NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford Taurus; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — pads. Owners filed 1,223 complaints, most often about service brakes. Among the 8 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #4 for number of recalls.
Service brakes, hydraulic — PadsCampaign 16E026000 · 01 Apr 2016
Problem: 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 shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
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.
Exterior lighting — SwitchCampaign 04V106000 · 02 Mar 2004
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.
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.
Engine and engine coolingCampaign 04V105000 · 02 Mar 2004
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Visibility — WindshieldCampaign 03V087000 · 10 Mar 2003
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.
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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Service brakes7 · 18%
Suspension6 · 15%
Unknown or other6 · 15%
Exterior lighting6 · 15%
Vehicle speed control6 · 15%
Electrical system5 · 12%
Power train5 · 12%
Air bags5 · 12%
When complaints were filed
20161
201712
20188
20198
20205
20211
20224
20251
From owner complaints
A strange grinding noise was coming from the passenger front tire area which was very noticable trying to back out of driveway, so pulled back in and looked to see what might be wrong. I noticed a burning rubber smell and that the wheel clearance was significantly less on passenger verse driver front tire. Drove up…
2003 ford taurus accelerated unexpectedly when pulling into a parking spit. The car accelerated so fast rhe the passenger side front tire lifted off the ground and left a tire track on the building that the car crashed into. During the unexpected acceleration the car veered right and steering could not be controlled.…
Ford taurus 2003 car safety problem was reported on july 01, 2007.ford taurus 2003, manufactured by ford motor company had a problem with electrical system: ignition:anti-theft controller. Anti-theft system failing, causing vehicle to shut off while driving.
I purchased the car 11/17/2018 from earls credit auto sales in portsmouth on airline blvd ; it rode well until 11/30/2018 when i drove to the barbershop in the greenbrier area of chesapeake va. I went to pull out the parking lot and my car started to shake real heavy and sloppy so i parked it and turnt it off , when i…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.