Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 21 | 1.4× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 1998 | 10 | −48% | — | Engine | Good |
| 1997 | 30 | 1.7× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 1996 | 24 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 9 | −71% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Taurus SHO year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Taurus SHO problems
Latest Ford Taurus SHO recalls
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 Mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 Lincoln town car vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle speed control
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch May, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Taurus SHO should you avoid?
1997 and 1999 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Taurus SHO years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1997.
What is the best year for the Ford Taurus SHO?
1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other Taurus SHO years at the same age, followed by 1998. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Taurus SHO problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (60), suspension (9) and transmission & drivetrain (9). Engine complaints peak in the 1997 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Taurus SHO had?
2 recalls across 1995–1999. The model year with the most is 1995.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.