2003 Ford Taurus Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 111about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,123miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 111 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Ford Taurus, 9% of the 1,223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,123 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On october 23 2019, I retained mavis discount tire to inspect my new york state registered 2003 Ford Taurus. Mavis discount tire passed the vehicle, determining the vehicles condition complied with ny state safety standard of roadworthiness. 12/12/2019, after repairing the transmission at gorilla auto works, I was informed of a serious structural situation, control arm assembly severely deteriorated . …”
NHTSA complaint #11302236, filed 2020-01, 74,029 miles“Passenger floor board leak in my 2003 Ford Taurus. Took car in last quarter of 2008. Could not find cause of leak. Was told there was mold under the carpet. Lovely. Blower motor not working on 1/17/09. Took it in and was told I needed a new one. Had it installed and heat/exhaust is not working at full capacity the very next day. It sounds like it is going to short out again.”
NHTSA complaint #10255490, filed 2009-01, 116,765 miles“We had several close calls where the car would not stop,and slide on dry pavement,and wet conditions . The car had new brakes, rotors, tires, but still would have trouble stopping, unfortunately my daughter was driving the car today,and hit another car. I just replaced the tires again a few months go, thinking the tires were the problem. I had several close calls myself, and I think there is a big problem with this car stopping. Thank god nobody was hurt, but this could have been much worse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819080, filed 2016-01, 77,000 miles“My Taurus's blower motor stopped functioning in december 2009. I believe the cause is a water leak or blown A/C heater blower motor. I think the leak dumped water onto the passenger floor board also caused my AC blower motor to short out, needing a replacement. After browsing the internet to see if other Ford Taurus owners had the same or a similar problem, this seems to be a recurring issue with the 2003 Ford Taurus.”
NHTSA complaint #10307731, filed 2010-02, 111,000 miles“An on coming car lost control and swerved into my daughters lane of traffic. My daughter was unable to stop in time and t-boned the other car. Upon impact, the other car was split in 2. My daughters airbags never deployed. All I want to know is why her airbags never deployed. When I call the Ford motor company they told me because no one was seriously injured or killed they would not look into the matter. Thankfully everyone walked away. My daughter has a concussion and bruised ribs from the accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10568635, filed 2014-03, 66,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10013080Oct 1, 2002Headliner grab handles loosen.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 11 | 21% |
| 2017 | 7 | 16% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 2% |
| 2013 | 12 | 2% |
| 2012 | 16 | 20% |
| 2011 | 12 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 5% |
| 2003 | 111 | 9% |
| 2002 | 54 | 4% |
| 2001 | 38 | 4% |
| 2000 | 33 | 3% |
| 1999 | 19 | 2% |
| 1998 | 22 | 4% |
| 1997 | 25 | 3% |
| 1996 | 40 | 5% |
| 1995 | 55 | 5% |
| 1994 | 64 | 7% |
| 1993 | 69 | 4% |
| 1992 | 67 | 10% |
| 1991 | 62 | 10% |
| 1990 | 68 | 18% |
| 1989 | 66 | 12% |
| 1988 | 51 | 15% |
| 1987 | 34 | 13% |
| 1986 | 17 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Taurus
316 complaintsSuspension
313 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
196 complaintsElectrical system
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
88 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsExterior lighting
46 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsEquipment
31 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEngine
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology