2003 Ford Taurus recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford Taurus has 3 safety recalls and 1,223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

1,223

Crashes / fires

56 / 12

Injuries / deaths

59 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford Taurus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford Taurus recalls

Recall 04V-105: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 2, 2004 · 399,926 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.

Risk: This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 04V-106: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 2, 2004 · 938,789 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-087: Visibility

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 67,894 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Ford Taurus problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	331
Power Train	319
Visibility	206
Structure	111
Electrical System	100
Vehicle Speed Control	90
Engine and Engine Cooling	67
Air Bags	49
Exterior Lighting	47
Equipment	31
Unknown or Other	23
Engine	23

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front — 147
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 136
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 86
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 74
Visibility › Windshield — 33
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 23
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 22
Suspension › Rear — 22

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Ford Taurus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Mar 10, 2025

Vehicle was involved in a collision with major front end damage and no airbags deployed. The brakes have been soft or spongy. I have not seen any leaks for the brake issue. I have bled the brakes several times the master was replaced by the original owner.

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jul 21, 2022

At times the vehicle accelerates by itself albeit I am not touching the gas pedal. While driving the vehicle at 45 mph, I take my foot off of the accelerator and the vehicle maintains the 45 mph speed or increases speed if I am driving down a hill or any downward gradient regardless of the angle of decent. When I try to stop the vehicle using the foot brake it continues to maintain speed and if I put the shift lever in neutral, while trying to stop, the RPM's increase from approximately 1500 rpm's to 3200 rpm's until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then, only after approximately five…

Power Train · at 151,000 miles · reported Apr 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle out of the park(P) after starting the vehicle, which required the brake pedal to be depressed, the contact could not depress the shifter button out of the park. The contact stated that the shift button would not depress. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and turned the vehicle back on but had to pump the brake pedal to shift the vehicle out of the park. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired.…

Exterior Lighting · at 74,000 miles · reported Apr 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to actuate as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift out of park(P) into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch or wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance…

Service Brakes · reported Aug 30, 2021

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated the vehicle failed to release from the park position. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign number 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting).

Other Ford Taurus years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Ford Taurus years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Ford Taurus: 04V-105 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-106 (exterior lighting), 03V-087 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Taurus?

Owners report suspension problems most often (331 reports), followed by power train (319). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.