The Lemon Index2003 Ford Taurus.
The 2003 Ford Taurus is better than average by owner complaints: 194 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,223 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Taurus year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 53K to 108K miles on the car (1,057 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 65K–116K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 68K–113K miles
- visibility complaints mostly came at 41K–80K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2016
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- lights 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING.
- engine 2004
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
Show all 4 recalls
- visibility 2003
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 SQ…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 64 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine cooling fan induced body boom, rough engine idle sensation or unusual engine noise at idle
- Water in the blower case or on the passenger side floor, an inoperative climate control blower…
- The new high flow water pump is not yet listed in the parts catalog but will be soon
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedSpeed control cable damage2012–2013
- ClosedFront suspension coil spring fracture2008–2011
- ClosedEngine stalling ffv2006–2007
- ClosedBrake light switch failure2003–2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2003 Taurus blower motor blew out per mechanic. This was a design flaw that caused water to enter into the air intake of the vehicle, entering the blower motor.
2003 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint 10154128
More owner reports
Due to a design defect in Ford Taurus, water gets into the heater system causing the heater/air blower to fail. Also, puddle of water on the passenger side of car causing carpet to smell.
NHTSA complaint 10155822
Consumer complained about windshield problem. Windshield leaked water, causing a short in the heater coil. Vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for repairs. However, windshield still leaks.
NHTSA complaint 10057692
Quick answers
Is the 2003 Ford Taurus reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 76; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Taurus year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2003 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (24%), body structure (17%) and airbags (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Taurus have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Taurus get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 53,100 and 108,000 miles. The middle report was at 78,000 miles, from 1,057 complaints.
Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2003 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Ford Taurus have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Taurus year is better than the 2003?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works