Most common 1997 Ford Taurus SHO problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Taurus SHO complaints by model year
Best Taurus SHO years: 1995, 1998. Years to avoid: 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
What 1997 Ford Taurus SHO owners say
Engine & cooling all 24 →
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.
On December 21, 2004 my 1997 Ford Taurus SHO began making a ticking noise. Two days (and about 20 miles) later, the left exhaust camshaft sprocket failed, causing the car to stall and not restart. As a result of the sprocket slipping, the no. 5 cylinder's piston was cracked due to coming in contact with an open valve (this is an interference engine). 15,000 miles ago, the left intake camshaft sprocket failed, resulting in a $2900.00 repair bill from a Ford dealership. Unable to afford the cost of such a repair at this time (not to mention unwilling to deal with the same Ford customer service that wanted me to believe that this hardly ever happens and that I must have done something to cause it the first time), I opted to attempt the procedure myself. After finding and removing the faulty camshaft, I thought my problems were solved until I changed the spark plugs. The no. …
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
While driving and when depressing brakes, vehicle continues to travel. Vehicle was serviced and technician stated engine needed to be replaced. 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.
1997 Ford Taurus SHO engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Taurus SHO rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Taurus SHO at the same age. It is one of the Taurus SHO years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO?
The engine & cooling — 24 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Taurus SHO?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1999. See the full Ford Taurus SHO years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Taurus SHO problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 10% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.