Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to actuate as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift out of park(P) into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch or wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
My car had caught on fire and the police officer and the firemen said it was a electric fire. My car was sitting in front of my apartment building at 8:30 p.m. And that between 3 and 4 a.m. A car that caught on fire and I was not even driving it was just sitting there park.
On the above date the transaxle in this car quit working. The torque converter broke a gear. It is my understanding this is prevalent in the 2003 Ford Taurus and the 2003 windstar vans. Ford recalled the windstars but not the Taurus'. I had it ,the transaxle,rebuilt and put only 3000 to 3200 miles from the date of this repair. About 5 weeks ago the same thing happened. It is my understanding this is a prevalent problem with these vehicles. Now in regards to the lighting, the manufacturers should take the responsibility of replacing those damned "yellowed" out headlight lens on just about 99% of the cars that have them. This should be a major recall due to the hazard they can cause while driving at night. We the American people cannot afford the cost to replace this dangerous unsafe features on almost all vehicles produced by all auto manufacturers since the 90's.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle out of park, the gear shifter failed to shift. On several occasions, the brake lights remained illuminated even after the vehicle was turned off causing the battery to discharge. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, but the contact spoke to an independent mechanic who advised that there was a recall on the likely issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (exterior lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact was being signaled by other drivers that the rear brake lights were illuminated all the time until the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic notified the contact of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact also stated that there was a recall issued in 2004 for the same type of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 212,000. Updated 05/10/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to start after several attempts, but failed to shift out of park. In addition, the tail lights failed to function. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Driving 6 am today both my headlights turned off while driving. They turned back on 5 second later but that is the second time it has happened within the last 30 days. Also dashboard lights turned off and on random times for the last year even this morning but different time then headlight issue.
All my lights work except my brake lights and nobody can figure it out. Also know I have to start it in numeral only. It was stationary I think I just know it happen at the same time and no body knows why
On the date above and then again on feb,2015 the transaxle quit working, it would not go anywhere. Had it rollbacked to my house both times at a cost of $50 per tow. The cost to repair and or replace the transaxle was :2011: $1,400; 2015: $1,700. The car at the 2nd. Rework/exchange (the trans shop replaced rather than rebuild mine) had only 125,000 miles. It is my understanding the transaxles in these generation Ford tauruses were prone to transaxle failure, as were the Ford windstars as both vehicles used the same transaxle. Upon studying up on these problems it seems Ford motor co. Recalled the windstar and called it a bad torque converter causing the problems. Why did they not recall the tauruses also, answer: amount of vehicles produced of each model and their feet were not "held to the fire" by ya'll and our gov.. …
Power windows will not roll up or down, mirrors do not work, inside lights are out. Ford replaced gem module a couple of years before for the same problem costing me money at that time. When the windows would not roll up or down, Ford would replace fuse and in a few minutes the fuse would blow, again and again they did this and now they are not interested in fixing the problems since the vehicle is older and not under warranty and they claim fixing it would cost more than the vehicle is worth. I have a very good vehicle and would like to use the windows and mirrors and especially the lights inside and I feel this is definitely a safety hazard to me since I travel alone a lot each year. I have contacted Ford and they repeatly state that they do not have any recalls and are not aware of such problems. I even sent them websites from people who are having these problems with the windows. …
Related recalls
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Brake light switch failure
Ford conducted a recall in March, 2001 to correct a defect affecting the brake light switch in my 2000 through early-2001 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with power adjustable pedals (recall 01v-078).rq03-008 was opened to investigate complaints concerning the remedy and scope of 01v-078.odi's analysis identified concerns with post-repair failures in recalled vehicles,failures in my 2001-02 vehicles with…
Headlight complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Ford Taurus, 4% of the model year's 1,223 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Taurus headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-106 (switch, Mar 2, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Taurus headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.