1997 Ford Taurus: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Lights · 47,000 miles · PA

A progressive deterioration of the front headlight lens. Headlight lens is so foggy that visibility is poor enough that it must be replaced. Ford says the deterioration is due to automatic car wash soap. However, car was hand washed. The approximate cost for parts alone is $500 as the lens is not sold separately. Cars in the junk yard also have same condition.

Filed Oct 10, 2006 · Lights · 71,735 miles · PA

Headlight failure due to faulty light switch.

Filed Sep 6, 2005 · Lights · FL

Dt: consumer owns a ford taurus. The headlight lens was not clear, resulting in poor visibility. The cloudiness has become progressively worse in the last 5 years. Had to buy 2 new sealed headlights.*ak

Filed Sep 26, 2003 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · PA

Headlights fail without warning headlight plug melts from overheating and electrical contact is lost causing lights to go out

Filed Mar 30, 2003 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · IL

All lights, brake lights, hi-low beams and running lights work! All panel lights and interior lights work. Turning signals & emergency flashers do not work at all! It is as though the wires in the steering column were disconnected from both the turning stick (switch) and the emergency switch? Checked every fuse in fuse box under hood and they all look ok. Assume no bulb problem because there was and is no fast blink... It seems like the problem was first noticed during an all day rain storm...very dangerous situations came about because I assumed directional were still working during several turns...then someone almost hit me when I was changing lanes....I thought it was just a dumb driver till it happened a few more times....then I noticed no turn signals...very scary (VIN: [xxx])! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Airbags · VA · crash · 2 injuries

While driving at 50-55 MPH, consumer's vehicle was hit on the passenger side front near the fender head light. Upon impact, the air bags deployed. The air bags contained chemicals that burned both passenger/and owner on the face, and the others on their upper chest area. *ak

Filed Mar 20, 2002 · Lights · NC

While driving at night headlights went out. Consumer had to constantly wiggle headlight switch to keep headlights on. Vehicle at dealership at this time.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Lights · FL

Headlights wouldn't go off at all. The only way was for to lift hood up and disconnect battery to cable. Dealership was aware of problem.

Filed May 6, 2000 · Lights · AZ

The headlight bezel is discolored. There appears to be a fog inside the bezel. The dealer states that this is not a manufacturers defect, and is not covered under the warranty. The dealer states "something" must have been sprayed on the outside of the bezel. I was told that some of the headlights have a gasket leak and that was the problem. Do you have any information regaurding this problem?

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Lights, Visibility · MA

While driving on i95 during a rainstorm, I experienced a total failure of the windshield wipers when I activated my left directional signal. Visibility suddenly became zero and I narrowly avoided a serious crash. I finally was able to restore partial use of the windshield wipers by switching on my high-beam headlights. I tried this procedure because the headlights as well as the directional signals are all controlled by the same handle. I believe there is a defect inside the stalk that houses the wiring for these controls. I have rarely used this car in the rain ( there has been a virtual drought in my area) and this is the first real workout of the wipers.

Filed Jan 28, 2000 · Lights · CA

Poor sight side vision from the headlights. If having to make a sharp trun driver cannot see the road to the side. Problem was brought to the manufacturer's attention. Please provide any further information.

Filed Feb 9, 1999 · Lights, Visibility · WI

The car had been pre-inspected for lease-turn-in in jan 1999, and then remained parked until feb 8, 1999. At the time of the inspection there was no visible damage to the windshield. On feb 8, 1999, there was a large crack in the windshield, originating from the top center of the windshield, down 4 inches and trailing off 4 inches to the left. The windshield was inspected at the time of replacement, and no chip marks or trauma to the glass was found. Glass installer stated that the crack was a stress failure. While driving at night both headlights went off at 55 MPH. After stopping, shutting off the car and restarting, they came back on. Also, the passenger side headlight become disconnected on several occasions.