1997 FORD Taurus Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
867
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
POWER TRAIN
190 complaints
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.
Nov 03, 2014
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.
May 10, 2011
THE GEAR WON'T GO INTO PARK. WHEN ITS PLACED IN PARK THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MOVE. I HAD TO CALL ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. NO INJURIES WERE CAUSE OR THE POLICE WEREN'T CALLED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND ITS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR
Nov 21, 2009
YESTERDAY EVENING ME AND MY FAMILY STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND MY GIRLFRIEND WENT INTO THE BIG APPLE IN CANTON, MAINE. SHE WAS IN THERE FOR AWHILE AND I HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE CAR WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. I WENT IN THE STORE TO SEE WHAT WAS TAKING SO LONG AND WHILE I WAS IN THERE I HEARD THE CHILDREN SCREAMING. ALL THREE OF THEM WERE IN THE BACK SEAT AND THE CAR BACKED UP BY ITSELF AND I RAN OUT OF THE STORE AFTER IT. IT RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND I IMMEDIATELY DEMANDED TO KNOW WHO TOUCHED THE CAR. NOBODY HAD, THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. IT MUST OF BACKED UP ABOUT 10 TO 15 MPH BEFORE HITTING THE POLE. IF THE POLE HAD NOT OF BEEN THERE THE CAR WOULD OF CROSSED RT. 108 AND COULD OF BEEN HIT BY TRAFFIC. MY CHILDREN WERE SO SCARED THEY WOULDN'T GET BACK IN THE CAR. *TR
Jun 28, 2009
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GOING OUT TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL IS LEAKING SMOKES BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING. *TR
Mar 20, 2009
+ 185 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
147 complaints
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
Mar 16, 2010
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.
Mar 08, 2010
I HAVE A 97 FORD TAURUS GL. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE BURNED RAPIDLY. MY FAMILY JUST MADE IT OUT OF THE CAR. I MANAGED TO GET IT AWAY FROM THE HOUSE. THE HOUSE SUFFERED SOME HEAT DAMAGE. *TR
Jan 03, 2010
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997 FORD TAURUS SHO FORD (FMC) HAS ACKNOWLEDGED IN WRITING THAT THE PROBLEM IS MANUFACTURER RELATED, WHICH STEMS FROM THE YAMAHA MANUFACTURED ENGINE USED IN SHO MODELS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ROUGH IDLE AFTER 20 MINS. ON THE ROAD, SHAKE AGGRESSIVELY, THEN SHUT-OFF FOR DAYS AT A TIME IN UNPREDICTABILITY. AN AUTHORIZED FMC REPAIR CENTER (MLM) SPENT OVER 3-MOS, CONCURRENTLY, WORKING ON THE VEHICLE TO NO AVAIL. SEE 03/01. THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED IN THIS MANNER FROM 11/00 (MM/YY) THROUGH 04/03, AT WHICH TIME I WAS LEFT WITH NO OTHER FISCALLY-VIABLE OPTION BUT TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO FMC- FMC WOULD TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY AND PLACE A 7YEAR "REPOSSESSION" STAIN ON WHAT USED TO BE A GREAT CREDIT SCORE. TIMELINE: BETWEEN 11/00 (MM/YY) AND 01/01, CONTINUED CALLS WERE PUT INTO FMC REGARDING MY "SHO" VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AGGRESSIVELY, THEN SHUTDOWN IN MID-TRAVEL. 01/01: I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MLM. AFTER DESCRIBING THE ISSUE, I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $2,200 TO SERVICE THE PROBLEM(S). 03/01: THE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WERE SO SEVERE; MLM REQUESTED THAT FMC SEND OUT A "FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER" TO ASSIST THEM. AFTER A WEEK FMC ADMITTED, WHICH WAS DOCUMENTED BY MLM IN WRITING, THAT FMC HAS HAD "SIMILAR PROBLEMS" WITH "OTHER SHOS IN THE FIELD" AND HAD "NO POSITIVE FIX FOR THEM." THIS SUGGESTS THAT FMC KNEW OF THE SHO'S PROBLEMS AND HAVE PURPOSEFULLY FAILED/REJECTED TO AID THE VICTIMS AFFECTED. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, MY PASSENGERS AND I WOULD BE PLACED AT TRAGIC AND UNNECESSARY RISKS, AS THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT-DOWN W/O WARNING- LOCKING UP THE STEERING AND CAUSING ME TO ENGAGE IN "ERRATIC" (AT TIMES) AND "PRECAUTIONARY DRIVING MANEUVERS" WHILE ON PUBLIC ROADS IN ORDER TO REGAIN SOME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SAFELY STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY. THIS PROVES MALICIOUS INTENT AND DECEPTIVE PRACTICES PERPETRATED BY FMC. IT ALSO PROVES A FORMED PATTERN. WB *TR
Jul 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE BURNING VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF LOST OIL OR OTHER FLUIDS. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO HUMAN ERROR. THE CONTACT RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28 AND SHE FEELS THAT THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE OF HER ENGINE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
May 02, 2008
+ 142 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
50 complaints
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
Aug 18, 2011
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
Oct 31, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD TAURUS . DURING BRAKE APPLICATION AT 25 MPH THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC FROM A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90000.
Dec 16, 2009
1997 FORD TAURUS (1996-2005+) BRAKE LINE FAILURE. THE BRAKE LINES TO THE REAR OF THE CAR HAVE A CORROSION PROBLEM UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT, UNDER THE CAR. THE LINES CORRODE SEVERELY AND THEN BURST UNDER PRESSURE. ALL BRAKING IS LOST AFTER THE FLUID LEAKS OUT. STEEL LINES WERE NOT PROTECTED FROM MOISTURE AND HAVE PLASTIC SHIELD THAT TRAPS WATER. *TR
Nov 30, 2009
COMPLETE AND SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE. PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL TO REVERSE CAR OUT OF PARKING SPOT. (WOULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE INJURY/DAMAGE HAD I BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR CITY MANEUVERING). PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND BRAKE FLUID PUDDLED UNDER THE CAR. HAD CAR TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY AND BRAKE LINES WERE REPAIRED. MECHANIC SAID FORD'S PLASTIC BRACKET ALLOWED WATER/DIRT/SALT TO ACCUMULATE AND RUST THROUGH LINES. *TR
Apr 23, 2009
+ 45 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
43 complaints
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.
Mar 13, 2012
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
Mar 26, 2010
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. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED 14 FEET THROUGH THE AIR BEFORE IMPATING THE GROUND. AFTER IMPACTING THE GROUND THE VEHICLE MADE A RIGHT TURN AND TRAVELED ANOTHER 1500 FEET BEFORE IMPACTING A DITCH AND A TREE. WITNESSES STATED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TRAVELING NEARLY 90 MPH AS TRAVELED THROUGH THE FIELD, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING AFTER STRIKING THE TREE. THE IGNITION HAD TO BE TURNED OFF FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP ACCELERATING. TOTAL DISTANCE THE VEHICLE TRAVELED WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE WAS 2190 FEET. REMEMBER THE FIRST 700 FEET WAS UP HILL THROUGH A FIELD (THE HILL WAS APPROXIMATELY A 6 % GRADE). *TR
Dec 02, 2008
MY 1997 FORD TAURUS IN HOT WEATHER WILL INCREASE SPEED WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS CAUSING ME TO RIDE THE BRAKE.
Sep 13, 2005
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY IT COMMENCED TO ROLL FORWARD AND HIT THE GARAGE DOOR. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.*AK
Feb 28, 2005
+ 38 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
39 complaints
MY DOOR SWITCHES IN MY 97 FORD TAURUS NEED REPLACED AGAIN. I HAD ALL 4 REPLACED 3 YEARS AGO AND THEY KEEP LEAVING THE DOME LIGHT ON AGAIN. HAVING THE DOME LIGHT ON AT NIGHT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SEE. I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO IT. *TR
Jun 30, 2009
THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THE DATE BELOW BUT THIS TIME I DECIDED TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AFTER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN THERE IS A LOT OF WATER AND YOU TURN RIGHT, MY CAR TURNS OFF, THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN IT MAKES THIS SQUEALING NOISE. AND THEN IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP. I HAD THIS CHECKED OUT BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH MY FORD 97 TAURUS. I'VE DRIVEN THROUGH A LOT OF WATER GOING FORWARD IN THE CAR AND IT DOESN'T TURN OFF OR MAKE ANY NOISE, JUST WHEN TURNING RIGHT. I NEVER NOTICED IT WHEN TURNING LEFT. *JB
Mar 01, 2006
OVERHEAD DOME LIGHT SHORTED OUT, REPAIRED SHORT, $110.00. THREE MONTHS LATER THE ALARM SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING, REPLACED ALARM SYSTEM WITH 2005, AND REPLACED COMPLETE WIRING HARNESS. *JB
Dec 23, 2005
INTERIOR LIGHTING WILL NOT TURN OFF, THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AS IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED MORE THAN ONCE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Nov 19, 2005
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE . IT WAS PARKED AT 8 P.M ON SAT 2/05/04 AND AT AROUND 4 A.M 0N 2-06-05 I LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT AND WORKED ITS WAY TOWARDS THE BACK. *JB
Feb 11, 2005
+ 34 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
39 complaints
CONSUMER STATED THE HEATER FAILED. TS *JB
Nov 08, 2002
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS WHILE ON HIGH OR LOW SPEED WILL GO INTO INTERMITTENT MODE. WHICH STARTED HAPPENING AFTER HE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. (EACH TIME HE WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS, IT WOULD WORK OKAY) THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND IT WENT ON INTERMITTENT MODE WHILE ON HIGH OR LOW SPEED WIPER MODE. THEY INSTALLED SWITCH PART #XW3Z-13359-CASWITCH 357698-1EA, WHICH WORKED FOR A WHILE, BUT EVENTUALLY STARTED AGAIN.-SOME WHAT AFTER REPAIR, BUT LESS THAN OFTEN *SCC
Oct 22, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR WIPER ALSO STATES THAT THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *MRWHILE OPERATING ON HIGH OR LOW SPEED, WILL GO TO INTERVAL WIPER MODE. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. FINALLY, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND A SWITCH WAS INSTALLED. SOME TIME AFTER THE REPAIR, THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, THIS TIME NOT AS OFTEN. *JG
Sep 26, 2002
IN WARM OR MOIST TEMPERATURE REAR LEFT WINDOW IS INOPERATIVE.*AK
Jul 11, 2002
DEFROSTER, HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER DO NOT WORK DUE TO PART FAILURE, THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK *YD
Apr 30, 2002
+ 34 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
36 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT A RETAINER WALL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED ,AND IS CURRENTLY AT A SALVAGE YARD. THERE HAS BEEN NO INSPECTION TO SEE WHY THE AIRBAGS MALFUNCTIONED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE.*AK
Nov 03, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED THE AIR BIG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKED FOUR TIMES AND THEN WENT OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE OR FOUR SECONDS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING THIS PATTERN WAS REPEATED OVER AND OVER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 27, 2005
AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
Mar 23, 2005
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. *MR *SC *JB
Sep 14, 2004
WHILE PULLING FORWARD BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS CAUSED DRIVER TO BURN HIS HAND, AND THE WINDSHIELD TO BREAK. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
May 03, 2004
+ 31 more complaints for this component
STEERING
28 complaints
VEHICLE MAKES POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. SOUNDS AS THOUGH THE NOISE IS GENERATED FROM TIE RODS OR RACK N PINION PROBLEM, WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED/REPAIRED ON VEHICLE. *TR
Dec 30, 2007
DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.
Jul 27, 2005
1. STEERING AND POWER COMPLETELY FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING CAR 2. HAD REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT IT,SOMETHING ABOUT MODULE, 3. AFTER ABOUT 4 MO. STARTED SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, NO RESPONSE FROM DEALER OR FORD ABOUT MY CONCERNS,CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO HIT A TREE DAMAGING CAR HEAVILY AND CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO HIT HER HEAD RESULTING IN HEADACHES 4. HAD CAR REPAIRED FROM ACCIDENT AND LET IT GO BACK BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT 5. NOW WE'RE BEING CONSTANTLY HARASSED BY FORD MOTORS LAWERS WELTMAN,WEINBERG & REIS 323 LAKESIDE AVE. CLEVELAND 44113-1099, PHONE216.739.5081 WITH GARNESHMENTS NOW THEY TRYING TO GET OUR SOCIAL SECURITY. *NM
Jan 18, 2005
F YOU CAN REFERENCE THE "CAR TALK" ARTICLE FROM JULY 2002 IT EXPLAINS MY PROBLEMS TO A "T". NUMEROUS MECHANICS REPLIED TO THE ARTICLE AND "CAR TALK" RELAYED THAT INFO TO ME. MY TAURUS WAS 5 YEARS OLD WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. MY DRIVER'S SIDE BACK WINDOW STARTED CUTTING OUT AT TIMES. THEN MY RADIO STARTED CUTTING OUT ONLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THEN WHEN IN REVERSE AND SO ON TILL IT DIDN'T WORK. MY WIPERS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS AT TIMES. ALL THESE WERE MINER TILL MY POWER STEERING STARTED CUTTING OUT. THAT IS THE TIME I SAW THIS ARTICLE AND GOT THE INFO THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM. FORD REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING OR ADMIT THAT THERE WAS A TREND. I GOT THE SENSOR REPLACED BY ONE MECHANIC WHO STATED HE HAD MANY FORD CARS ON WHICH HE REPLACED THE SENSORS, ALL THE SAME YEARS- 97-98S. UNFORTUNATELY, HE DID NOT REPLACE THE CONNECTOR PIECE AND THE PROBLEMS RETURNED. I THEN PAID THE BIG BUCKS AND HAD A DEALER REPLACE THE PIECE. THEY, OF COURSE, SAID THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AND WANTED TO DO ALL THIS TESTING. I SHOWED THEM ALL THE DOCUMENTATION ON WHAT I FOUND AND WHAT "CAR TALK" SENT ME. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE GETTING IT REPLACED. I AM INCENSED THAT FORD WOULD NOT RECALL A PIECE THAT ALLOWS YOUR POWER STEERING TO GO OUT. IF A RECALL OCCURS, I WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF IT. I AM OUT 300$.
Jan 15, 2004
WHEN GEAR SHIFT IS IN REVERSE OR DRIVE,POWER STEERING GOES OFF, RADIO SOUND GOES OFF AND THE POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM I HAVE CONTACTED FORD THEY WOULD CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM, BUT HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED YET
Feb 20, 2003
+ 23 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
25 complaints
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.
Apr 11, 2012
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
Sep 01, 2010
FRT AND REAR SPRINGS ON MY 97 FORD TAURUS BROKE PREMATURE. *TR
May 05, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD SHO TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN REVERSE WHEN THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND SHREDDED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RECALL FOR THE 1998 TO 2001 FORD TAURUS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139000. UPDATED 02/02/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/05/10.*JB
Jan 13, 2010
DRIVING AT 30MPH WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD RATTLE/CLANKING NOISE. A FEW SECONDS LATER A PIECE OF LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED AND FELL OFF MY CAR. I WAS <1 MILE FROM HOME SO I PICKED UP THE PIECE AND RETURNED SAFELY. I DID NOTICE THE BRAKES WERE GOING OUT. ONCE I RETURNED I FOUND MY BRAKE FLUID LINE WAS SEVERED BY THE COIL SPRING. I HAVE NOT FIXED THE CAR YET. IT IS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY UNUSABLE. *TR
Jan 24, 2008
+ 20 more complaints for this component
TIRES
24 complaints
DRIVING SOUTH ON I-75 AT 70 MPH. CLEAR DAY, NO RAIN. CAR SUDDENLY SWERVED AND DID TWO 360 DEGREE SPINS BEGINNING IN RIGHT HAND LANE AND COMING TO REST IN LEFT HAND LANE FACING TRAFFIC. TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE ON THE LEFT REAR, SEVERELY DAMAGING LEFT REAR OF CAR. TRAFFIC REPORT WAS MADE. NO REPAIRS YET. *JB
Jul 10, 2006
THIS COMPLAINT WAS FILED VIA E-MAIL. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING AND INSTALLING FOUR NEW TIRES, ONE OF THE TIRES WENT FLAT, AND A PIN HOLE LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE SIDEWALL, NEAR THE BEAD. TWO MONTHS LATER, MADE A LEFT TURN TOO WIDE AND CLIPPED A CURB. THIS RESULTED IN FRONT RIGHT TIRE LOOKING LIKE IT WAS CUT IN MULTIPLE PLACES THROUGH THE PLYS IN THE SIDEWALL. AT THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SHOWED A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL. PEP BOYS IMPLIED THERE WAS NO DEFECT ON THESE TIRES, AND OFFERED NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. COOPER, FUTURA PLUS TOURING SE. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS THE DEFECTIVE TIRES IN HIS POSSESSION. *NM
Oct 27, 2004
FIRESTONE P205/65R15 PEELED AND SHREDDED ON THE REAR OF MY 1997 FORD, TAURUS AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF CAR.*AK
Nov 11, 2003
THE FRONT RIGHT SIDEWALL SPLIT CAUSING A BLOW OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Jan 28, 2003
GENERAL AMERI G4S P20565R15. CONSUMER STATES HE HEARD A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE STEEL CORE WAS EXPOSED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
Aug 22, 2002
+ 19 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
21 complaints
I HAVE TWO ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL 19'97 FORD AUTOMOBILES; A TAURUS AND A SABLE. ON THE TAURUS I JUST HAD THE GAS TANK REPLACED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAID AND SHOWED ME THAT IT WAS LEAKING AT THE SEAMS. I NOT ICE NOW A GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM THE SABLE.. BASED ON TWO OUT OF TWO VEHICLES, I BELIEVE THAT THERE MIGHT BE A GENERAL PROBLEM WITH FORD GAS TANKS LEAKING. *AK
Jun 02, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE FUEL TANK LEAKED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CATCH FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
May 25, 2004
19'97 TAURUS, LIKE MANY OF THE FORD & OTHER PRODUCT LINES, HAVE THE GAS FILLER PIPE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE. WITH THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE TO SELF-SERVE, THIS ?!@#$% ARRANGEMENT GENERATES CONFUSION IN BUSY SERVICE STATIONS LEADING TO A GREAT POTENTIAL FOR FUEL SPILLS AND FIRES. ALL CARS, EVEN IF THEY THINK THE EUROPEAN LOCATION IS "CUTE" SHOULD BE MANDATED TO HAVE FUEL FILL PIPE LOCATION ON THE PORT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. REDUCE CONFUSION. INCREASE SAFETY. *AK
Aug 14, 2003
1997 FORD TAURUS WAGON. OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD IN TRAFFIC 5 TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE FUSE TO THE FUEL PUMP REPEATEDLY BLEW, BUT NO OTHER PROBLEMS WERE EVIDENT EACH TIME THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD RUN ROUGHLY, STALL, AND SURGE, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, AND GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE. THE MECHANIC SUSPECTED A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A WIRE TO THE FUEL PUMP INSIDE THE FUEL TANK HAD ITS INSULATION WORN OFF DOWN TO THE BARE WIRE, AND HAD SHORTED OUT. OTHER WIRES ALSO SHOW SIGNS OF WEAR, BUT ARE NOT YET WORN THROUGH. I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE WIRES. THE WIRES WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE WAY THE FUEL PUMP WAS ASSEMBLED WITHIN THE GAS TANK. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND IS NOT LIMITED TO ONLY OUR CAR. FORD HAS ISSUED 3 TSB'S RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM (98251, 5226, AND 12189) AND I HAVE ALSO FOUND SEVERAL RELATED COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA DATABASE (ODI ID 549996, 707889, 713208, 807546, 838030, 853283, 879245, 10018293, AND 8012733). I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD NOT ONLY CAUSE COMPLETE VEHICLE FAILURE (LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES) AT ANY SPEED, BUT ALSO THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF A SPARK INSIDE THE GAS TANK IS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. THIS WIRING PROBLEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR ANY FORD TAURUS FIRES, OR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LOSS OF POWER. WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE RELATED ACCIDENTS INCREASES AS CURRENT VEHICLES AGE. FORD EVIDENTLY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, OR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE REVISED THE WIRING HARNESS AND GIVEN SPECIAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR TECHNICIANS. *NLM
Jun 04, 2003
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMPS POSITIVE WIRE WAS CUT ON A SHARP EDGE INSIDE OF FUEL TANK, WHICH LEFT THE WIRE EXPOSED TO THE FUEL TANK, AND CAUSED IT TO SHORT CIRCUIT.*AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE DEFECT, AND NOW PLACES A PROTECTIVE COVER ON THE WIRES. *SCC
Jun 26, 2002
+ 16 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
20 complaints
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
Sep 13, 2011
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SAFETY BELTS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE FRONT PASSENGER BELT DID NOT FEED AT ALL. THE REAR SAFETY BELTS DID NOT RETRACT AT ALL AFTER BEING UNBUCKLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE.
Sep 11, 2006
THE SEAT BELT IN MY VEHICLE RANDOMLY COMES UNFASTENED WHEN I AM DRIVING. EVEN WHEN I PULL ON THE BELT AFTER FASTENING THE BUCKLE AND IT SEEMS SECURE, IT SOMETIMES STILL POPS OUT. *AK
Jan 04, 2005
3 DIFFERENT SEAT BELTS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE SEIZED UP -- COMPLETELY FAILED -- IN THE 6 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE SEAT BELTS LOCK IN PLACE, AND ARE THEN NON-FUNCTIONING. WE ARE ABOUT TO REPLACE THAT THIRD BROKEN SEAT BELT.*AK
Feb 16, 2004
THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS IN PLACE WHICH ENABLES THE PASSENGER TO PULL IT OUT. THE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Nov 12, 2003
+ 15 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
18 complaints
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
Dec 21, 2011
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
Mar 23, 2011
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
Jan 28, 2011
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
Apr 12, 2010
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. *TR
Jul 05, 2008
+ 13 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
15 complaints
AIR COMPRESSOR APPEARS TO BE ONE OF THE EXPERIMENTAL UNITS WITH NO REPLACEMENT NEW OR REMAKE . 1997 TAURUS AIR COMPRESSOR IS CRACKED IT IS A SHAME THE FORD MOTOR CO. CAN GET AWAY WITH THESE SORT OF THINGS THE 1997 TAURUS IS A FORD LEMON. FORD MAKE RIGHT YOUR BIG GOOF I AM SURE IF THE PUBLIC KNEW OF THIS THE 1997 TAURUS WOULD HAVE NO RESALE VALUE. *AK
May 14, 2004
THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR MOTOR FROZE UP CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SNAP. I HAVE BOUGHT 2 DIFFERENT BELTS AND THE HAVE BOTH SNAPPED IN TWO. THERE IS NO WAY TO BYPASS THIS PROBLEM AND THE PART MUST BE REPLACED IN A SHOP. *JB
Mar 21, 2004
I HAVE A 9197 TAURUS THAT HAS WHAT I BELIEVED TO BE A VERY SIMPLE AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEM.BUT THINGS HAVE GONE FROM BAD TO WORST. AS WE BEGAN TO FIND THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM(2 VERY SMALL CRACKS ON THE OUTER CASING OF THE COMPRESSOR), WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASY TO CROSS MATCH THE YR/MAKE/MODEL TO FIND THE CORRECT COMPRESSOR. WHEN I PURCHASED THE COMPRESSOR AND COMPARED IT TO WHAT WAS ON MY CAR THERE WAS NOT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST RESEMBLANCE.WE THEN PROCEEDED TO GET THE COMPRESSOR # OFF THE PART ON MY CAR, WHEN WE CROSSED REFERENCED THAT # THE PART WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE PART ON MY CAR.WE CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPT. AND FOUND OUT THAT THAT YRS MODEL HAD A "PILOT " PROGRAM FOR APPROX. 5000 CARS OR SO W/ A COMPRESSOR THAT HAS NO ORIGINAL PART FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPRESSOR. I AM STILL IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIX MY A/C IN TEXAS IN AUGUST.I AM FORTUNATE THAT I HAVE SOME HONEST AND DEDICATED MECHANICS AROUND ME THAT ARE TRYING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR ME.I HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED AN ACCUMULATOR AND ORFUS LINE WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED WHEN OR RATHER IF WE CAN FIND A WAY TO GET A COMPRESSOR TO FIT.I AM FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY THAT FORD DID NOT INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS "PILOT" PROGRAM, AND OFFER TO REPLACE OR AT LEAST MAKE A PART THAT CAN REPLACE THE "MORPHED " PART THAT IS ON THESE CARS OUT THERE.THIS PROBLEM KEEPS COSTING ME MORE $$$$$$. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT FORD FEELS IT NEEDS TO BE DECEPTIVE TO SELL CARS. I WILL NEVER, NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN AND I WILL BE VERY VOCAL ON THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD W/ THEIR CARS.*AK
Aug 14, 2002
AIR CONDITIONER AND COMPRESSOR AND RELATED PARTS FAILED. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS $1539.51. FORD WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH COSTS DUE TO CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY (SINCE IT IS A '97 VEHICLE).*AK
May 10, 2001
AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE. *SLC
Oct 12, 2000
+ 10 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
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
Apr 11, 2018
MUDDY WATER IN OVERFLOW TANK
May 06, 2014
CONSUMER REQUEST ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON 1997 FORD TAURUS. *TS *NM
Mar 20, 2006
CAM SENSOR, CAM SYNCHRONIZER BROKEN = FORD TAURUS 1997 = KNOWN FAULTY PART. MILEAGE: 36,806. FORD IS WELL AWARE THAT THE TAURUS, 1997 YEAR ONLY, HAS A FAULTY CAM SENSOR, WHOSE MAGNET FALLS DOWN OFF THE CAP AND INTO THE CAM SYNCHRONIZER DESTROYING IT. WHEN MY MECHANIC CALLED FORD W/ THE COMPUTER CODE THAT CAME OFF MY CAR, HE WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THE 1997'S HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAM. FORD TOLD HIM THAT, BUT WHEN I CALLED THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TODAY IN DETROIT, THEY COULD NOT ACCESS THIS INFORMATION! THEY SAID SINCE I HAD NOT USED A DEALERSHIP I WAS OUT OF LUCK W/ ANY KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT. SO FORD IS WELL AWARE THAT THEY INSTALLED A FAULTY PART IN THE '97'S. I HAVE THE BROKEN PART IN MY POSSESSION. I DO NOT USE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, S & C FORD, BECAUSE THEY NEVER GET ANYTHING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. THEY ARE LIKE WORKING WITH LAUREL AND HARDY, SWEET BUT INEPT. I GOT TO KNOW THEM DURING MY WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THIS VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR WAS DONE BY MY AUTOMOBILE CLUB RECOMMENDED MECHANIC, ALLIED ENGINE & AUTO REPAIR, SAN FRANCISCO, LAST EVENING BETWEEN 5 P.M. AND 6:30 P.M., IE. AFTER MY WORKING HOURS & I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP THE CAR ON THE WAY TO WORK THIS A.M. - A SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE DEALER. TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: CAM SENSOR $55, CAM SYNCHRONIZER $124, LABOR 98 = $277 I SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS AMOUNT FROM FORD.
Feb 13, 2003
THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR IN MY MOTHERS FORD TAURUS WENT OUT, AND THE INTERRIOR DOME LIGHT STAYS ON AT TIMES. THESE ARE BOTH PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HEARD ALMOST ALL TAURUS OWNERS HAVE HAD, AND I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Feb 07, 2003
+ 7 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10 complaints
A PROGRESSIVE DETERIORATION OF THE FRONT HEADLIGHT LENS. HEADLIGHT LENS IS SO FOGGY THAT VISIBILITY IS POOR ENOUGH THAT IT MUST BE REPLACED. FORD SAYS THE DETERIORATION IS DUE TO AUTOMATIC CAR WASH SOAP. HOWEVER, CAR WAS HAND WASHED. THE APPROXIMATE COST FOR PARTS ALONE IS $500 AS THE LENS IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY. CARS IN THE JUNK YARD ALSO HAVE SAME CONDITION. *TR
Jul 14, 2008
HEADLIGHT FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY LIGHT SWITCH. *JB
Oct 10, 2006
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A FORD TAURUS. THE HEADLIGHT LENS WAS NOT CLEAR, RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. THE CLOUDINESS HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. HAD TO BUY 2 NEW SEALED HEADLIGHTS.*AK *NM
Sep 06, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. CONSUMER HAD TO CONSTANTLY WIGGLE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO KEEP HEADLIGHTS ON. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AK
Mar 20, 2002
HEADLIGHTS WOULDN'T GO OFF AT ALL. THE ONLY WAY WAS FOR TO LIFT HOOD UP AND DISCONNECT BATTERY TO CABLE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Nov 14, 2001
+ 5 more complaints for this component
INTERIOR LIGHTING
8 complaints
INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH MAY CAUSE VISIBLE PROBLEM, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE INTERIOR LIGHTS TWICE. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 10, 2001
FALSE LIGHT SHOWING OPEN DOOR WILL NOT GO OFF, THEREFORE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT SHUT OFF/EVEN WHEN CAR IS OFF. *AK
Jan 08, 2001
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON DUE TO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT BEING ON IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER NOON WHEN TH CAR IS PARKED IN THE SUN LIGHT AND AFRAID TO CAUSE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE DRIVERS UNDERDASH LIGHT BEING SO BRIGHT. *AK
Jun 21, 2000
NO PROTECTIVE COVER FOR TRUNK LIGHT CAUSED LAMP TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF THE TRUCK THUS CAUSING A FIRE. NLM
Jun 03, 1999
THE DOME LIGHT AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. YH
Apr 05, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
POWER STEERING INTERMITTENT FAILURE; FIRST BEGAN WHEN PLACING SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE GEAR, THEN LATER OCCURRED ALSO IN FORWARD DRIVE GEARS. SUSPECT ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC PROBLEM SINCE RADIO SPEAKERS ALSO GO SILENT AND POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THIS OCCURS. ALL OTHER FUSES WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER IS NOT YET CONTACTED. *TR
Sep 30, 2007
LTR FM M.L. MOODY (TX) RE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IN A 1997 FORD TAURUS, REQUESTS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION . *MR THE RED LIGHT HAD COME ON THE DASH WHICH HAD INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE OWNER OF THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE STEERING LOCKED UP FOUR TIMES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MECHANICAL ERROR. *SCC *JB
Dec 29, 2003
DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IN A 1997 FORD TAURUS. REQUEST A DEFECT INVESTIGATION. *PH PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE RED LIGHT HAD COME ON THE DASH WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FOUR INCIDENTS OF STEERING LOCK UP. *SCC *JB
Dec 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST POWER STEERING. ONLY WARNING THAT WAS RECEIVED BY CONSUMER WAS A SHORT IN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. *AK
Mar 01, 2002
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED POWER WINDOWS TO FAIL. ALSO, STEERING MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND APPOINTMENT WAS RECEIVED. *AK
May 22, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
I HAVE EXPERIENCE THE SAME LOST OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES,I HAVE ALSO NOTICE THAT WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL IT MAKES A SQUEAKING SOUND.HAD THE CAR CHECKED WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO BE LUBED.HAD IT LUBED CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING.A COWORKER HAS A 1997 FORD TAURUS LIKE MY CAR AND THEY ARE EXPERENCING THE SAME NOISES. PLEASE ADVISE IF THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON. *AK
Feb 10, 2005
VEHICLE MOVING DOWN A HILL. POWER BRAKES AND STEERING LOST POWER,ENGINE STILL RUNNING, BUT NO POWER TO BRAKES OR STEERING. FINALLY STOPPED VEHICLE WITH NO INCIDENT. TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTED, POWER TO BRAKES AND STEERING RESTORED.*AK TOOK TO SERVICE.REPLACEMENT WAS MADE TO CAMSHAFT SENSOR. PROBLEM SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, BUT RETURNED ABOUT 6 MOS. LATER...SAME CIRCUMSTANCES,ONLY IN FIRST INCIDENT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN APPEARING INTERMITTENTLY.
Dec 13, 2004
DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SENSOR POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN UP A CURB AND INTO A BUILDING. THERE IS A TSB BULLETIN ON THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Dec 09, 1999
SHIMMY IN STEERING COLUMN DURING BRAKING INDICATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM NEEDED REPAIR. PADS REPLACED AND ROTORS TURNED AT 55000. STEERING COLUMN WOULD "GROAN" INTERMITTENTLY WHEN TURNED TO RIGHT AND THEN RETURNED TO CENTER. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDING REPLACEMENT. WOULD NOT PERFORMA UNDER WARRANTY. CAR ONLY HAD 58,000 MILES (WAY TOO SOON!)
Dec 06, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THERE WAS NO STEERING IN THE VEHICLE. TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THERE WAS NO REACTION IN THE WHEEL. SO THE DRIVER TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES IN THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. *AK
Apr 21, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
"SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON (2ND TIME) FIRST TIME FORD DEALERSHIP DID FULL TRANSMISSION FLUSH($125) TO SEE IF CORRECTED PROBLEM. TWO MONTHS LATER (ON LONG DRIVE), WARNING CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION CODE THAT NEEDED THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED TO DETERMINE CAUSE ($300). THEY TOLD ME THAT (EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING OK) THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE. ALL PARTS AND COMPONENTS WERE EITHER SCORCHED OR FAILED WHEN TESTED AND RECOMMENDED A TOTAL REBUILD ($2862) OR PURCHASE A FORD REBUILT ONE ($2756). I SAID THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR WITH 39,400 MILES ON IT. THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING AND I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEY SOUNDED INTERESTED BUT WOULD NOT BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT DUE TO BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. (SO MUCH FOR THE QUALITY ONE - CUSTOMER CARE MOTO). READING OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE FORD TAURUS OVER THE YEARS. WE HAD A 1994 TAURUS THAT HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS TO THE TUNE OF $1,100. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS IS MY LAST FORD PRODUCT AND THEY WONDER WHY PEOPLE BY FOREIGN VEHICLES!. WHEN I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO PUT THE CAR BACK TOGETHER THAT I CAN GET A REBUILT TRANSMISSION FROM 2 OTHER TRANSMISSION SOURCES (USED PARTS FOR $1400) OR NEW REBUILT PARTS FOR $2030), THEY THEN SAID "LET ME SEE IF THERE IS ANY LAST THING MY MANAGEMENT WILL DO" OF COURSE WHEN PUT ON THE SPOT TO LOSE BUSINESS AND RESPECTABILITY THEY LOWERED THEIR PRICE TO $2281 FOR A FORD REBUILT ONE. I AM STILL CONCERNED SINCE A LOT OF OTHERS SAY THEY HAD FAILURES WITH THEIR 2ND ONE TOO! IT COMES WITH A 3/36,000 WARRANTY. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS DAY AND AGE THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TOTAL REPAIR COSTS WHEN KNOWN DEFECTS OCCUR. A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS SOME TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SEPARATED AND LOCKED UP CAUSING IMMEDIATE STOPPAGE OF VEHICLE LIKE SLAMMING ON BRAKES.*AK
Jul 16, 2003
PREMATURE ENGINE AND COMPONENT FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AT LESS THAN 55,000 MILES.
May 01, 2003
THE CAR SLAMS INTO 1ST GEAR FROM 2ND WHEN SLOWING DOWN, ALSO WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE FROM THE PARKED POSITION, AND SOMETIMES FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE COOLANT RESEVIOR LOOKS AS THOUGH SOMEONE FILLED IT WITH MUD.
Aug 15, 2002
TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS GOING BACK AND FORWARD TOWARDS THE HOT SECTION, AND THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTING VERY HARD WHEN DRIVIING AT ANY SPEED. *AK
Sep 14, 1999
TRANSMISSION/OIL PUMP DRIVE FAILED.
Oct 08, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
4 complaints
1997 TAURUS HEATING SYSTEM FAILED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE RADIATOR FAILED. *JB
Feb 07, 2006
COOLANT FLUID SHOT OUT OF RADIATOR ONTO ENGINE AND VENTS, AND MIST APPEARED ALL OVER PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. TOOK TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED RADIATOR AND HOSES. FIVE MONTHS LATER, WATER WAS LEAKING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE, TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS RELATED TO HEATER CORE RECALL. DEALER THEY REPLACED HEATER CORE PUMP ASSEMBLY AND CORE ASSEMBLY. 14 MONTHS LATER, RADIATOR STARTED LEAKING. DEALER SAID IT WAS PART OF THE SAME RECALL, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE CONSUMER.*AK
Oct 26, 2000
HEATER CORE FAILED AFTER 4 TIMES AND 2ND ENGINE FAILED. COOLING PROBLEMS NEVER FOUND.*AK
Apr 16, 2000
VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
May 26, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
WHILE DRIVING TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS CHANGING, WENT TO PUMP THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. *AK
Oct 05, 2004
WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR WE DISCOVER SHORTLY AFTER IT HAD BEEN BADLY RECKED THEY DID NOT TELL US TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY HAD A WHOLE NEW FRONT END ON SEVERAL PEICES OF GLASS WAS STILL IN THE CAR HAS HAD A POPPING NIOSE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT THEY KEEP SAYING THEY DONT HEAR IT THEY KEPT IT SO LONG EACH TIME WE TOOK IT TO THEM WE HAD A ENGINE PUT IN IT AFTER NOT EVEN A YEAR HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY SO WE PAY FOR EVERY THING BUT IT HAS BEEN A LEMON EVER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT THE CAR LOT TRIED TO SAY THEY DIDNT KNOW IT HAD BEEN VERY BADLY WRECKED DIDNT TAKE ANY OFF THE PRICE AFTER WE FOUND OUT AND THE DOOR DOONT EVEN LINE UP RIGHT.
Sep 07, 2000
WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR WE DISCOVER SHORTLY AFTER IT HAD BEEN BADLY RECKED THEY DID NOT TELL US TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY HAD A WHOLE NEW FRONT END ON SEVERAL PEICES OF GLASS WAS STILL IN THE CAR HAS HAD A POPPING NIOSE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT THEY KEEP SAYING THEY DONT HEAR IT THEY KEPT IT SO LONG EACH TIME WE TOOK IT TO THEM WE HAD A ENGINE PUT IN IT AFTER NOT EVEN A YEAR HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY SO WE PAY FOR EVERY THING BUT IT HAS BEEN A LEMON EVER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT THE CAR LOT TRIED TO SAY THEY DIDNT KNOW IT HAD BEEN VERY BADLY WRECKED DIDNT TAKE ANY OFF THE PRICE AFTER WE FOUND OUT AND THE DOOR DOONT EVEN LINE UP RIGHT.
Sep 07, 2000
ABS PUMP FAILURE DEALER ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR $ 1,500.00. FORD REFUSED ANY FINANCIAL HELP WITH THE PROBLEM
Sep 24, 1999
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 11, 2002
VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO OVERDRIVE. SERVO COVER COULD HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL, 97V097000, DEALING WITH TRANSMISSION SERVO COVER. ALSO, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE WAS NOT SHIFTING. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSMER STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL HIS CLAIM WAS DENIED BY MANUFACTURER STATING THEY NEEDED A RECEIPT FOR EVERY 30,000 MILES SAYING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED, CONSUMER HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, HOWEVER THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEMS, AFTER THREE ATTEMPS TO FIX PROBLEM IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CLIP FOR 3-4 SHUTTLE VALVE BREAKS, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE CLIP.*JB
Nov 02, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY FOR ABOUT A MONTH. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION SLIPS UNEXPECTEDLY, DEALER SAYS IT'S FAULTY. *AK *ML
Jun 13, 2000
WHEN TRAVELING DRIVESHAFT BROKE, CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jan 28, 2000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
ON MY 1997 FORD TAURUS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL SOMETIMES FAIL TO LATCH. ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. *JB
Feb 26, 2005
RIGHT DOOR LOCK FAILED. NLM
Feb 01, 1999
TRUNK LID OPENED.
Nov 17, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE ONLY WAY CONSUMER COULD STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME SHE DID THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Oct 06, 2004
DRIVING AT 55 MPH I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT IT WOULD NOT SLOW THE CAR AT ALL AND IT WAS HARD TO STEER , THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO TRY TO PULL TO EITHER SIDE, BACK AND FORTH BUT I KEPT IT GOING AS STRAIGHT AS I COULD,THEN THE ABRUPTLY PIVOTED 180 DEGREES ABOUT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND THE CAR SLID SIDEWAYS ACCROSS THE RIGHT LANE AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL WITH THE LEFT FRONT CORNER AND LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. *AK
Mar 12, 2000
WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, IT WOULD HAVE HIGH IDLE & ACCELERATION. WOULD HAVE TO KEEP FOOT ON BRAKES TO MAINTAIN STOP. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR HIGH ACCELERATION & IDLING, BUT PROBLEM IS NEVER FOUND. *AK
Jul 29, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL DISPLAY THE "DOOR AJAR" WARNING ICON AND THE DOME LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXITING AND SECURING THE VEHICLE, THE DOME LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR AN INDEFINATE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT CAN CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION FOR A WEEK-AT-A-TIME AND NOT HAVE A RECURRENCE FOR UP TO A MONTH. DEALER TOLD ME THAT UNLESS I COULD LOCALIZE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT BEGIN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 09, 2004
SWITCH IN DOOR TO ADVISE IF DOOR IS OPEN STAYS ON. WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT CAUSES FOR DOME LIGHTS TO COME ON. CONSUMER HAS HAD REPAIRS ON VEHICLE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR.*AK
Mar 13, 2001
WHEN SUN HITS VEHICLE OR EVEN WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HOT AT NIGHT, INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT COME ON. LIGHTS STAY ON FOR AN HOUR OR MORE BEFORE GOING OUT. THIS CAUSES POOR DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.
Oct 12, 2000
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
THE PUMP THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE TRANSMISSION IS ALUMINUM AND IS CAUSING THE PART TO FAIL AND OVERHEAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE IT WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL AND WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.*AK
Jun 17, 2003
ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 35,000 MILES REPLACED BY A FACTORY REBUILT DEALER TRANNY. SECOND TRANNY FAILED AT 43000, DEALER STATED THAT NO FACTORY REBUILTS WERE AVAILABLE. REBULT TRANSMISSION INHOUSE. BOTH TRANSMISSIONS FAILED DUE TO SHIFTING FROM 1 TO NEUTRAL. AFTER THE REPAIR OF THE SECOND TRANSMISSION THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF . STARTING FROM A STOP , PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR SHIFTS FROM 1 TO 2 ND TO 3RD , IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDEL THE CAR CONTINUES TO GAIN SPEED AND THE TACH NEEDLE DOES NOT DROP DOWN BUT CONTINUES TO STAY IN THE 2 TO 3 THOUSAND RPM RANGE, IT I PUT THE TRANNY IN NEUTRAL THE TACH NEED JUMPS UP TO 3,000 RPMS. *AK
Aug 02, 2000
WHEN APPLYING THE GAS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. THE DRIVER HAS TO KEEP FOOT ON GAS PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE JUMPS FORWARD. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. IN MARCH OF 1999 VEHICLE ACTED UP AGAIN. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER, CLAIMED TRANSAXLE FAILED. TALKED TO OTHERS WHO CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE HAD A CRACKED PINION GEAR. CALLED DEALER SEVERAZL TIMES. BUT DEALER HAS NOT RESPONDED. *AK
Nov 26, 1999
SEATS
3 complaints
VEHICLE WAS IN A REAR END COLLISON AND BOTH FRONT SEATBACKS COLLAPSED, AND LAUNCHED BACKWARDS ON IMPACT.BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED.*AK
Sep 09, 2002
DUE TO THE MATERIAL IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK TO THE OCCUPANT WHEN LEAVING VEHICLE. ALSO, SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 1994 TAURUS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
May 06, 1999
FRONT SEATS RECLINED WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
May 12, 1998
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT ENGAGE FROM PARK, FOUND A BROKEN SHIFT CONTROL CABLE, REPLACED. IGNITION KEY TURNS AND DOES NOT START CAR, PROBLEM IN STEERING COLUMN, RR STEERING COLUMN AND REPLACED LINK FROM IGNITION SWITCH TO LOCK CYLINDER.
Feb 19, 2002
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTINTLY COME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM TWICE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX IT. NOW THE PROBLEM IS ESCULATING. THE CAR NOW SHUTS OFF THE POWER TO THE RADIO SPEAKERS, POWER WINDOWS, POWER ASSIST AND PROBABLY OTHER COMPONENTS WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS TAKEN OUT OF PARK. ALL COMPONENTS WORK FINE WHEN CAR IS IN PARK SHIFT POSITION. OF COURSE I'M REQUIRED TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED EVEN THOUGH IT COULD PROBABLY BEEN FIXED RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE DECISION TO STOP GOING BACK TO THE DEALER IS BASED ON THE WORK THEY DID DO (SHABBY) AND THEIR NOT BEING ABLE TO FIX THE MAIN PROBLEM I TOOK THE CAR BACK INTO THEM. IS THE CAR SUPPOSE TO HAD A HIGH WIND NOISE - I WAS TOLD THAT WAS PART OF THE DESIGN AND THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THAT WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR. *AK
Feb 28, 2000
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.
Sep 01, 1998
VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
DOME LIGHT REMAINS ON ONCE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF OR WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED.ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WINDOWS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Sep 04, 2001
1. WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT ALWAYS OPERATE AT THE RATE SELECTED. THEY OPERATE AT A LOWER RATE THAN SELECTED. 2. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT REMAIN LOCKED DURING THIS SWITCH FAILURE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND/OR THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Mar 01, 2000
#1 DOOR AJAR SWITCH,LIGHT IN DASH STAYS ON AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. #2 WINDOW DID NOT WORK AT ALL, REPAIRED BY DEALER, #3 WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP, TOOK TO DEALER, TOLD TO TAKE DOOR APART AND BEAT ON MOTOR, WAS ABLE TO GET WINDOW UP.
Feb 24, 2000
WHEELS
3 complaints
WHILE COMING TO A STOP FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Jan 18, 2001
HUB CAP FELL OFF.
Nov 17, 1997
REAR WHEEL COMES OFF THE ROAD.
May 28, 1997
STEERING,SUSPENSION
3 complaints
PROBLEM 1: DUE TO SIGNIFICANT FRONT END VIBRATION AT SPEEDS AT OR OVER 40 MPH, THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH TIE-ROD ENDS ON A CAR JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. PROBLEM 2: DISCOVERED THE SAFETY INFORMATION PLACARD ON THE DOOR POST DOES NOT LIST MANDATROY INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE AIR PRESSURES. THE OWNER'S MANUAL REFERS TO THIS PLACARD, BUT ALSO DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION.*AK
Jun 14, 2000
SQUEAKING IN FRONT END, HAD TO HAVE TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED THEN THERE IS STILL A POPPING IN THE FRONT END WHEN I TURN THE WHEELS TO MAKE A TURN. *AK
May 11, 2000
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ESPECIALLY DURING OR AFTER A RAINFALL, WHEN DRIVING THROUGH STANDING WATER WHICH CAUSED AN UPWARD SPLASH UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT, THE ENGINE DIED , CAUSING LOSS OF POWER . ENGINE WOULD RESTART AS SOON AS VEHICLE CLEARED THE DEEP WATER AREA, BUT A SQUEALING OF THE POWER STEERING WOULD FOLLOW FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. DEALER AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT HA SYET TO REPLAC EPARTS. *AK
Sep 03, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
MY CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL PROB OR SOMETHING IT MAKES MY STEERING HARD AND WON'T LET WINDOWS ROLL DOWN AND MAKES ALL LIGHTS IN FLASH. HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO SEVERAL GARAGES AND THEY CAN SEE WHAT'S WRONG. BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. I NEED HELP FIGURING OUT WHAT THIS IS SO I CAN GET IT FIXED!!!! *TR
Apr 10, 2008
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE MULTI-SPEED, BUT THEY ONLY RUN ON SLOW. YOU HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF AND ON SEVERAL TMES TO GET THEM TO WORK RIGHT.THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN YOU TOOK THE KEY OUT THE ACCESSORIES CONTINUED TO RUN LIKE THE RADIO WOULD KEEP ON PLAYING WITH NO KEY IN THE CAR .THEY CHANGED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT HELPED FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES BUT NOW THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN.ALSO I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOWS. *AK
May 14, 1999
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I WAS INVOLVED IN A ONE CAR ACCIDENT WITH SOME STONE GUARD RAILS ON ROUTE 18 NORTH IN EATONTOWN, NEW JERSEY. MY SEAT BELT RELEASE ON IMPACT AND SENT ME FLYING TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR ON TOP OF MY BOYFRIEND. ALSO THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AND WE HIT THE GURAD RAILS AT 65 MPH. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOMETHING BACK FROM SOMEONE AT THE FORD HEADQUARTERS. BECAUSE MY BOYFRIEND AND I COULD HAV LOST OURS LIVES DUE TO THE DEFECTS OF THIS CAR. THE CAR IS TOTALED OUT. ANDMY BOYFRIEND ONLY WALKED AWAY WITH A BRUISED SHOULDER AND WHIPLASH, WHILE I ON THE OTHER HAND HAD A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH AND VARIOUS MUSCLE STRAINS. I THANK MY GOD . *AK
Dec 31, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET VEHICLE THEN REMAINED STANDING AT AN INTERSECTION AT A RED LIGHT WITH TWO VEHICLES AHEAD. ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON CONNECTICUT AVE MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO VAN NESS, WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST, LOST CONTROL AND SIDE SWIPED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, PUSHING IT ONTO THE SIDEWALK. A CHAIN REACTION STARTED IN WHICH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER THE PASSENGER HIT THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T LOCK IN PLACE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Mar 28, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
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 . *AK
Sep 08, 2004
RECALLS 97V097000/96V166000; WHILE DRIVING THE RPM'S WENT UP, ZOOMED UP, AND THE CAR DIED, COASTED TO THE SIDE AND PARKED. DEALER CONTACTED, AND STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE RECALLS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Dec 30, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. *AK THE CHECK ENGINE SOON HAD ALSO COME ON. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, BOTH AT DIFFERENT TIMES. *SC
Jun 04, 2004
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH AND RAN OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, AND FRONTS WHEELS LOCKED UP. THERE WAS A HORRIBLE OF NOISE, AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Sep 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
BOUGHT 97 TAURUS WITH 53,000 MILES IN 03-2001 AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP, WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY [CHRYSLER 24/24]. TOOK IN FOR OIL LEAK 3,000 MILES AFTER PURCHASE. OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR WORK WAS SAID TO BE DONE. APPROX. 8,000 MILES AFTER THAT, I TOOK CAR IN AGAIN FOR OIL LEAK AND POSSIBLE COOLANT LEAK. AGAIN GASKET REPAIRS WERE SUPPOSSEDLY DONE; NO REPORT OR REPAIR ON SUSPECTED COOLANT LEAK. APPROXIMATELY 9,000 MILES AFTER THAT, CAR BREAKS DOWN ON FWY; WILL NOT CRANK/TURN OVER. HAD CAR TOWED TO SAME DEALERSHIP; REPORTED FINDINGS WERE: NO COOLANT IN RADIATOR, COOLANT IN OIL BASKET, NO COMPRESSION. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO BREAK DOWN. THEY SAY THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS AREN'T RELATED TO PRESENT PROBLEM. I FEEL THE REPAIR WORK EACH TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE WAS INCOMPLETE, OVERLOOKED, OR MIS DIAGNOSED.
Jan 15, 2004
CHECK ENGINE WENT ON AND ENGINE STOPPED ACCELERATING, RESERVOIR EMPTIED, DEALER SAYS OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK
Sep 01, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP WIRES ARCHED WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. *PH
Dec 02, 2003
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM GROUNDS, CAUSING LEAKAGE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH RESULTS IN VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTTING DOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Feb 07, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCHES OFF BY ITSELF FOR UNKNOWN REASON WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH SHOULD ONLY OPERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. *AK
Oct 23, 2003
FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
RE: 1997 TAURUS 3.0 VULCAN - FROST PLUG CORROSION AND HEAD GASKET BLOWN!. *AK
Sep 21, 2002
ALTERNATOR FAILED, SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
Nov 17, 1997
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN REVERSE & DRIVE, RADIO GOES OFF, POWER ASSIST GOES OFF AT ANYTIME. VERY DANGEROUS. SOUNDS LIKE A REACCURING PROBLEM BASED ON REPORTS I HAVE SEEN. ELECTRICAL OF SOME SORT.
May 09, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES POWER STEERING WILLGO FROM OFF TO ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED SENSOR WAS GOING BAD IN STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
Feb 01, 2002
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT CAUSED THE OIL PUMP TO NOT TAKE PRESSURE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE, REAR END, AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *SLC
Jan 18, 2002
ENGINE IS KNOCKING AS CONSUMER ACCELERATES WITH SPEED. *AK TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 37OOO MILES. FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT 15000 MILES. ROTORS FAILED AT 24000 MILES. *YH
Mar 29, 2001
STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM DISENGAGES. ALSO, DOME LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 11, 2002
#1 DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND DOME LIGHT ON EVEN THOUGH ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. *AK
Apr 24, 2000
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
FOOT HAD SLIPPED OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND VEHCLE HIT A TRAILER. UPON IMPACT WITH TRAILER, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT AIR BAGS WERE FAULTY. *AK
Aug 06, 2001
BACKING UP & NOTICED POLE, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE & VEHICLE ACCELERATED & HIT STORE FRONT. ACCELERATOR PEDAL COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED AT THE TIME.UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Jun 16, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
THIS PROBLEM IS WITH TAURUS, SABLE & WINDSTAR, IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED...NOW WHAT? NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK TSB 98-9-4 WAS ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, THE CORRECTIVE ACTION BEING TO REPLACED THE FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT. *SLC
Aug 02, 2001
VEHICLE NEVER HEATS UP. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER REGISTERS HOT ON THE CAR. ALSO, ENGINE HEAD GASKETS BLEW OUT WITHOUTY PRIOR INDICATION OR WARNING. INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE TIMES. DEALER NOTIFIED AND AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. CAR WITH DEALER AND NO INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSIS. RIGHT FRONT GRINDING NOISE AND STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. FREEZE PLUG LOST. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jan 04, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON I95 DURING A RAINSTORM, I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN I ACTIVATED MY LEFT DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL. VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME ZERO AND I NARROWLY AVOIDED A SERIOUS CRASH. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO RESTORE PARTIAL USE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BY SWITCHING ON MY HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I TRIED THIS PROCEDURE BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS AS WELL AS THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS ARE ALL CONTROLLED BY THE SAME HANDLE. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT INSIDE THE STALK THAT HOUSES THE WIRING FOR THESE CONTROLS. I HAVE RARELY USED THIS CAR IN THE RAIN ( THERE HAS BEEN A VIRTUAL DROUGHT IN MY AREA) AND THIS IS THE FIRST REAL WORKOUT OF THE WIPERS.*AK
Apr 07, 2000
THE CAR HAD BEEN PRE-INSPECTED FOR LEASE-TURN-IN IN JAN 1999, AND THEN REMAINED PARKED UNTIL FEB 8, 1999. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD. ON FEB 8, 1999, THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, ORIGINATING FROM THE TOP CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD, DOWN 4 INCHES AND TRAILING OFF 4 INCHES TO THE LEFT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF REPLACEMENT, AND NO CHIP MARKS OR TRAUMA TO THE GLASS WAS FOUND. GLASS INSTALLER STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS A STRESS FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AT 55 MPH. AFTER STOPPING, SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING, THEY CAME BACK ON. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BECOME DISCONNECTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *AK
Feb 09, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Mar 15, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Mar 28, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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!
Sep 27, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Apr 05, 2015
ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Jul 19, 2013
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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.
Aug 29, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ACCELERATED AS NORMAL TO 30MPH, RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UP TO AT LEAST 50MPH. FAILED TO STEER 90 DEGREES LEFT, RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING THE CURB. LOST CONTROL IN DAMP GRASS, AND RAN INTO A TREE. *TR
Aug 19, 2012
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Jun 29, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
EVERY TIME I PUT IT IN REVERSE, MY RADIO GOES OUT, MY PL, PS, AND PW STOP WORKING. IF I DRIVE LONGER THAN 5 - 10 MILES, THE LIGHTS AND ALL ELECTRICAL START BLINKING AND THE PS GOES ON AND OFF. I ALMOST HIT A CAR ALONG SIDE OF ME THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED, I ONLY DROVE IT OUT OF TOWN ONE TIME AFTER THAT, NOW I DON'T DRIVE IT OUT OF TOWN AT ALL. EVEN IN TOWN IF I'M DRIVING ALL OVER, IT DOES IT. I TRIED TALKING TO FORD CORP. AND THEY BLEW ME OFF, EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IT IS. HELP!! *TR
Apr 16, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL AND NOTICED GASOLINE ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THREE FAILURES WERE PRESENT: THE FUEL TANK, A COOLANT LEAK, AND BRAKE LINE CORROSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE FORD TO REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS, BUT THEY REFUSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,900. UPDATED 04/02/08. *LJ
Mar 17, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 65 MPH THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. WHEN HITTING A BUMP THE BRAKES BOUNCE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AND THE ENGINE LIGHT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Mar 08, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON CODE#430 AND #340. TOLD BY PACIFICO FORD I HAVE AN EMISSION FAILURE AND I NEED 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND A CAM SENSOR AND CAM SYNCHRONIZER ON 1/11/2006 AT 89044 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE #2 CAM PARTS UNDER WARRANTY ON 11/04/2002 AT 55616 MILES. *NM
Mar 07, 2006
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
1997 FORD TAURUS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. *MR THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT DUE TO THE WRONG AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID BEING PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Apr 27, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 FORD TAURES. I REPLACED THE FUSE FOR MY POWER WINDOWS & NOW MY DASH LIGHTS & TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK. I WAS LOOKING AT THE LIGHTS & THE SOCKET IN WHICH THE BULBS GO ARE BURNED. MOTOR CAUGHT SLIGHT FIRE BUT CAN'T FIND THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 18, 2005
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD TO SHIFT GEARS/STEER THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK. *AK THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS INTERMITTENT, THE RADIO WOULD GO OFF WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. THE PROBLEM WOULD START WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, REVERSE, OR NEUTRAL. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLICKERED ON AND OFF WITHOUT CAUSE. *SC *JB
Aug 31, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
RANDOM CHANGES IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED, REGARDLESS OF SETTING. HAZARD SIGNALS FAILED OR ONLY ONE SIDE FLASHING. TURN SIGNAL FAILURE (OF EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR CONSOLE LIGHTS). FAILURE OF INTERIOR LIGHTING TO TURN OFF AFTER DOORS CLOSED. FAILURE OF POWER WINDOWS (ALL FOUR). SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RESULTING IN REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF GEM MODULE. TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROLS REPLACED. GEM MODULE REPLACED.*AK
Aug 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF...TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REPAIRED AND IS NOW NEEDING REPAIR AGAIN...TIRES FROM NORMAL WEAR...BRAKES FROM NORMAL WEAR...
Jan 15, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CRACKED FORWARD PISTON IN TRANS. I HAVE A`97,,,WASN`T THAT PROBLEM FIXED?
Jan 15, 2004
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION GOING OUT AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE, SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE,CAM SENSOR & FALSE DISTRIBUTOR SHAFT, & MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SWITCH IN STEERING COLUMN
Jan 15, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
RIGHT REAR WINDOW WON'T ALWAYS CLOSE AFTER OPENING. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING LOW SPEED STARTS THROUGH INTERSECTION OR PARKING LOT. FEELS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. THEN WHEN TRANSMISSION ENGAGES, IT SUDDENLY LURCHES CHIRPPING THE TIRES.
Jan 15, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A NOISE WHEN I TURN RIGHT AT TIMES. I HAVEN?T HAD IT FIXED YET. SOMETIMES MY WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS FRONT WON?T ROLL DOWN. IT HASN?T BEEN FIXED. THE CAR WOULDN?T GO FORWARD WHEN YOU HAD TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FIXED. THE FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON HAD TO BE CHANGED. I COULDN?T DRIVE IT FURTHER AS IT WOULDN?T GO FORWARD AFTER I STOPPED.
Jan 15, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING IN LAYERS FROM THE FRAME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE IS TSB 00203 CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON. *AK
Nov 14, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
1 complaint
REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FOR REPAIRS PERFORMED ON DEFECTIVE RADIATOR. *MR THERE WAS ONE FRONT TIRE SEPARATION WITH A KNOT, AND THE RADIATOR WAS INOPERATIVE. (BRIDGESTONE WEATHERIZER) *SCC *JB
Sep 12, 2003
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HAVE BEEN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. HAD THE FITTINGS REPLACED. CORRECTED PROBLEM FOR 1 DAY. MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION LINES ARE LEAKING AND WILL NEED REPLACED. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY LOCATING THE LINES DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART HAS BEEN CORRECTED SEVERAL TIMES AND THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM WITH THE LINES. NOW I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND SHIFTING. THE TRANSMISSION IS BANGING INTO GEAR. BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2000. WHEN I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT THE ORIGINAL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTUREDIN SEPTEMBER 1996 AND THE TRANSMISSION, ACCORDING TO THE NUMBERS ON IT, WAS MANUFACTURED IN 1998. HAD A 1994 TAURUS AND THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF IT AND I TRADED IN FOR THIS 1997. I WILL DEFINITELY NOT BUY ANOTHER TAURUS OR FORD PRODUCT.
Jul 15, 2003
SEAT BELTS,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DRIVER SEATBELT STATUS, DOOR SHUT STATUS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON EVEN WHEN WEARING SEATBELT, AND "DOOR OPEN" LIGHT, INTERIOR LIGHT STAY ON EVEN WHEN DOOR IS CLOSED.
Jan 29, 2003
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITION UNIT SEALED NOW LEAKING AGAIN THE CV JOINTS WENT OUT AND THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP (MARTY'S AUTO DISCOUNT AT 13 AND HARRIS AVE) WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE REPAIRS SAID THE LOWER ARM CONTROL AND THE AXLE WERE IN UNSAFE CONDITION TO DRIVE . THE CAR IS STILL NOT RIGHT , THE DEALER WANTS ME TO CONTINUE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND I WANT TO TRADE THE CAR FOR SOMETHING ELSE .I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE PROMBLEMS COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Sep 04, 2002
STEERING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL'S WELL IN PARK AND NEUTRAL, BUT WHEN IN REVERSE OR DRIVE, THE RADIO QUITS, INTERMITTENT WIPERS FAIL, WINDOWS WON'T WORK, LOSS OF ABOUT 75% OF POWER STEERING. PUT IT IN NUETRAL AND ALL IS WELL. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR. I FOUND 10 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME FAILURE IN A 96 OR 97 FORD TAURUS.
Jun 25, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES FROM BETWEEN 65 TO 45 MPH THERE IS A SERIOUS SHAKING FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO MOTION. THAT REALLY CONCERNS ME HAVING THREE SMALL CHILDREN. THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT ALSO DOESN'T SHUT OFF AS IT SHOULD.*AK
Jun 12, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT/ ABS LIGHT ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER WAS REFERRED TO DEALER SHIP OR MANUFACTURER.*AK
Mar 14, 2002
STEERING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DOME LIGHT STAYS ULUMINATED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT, CAUSING IT TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO STEER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK
Mar 12, 2002
STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Feb 15, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WOULD BE DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD COME ON. PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC INDICATED NOTHING WRONG, ONLY FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. *AK
Sep 14, 2001
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
A/C COMPRESSOR SEIZED CAUSING DRIVEBELT FAILURE AND LOSS OF STEERING, ALTERNATOR, AND POWER BRAKES. *AK
Sep 06, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
INTERIOR MAP LIGHT IS ALSO THE DOME LIGHTS. CANNOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN. WHEN THE DOOR SENSOR BREAKS THE SENSORS THINKS THE DOOR IS OPEN. THIS IS HAZARDOUS AT NIGHT SINCE THERE IS GLARE COMING OFF THE WINDSHIELD. *AK
Aug 17, 2001
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION WITHOUT SHAKING VIOLENTLY. 57500 MILES AT THE TIME, $1900 TO FIX IT. *AK ****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*****749177.
Jul 25, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH ON A SIDE STREET, AND THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED ON SIDE OF ROAD, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT OTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.WHENEVER THE ALTERNATOR GETS WET THE LIGHT GOMES ON AND THE POWER STEERING FAILS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. NLM
Jun 14, 2001
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
POWER STEERING INTERMITTENT FAILURE; FIRST BEGAN WHEN PLACING SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE GEAR, THEN LATER OCCURRED ALSO IN FORWARD DRIVE GEARS. SUSPECT ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC PROBLEM SINCE RADIO SPEAKERS ALSO GO SILENT AND POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THIS OCCURS. DISCOVERED THAT REMOVAL OF 15AMP FUSE CONTROLLING BACKUP LIGHTS/HEATER RETURN POWER STEERING AND RADIO CONTROL. ALL OTHER FUSES WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER IS NOT YET CONTACTED.
Apr 13, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
HEATER CORE AND EXPANSION TANK CRACK AND LEAKS CAUSING STEAM AND ANTI-FREEZE SMELL TO ENTER CAR CAUSING POOR VISIBILTY AND ALSO NAUSEA FROM SMELL OF ANTI-FREEZE. *AK
Jan 28, 2001
STEERING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY NORMAL SPEED POWER STEERING WILL KICK OUT SOMETIMES. ALSO, SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL COME ON AND OFF/ DOOR LIGHT WILL COME ON, AND SPEED CONTROL WILL COME ON. *AK
Jan 19, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE & WOULDN'T STAY RUNNING. WIRES FOR FUEL PUMP HAD RUBBED AGAINST FLEX HOSE, CAUSING IT TO EXPOSE THE WIRES & SHORT OUT. DEALER COLD DO NOTHING BECAUSE NO RECALL. *AK ALSO THE CV JOINTS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION PAN CRACKED. THE BRAKES VIBRATED CAUSING THE STEERING TO VIBRATE TERREBLY. THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER SAYS, MUST BE DEFECTIVE. *YH
Nov 27, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Oct 21, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE, THE VEHICLE AND DRIVER EXPERIENCED AN APPROXIMATE 4-5 SECOND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON. *AK *ML
Jun 20, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING EITHER IN RAIN OR OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN , WATER WILL GET INTO THE SERPENTINE BELT, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR ABOUT 30-60 SECONDS . THERE IS NO GUARD OR SHIELD TO PROTECT BELTS FROM GETTING WET. FORD CLAIMS THEY CANNOT FIX DEFECT. *AK *ML
Jun 14, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON DASH STAYS ON. SOMETIMES OCASIONALLY IT GOES OFF, INTERIOR LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF BECAUSE OF IT, RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY, BACK WINDOW DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER THINKS I'M CRAZY CAUSE WHENEVER I TAKE IT IN TO BE REPAIRED THE LIGHTS ARE ALL OFF. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A RELAY SWITCH AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT AND IT STILL IS BROKEN. *AK
May 01, 2000
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHENEVER WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE IN USE THEY WOULD WORK ERRACTICALLY. SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. THE SWITCH CAN TURN WIPERS ON & THEN WIPERS WOULD STOP. ALSO, TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY, AND POWER STEERING FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. TAKING VEHICLE DEALER TO CHECK OUT PROBLEMS. *AK
Apr 13, 2000
INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DASHBOARD SHOWS DOORS ARE OPEN, AND INTERIOR LIGHT WILL STAY ON. DEALER COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 05, 2000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK AND DOORS OPEN. WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER EXITING VEHICLE. ALSO, THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. FAILURES BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE. *AK *ML
Feb 22, 2000
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
TIRE ON REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS SPLIT, CAUSING A ROUGH RIDE. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, COMPLAINING THAT SPEEDODOMETER WAS DEFECTIVE, IT DIDN'T SHOW HOW FAST VEHICLE WAS GOING. *AK
Oct 25, 1999
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
HAD TURNED VEHICLE OFF & PARKED IT. WENT BEHIND VEHICLE. CHILD IN VEHICLE & RELEASE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE. VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING FORWARD & DOWN A HILL. HIT A NEIGHBOR'S VEHICLE. NO KEYS IN VEHICLE AT TIME. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY THE FUEL REGULATOR--FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE MANIFOLD. *AK *ML
Aug 20, 1999
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A GRACO BOOSTER SEAT FOR MY SON. AFTER STRUGGLING TO INSTALL IT FOR ALMOST AN HOUR, I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY 85% OF CAR SEATS ARE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY..IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND THE MANUFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS, AND PEOPLE GIVE UP! THEY THINK, "NOTHING WILL HAPPEN, I'M A GOOD DRIVER". THIS IS A TERRIBLE ATTITUDE FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR CHILDREN. ALSO, THEY DON'T MENTION IN THE DIRECTIONS THAT TWO PEOPLE ARE NEEDED TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE BOOSTER SEAT. I ONLY FOUND THIS OUT BY CALLING THE MANUFACTURER FOR HELP. LUCKILY, WITH THE HELP OF A PATIENT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, I GOT THE SEAT INSTALLED CORRECTLY.
Jul 08, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
STALL, ROUGH IDLE, IGNITION MISSING. WIRING REPLACED, BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN ROUGH. DEALER CHECK FUEL SYSTEM BUT NO PROBLEM FOUND. UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE VIA DIAGNOSTICS. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED AND GROWN WORSE WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASED IN 04/98 AT @17000 MILES.
Jun 25, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MANY PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE, VERY DISATISFIED, CAR WAS NOT CHECKED OUT PRIOR TO SALE, CAR WAS MISSING BASIC FLUIDS, CAR HAD LIGHTS OUT WHICH I WAS TICKETED FOR, CAR WAS RUNNING HORRIBLE NEEDED BRAKES, ALSO NEEDED WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE A TUNEUP BUT CAR CONTINUED TO RUN HORRIBLE WHICH LOOKS TO HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE ENGINE PROBLEMS WHICH LED TO REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE. *AK
Jun 09, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WERE STRIPPED DUE TO MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. DEALER REPLACED WINDSHIELD WIPERS. ALSO, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SHAKING IN STEERING. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jan 14, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WAS TRAVELING APROXIMATELY 10MPH WHEN FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED SQUEAKING. HAD PART OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM REPLACED PRIOR TO SUSPENSION SQUEAKING. *AK
Dec 08, 1998
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING AND ACCELERATOR. WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND VEHICLE CONSTANTLY DECELERATED AND ACCELERATED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
Nov 23, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE INITIALLY LOST POWER ON INCLINE AND REGAINED ON DECLINE, UNTIL TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AFTER 2-5 MPH. OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS, ON HIGHWAY TRIPS. DEALER INITIALLY REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER THEN REPLACED FUEL PUMP RELAY. AFTER FOURTH OCCASION, REPLACED FUEL PUMP. ALSO, TRANSMISSION IS SLUGGISH, DIFFICULTY GAINING SPEED ON INITIAL ACCELERATION. THEN SUDDENLY SURGES/HESISTATES AND MOVES ERRATICALLY INTO GEAR. VEHICLE HESITATES AND ACTS AS IF IT STALLS OUT.
Sep 06, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS,FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH FAILED ALSO DURING COLLISION.
Aug 31, 1998
STEERING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
SEAT BELT ANCHOR IS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE ONLY WAY THE RESTRAINTS CAN BE LATCHED IS IF TWISTED THE RESTRAINT ACROSS TO THE BUCKLE. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND IS WAITING FOR A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *AK THE STEERING BECOMES HARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREPPED, INSPECTED AND SOLD TO HIM WITH DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT IN TOTAL DISREGARD FOR HIS SAFETY. *YH
Sep 10, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 FORD Taurus have?
The 1997 FORD Taurus currently has 867 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 FORD Taurus?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 FORD Taurus are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 FORD Taurus problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 FORD Taurus comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - FORD Taurus
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
Other FORD Models
'34
1500 Foldaway
A8513
A9513
A9522
Aerostar
Affordable Aluminum
Affordable Trailers
Aspire
AT8513
AT9513
AT9522
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models