Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
A vehicle which is less than three years old suffers a failed clutch on the air conditioner. After checking into possible part recalls through NHTSA, a hard copy shows the layout of what the part should look like , with serial numbers to identify the part. Upon inspection of the compressor, no serial numbers were found, just what type of refridgerant should be used. This leads me to believe the part I now possess is not the original part that was used at time of manufacture. Further research has shown that this problem is frequent with the Taurus, but my specific model has yet to be listed. I now wish to make it known. The theory of the part not being the original seems to be something that was passed over and suppressed from the consumer. Additionally, as of 09/15/00 one of the power windows failed and no longer works. This on a vehicle less than three years old. …
A pungent odor is coming from the ventilation system similar to a urine smell. This odor exists anytime the ventilation system is turned on regardless of whether it is the air conditioning system or heater. In contacting the dealer I was told there is a problem with mold and mildew build-up in the ventilation boxes of the late model Taurus's. The dealer indicated there is a technical service bulletin published on this issue but they won't perfrom the work because of the health risk to service technicians using the required cleaning solvent. No only is this an irritating problem, I am concerned about the health risk to myself and my family from mold and mildew spores or any other biological health hazards created by this problem. Please advise. Thanks.
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.
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.
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.
Dealer poured a new anti-freeze into the system which caused heater core to crack and cause fumes to enter into vehicle, steaming up the windows, and resulting in visual difficulty. Dealer will replace the heater core at owner's expense. Please provide further information.
1997 Taurus heating system failed. This was caused by a failure in the radiator. ** answer required*** the radiator failed.
Air conditioner was an experimental unit for that year. Replacement of the unit costs 1500 dollars and every part must be replaced. No compressor can be purchased to replace the old one.
AC & Heater complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 4% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1997 Ford Taurus, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Taurus ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.