1997 Ford Taurus GL review from North America

Sometimes the windshield wiper act as if they are on intermittent when set on low.

The door ajar light remains on when all doors are closed. This causes the dome light to stay on and the auto door lock feature not to work. I just had the door switch replaced and the problem did not go away.

The front rotors warped and had to be turned.

The check engine light came on resulting in ignition control module and sensor replacement. This cost me $800.

The car overheated. After towing it to the dealer, they told me two pistons fell apart. They said it would require an engine replacement costing $5500. This did not seem right since the car would still start. I paid for their evaluation and spark plugs that claimed to replace and had it towed to another dealer. I spent $1200 at dealer #2 to replace the water pump, three sensors, and the spark plugs. They also informed me that dealer #1 did not remove the top of the engine, therefore, could not have accurately diagnosed piston problems. They also said the factory spark plugs were still in the engine. I drove the repaired car back to dealer #1 and showed him his estimate and the repair bill from dealer #2. He refunded my money without me having to ask for it.

I hear a loud pop when turning onto an embankment such as a parking lot entrance. This only occurs on warm or hot days. A mechanic could not find the source of the problem.

During the summer months, I hear a rubbing noise when turning the steering wheel. It sounds as if it is coming from the steering wheel and/or steering column.

I recently had problems on a couple of occasions when in overdrive on the highway. I have a feeling that transmission problems may be in my future.

Occasionally, when at a traffic light, it idles erratically and acts as if the engine is going to stall. Putting it in neutral or park causes it to idle normally. It has continued to do this even after a tune up.

The last couple of days I have had problems with the left blinker. Sometimes the left blinker does not work until I push down on it a second or third time.

I have had nothing but trouble with this car mechanically. It is a shame because it is a very smooth and enjoyable car to drive when it is not in the shop. It is very comfortable and I really like the arrangement of the compartments, controls, and cup holders. This was my first and last Ford to own.