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Is the 2003 Ford Taurus reliable?

The 2003 Ford Taurus is generally considered a reliable vehicle, with a solid reputation for dependability and longevity. While no car is perfect, the Taurus from this model year has proven to be a reasonably dependable choice for many owners.


Reliability Ratings and Assessments


According to data from various automotive research organizations, the 2003 Ford Taurus received average to above-average reliability ratings. Consumer Reports, for example, gave the 2003 Taurus a 4 out of 5 rating for predicted reliability, indicating it was more reliable than many of its competitors in the midsize sedan segment at the time.


Similarly, J.D. Power and Associates, a leading automotive research firm, awarded the 2003 Taurus a 3.5 out of 5 rating for predicted reliability, placing it in the "Better Than Average" category.


Common Issues and Maintenance


While the 2003 Taurus is generally considered reliable, it is not without its common issues. Some of the more frequently reported problems include:



  • Transmission failures or problems, particularly with the automatic transmission

  • Electrical system glitches, such as issues with the instrument cluster or power windows

  • Occasional problems with the cooling system, including leaks or overheating


To maintain the reliability of a 2003 Taurus, it is important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and inspections of key components. Addressing any issues promptly and using high-quality replacement parts can also help ensure the longevity of the vehicle.p>

Factors Affecting Reliability


The reliability of a 2003 Ford Taurus can be influenced by several factors, including:



  • Proper maintenance and care by the owner

  • Driving conditions and usage (e.g., city vs. highway driving, towing, etc.)

  • Manufacturing quality and any potential recalls or technical service bulletins

  • The specific model year and any improvements or changes made by Ford


Overall, the 2003 Ford Taurus is considered a reasonably reliable vehicle, with a solid reputation for dependability and longevity. However, as with any car, proper maintenance and care are essential to ensuring its reliability and longevity. Prospective buyers should research the vehicle's history and maintenance records to make an informed decision.

What is considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus?


The range for a Ford Taurus is typically 180,000-200,000 miles. Based on those numbers, anything above 150,000 would be considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus.



Is the Ford Taurus a good reliable car?


Ford Taurus Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Ford Taurus Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $697 which means it has average ownership costs.



What year did Ford Taurus have transmission problems?


2003-2005
Transmission failure is the most common 2003-2005 Ford Taurus problem.



How many miles does a 2003 Ford Taurus last?


With oil changes every 3,000 miles and smart driving habits, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to pass 200,000 miles in a well-kept 2003 Taurus.



How long do Ford Taurus usually last?


The Ford Taurus has an average lifespan of 156,402 miles or about 10.8 years. The Taurus's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.



What year Fords have bad transmissions?


Vehicles impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus (model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.



What is Ford Taurus known for?


The Taurus name was given to a revision of the Five Hundred in 2008, making it Ford's biggest sedan. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the sedan was powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.



Did the 2003 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?


The 2003 Ford Taurus has had numerous Transmission Problems, however this article highlights the top 3 that are most commonly experienced. A few incidences have been reported where the pumps have broken down mid-drive which have led to further problems in the function of the car.



Are Ford Taurus expensive to fix?


The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Taurus is $697. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.



What are the bad years for Ford Taurus?


Here are the Ford Taurus years to avoid:

  • Model Year 2002.
  • Model Year 2003.
  • Model Year 2005.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.