2003 Ford Taurus

2003 Ford Taurus

The 2003 Ford Taurus comes equipped with a 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine as standard, producing 155 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Optional engine options include a 3.0-liter Duratec V6 producing 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 producing 220 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Taurus has received praise for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. However, it has also been criticized for its bland exterior styling and lackluster performance.

Engine

3.0-liter Duratec V6 (155 hp)

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks, overheating, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: 03V315000
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800
  • Recalls: 03V314000

3.0-liter Duratec V6 (200 hp)

• Oil pan gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil pan
  • Solution: Replace oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle, reduced engine power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter Vulcan V6 (220 hp)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration when shifting or accelerating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise over bumps, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace front strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncing or wallowing, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead prematurely
  • Solution: Inspect for parasitic draw, replace battery if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights do not turn on, flickering headlights
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: 03V180000

Exterior

• Rust on underbody components
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion on suspension and exhaust components
  • Solution: Inspect for rust, apply rust protection or replace components if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Windshield wipers not working
  • Description/Symptoms: Wipers do not move or move erratically
  • Solution: Replace wiper motor or wiper transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noises from the dashboard
  • Solution: Tighten loose screws or clips behind the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC fan motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from HVAC system
  • Solution: Replace HVAC fan motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Taurus is a reliable vehicle overall, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems are related to the engine and transmission. However, these issues are generally not severe and can be fixed at a reasonable cost.

The most serious issues to be aware of are the intake manifold gasket failure and the head gasket failure, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. However, these issues are relatively rare and have been addressed by recalls.