The Lemon IndexAll cars · Ford Taurus · 2003
2003 Ford Taurus. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 1
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | Auto 4-spd | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 | Regular | $2,950 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 53,100 and 108,000 miles. Median 78,000, from 1,057 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 86,800 | 65,000–116,400 | 289 |
| Suspension | 85,000 | 68,000–113,000 | 295 |
| Visibility | 56,700 | 41,000–80,200 | 163 |
| Body structure | 57,100 | 40,500–88,800 | 81 |
| Electrical | 75,000 | 44,600–106,200 | 82 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 24% |
| Body structure | 17% |
| Airbags | 12% |
| Engine | 12% |
| Electrical | 9% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,223 | 56 | 12 | 45 | 2 | 13 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 4
16E026000 Apr 2016 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Pads
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 shi
Risk. 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.
04V106000 Mar 2004 Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch
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.
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.
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.
04V105000 Mar 2004 Engine And Engine Cooling
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
03V087000 Mar 2003 Visibility / Windshield
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.
Risk. 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.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Speed control cable damage | 2012 | 2013 |
| Closed | Front suspension coil spring fracture | 2008 | 2011 |
| Closed | Engine stalling ffv | 2006 | 2007 |
| Closed | Brake light switch failure | 2003 | 2004 |
Manufacturer communications 64
Ford filed 64 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| No | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
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