2017 Ford Taurus

2017 Ford Taurus

Overview

The 2017 Ford Taurus, a full-size sedan, offered a blend of comfort, space, and performance, particularly with its available V6 engines. While generally considered a solid vehicle, like any model, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, covering powertrain, chassis, electrical, and interior/exterior components. Understanding these potential problem areas can help current and prospective owners anticipate and address maintenance needs, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of their Taurus.

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Engine

2.7L EcoBoost V6

Turbocharger Issues

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption.
• Solution: Inspection and potential replacement of turbocharger assembly or related hoses and seals.
• Cost: $1,200 - $2,500

Coolant Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, overheating, sweet smell.
• Solution: Diagnosis and repair of leaking gaskets, hoses, or water pump.
• Cost: $300 - $800

3.5L Ti-VCT V6

Intake Manifold Leaks

• Symptoms: Rough idle, check engine light, potential vacuum leaks.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket or the entire manifold.
• Cost: $400 - $700

3.5L EcoBoost V6

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $1,500 - $3,000

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (SelectShift)

Hesitation or Shuddering

• Symptoms: Jerky shifts, delayed engagement, shuddering during acceleration.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or potential internal component repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $500 - $2,000

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure

• Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission warning light, inability to shift gears.
• Solution: Replacement of the Transmission Control Module.
• Cost: $600 - $1,000

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of front or rear struts/shocks.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Electrical

Infotainment System (SYNC)

Screen Freezing or Unresponsive

• Symptoms: Touchscreen not responding, system freezing, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment module.
• Cost: $300 - $900

Battery Drain

Parasitic Battery Drain

• Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting for a short period, electrical components malfunctioning.
• Solution: Diagnosis to find the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, switch) and repair.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Exterior

Body Panels

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: N/A

Interior

Climate Control System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or airflow direction, clicking noises from dashboard.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator(s).
• Cost: $250 - $500

Seat Adjusters

Power Seat Malfunction

• Symptoms: Power seats not moving or moving erratically.
• Solution: Inspection and potential replacement of seat motor or switch.
• Cost: $300 - $600

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Ford Taurus presents a generally reliable profile, with most reported issues concentrated in specific powertrain components, particularly the EcoBoost engines and the automatic transmission. Owners may encounter problems with turbochargers, timing chains, and transmission shifting. Electrical gremlins, such as infotainment system glitches and parasitic battery drain, are also noted. Suspension components like struts can wear over time, and interior climate control actuators are a common point of failure. While not overwhelmingly problematic, potential buyers should be aware of these specific areas and consider a pre-purchase inspection to assess their condition.