MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Taurus SHO

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford Taurus SHO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:13.660Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
30
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

77% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 9 complaints 1996: 24 complaints 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 1998: 10 complaints 1999: 21 complaints
1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 9 complaints 1995 1996: 24 complaints 1996 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 1998: 10 complaints 1998 1999: 21 complaints 1999
1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 9 complaints 1995 1996: 24 complaints 1996 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 1998: 10 complaints 1998 1999: 21 complaints 1999

1997: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19904
19911
19923
199314
199411
19959
199624
199730
199810
199921

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

77% · 23 reports

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, 2003-01-07

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, 2002-12-27

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, 2002-12-03

Electrical system

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

FIRE
Show 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, 2005-04-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-11

Power train

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-19

Also filed under Vehicle speed control and engine

Vehicle speed control

7% · 2 reports
CRASH

Suspension

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing rear and coil springs.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-05-26Service brakes, hydraulic16E026000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Taurus SHO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16E026000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.