Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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. …
While driving for a fuel fill-up on a heavily-traveled allegheny co (pa) four-lane road (speed approx. 30-35 MPH), traffic heavy, I experienced, without prior warning, a sudden total loss of all braking effectiveness. I followed a Ford f-250 pickup into the gas station lot and brought my car (1997 Ford Taurus sdn, 90,000 miles on odometer) to a stop by smashing into the back of the truck. No one was injured. There was extensive damage to the front end of my car; inconsequential damage to the heavy-duty steel rear bumper of the truck. A sizable puddle of brake fluid was observed forming under driver's side fr door of my car, caused by sudden catastrophic rupture of one or more hydraulic brake lines on my car, resulting in total loss of all braking power. My car is now under repair to replace all rusted-out or corrosion-compromised brake system components. …
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!! …
Tl 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
1997 Ford tarus has brake problems. Began with shaking of steering wheel when brakes applied at exits off of interstate. After 3 attempts from jan 99 thru oct 01 to get the local Ford dealer to repair under warranty I had them semi- repaired at a local just brakes repair shop where I was told that calipers weren't releasing. Still have brake noise as if calipers are not fully releasing.
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.
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.
Brake complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 9% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to brakes 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.