Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
โ 4 open recallsโ 1223 owner complaints (high)โ Not yet NHTSA crash-ratedโ 15+ year old vehicleโ VIN fully verified
Vehicle ReportReport
VIN 1FAFP55U03A242094 identifies a sedan โ the 2003 Ford Taurus SE. This specific unit was assembled at the HAPEVILLE, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES (USA) facility, one of Ford's North American production plants.
This vehicle carries a notable 4 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads, exterior lighting:brake lights:switch, engine and engine cooling. All recalls must be repaired by a Ford dealer at no charge to the owner. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 16 highway), which represents below-average for its class fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $4450 at national average gas prices.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 2003 Ford Taurus SE falls in an estimated used-market range of $7,100โ$11,100. The recall history may provide some negotiating leverage. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. These require a paid vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
Plant StateGEORGIAPlant CountryUNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIPNot availableDest. MarketNot available
Vehicle Descriptor1FAFP55U*3AGVWRClass 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls4Recall StatusActive recalls found
Overall Risk LevelModerate RiskABSNot available
ESCNot availableTraction ControlNot available
Safety Ratings
Overall RatingNot rated by NHTSAFront Crash RatingNot rated by NHTSA
Side Crash RatingNot rated by NHTSARollover RiskNot rated by NHTSA
Safety Recalls
16E02600001/04/2016
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...
Risk: 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...
04V10600002/03/2004
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...
Risk: 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...
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...
04V10500002/03/2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
Risk: 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.
03V08700010/03/2003
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.
Risk: 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...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
NoneNHTSA
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
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Owner Complaints
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESโ 1 Injury03/10/2025
Vehicle was involved in a collision with major front...
Vehicle was involved in a collision with major front end damage and no airbags deployed. The brakes have been soft or spongy. I have not seen any leaks...
At times the vehicle accelerates by itself albeit I...
At times the vehicle accelerates by itself albeit I am not touching the gas pedal. While driving the vehicle at 45 mph, I take my foot off of...
POWER TRAIN04/28/2022
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact...
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle out of the park(P) after starting the vehicle, which required the brake pedal...
EXTERIOR LIGHTING04/14/2022
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact...
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...
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER04/02/2022
Windshield
Windshield
SERVICE BRAKES08/30/2021
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact...
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated the vehicle failed to release from the park position. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was...
POWER TRAIN02/07/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD TAURUS. THE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SLOWING DOWN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WHILE SWITCHING GEARS THE...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING02/06/2020
MY INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE I'M DRIVING, AND...
MY INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE I'M DRIVING, AND WILL STAY ON 2-3 HOURS AFTER THE ENGINE HAS STOPPED.
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 4 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓Check digit (position 9) validates
✓VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 1223 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,440/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1FAFP55U03A242094 decode to?+
VIN 1FAFP55U03A242094 decodes to a 2003 FORD Taurus SE, assembled in HAPEVILLE, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2003 FORD Taurus have?+
This 2003 FORD Taurus has 4 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2003 FORD Taurus with open recalls?+
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs โ they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2003 FORD Taurus?+
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2003 FORD Taurus SE is estimated at $7,100โ$11,100. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?+
Yes โ VinForFree is 100% free with no signup, no credit card, and no hidden fees. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2003 FORD Taurus get?+
According to EPA data, the 2003 FORD Taurus gets approximately 14 MPG combined (12 city / 16 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $4,450.