1997 Ford Taurus Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 8%of 770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,200miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 8% of the 770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,200 miles. 17 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 a used 1997 Ford Taurus on november the 10th of 2008 from a local dealer. On 11/21/08 at approximately 2100 hours my 17 year old daughter was driving the aforementioned vehicle, when for no apparent reason the vehicle suddenly accelerated by it's self. My daughter tried to stop the vehicle by applying both feet to the brake pedal but was unable to stop the vehicle, at this time she decided to jump from the vehicle. After doing so the vehicle climbed a 6 % grade hill approximately 700 feet through a field, before ramping a 6 foot pile of limestone. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250455, filed 2008-12, 152,350 miles“The automatic transmission failed to shift properly. When coming to a complete stop at a stop light, etc., the transmission disengages, especially to the overdrive position. The vehicle won't move unless the vehicle revved. The problem can immediately be corrected by turning off the engine in park and restarting. This problem usually will occur 3-4 time per day. The dealer cannot duplicate.”
NHTSA complaint #10019517, filed 2003-05, 40,000 miles“Speedometer would stop operating and vehicle would stall after driving two miles. Vehicle had been to several repair shops. Each mechanic could not determine the problem. They informed consumer that it might be the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor .”
NHTSA complaint #10091560, filed 2004-09, 124,000 miles“When the consumer released the brake the vehicle bolted backwards and struck a building. The consumer found out the a recall was issued for 1997 Taurus' for the automatic transmission, however his vehicle was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10061187, filed 2004-03, 96,200 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 5% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 24 | 12% |
| 2009 | 10 | 16% |
| 2008 | 32 | 18% |
| 2007 | 55 | 37% |
| 2006 | 176 | 55% |
| 2005 | 529 | 68% |
| 2004 | 164 | 44% |
| 2003 | 88 | 7% |
| 2002 | 76 | 5% |
| 2001 | 99 | 10% |
| 2000 | 87 | 7% |
| 1999 | 109 | 12% |
| 1998 | 111 | 20% |
| 1997 | 58 | 8% |
| 1996 | 42 | 5% |
| 1995 | 85 | 7% |
| 1994 | 61 | 7% |
| 1993 | 57 | 4% |
| 1992 | 49 | 7% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 30 | 8% |
| 1989 | 23 | 4% |
| 1988 | 16 | 5% |
| 1987 | 15 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Taurus
214 complaintsEngine cooling
145 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsSteering
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
57 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsBody and structure
25 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 30, 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