2003 Ford Taurus NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA Taurus Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Ford Taurus have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 2003 Taurus Investigations
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BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE Defect Investigation for the 2003 Taurus
Vehicle Component: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch*
Summary: 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 adjustable pedals that were not included in recall 01V-078, and failures in MY 2000 vehicles with fixed pedals.(note: The manufacturer failure data in this resume includes all crashes and injuries, but the complaint information is limited to MY 2001-02 vehicles that were not included in the scope of recall 01V-078.)on March 1, 2004, Ford notified NHTSA of a safety defect in MY 2000 through early-2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals and MY 2000 subject vehicles equipped with fixed pedals (recall 04V-106). The notification identified three factors contributing to brake light circuit failures:(1) continuing grease contamination issues that prompted 01V-078; (2) misalignment of the booster rod pin and the brake light switch; and (3) wire assembly fatigue. The first two conditions were limited to vehicles with adjustable pedals and the latter condition affected vehicles with fixed pedals. Ford will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the brake light switch and associated wiring replaced with a re-designed brake light switch and wiring assembly.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ03008 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on March 05 2004 and there was a recall ordered: #04V106000
* This defect investigation is filed under 6 related vehicle components.
ENGINE STALLING FFV Defect Investigation for the 2003 Taurus
Vehicle Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage*
Summary: On October 11, 2006, public citizen petitioned ODI to investigate reports of engine stalls caused by E85 fuel in certain model year (MY) 2003 - 2005 Ford Taurus flex-fuel vehicles (FFV). ODI's review of the petition and other available data found a low stall rate attributable to E-85 fueling and that the main concerns,prolonged engine start and rough idle during cold engine startup at winter temperatures, were resolved by an engine software update. To ensure that all subject vehicles receive this update, Ford initiated a notification campaign to offer free engine computer recalibration. Based on this information, this defect petition is denied. This denial should not be construed as a finding that no safety defect exists. ODI reserves the right to reconsider this issue if future data warrant. Additional details can be found in the federal register notice posted in the DP06-005 public file.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #DP06005 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on December 28 2007 and no recall was issued.
* This defect investigation is filed under 23 related vehicle components.
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture Defect Investigation for the 2003 Taurus
Vehicle Component: Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
Summary: To date, ODI is aware of 2,401 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 1,411 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 3,645 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is also aware of four minor crashes related to the alleged defect resulting in one minor injury. With greater than eight years of exposure, a large subject vehicle population and approximately 2,052 reported front tire punctures caused by fractured coil springs (at all speeds), there have been no reported severe crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. The real world consequences of these defective coil springs have been a small number of minor control problems that resulted in minor damage; suggesting that the effect of the defect on vehicle control is minor. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of Agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See the EA08-018 engineering analysis closing report for more details.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA08018 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on June 30 2011 and no recall was issued.