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.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
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
4 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
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
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020118
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 22 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020118
1 of 22 total reports mentions: suspension.
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 (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling 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:engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Taurus SHO have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.