Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
Tl 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.
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.
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.
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.
1997 Ford Taurus. Car began rough idling at cold start. After warming up would run fine. Took to mechanic twice. They did not know problem said it was safe to drive. Car only had 80,000 miles on it at the time. Car eventually started losing anti-freeze (not leaking, just turning up low every couple of days), exhaust fumes heavy, white smoke from exhaust, gas mileage terrible. I took to my uncle, a mechanic in another city and he knew what it was immediately. As I suspected, head gasket. Will cost $800-1000 to repair. This is my second Ford. Other was a 1995 Ford escort. After two transmissions and a cracked engine it died two years ago for good. I'm a sigle mom and this is only transportation. Cannot afford a new car yet. But it will not be a Ford when I can. Ford has changed and is not the same as it used to be. Ford does not care about the consumer.
When consumer was exiting the freeway engine check light came on and vehicle stopped. Then, smoke started to come from under the hood, and vehicle started to make a noise. From that point on each time vehicle cut off, restarted, and moved a bit. Afterwards, vehicle cut off and consumer restarted it until he got home. Then, had it towed to a private mechanic, who told him that the sprocket came loose. Mechanic attempted to repair the vehicle, but could not because the labor and parts would cost about $6000.00 - $8000.00. Consumer told mechanic not to bother because he could not afford it. He had the vehicle towed back to his home. The cam shaft was broken, 2 cylinders went bad, the transmission was affected, the vehicle would stall possibly due to the coil packs and the struts went bad.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated, then smoke came out from under the hood, and the vehicle began to decelerate. A mile later, the engine stalled, the vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed liquid dripping from the engine compartment. The vehicle was restarted and was driven to the contacts residence. Then, the vehicle would start, but not move. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the sprocket that holds the timing chain came loose and the engine needed to be replaced.
1997 Ford Taurus - 3.0l v6 ohv type u tensioner puller seized up while driving on highway - result: serpentine belt sheared off the tension pulley assembly. Pulley and belt needed to be replaced, engine overheated due to water pump not running because no belt was operating the pump due to the tensioner pulley seizing. Mechanics stated that they have to replace this item on the 3.0 l v6 engine and subsequent damage to other items within the engine compartment on 4 to 5 cars per week. (the brake shop - centerville, in).
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.
Engine complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 150 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 19% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is engine (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.