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2003 Ford Taurus electrical problems

97 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 73,348. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
97
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
73,348
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    8
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    4
  • Starter assembly: solenoid
    3
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    2
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    2
  • Ignition
    2
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    2
  • Starter assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Taurus electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Ford Taurus electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 16Battery drain 5Warning lights 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Ford Taurus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 6, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 88,000 miles · WA

My interior light stays on while I'm driving, and will stay on 2-3 hours after the engine has stopped.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Electrical · NY

Ford taurus 2003 car safety problem was reported on july 01, 2007.ford taurus 2003, manufactured by ford motor company had a problem with electrical system: ignition:anti-theft controller. Anti-theft system failing, causing vehicle to shut off while driving.

Filed Aug 10, 2019 · Electrical · 103,746 miles · GA

My battery light goes on a few seconds after the engine starts and I put the car in drive. The light stays on till I turn car off. Replaced battery, replaced starter, had the alternator checked and was told its numbers were good but no one knows why the battery light goes on. Upon further inspection found the wires are melting because of their position on and around the alternator. There is one, for example, that sits across on top of the alternator and appears to be melting as the unit gets hot. Was told by several mechanics that this has been a manufacturing problem on these cars. Ford has changed the positioning of their alternator wires on later models. It concerns me that this can cause a fire or can affect other connected components. The battery light refuses to turn off.

Filed Dec 14, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,000 miles · VA

Brake lights came on would not turn off. Brake switch needs to be replaced. Battery died thanks .in motion on street

Filed Jun 28, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 95,423 miles · OK

After driving for awhile and the car is still in motion, the pressing on the brake to slow down, the engine stall's out.

Filed Aug 5, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 168,357 miles · MO · fire

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.

Filed Apr 19, 2016 · Electrical, Visibility · 132,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving at any speed, the blower motor emitted smoke from under the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the resister blower motor was getting damaged with water from the crow and under the air cabin filter where the installation of the cabin air filter. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle need to be taken to a dealer to have the installation replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2016 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving at various speeds, the anti-theft warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the alarm system failed; however, was unable to identify the exact cause of the failure due to no failure codes. The alternator and starter were replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 2 miles · PA

Driving 6am 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.

Filed Oct 10, 2015 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · CT

For the first 6 years this car was garaged, as soon as it was parked outside, exposed to the weather, a very bad water leak appeared. I constantly get water on the floor of the passenger side. This leak fried my blower motor, resulting in no heat. The blower motor was replaced, but the leak is still present. Once again, I find myself with no heat. The blower motor works, but is not getting any power to it. The resistor has been replaced, and all fuses and relays are fine. Driving in connecticut with no heat in the winter is a difficult task.

Questions about the 2003 Ford Taurus electrical

Does the 2003 Ford Taurus have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 97 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Ford Taurus, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 73,348 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Ford Taurus electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Taurus have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Taurus model years with the most electrical complaints are 1993 (157 complaints), 2003 (97 complaints) and 1995 (95 complaints).

Other 2003 Ford Taurus problems

Transmission 316Suspension 313Visibility 196Body 111Engine 90Acceleration 88Airbags 46Lights 46Brakes 44Fuel system 24Tires 18Steering 12Wheels 8Locks 5Seats 3Driver assistance 2Seat belts 2

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