Model year guide

2003 Ford Taurus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Ford Taurus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 211 on record.

2003 Ford Taurus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Ford Taurus at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints1,223
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,522

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Ford Taurus recalls 4

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads NHTSA Campaign #16E026000 · 01/04/2016

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 inten…

Fix: 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:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V106000 · 02/03/2004

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.

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #04V105000 · 02/03/2004

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #03V087000 · 10/03/2003

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 SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Ford Taurus common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2003 Ford Taurus safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Ford Taurus 4-DR. Wagon. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Ford Taurus MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Ford Taurus worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,522
High
$3,000

From 181 comparable 2003 Ford Taurus listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Ford Taurus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$450
Total$15,450
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,522) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,050), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Ford Taurus trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SES · SES Deluxe · LX · SEL Premium · SEL Deluxe · SE Premium
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 145 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp

2003 Ford Taurus vehicles on record

Other Ford Taurus model years

2003 Ford Taurus — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 1,223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, vehicle speed control, suspension.

What is the 2003 Ford Taurus safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Ford Taurus crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Taurus get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Ford Taurus at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2003 Ford Taurus worth?

Comparable 2003 Ford Taurus listings run roughly $600–$3,000, typically around $1,522 (from 181 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.