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1997 Ford Taurus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1997 Taurus.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1997 Ford Taurus is a passenger car equipped with a 4.5‑quart oil capacity engine lubricated to 10W‑30 API specifications and mated to an automatic four‑speed transmission, delivering EPA‑rated fuel economy of 17 city, 26 highway and 20 combined mpg. It recorded 867 total owner complaints, with power‑train issues accounting for the majority and six recall campaigns issued over its production run. Compared with the model’s complaint history from 1990 to 2019, the 1997 year falls near the lower‑end spectrum — only 11 complaints in the most recent 2019 data versus a peak of 1,822 in 1993 — suggesting a marked improvement in reliability by the late 1990s.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 1997

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-105 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy17/26/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 58R SOHC · 540 SOHC CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 58R SOHC · 540 SOHC CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP205-65R15OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	197.6 in
Overall width	72.8 in
Overall height	55.1 in
Wheelbase	108.7 in
Curb weight	3300 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 61.4 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	17 / 26 / 20 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	102 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Taurus of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5–8.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 1997 SHO Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1997	SHO Sedan 3.4L V8	7.50 sec	15.70 sec	235 hp	FWD
1997	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	8.20 sec	16.20 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	SHO Sedan 3.4L V8	8.00 sec	16.20 sec	235 hp	FWD
1996	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	8.70 sec	16.50 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	LX Wagon 3.0L V6	8.90 sec	16.70 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	9.40 sec	16.90 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	GL Sedan 3.0L V6	10.00 sec	17.50 sec	145 hp	FWD
1995	SHO Sedan 3.2L V6	7.70 sec	15.80 sec	220 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 10W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-105 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	10W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.5 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	30-44 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	13-16 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	30-44 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Upper: 13-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	13-16 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-105 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	180-200 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	221 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	900 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	900 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	0.042-0.046 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.13 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.60 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	58R SOHC
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	540 SOHC cca
Optional BCI Group Number	36R DOHC, Opt. and Canada

Service checks

Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	193-200 °F
Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	193-200 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	30-45 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	23-28 ft-lbs / 65-87 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	65-87 ft-lbs / 85-105 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.118 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.030
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in / 0.0024 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	28-31 ft. lbs.	28–31 ft. lbs
2	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees
3	Loosen one turn.
4	28-31 ft. lbs.	28–31 ft. lbs
5	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees
6	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	Turn 90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	Loosen 1 turn.
4	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees
6	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	52-66 ft. lbs.	52–66 ft. lbs
2	Loosen 1 turn.
3	34-41 ft. lbs.	34–41 ft. lbs
4	63-73

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	52-66 ft. lbs.	52–66 ft. lbs
2	Loosen 1 turn.
3	34-41 ft. lbs.	34–41 ft. lbs
4	63-73

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	59 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
2	mum of one full turn
3	33-41 ft. lbs.	33–41 ft. lbs
4	63-73

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	20-23 ft. lbs.	20–23 ft. lbs
2	turn 85-95

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	35-40 ft. lbs.	35–40 ft. lbs
2	56-60

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 mi	Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 mi	Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace)
Every 100,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1997 Ford Taurus appears in a period of declining complaints relative to its 1993 peak (1,822 complaints) and to the subsequent 1998 decline to 587 complaints. 1997’s 867 complaints and six recalls sit below the 1996 peak of 967 complaints and 9 recalls, but above the 1998 figure of 587 complaints and five recalls, indicating a modest downturn that stabilizes after 1996. The trend of recalls drops from nine in 1995–1996 to six in 1997, then to five in 1998, suggesting a gradual improvement in safety compliance across the generation. The 1997 model’s top complaint categories—Power Train (190) and Engine & Engine Cooling (147)—mirror the overall trend of mechanical issues, but the data does not specify root causes. With 65 crash complaints and 16 fire complaints, the 1997 Taurus shows lower safety concerns than earlier years but still higher than later years where complaints fall below 50. Overall, 1997 is a marginally better year to buy within this generation, but buyers should still be cautious of the relatively high mechanical complaint volume.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

289

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

867

Owner complaints

65 involved a crash · 16 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96’97’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 867 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train190

Engine & Engine Cooling147

Service Brakes, Hydraulic50

Vehicle Speed Control43

Electrical System39

Visibility39

Air Bags36

Steering28

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT…

06E026000Exterior LightingReported 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL… Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 289 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
041601	2005-11-14	Engine And Engine Cooling	WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR…
18614	2005-05-01	Engine And Engine Cooling	SURGE, IDLE ROLL, ROUGH IDLE ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FANS ARE OPERATING. *TT
042107	2004-12-13	Power Train	GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
031404	2004-08-23	Engine And Engine Cooling	ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC…
17358	2004-08-01	Power Train	GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Taurus. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 58R battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1997 Taurus take?

4.5 qt of 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1997 Taurus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Taurus get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined mpg.

1997 Ford Taurus

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

Full specifications

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked