1997 Ford Taurus sho problems

Common 1997 Ford Taurus sho problems

The Ford Taurus, a popular full-size sedan, has been known for its reliability and quality since its inception. However, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners of the 1997 model, particularly with the automatic transmission and the oil pan gasket.

One of the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Taurus is transmission failure, which was reported by numerous drivers and resulted in over 150 NHTSA reports. The symptoms of this problem include complete transmission failure, strange noises and shuddering coming from the transmission, and symptoms of a bad torque converter. In addition, leaking transmission fluid and transmission slipping were also reported.

Another serious problem that affected the 1997 Ford Taurus is leaking oil pan gasket, which can lead to engine damage and fire hazards. This problem was often caused by cracks in the pan gasket and was reported even before the car reached the 100,000-mile mark. The average cost of pan gasket replacement is around $400, but the consequences it may leave on your engine could be far worse.

Head gasket leaks are another problem that affected some 1997 Ford Taurus models. If this happens, you may notice symptoms of a blown head gasket that primarily include coolant leaks and it’s even possible for engine oil to mix up with the cooling liquid. This leads to serious engine damage that can’t be easily repaired and should be avoided.

Improperly attached fuel tanks were also reported in earlier models like the 2002 one, leading to fuel leaks, unexpected engine stalling, or fire hazards. This problem was acknowledged by the manufacturer and resulted in a recall in 2015 to tighten the loose bolts.

In summary, the 1997 Ford Taurus has some common problems that owners should be aware of, particularly with the automatic transmission and the oil pan gasket. These problems can lead to serious engine damage and fire hazards, so it's important to address them promptly.

How reliable is the Ford Taurus SHO?

The Ford Taurus is a reliable midsize car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.

How long can a Ford Taurus SHO last?

According to vehiclefreak.com, a typical Ford Taurus will last around 200,000 miles with proper care. Those with less maintenance might last closer to 180,000 miles, so it's best to care for them well if you want your Taurus to make it as long as possible.

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

The primary problem is transmission failure, which comes with an average repair cost of $1,930. The good news is that these problems don't typically arise until the vehicle has reached higher mileage. In fact, the average mileage according to reports is 93,200. Behind the 2003 Taurus is the 2005 model.

What is special about Taurus SHO?

The power is transmitted to the front wheels by a Mazda-manufactured five-speed manual transaxle. No automatic is offered. This powertrain makes the Taurus SHO the world's most powerful front-drive car. That's a potential prescription for disaster, because the dynamics of motion are not kind to muscular front-drivers.

How reliable is the Ford Taurus SHO?

The Ford Taurus is a reliable midsize car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

The primary problem is transmission failure, which comes with an average repair cost of $1,930. The good news is that these problems don't typically arise until the vehicle has reached higher mileage. In fact, the average mileage according to reports is 93,200. Behind the 2003 Taurus is the 2005 model.

Why did Ford stop making Taurus SHO?

Having already lost its status as the best-selling car in America when it was surpassed by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in 1997, by 2005, it had fallen to fourth-place behind the Nissan Altima, which made Ford decide to discontinue the entire Taurus line.

What is special about Taurus SHO?

The power is transmitted to the front wheels by a Mazda-manufactured five-speed manual transaxle. No automatic is offered. This powertrain makes the Taurus SHO the world's most powerful front-drive car. That's a potential prescription for disaster, because the dynamics of motion are not kind to muscular front-drivers.