 2013 | 12 | 2% |
| 2012 | 16 | 20% |
| 2011 | 12 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 5% |
| 2003 | 111 | 9% |
| 2002 | 54 | 4% |
| 2001 | 38 | 4% |
| 2000 | 33 | 3% |
| 1999 | 19 | 2% |
| 1998 | 22 | 4% |
| 1997 | 25 | 3% |
| 1996 | 40 | 5% |
| 1995 | 55 | 5% |
| 1994 | 64 | 7% |
| 1993 | 69 | 4% |
| 1992 | 67 | 10% |
| 1991 | 62 | 10% |
| 1990 | 68 | 18% |
| 1989 | 66 | 12% |
| 1988 | 51 | 15% |
| 1987 | 34 | 13% |
| 1986 | 17 | 17% |
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 complaintsEquipment
24 complaintsOther or unknown
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