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2003 Ford Taurus: common problems and reliability
· 4th generationOne of the worst Taurus years.
One of the Ford Taurus years to avoid. All Taurus years
1,223 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Taurus?The 2003 Ford Taurus has 1223 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and suspension. Owners most often flag transmission failures, particularly torque converter and internal clutch pack issues: multiple owners report expensive rebuilds or replacements needed, with one shop quoting $2100 for a rebuild and another owner describing the ax4s/ax4n as prone to failure.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Taurus years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the Taurus?
Across the 24 Taurus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 17 (2019) to 1,471 (2002). With 1,223 complaints, the 2003 Taurus sits above the model's median of 318.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2003 Taurus
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Campaign 16E026000Bosch 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 shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 04V106000CERTAIN 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 04V105000ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
visibility:windshield
Campaign 03V087000CERTAIN 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.
What owners report on the 4th generation Taurus
Owners generally describe this generation as a reliable, no-frills, "grandpa car" that will last a long time with basic maintenance.
- Very frequentTransmission failures, particularly torque converter and internal clutch pack issues
Multiple owners report expensive rebuilds or replacements needed, with one shop quoting $2100 for a rebuild and another owner describing the AX4S/AX4N as prone to failure.
- RecurrentIntake manifold gasket leaks causing idle issues
Owners describe this as "almost definitely" the cause of idle problems and "all but guaranteed after a certain number of years.".
- RecurrentPCV hose or elbow collapse causing rough idle
A $3 part that owners report splitting and causing vacuum leaks.
- RecurrentBody rust, particularly structural areas behind front wheels and rear suspension mounts
Owners report these cars "rust out very bad underneath" in salt-belt regions.
- RecurrentBlower motor resistor failure causing no air from vents
Owners describe it as a common, cheap (~$10) fix.
Owner insights for the 4th generation Taurus. Read the full 4th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Taurus listings typically run $9,114–$14,953 across 2010 to 2019 model years.
Other Taurus model years
Compare every Taurus year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Taurus against its rivals
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