Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Ford Taurus, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Taurus?

Owners have filed 1,223 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (316 complaints), followed by suspension (313).

How many 2003 Ford Taurus complaints mention a crash or fire?

56 of 1,223 complaints report a crash and 12 a fire; 59 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford Taurus recalls and problems

3 recalls and 1,223 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Taurus.

recalls

1,223

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Ford Taurus recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 04V105000 · reported March 2, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 399,926 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
The risk: This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 04V106000 · reported March 2, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 938,789 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Visibility: windshield

NHTSA campaign 03V087000 · reported March 10, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 67,894 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train316
Suspension313
Visibility191
Structure111
Electrical system97
Vehicle speed control88
Engine and engine cooling67
Air bags46
Exterior lighting46
Equipment30

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 10, 2025 · Air bags · crash reported
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.

Jul 21, 2022 · Vehicle speed control
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…

Apr 28, 2022 · Power train · 151,000 miles
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…

Apr 14, 2022 · Exterior lighting · 74,000 miles
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…

Apr 2, 2022 · Visibility/wiper
Windshield

Taurus model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	8	1,194	102	25
2001	9	1,036	92	15
2002	3	1,426	75	11
2003	3	1,223	56	12
2004	1	375	36	13
2005	0	774	40	10
2006	2	318	19	4

Across all years, the 2002 Taurus has the most complaints (1,426). All Ford Taurus years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Ford Taurus, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Taurus?: Owners have filed 1,223 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (316 complaints), followed by suspension (313).
How many 2003 Ford Taurus complaints mention a crash or fire?: 56 of 1,223 complaints report a crash and 12 a fire; 59 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 10, 2025.