1997 Ford Taurus GL from North America - Comments

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.

I have a 97 Sable GS (a review should be posted shortly) that is very unreliable. Half the time the power windows don't work, sometimes the wipers don't work, and the catalytic converter seems to be shot every other day ($1000 repair quite often). The electrical system on that car is very moody. Nothing works when you want it to. Once I was in line for an automatic car wash and the windows were down so I had to get out of line only to find out that they work now. That happened 2 times while I was there (it took 3 hours to get my damn car washed).

I have a 96 Ford Taurus, and what the first person described sounds exactly like most of my problems. It idles weird, electrical system seems weak 24/7, My power windows no longer work, or the power locks, my steering column makes grinding noises when I turn it, and on take-off, I'm lucky if the dang thing will even go. I've had it tuned-up, and things are still the same. FORDS SUCK! I'm going foreign next time.

I am reading these comments because I have just purchased a used 1997 Taurus and am experiencing all of the same problems. Before it's over with I am going to be a certified mechanic.

I just purchased a 1997 For Taurus and I have the same problems: The dome light and the check engine light. Fixed both with no more problems. The check engine light was due to a faulty Camshaft positioning sensor. Other than that, a great car!!

I purchased a 1998 Ford Taurus from a local dealer about three years ago. I'm almost done paying on it. The problem is the never ending repairs.

I've had the water pump replaced twice.

When I'm at a stop light, the car feels like it wants to shut off, even after having new plugs put in.

The A/C went out after only owning it for one year. The Ford dealership said it would cost $600.00 to fix. I'm driving with no A/C.

The interior light would stay on, causing my battery to drain. Found out that three door switches had malfunctioned, cost to fix: $1,200.00.

I've had front and back brakes replaced four times. Will be taking it soon for a fifth installation of brakes.

Making an awful grinding noise when I make a right turn.

ABS light comes on while I'm driving.

Most of these have not been repaired. Can't afford car payments and repairs.

This will be my first and last Ford.

I came upon this website by searching for installation of a serpentine belt. I'm glad I found it.

My problems echo the other entries. My dome light stays on and the door light remains on which impairs the locking mechanism on the driver door.

A third transmission has just been installed. I purchased the vehicle from a dealer with 49k. At 65k, the first transmission went. At 105k the second went. I now have 110k and now it runs fine. Except, when I got the vehicle back from the shop, the driver power window motor did not work. I went to a salvage yard and replaced it myself. This has also been replaced, but before I purchased the vehicle. I know this because I did not have to drill out the rivets that hold the motor in. Just last week, my idler pulley screwed off the engine block. I put that on myself, but have had problems putting the belt on. Thanks to websites like this I have learned that using a half-inch breaker bar on the tensioner should make it easy.

With all the problems I've had, (it sounds silly, but) it is a dependable auto. It has a great engine.

What is wrong with My 1998 Ford Taurus SE?

I acquired this sedan through a girlfriend who's father bought it as a gift for her. Long story, but I never the less can't complain too much...First, the car with 40,000 on it can't brake...yeah!..front & rear brakes, rotor, pads, spring kit, and pistons ($851). Second, in just 15,000 miles later the front struts are shot then just 5,000 miles more the rear ($1350). Third, the dome light stays on all the time... hah got you there **** USE WD-40 *** on lock areas and door jam notch ($5). Fourth, overheats stuck on side of the road, I'm angry new water pump, radiator flush, drive belt ($420). Fifth, I have the DOHC 3.0L like you all you must remove the intake manifold to change a couple of the plugs and wires auto shop $450 for the job, my garage ($25). Sixth, the MASS AIR FLOW sensor, the car stumbles and idles very ruff 2 of those later back on the right track ($740). Now with just over 70,000 miles on it I have to put a whole new exhaust on the car CAT to tail ($1175). I also have had the grinding column sounds, warped rotors, bad fuel economy and electrical malfunctions. I have found that this vehicle was poorly built and manufactured to be repaired. So, if you are in the market don't buy FORD they found the problem and circled it (ford). If you already have one "perform the routine maintenance" and keep on eye on everything. I drive a GMC truck now and gosh it feels good to be in GM again.

SHAWN S.

I also have a 97 Ford Taurus GL, with only 58,000 miles on it. When I got it from an individual I replaced all the tires and belts due to dry rot. I also replaced the battery. The issues I have been having are the same as everyone else. The grinding is in my gas pedal and I have a constant click from the front while driving. My check engine light has been on for almost a year now. Come to find out from the diagnostic scan ran at Auto Zone it was the oxygen sensor that was making it come it. The EGR valve will be cheap enough to replace, ($65 at Auto Zone) but the biggest issue is the radiator. I have been overheating for about 5 months, and I have attempted to flush the radiator myself, but I have had no luck in finding the plug. There is rust in my radiator and I was warned by a friend that works for a Ford dealership that I needed to get it done immediately so that it will not eat my water pump or anything else. I also have a loud squealing noise from some belt under my hood when I crank the car in mornings. I have replaced all the belts 3 times since I have owned the car, (2 1/2 years). My door sensor light is on also, but I have removed my dome light to make sure that I don't kill my battery again. I have had the front passenger door sensor replaced last year and it was $700.00 from the local dealership. I have also had to replace the driver side motor for the window. Only now it is hitting hard when you let it down all the way. There was also a sensor that I had to get replaced under the hood that I was told had melted on top of another sensor, and that was why my door light was staying on. This repair was $1,100.00, from an independent garage. The dealership was charging me almost $2,000.00 to do the same thing. I had this done before the sensor. My light is on for the third time and I am spending no more money to fix the problem.

I have driven all different models of cars and the Fords are the ones I like best. This is not going to discourage me from getting another Ford, I just won't buy another Taurus.

Wow, I can't believe all of the problems everyone has had with their cars... I have a 97 Taurus GL, replaced, oil pan, one brake caliper, one set of rotors, a handful of freeze plugs, a couple headlights, a belt, an idler pulley, plugs and wires, front inner tie rods, quite a few tires (stupid pot holes, a windshield (stupid deer), a set of airbags (stupid other deer), a transmission pan gasket, catalytic converter replaced at 79,000 miles still under warranty, a tail light (stupid girlfriends aunt...lol), and a handful of other miscellaneous fairly inexpensive repairs required on any used car...

The only thing I know needs replaced on my car is the cam position sensor causing my check engine light to come on and a slightly rough idle when in drive... and a blown door speaker...

My one question for all of you though is... Routine maintenance?

Flush the transmission and change it's filter routinely, have the intake cleaned every once in a while (throttle body etc..., have your coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, and any other fluid flushed and replaced in your car if you can't remember the last time you had it done, have all the filters replaced along with the fluids, there is a maintenance manual in your glove box that outlines everything that should be done, did you do it?

My other question is, why are you letting yourselves get robbed by the mechanics you are going to?

$450 for plugs and wires?...find an honest garage... mine did the job for $275 with top of the line plugs and wires... Rubbing noise when steering? When was the last time you had the power steering fluid flushed? Warped rotors? New pads are cheap, and it's a 20 minute job to do yourself... do it before your pads are metal on metal and warp the rotors. Catalytic converter going out 4 or 5 times, the cat is not the problem, have the car looked at by an honest mechanic, don't be so willing to shell out $1000. I've had my car for 5 years and put 60,000 miles on it at 140,000 now, and only replaced the CAT once...windows, locks, wipers not work?...go to the local salvage, do it yourself, or get someone to help you, none of those problems are hard to fix. $600 to fix AC? Oh, you went to the dealership to fix it... they won't fix it, they'll just replace it, hence the high cost... go somewhere else. $1,200 to replace door switches!!! You got robbed...It's a switch! with two wires going to it, how could that honestly be a 1,200 dollar repair? once again find an honest mechanic, or a high school electronics teacher. New exhaust with catalytic converter $1100? With only 70,000 on the car, it was under warranty at Ford till 80,000 miles..cost? FREE!!!

In other words, keep up on maintenance, don't beat on your car and expect the transmission to last, find an honest mechanic, educate yourself before shelling out lots of your hard earned coin (there could be a cheaper solution), don't let the mechanic intimidate you with fancy words you've never heard, ask him/her questions about what they are talking about, if they aren't willing to explain it, leave..., a good and honest mechanic is hard to find, but when you find one it'll save you tons of time, money, and headaches...

Cheers.

-Chris-

1997 Taurus GL.

Wish I would have read this page before buying my Taurus! I'm on my third transmission with 96,000 miles and the third rebuild is slipping between drive and overdrive at 60mph!

Same problems with the intermittent power windows.

Door light comes on whenever it feels like it, so I removed my interior lights to prevent the battery from failing.

Rear left power window sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.

Water pump and brakes failed at 60K and were replaced.

Wiper delay sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.

On a good day, this car works great with all the electrics working, and except for the transmission, and weird electronics, it's been reliable.

In regards to the Taurus. All cars have different problems but Ford Taurus is a great running car. Like GM and Chrysler, they all have cheap switches and parts that wear.

If you replaced your belt 3 times for a squeak, you should probably check the oil pump drive gear bushings that dry up and squeak. Spending the time to properly diagnose something will save you a lot of time and money!

I drive mainly Chrysler or GM, and they have similar problems too. I wouldn't say it's a reason to buy a foreign car. If you want good gas mileage though, buy a GM.

I have had my 97 Ford Taurus for 6 years myself, and my mom had it for like 5 or so.

Honestly, until recently I have had no real problems with my car. Just the occasional brake change, regular oil and filter changes.

About 5 or so months ago I thought my transmission was going out, it just needed a new transmission filter. Now when I'm driving it makes a noise kinda like the brakes need to be changed on the front passenger side and it shakes a little when braking, just gotta get someone to look at it for me. But my Ford is at 180 thousand miles and I really can't complain about this car. I love my 97 ford Taurus.

I also have a 1997 Taurus that I love and care for. I love that car so much I had to put another engine in it, because I drove it down to the ground with all the miles I put on my baby. Many miles with working around the country. Love the interior of my 1997 Taurus, and it also rides smooth. Love the Taurus.

I love my car... I bought it in October 2006 with fairly low miles for being about 10 years old...

I've had to replace the brakes twice and rotors once (big deal, it happens on ALL brands from year to year or so), the pads are about $25 each time and it's sooooo easy to do yourself and the rotors were I *think* $15 a piece.

I had to replace the cam shaft position sensor and synchronize, which was under $200 at 129,000.

I'm going to have to replace the tie rods in the front soon (too many damn pot holes on these RI streets and highways, and some you just physically can't avoid).

Replaced the tires (which do wear on cars); it was $30 a tire including alignment and balancing (go to a shop that sells used tires, you can find almost new used tires there really cheap!!!).

Like others my dome light stays on from time to time, but I just shut off the dome light and my battery hasn't drained once (I'm gonna try the WD-40 LOL).

My steering column grinds when turning as if the pump is about to go, but it's not; I have fluid in there and it's not harder to turn as it would be if the pump is on the way out or has failed (I will just deal and cross that bridge when I get there).

My water pump blew today. Oh well, big deal, I'll just go to the store buy one for $30 and replace it myself (again the repair is sooo easy to do on your own, and takes like a Sunday afternoon to complete).

If your "belt" is squeaking, it may be one of the pulleys, so check them out. Belts shouldn't constantly be going unless one of the pulleys isn't turning right. Mine was squeaking for a few days, then BAM! The waterpump pulley basically fell off LOL.

If your engine is ticking, it needs to be fixed. It might be the cam shaft position senor and/or synchronize, which doesn't always make the light come on because the sensor could be "working" but misfiring, which doesn't always register in the computer...

I absolutely HATE this car!!! This 1997 Ford Taurus GL has been nothing but problems, time and $money$! I’ve been stranded with the car too many times! I want to blow the thing up.

If it isn’t the transmission, it’s electrical, replace a new bulb, spurting oil, spurting transmission fluid, brakes, radiator, ripped up belts, sensors, A/C compressor, master brake cylinder, brake replacements, the stupid locks keep going up and down after you leave so when you get back to your car in the morning the car is dead.

I have disconnected almost all the electricals (lights, speakers, power locks). I get pops as well when turning corners, and a buzzing noise, it idles weird, my left blinker also is also being difficult, the windows decide to start and stop working when they want to. So I get windows stuck down or up for weeks at a time. The A/C was good, when it worked! It seems right after I get my check engine light is fixed, it turns right back on!

This is just SOME of what I’ve had done! Between regular maintenance and this B.S, it’s just not worth it. I could have bought a Lexus by now! NO FAMILY, FRIEND, NOR I WILL EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD! Our family has had many Fords (Mustang Bullet, F-250, two Taurus’s, Ranger) but out of them all the cars we’ve had the Lexus and the old Toyota Camry have been wonderful.