2003 Ford Taurus SE
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: Ford Taurus SE, Front Left, 09-06-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Taurus on 9th Street NW (50970241461) by Ben Schumin from Montgomery Village, Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2001 Ford Taurus SE, rear 2.18.20 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2005 Ford Taurus SE interior by Morn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2003 Ford Taurus SE is a 155-hp 3.0-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $20,700 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.
It makes 155 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3950 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).
The Taurus measures 197.6 inches long on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,355 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $20,700 ($36,563 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.0L V6 |
| Displacement | 3 L |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 4,900 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 18 MPG |
| Highway | 26 MPG |
| Combined | 21 MPG |
| Tank Capacity | 18 gal |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16.0 in |
| Wheels Rear | 16.0 in |
| Tires Front | P215/60R16 |
| Tires Rear | P215/60R16 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 197.6 in |
| Width | 73 in |
| Height | 56.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,355 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2003 Ford Taurus SE with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Other tested variants (2)
- 2003 Ford Taurus 4-DR. w/SAB: overall not rated
- 2003 Ford Taurus 4-DR.: overall not rated
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford TAURUS. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Apr 1, 2016 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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 intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Consequence: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 16E026000
Mar 2, 2004 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 04V106000
Mar 2, 2004 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND/OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA campaign 04V105000
Mar 10, 2003 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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.
Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
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.
NHTSA campaign 03V087000
1,223 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Ford TAURUS
Owner Complaints
1,223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford TAURUS (56 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 45 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Power Train | 316 |
| Suspension | 313 |
| Visibility | 191 |
| Structure | 111 |
| Electrical System | 97 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 88 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 FORD TAURUS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.