VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,524 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Taurus year — the 2003 model ranks #4 of 39 Taurus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 76 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (331), transmission (319), and visibility & wipers (211), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,524

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

78

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

76

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted2,206 complaints1977: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 150 complaints1987: 355 complaints1988: 462 complaints1989: 762 complaints1990: 542 complaints1991: 946 complaints1992: 1,009 complaints1993: 2,206 complaints1994: 1,284 complaints1995: 1,597 complaints1996: 1,132 complaints1997: 1,003 complaints1998: 680 complaints1999: 1,100 complaints2000: 1,497 complaints2001: 1,264 complaints2002: 1,759 complaints2003: 1,524 complaints2004: 482 complaints2005: 1,005 complaints2006: 415 complaints2007: 196 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 280 complaints2011: 251 complaints2012: 100 complaints2013: 755 complaints2014: 296 complaints2015: 353 complaints2016: 103 complaints2017: 53 complaints2018: 67 complaints2019: 17 complaints
Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension33122%
Transmission31921%
Visibility & Wipers21114%
Body & Structure1117%
Electrical System1027%
Engine906%
Speed Control906%
Airbags493%
Lighting483%
Brakes443%
Other322%
Tires & Wheels272%
Fuel System252%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)232%
Steering121%
Latches & Locks50%
Seats30%
Seat Belts20%

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

04V105000EngineMarch 2, 2004 · 399,926 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND/OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

04V106000LightingMarch 2, 2004 · 938,789 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Consequence

IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

03V087000Visibility & WipersMarch 10, 2003 · 67,894 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Consequence

POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH FRONT STRUTS AND THE FRONT AXLE NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 9, 2013 · fire

“WAS PULLING OUT OF THE CAR GARAGE AND PUT IN REVERSE THE CAR STARTED BACK AND THE ENGINES RPM ROARED UP AND CRASHED IN TO NEIGHBOR TREE WENT ACROSS THE STREET AND CRASHED IN THE OTHER NEIGHBOR TREE AND HOUSE ALL OF THIS IN REVERSE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 15, 2010 · crash

“BOUGHT A USED 2003 FORD TAURUS SE AND AFTER OWNING IT 6 MONTHS, THE BLOWER MOTOR STARTED MAKING NOISES. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS OF THE NOISE, THE BLOWER MOTOR ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. I REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR IN FEB 08 AND IT WILL ONLY WORK ON HIGH AS WELL. I NOTICED MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 22, 2008

“MY HUSBAND PICKED ME UP FROM SCHOOL AND HE WENT IN THE STORE AND THE CAR WHILE ME AND MY 1 YEAR OLD WERE IN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING LIKE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER PART THE WHOLE FRONT PART OF THE CAR, MY HUSBAND RAN OUT OF STORE STATING CAR WAS ON FIRE HE PULLED CAR WAY FROM GAS STATION, I GOT OUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 28, 2013 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED HIM THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN OR UNDER THE DASHBOARD. HE HAS PICTURES, IF NEEDED. THE PURCHASE DATE, VIN,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 25, 1973 · fire

2003 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford Taurus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,524 complaints put the 2003 model at #4 of 39 Taurus years. It is one of the Taurus years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (331 complaints), transmission (319 complaints), visibility & wipers (211 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Ford Taurus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus years to avoid are 1993, 2002, 1995, 2003, 2000, 1994, 2001, 1996, 1999, 1992, 2005, 1997, 1991, 1989, 2013, 1998, 1990. The cleanest record among Taurus years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.