Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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 instrument panel will display the "door ajar" warning icon and the dome light will remain on while operating the vehicle. After exiting and securing the vehicle, the dome light will remain on for an indefinate amount of time. The problem is intermittent but can continue to malfunction for a week-at-a-time and not have a recurrence for up to a month. Dealer told me that unless I could localize the source of the failure, they could not begin to solve the problem.
Random changes in the windshield wiper speed, regardless of setting. Hazard signals failed or only one side flashing. Turn signal failure (of exterior and interior console lights). Failure of interior lighting to turn off after doors closed. Failure of power windows (all four). Short in electrical system resulting in required replacement of gem module. Turn signal/wiper controls replaced. Gem module replaced.
While driving it was hard to shift gears/steer the vehicle. The brake and tail lights failed to work. The electrical system was intermittent, the radio would go off when the steering wheel was turned and when the vehicle was in drive. The problem would start when the vehicle was in park, reverse, or neutral. The seat belt light flickered on and off without cause.
A progressive deterioration of the front headlight lens. Headlight lens is so foggy that visibility is poor enough that it must be replaced. Ford says the deterioration is due to automatic car wash soap. However, car was hand washed. The approximate cost for parts alone is $500 as the lens is not sold separately. Cars in the junk yard also have same condition.
The car had been pre-inspected for lease-turn-in in jan 1999, and then remained parked until feb 8, 1999. At the time of the inspection there was no visible damage to the windshield. On feb 8, 1999, there was a large crack in the windshield, originating from the top center of the windshield, down 4 inches and trailing off 4 inches to the left. The windshield was inspected at the time of replacement, and no chip marks or trauma to the glass was found. Glass installer stated that the crack was a stress failure. While driving at night both headlights went off at 55 MPH. After stopping, shutting off the car and restarting, they came back on. Also, the passenger side headlight become disconnected on several occasions.
While driving on i95 during a rainstorm, I experienced a total failure of the windshield wipers when I activated my left directional signal. Visibility suddenly became zero and I narrowly avoided a serious crash. I finally was able to restore partial use of the windshield wipers by switching on my high-beam headlights. I tried this procedure because the headlights as well as the directional signals are all controlled by the same handle. I believe there is a defect inside the stalk that houses the wiring for these controls. I have rarely used this car in the rain ( there has been a virtual drought in my area) and this is the first real workout of the wipers.
The headlight bezel is discolored. There appears to be a fog inside the bezel. The dealer states that this is not a manufacturers defect, and is not covered under the warranty. The dealer states "something" must have been sprayed on the outside of the bezel. I was told that some of the headlights have a gasket leak and that was the problem. Do you have any information regaurding this problem?
Door ajar light on dash stays on. Sometimes ocasionally it goes off, interior lights won't go off because of it, resulting in a dead battery, back window doesn't always work, engine check light goes on and off. The dealer thinks I'm crazy cause whenever I take it in to be repaired the lights are all off. They told me it was a relay switch and they said they fixed it and it still is broken.
Many problems since purchase, very disatisfied, car was not checked out prior to sale, car was missing basic fluids, car had lights out which I was ticketed for, car was running horrible needed brakes, also needed what was thought to be a tuneup but car continued to run horrible which looks to have turned out to be engine problems which LED to replacement of engine.
1. Windshield wipers do not always operate at the rate selected. They operate at a lower rate than selected. 2. The driver's side door light switch does not operate properly. The interior lights will not turn off for long periods of time. The driver's side door will not remain locked during this switch failure with the key in the ignition and/or the engine running.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 5% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-028 (headlights, Feb 10, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Taurus headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.