Two problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Gear broke inside transmission and exploded outwards, breaking the case. Consumer states that they took car to a transmission specialist, and they said it was a manufacturer's defect. Differential assembly had excessive teeth damaged and probably caused case to break outward.
When applying the gas the vehicle does not move. The driver has to keep foot on gas pedal until the vehicle jumps forward. Dealer says there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. In March of 1999 vehicle acted up again. Brought it to dealer, claimed transaxle failed. Talked to others who claimed that vehicle had a cracked pinion gear. Called dealer severazl times. But dealer has not responded.