is it common for a 2003 taurus gas tank to rust out or leak gas

All depends on where you live if you live in an area where there is a lot of road salt being used during the winter or by the beach then yes it is common or you may have purchased the vehicle from someone that lived with it under those conditions.

The rust usually comes from the outside of the tank under the retaining straps.

MY 2003 FORD TAURUS SMELL OF GAS. AND LIKE TO KNOW WHERE IS THE SMELL COMING FROM COULD ANYONE HELP.

My mother’s Ford Taurus passenger rear corner of the gas tank is also leaking I was hoping it was coming from the hose that connects to the tank but unfortunately it looks to be coming from the seam where the tanks are put together. Called ford and they say no recall on that issue pretty horrible. Was it better to replace the tank or band aid it with epoxy?

Replace it!!!

Thank you