Faults:

I'm having the same problem as most listed on your page. I've had to replace the idler pulley and water pump. However, most recently I'm having the problem of the ajar light staying on along with the dome and floor courtesy lights. I bought this car last May and I've spent at least $3000.00 on brakes due to uneven wear, water pump and pulley issues.

General Comments:

I'm looking to unload this car as soon as possible.

Faults:

Nothing until 85000 miles, then:

Engine Light on

Crank Shaft sensor bad

Clogged heater coil, antifreeze is brown

Transmission torque converter bad

Windshield wiper arms corroding.

General Comments:

We took this car to the dealer for all services every 3000 miles. We have serviced this car religiously according to owners maintenance guide. The paint, interior and all interior electronics work fine. We are now retired and can't afford a new car. We also can't afford to get the transmission torque converter fixed or the heater core replace. So, we have no heat. Since the computer recognizes the torque converter failure, it doesn't engage it, so the car gets poor gas mileage. We had the crank shaft sensor replaced. The estimate for the transmission was $2k and the estimate for the heater core was $200. This is more than the car trade-in value. We are so disappointed. We will continue to drive it until it dies along the road somewhere. If you see me in a red 1997 Taurus on the side of the road, please stop and help. Thanks.

Faults:

Tie rod ends had to be replaced.

Vibrating steering wheel due to warped rotors.

Drivers side door panel was coming off.

Materials on the dashboard were coming apart.

Faulty windshield wipers.

Faulty headlights, reverse lights, and tail lights.

Oil pan gasket was replaced.

When driving over a puddle, battery light would come on, you'd lose power steering, and car would turn itself off.

Turning right at low speeds resulted in a kind of groaning noise.

Seat belts would not retract.

Needs a new stabilizer bar, due to car swaying on drawbridge.

Car rides very rough. Something is wrong with suspension because it takes bumps and swells VERY hard. Almost feels like the car is gonna fall apart when hitting a bump. You can't avoid them all.

General Comments:

It just seems like ford doesn't build their cars very well. I liked the Taurus, it was nice to look at, drove well when it wanted to, and was very comfy.

Faults:

Faulty dome light.

Check engine light came on at 80,000 miles.

Fuel gauge broke at 80,000 miles. Computer needs to be reset, but the warranty had already expired.

General Comments:

It was difficult for me to list things that have gone wrong with the car. I was the second owner, and the car ran great for the year that I drove it.

If you're looking for a safe vehicle, I would definitely suggest the Taurus. A recent accident that demolished my car left me with minor bruises only. Air bag deployment was right on, and my seatbelt kept me from going into the windshield, which did not shatter.

The factory sound system was nice.

Cruise control worked until the end.

The interior is easy to clean.