Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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.
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.
I have two essentially identical 19'97 Ford automobiles; a Taurus and a sable. On the Taurus I just had the gas tank replaced because the mechanic said and showed me that it was leaking at the seams. I not ice now a gasoline smell coming from the sable.. Based on two out of two vehicles, I believe that there might be a general problem with Ford gas tanks leaking.
1997 Ford Taurus wagon. Over the past two months, the vehicle stopped dead in traffic 5 times at various speeds with no advance warning. It would not restart. The fuse to the fuel pump repeatedly blew, but no other problems were evident each time the car was towed to the garage. The engine would run roughly, stall, and surge, but the problem was intermittent, and gradually became worse. The mechanic suspected a problem with the fuel system. An investigation revealed that a wire to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank had its insulation worn off down to the bare wire, and had shorted out. Other wires also show signs of wear, but are not yet worn through. I have digital pictures of the wires. The wires were damaged due to the way the fuel pump was assembled within the gas tank. This is an obvious manufacturing defect and is not limited to only our car. …
19'97 Taurus, like many of the Ford & other product lines, have the gas filler pipe on the starboard side. With the fuel delivery system almost completely gone to self-serve, this ?!@#$% arrangement generates confusion in busy service stations leading to a great potential for fuel spills and fires. All cars, even if they think the european location is "cute" should be mandated to have fuel fill pipe location on the port side of the vehicle. Reduce confusion. Increase safety.
This vehicle quit on the highway and was towed back to our shop. The fuel pump fuse had blown. The wires to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank had been rubbing against a hose clamp and had shorted together. Ford does have a TSB concerning this problem. The number is 98-25-1. It concerns me that the wires are shorting out in the highly flammable environment of the inside of a tank full of fuel and vapor. I cannot believe this is only covered by a TSB and not a recall.
Vehicle initially lost power on incline and regained on decline, until total loss of power after 2-5 MPH. Occurred on four occasions, on highway trips. Dealer initially reprogrammed computer then replaced fuel pump relay. After fourth occasion, replaced fuel pump. Also, transmission is sluggish, difficulty gaining speed on initial acceleration. Then suddenly surges/hesistates and moves erratically into gear. Vehicle hesitates and acts as if it stalls out.
While consumer was driving the vehicle, it stalled in the middle of traffic. Consumer had taken vehicle to the mechanic, and they found that the fuel pumps positive wire was cut on a sharp edge inside of fuel tank, which left the wire exposed to the fuel tank, and caused it to short circuit. Consumer adds that Ford is aware of the defect, and now places a protective cover on the wires.
Vehicle would hesitate & wouldn't stay running. Wires for fuel pump had rubbed against flex hose, causing it to expose the wires & short out. Dealer cold do nothing because no recall. Also the cv joints failed and the transmission pan cracked. The brakes vibrated causing the steering to vibrate terrebly. The vehicle, the consumer says, must be defective.
The engine often stalls during a heavy rain or after running through puddles of water. The dealer told me it neded a "revised air cleaner". If I understand the problem correctly water is sucked up through the air cleaner causing the engine to stall. The revised air cleaner is a different design which prevents this from happening.
Fuel System complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 4% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 144,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system 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.