2003 Ford Taurus SEL Centennial Edition from North America - Comments

-Fluttering noise in front left quarter panel. (Dealer has been unable to fix).

-Brake rotors have warped twice in 3000 miles.

-Vibrations at highway speeds. (Tire Balancing)

-Grinding sound on acceleration from highway speed (was a fault in the Traction Control system).

The 2003 Taurus SEL Centennial is a great looking car. It also drives and performs extremely well for a car in its proce class. The interior is very well appointed with lots of (fake) wood and leather. I'm really impressed with this Taurus. It is my 5th Taurus - so I guess I like them. However, in virtually every model year I've owned (1989, 1990, 1994, 2001, 2003) I've had issues with vibrations, noises and brake rotors. The Taurus comes in under the price point of Camry's and Accords though - so it is a small price to pay for what is otherwise a very nice car for the money.

Warped rotors are not nessarily the cars fault, over tightning of wheel lug nuts is major cause of this problem. I know because I have experienced this. A torque wrench set at appropriate poundage will eliminate warped rotors.

I purchased one also, that fluttering noise is the lining in the front quarter panel, I just got mine repaired FINALLY on 7/7/04 after no one hearing it or finding the problem. I barked up the right tree this time. Have them check that area, it's a KNOWN FACT that the repair techs don't get paid as much for warranty work.

I have been experiencing the same "fluttering" sound coming from the drivers side front quarter panel on my 2003 Ford Taurus, anytime you got the car above 50 mph. I have had it back in the shop twice to have them check this. Like you said you said, the first time the techs "could not hear anything". The second time I was told by another tech "it was just the wind whistling around the molding" and there was "nothing they could do about it". I couldn't help, but wonder if the design team that tested this car was "asleep at the wheel". It was very aggravating to think that I had to put up with this problem on a "new" car. Thanks you for your comment posting, it has given me new hope to confront them again with a possible solution.

I am amazed to read the prior comments! ALL of them report the same problem I am having with my 2003 Ford Taurus Centennial Edition: I have been experiencing the same "fluttering" sound coming from the driver's side front quarter panel, anytime the car is in the 65-75 mph range (I use the car mostly for interstate highway trips). I too have had it back to the dealer twice to have them check this. It is a tinny sound, as if a plastic supermarket grocery bag were flapping below the left mirror. Now I see this is not just an aberration of my car only, but seems to be a standard characteristic - Ford, please DO something! Other than that noise, this is a very nice car, but that noise is extremely annoying to me.

I am considering buying out my lease on my 2003 Taurus as I have only 2100k on it in three years. (I'm not much for driving).

My problem is with the passenger window, it makes a noise when it is raised and it rattles except ever when the mechanics are listening for it. I wonder if this is a quick fix? I have never had a "fluttering sound" and I have had car at higher speeds on the highway. Wonder if this is something yet to come?

Bonnie

Langley B.C.

I have experienced the same problem with the fluttering in my dash. I took it back to the dealer, and they couldn't fix it, but in return gave me more rattles in the dash, they also fixed the pillars that was suppose to quieten the wind noise, they are now noisier. I wish that I had never taken it in to the dealer, they made a mountain out of a mole hill and then turned their backs... Still I love the car, my oldest sister just purchased a 05 on my recommendation. It is a great car and excellent value. Ford needs to reevaluate the discontinuation of Taurus in 09.

Kent

Southern Idaho.