1997 Ford Taurus SHO
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
77% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO IN 2000. WE HAD MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES PERFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER, 2002.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030107
I HAVE A 1997 FORD TAURUS SHO, I STARTED HEARING A TAPING IN MY ENGINE, I ASKED A MACHANIC FRIEND ABOUT IT, HE TOLD ME THAT HE READ ABOUT THE CAM SHAFT IN THE SHO'S FROM 1996 - 1999 GOING BAD, I TOOK MY SHO TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM...
NHTSA ODI report, 20021227
MY CAR HAD A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE AT 48500 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT I HAD MULIPLE CAM FAILURES CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021203
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 FORD TAURES. I REPLACED THE FUSE FOR MY POWER WINDOWS & NOW MY DASH LIGHTS & TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK. I WAS LOOKING AT THE LIGHTS & THE SOCKET IN WHICH THE BULBS GO ARE BURNED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050418
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE . IT WAS PARKED AT 8 P.M ON SAT 2/05/04 AND AT AROUND 4 A.M 0N 2-06-05 I LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT AND WORKED ITS WAY TOWARDS THE BACK. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20050211
10% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ACCELERATED AS NORMAL TO 30MPH, RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UP TO AT LEAST 50MPH. FAILED TO STEER 90 DEGREES LEFT, RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING THE CURB. LOST CONTROL IN DAMP GRASS, AND RAN INTO A TREE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120819
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ENGINE
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and coil springs.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Ford Taurus SHO — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 77% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.