2003 Ford Taurus recalls
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Taurus. Between them they involve lighting, engine and cooling and visibility. The most recent was received on March 2, 2004.
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Lighting
Ford/brake light switch
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
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Engine and cooling
Ford/air filter paper/fire
The defect: On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
The risk: This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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Visibility
Ford/FMVSS 212/windshield mounting
The defect: 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.
The risk: Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The 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.
Check by VIN
A campaign rarely covers every Taurus built in 2003. Enter your 17-character VIN to find the recall campaigns filed for your make, model and model year. The VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the door-jamb label, and on your registration and insurance documents.
Is a recall still open on your vehicle? Only NHTSA’s official VIN check can say whether a campaign applies to your exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been done.
Your VIN is decoded with NHTSA’s public vPIC service to identify the make, model and year. It is not stored and is not added to any page address.
What 2003 Ford Taurus owners should do
- Check your VIN on NHTSA’s lookup to see which of these campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether any are still open.
- Call a Ford dealer and book the repair, quoting the campaign numbers (04V-106, 04V-105, 03V-087).
- If you have bought the vehicle used, the recall still applies: the repair is free whoever owns the vehicle now.
- Make sure your current address is on file with the manufacturer so the owner letters reach you.
Other Ford Taurus model years
Common questions
Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 campaigns for the 2003 Ford Taurus: 04V-106 (Ford/brake light switch); 04V-105 (Ford/air filter paper/fire); 03V-087 (Ford/FMVSS 212/windshield mounting).
How do I know if my 2003 Ford Taurus has an open recall?
Enter your VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup. Most campaigns cover only part of a model year’s production, and the lookup also shows whether the repair has already been done on your vehicle.
Will the dealer charge to fix the 2003 Ford Taurus?
No. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by Ford dealers. Quote the NHTSA campaign number when you book.