Nine problems related to power train have been reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
On 4/3/2015 my mother in law pulled into the driveway after a 10 mile trip to town. Upon pulling in the driveway the car started on fire immediately, at first she thought the car was overheating (white smoke) then realized the car was actually on fire (black smoke). She had to be helped by an idaho power employee who was driving by. A total of two 15lb fire extinguishers and garden hose were used to keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived. The car was destroyed from the dash panel forward. The fire department determined the fire started at the power distribution box located by the master cylinder on the firewall. The fire department determined the cause as an "electrical fire", up until the fire the car had no known electrical or major mechanical problems. The car had no modifications and was completely stock. No insurance claim was filed as I only carried liability coverage on the car.
The vehicle experienced a sudden jolt when a left or right turn was made.
Cracked forward piston in trans. I have a`97,,,wasn`t that problem fixed?.
Had just taken off from a stop when vehicle started to slow down. Checked for correct gear placement. Depressed gas pedal, and tachometer went over, but vehicle was not moving. Vehicle could be reversed but not forwarded. Took to independent mechanic, and transmission was replaced with a used one.
We have had to replace the transmission three times since we have had the car. It first went out four months after we got the car. We got this car in may of 2001 from ugly duckling car sales now known as drivetime. This car is definitely a lemon. I think it has been in some major accidents. . . .
Tire on rear side of vehicle was split, causing a rough ride. Consumer had taken vehicle to the dealership several times. Also, complaining that speedodometer was defective, it didn't show how fast vehicle was going.
The transmission in the consumer's 1997 Ford Taurus failed. The gears and bearings were eaten up and the vehicle would not go from first to second gear.
The transmission bucks and slams when shifting in stop and go traffic.
When the transmission/engine is cold and the vehicle is parked on level ground, the vehicle moves forward up to three inches until the parking pawl engages.