The 2003 Ford Taurus has 90 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
90
Engine complaints
6%
Share of year
3
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the 2003 Ford Taurus engine — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 04V105000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.