2017 Ford Taurus Safety Report

2017 Ford Taurus: High Crash Test Scores, Multiple Recalls, and Persistent Electrical/Camera Complaints

40Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (7)Electrical System (7)Structure (4)Engine (3)Air Bags (2)Suspension (2)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Exterior Lighting (2)Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention (1)Back Over Prevention (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Taurus

The 2017 Ford Taurus presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover. This indicates excellent performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, addressing significant safety concerns. These include potential detachment of B-pillar door trim (STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM), fracture of rear suspension toe links (SUSPENSION:REAR), the ability to remove the ignition key while not in PARK (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION), and corrosion of steering gear heat shield fasteners (STEERING). These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that could lead to increased crash risk or vehicle rollaway. Despite the high safety ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 40 total complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash and 1 injury. A notable pattern in complaints revolves around the 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' categories, each with 7 complaints. Specific issues frequently mentioned in complaints include malfunctioning backup cameras (displaying upside down, fuzzy, or blue/black screens), which poses a significant safety risk for backing up. Other recurring problems involve water pump failures, issues with the APIM module (infotainment), and electrical problems related to starting and battery corrosion. The recall history directly addresses critical components like suspension and steering, which are fundamental to vehicle control, and a key-removal issue that could lead to unintended vehicle movement. The B-pillar trim recall, while seemingly minor, could create a road hazard. While crash test performance is excellent, the volume and nature of complaints, particularly regarding the backup camera and engine/electrical issues, suggest potential real-world safety inconveniences and risks not fully captured by crash tests. The internal water pump failure, though not a direct crash risk, is a significant reliability concern that could lead to vehicle breakdown.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Ford Taurus receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Taurus

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Taurus:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera intermittently displays upside down, fuzzy, or no image (blue/black screen), significantly increasing the risk of a back-over accident.		 High Common unknown miles
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Rear suspension toe links may fracture, causing a sudden change in vehicle handling and increasing crash risk (subject of recall).		 High Occasional unknown miles
Ignition Key Removal In Drive
Key can be removed from ignition while not in PARK, leading to potential vehicle rollaway (subject of recall).		 High Rare unknown miles
B-Pillar Door Trim Detachment
Driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving, creating a road hazard (subject of recall).		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Steering Gear Heat Shield Corrosion
Steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, potentially detaching and causing the steering gear to overheat, increasing steering effort (subject of recall).		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Internal Water Pump Failure
Reports of internal water pump failure, leading to fluid leaks and potential engine damage.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Apim Module Failure
Infotainment (APIM) module failure, resulting in inoperable screen functions.		 Medium Occasional 2-3 years old miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Taurus:

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

General complaints not fitting specific categories, often related to various minor malfunctions or unclassified issues.

Electrical System 17% of complaints

Issues including battery corrosion, starting problems, and general electrical malfunctions.

Structure 10% of complaints

Complaints related to water leaks into the cabin and B-pillar trim detachment (also a recall issue).

Engine 7% of complaints

Reports of internal water pump failure and complete engine shutdown while driving.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Air bag warning light illumination, often linked to faulty clock springs.

Suspension 5% of complaints

Concerns about rear suspension changes and toe link fractures (also a recall issue).

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

Problems with fueling, such as not being able to fill the tank completely and inaccurate fuel gauge readings.

Exterior Lighting 5% of complaints

Issues with headlights going out, melting pigtails, and poor light beam patterns.

Back Over Prevention 5% of complaints

Specific complaints regarding the backup camera displaying upside down, fuzzy, or no image.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Taurus

Is the 2017 Ford Taurus safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford Taurus achieved excellent crash test ratings with a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has been subject to 4 safety recalls addressing significant issues like suspension failure and potential vehicle rollaway. There are also 40 complaints, with recurring concerns about backup camera malfunctions and electrical system problems, which could impact real-world safety.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Taurus?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Ford Taurus include electrical system problems (7 complaints), general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (7 complaints), and structural concerns like water leaks and B-pillar trim detachment (4 complaints). Specific recurring problems highlighted in complaints are malfunctioning backup cameras, internal water pump failures, and APIM module issues.

What recalls affect the 2017 Ford Taurus?

The 2017 Ford Taurus has 4 recalls. These include issues with the B-pillar door trim detaching (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V611000), rear suspension toe links fracturing, the ability to remove the ignition key while the vehicle is not in PARK, and corrosion of steering gear heat shield fasteners.

How does the 2017 Ford Taurus perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Ford Taurus performs exceptionally well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Are there any known issues with the backup camera on the 2017 Ford Taurus?

Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the backup camera on the 2017 Ford Taurus. Owners report the camera intermittently displaying upside down, fuzzy, or no image (blue or black screen), which is a significant safety concern for backing up.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Ford Taurus boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify all 4 recalls have been addressed and be aware of common complaints, particularly regarding the backup camera and electrical system, which may require attention.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Taurus

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Taurus. The data includes 40 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Ford Taurus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.