2003 Ford Taurus Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 196about this part
- Share
- 16%of 1,223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,850miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 196 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Ford Taurus, 16% of the 1,223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,850 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heater blower motor has stopped working in my vehicle. I have had it replaced once and it worked for about 2 months before failing again. Ford has issues a bulletin on this issue and it is a known problem, but they will not fix the problem if the car is no longer under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10557667, filed 2013-12, 95,213 miles“I own a 2003 Ford Taurus that the blower is bad and apparently due to water damage through the vent area, I see where on the internet this may be a recurring issue that Ford has not issued a recall on. What course of action should I take to get this resolved so I don't have to continue to buy blower motors. The car is very reliable other than this.”
NHTSA complaint #10268716, filed 2009-05, 75,000 miles“Bought a used 2003 Ford Taurus se and after owning it 6 months, the blower motor started making noises. After a couple months of the noise, the blower motor only works on high. I replaced the blower motor in feb 08 and it will only work on high as well. I noticed many people on the internet are having the same issue and I hope a recall will occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10219001, filed 2008-02, 95,000 miles“My battery discharge light came on then the ABS light, the brake light and others. I have taken it to a repair shop and neither he nor I can find the battery drain. The computer doesn't show anything. At times if its raining the wipers go as does the heat or air blower. I have also noticed the transmission not shifting correctly. My main concern is the engine stopping or the brakes not working and I have had my wipers not work in a rain storm . Any advice?”
NHTSA complaint #10585490, filed 2014-04, 120,000 miles“One day my heater stopped blowing. I first checked the blower motor fuse, which was fine. During this process I found that the passenger side floorboard was soaking wet. After research online I found that a bunch of people have had this problem. The water apparently shorted out my blower motor so now I have no heat or air.”
NHTSA complaint #10251652, filed 2008-12, 83,552 milesRelated recalls
- 03V087000Mar 10, 2003Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting." the windshields may…Covers: Ford Taurus 2002–2003, Mercury Sable 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10018742Nov 14, 2005Power window concerns - service tip.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013395Nov 15, 2004Grunting noise from front power window glass is powered to the full up position.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011149Aug 9, 2004Water in the blower case or on the passenger side floor, an inoperative climate control blower motor, a motor that operates on high speed only, and/or a blower motor resistor…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 3% |
| 2003 | 196 | 16% |
| 2002 | 100 | 7% |
| 2001 | 39 | 4% |
| 2000 | 45 | 4% |
| 1999 | 59 | 7% |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% |
| 1997 | 57 | 7% |
| 1996 | 55 | 7% |
| 1995 | 38 | 3% |
| 1994 | 30 | 3% |
| 1993 | 157 | 10% |
| 1992 | 43 | 6% |
| 1991 | 19 | 3% |
| 1990 | 24 | 6% |
| 1989 | 14 | 2% |
| 1988 | 11 | 3% |
| 1987 | 10 | 4% |
| 1986 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Taurus
316 complaintsSuspension
313 complaintsBody and structure
111 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