2003 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,017 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 53 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 52 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 2012
RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
535 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 15, 2008
WITH NO WARNING AND 1000K OUT OF THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OR START THE CAR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER COST $258.44 PLUS TOW. CONSUMERS DO NOT EXPECT A CAR WITH 37K TO FAIL ON THEM LIKE THIS. I COULD HAVE BEEN ON A FAMILY OUTING WITH MY SON WHO IS A DIABETIC. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY REPORTED YET FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. DEPENDABILITY OR LACK THERE OF, IS IMPERATIVE TO THE SAFETY OF A VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, May 14, 2008
IGNITION KEY/CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACE. KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO START CAR. *TR
Electrical system, May 13, 2008
2003 FORD FOCUS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2008
I HAD A CRACK IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR THAT I TOOK TO GET REPAIRED. I DROVE MY CAR THERE, TURNED THE CAR OFF WHILE WAITING FOR THE CUSTOMER IN FRONT OF ME TO PULL UP. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PULLED IT UP TO WHERE THE SERVICEMAN WAS WAITING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I GAVE THEM MY INFORMATION. THE SERVICEMAN THEN TOOK MY CAR, STARTED IT, AND DROVE IT INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THEY DID THE WORK ON THE CAR AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THEY TRIED AND TRIED. IT WOULDN'T TURN. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR ANYTHING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM HOW THIS HAPPENS, IF IT HAPPENED OVER TIME, OR WHAT. THE GUY TOLD ME THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND THEN IT WOULD COST $400 TO GET REPAIRED. JUST OUT OF THE BLUE WITHOUT WARNING HE SAID THAT THE IGNITION COULD GO OUT! I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE ONLY HAD TO REPAIR THE IGNITION SWITCH AT VIRTUALLY HALF THE PRICE USING FORD DEALER PARTS! IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE THAT SOMETHING AS VITAL AS THE IGNITION CAN JUST STOP AT ANY TIME! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2008
WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, WHEELS TURNED, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THE IGNITION CYLINDER WILL NOT TURN I.E. THE KEY WON'T TURN THE IGNITION. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MORNING. WHEN PUSHING IN ON THE KEY, THE KEY WAS ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION. IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN IN IGNITION. I TALKED TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THEY WERE BOTH AWARE WITH THE PROBLEM AND THE TEMPORARY SOLUTION. I TALKED TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND HE SAID HE AS SEE THIS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES. HE TOLD ME THAT FORD STOP USING THIS TYPE OF IGNITION SYSTEM HOWEVER, CHEVROLET STARTED USING THIS SYSTEM AND HE HAS SEEN THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH NEW CHEVROLETS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER 15 MINUTES OF TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION VARIOUS WAYS, THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE, TRANSMISSION TYPE, FUEL TYPE, AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2008
PLACE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THERE IS ONLY 50K ON THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED IN THE BACKYARD, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WINDOW. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE LOCKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THAT FAILURE AS WELL. AFTERWARDS, THE IGNITION CYLINDER BEGAN TO FAIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND HAD TO PAY $300. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 5,000. UPDATED 05/21/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUNK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AS WELL. UPDATED. 05/20/08. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2008
PREMATURE FAILURE OF IGNITION MODULE, COULD HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY. AFTER TALKING TO DEALERSHIP AND OTHER FORD SOURCES, DEALERS FIX AT LEAST A FOCUS A WEEK WITH THE SAME ISSUE, THIS IS AN EXTENSIVE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION ONLY IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. HE NOTIFIED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS THAT ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. EVERYONE REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING A LOCKSMITH. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE KEY REMAINS IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SHE CALLED A MECHANIC AND THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,382. UPDATED 04/22/08. *LJ
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2008
THE KEY IGNITION IS LOCKED AND WON'T TURN ON THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN IN MY 2003 FORD FOCUS. LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE AIRPORT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2008
PLACED KEY INTO 2003 FORD FOCUS AND CANNOT TURN KEY IN IGNITION. THE IGNITION IS LOCKED UP. CAR HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES!!! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 22, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WITH 27,000 MILES. FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OUT SUDDENLY. THIS IS NOT A FUSE PROBLEM, AS THE WAY TO GET THEM BACK ON IS TO TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHTS AND THEN TURN THEM BACK ON. OFTEN THIS PROBLEM WILL OCCUR SEVERAL TIMES DURING ONE TRIP; AT OTHER TIMES IT WILL "SOLVE" THE PROBLEM FOR MONTHS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON HIGH-SPEED HIGHWAYS AND IT IS DISCONCERTINGLY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS CRITICAL TO KNOW ONE'S SPEED. I BELIEVE (FROM THE INTERNET) THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. FORD, HOWEVER, DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM, OR HOW TO FIX IT OTHER THAN TAKING IT TO A DEALER AT MY EXPENSE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 22, 2008
I GOT IN MY CAR AND PLACED THE KEY IN TO START YESTERDAY AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE IGNITION HAD LOCKED UP. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, HOWEVER, THIS MORNING. I WAS TRYING TO RETURN HOME AND UNABLE TO START MY CAR, I HAD TO WAIT IN MY CAR FOR AN HOUR UNTIL SOMEONE COULD BRING ME THE KEY (IT IS CURRENTLY 22 OUT). THE KEY STILL WILL NOT TURN AFTER SEVERAL TRIES. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING TO GET IT FIXED TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY OTHER WAY. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF 2003 FORD FOCUS OWNERS HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2008
TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THE SAME DAY THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY COULD NOT REMOVE THE BULB BECAUSE WHEN THE BULB "SHORTED," IT MELTED PLASTIC AROUND THE BULB. I HAD TO BUY AN ENTIRELY NEW TAIL LIGHT AND SOCKET ASSEMBLY FOR OVER $100. I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THIS HAPPENS "A LOT" ON THE FOCUS WAGONS AND HE HAD REPLACED 6 OF THEM THAT DAY. WHEN I EXPRESSED MY ANGER AND DISBELIEF AT THE COST AND ASKED WHY THIS WASN'T A RECALL ITEM, HE SAID NOT TO BLAME HIM BECAUSE HE DIDN'T DESIGN IT. I AM ANGRY ABOUT THE COST, BUT ALSO WHETHER THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. IT WAS 5 DEGREES THE DAY THIS HAPPENED AND SUCH A "SHORT CIRCUIT" MAY HAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND MY KEY WONT START MY CAR. WHEN YOU PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE KEY WONT TURN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT PLACED HER KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2008
DEFECT IN THE KEY IGNITION; KEY WOULD GET STUCK AND CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON AT ALL. YOUR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TURN ON THE CAR AT ALL. THE KEYS WOULD BE 100.00 EACH AND THEY HAD TO BE PROGRAM. SEVERAL REPAIRS FINALLY HAD TO REPLACE THE HOLD IGNITION FOR A TOTAL OF 411.62. THIS WAS A DEFECT ON THE FORD COMPANIES PART; DID A SMALL SURVEY AND EVERYONE WITH FORD VEHICLES OR FORD FOCUSES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM; BUT HAD TO PAY OF THEIR POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS WHEN THEIR WARRANTY RAN OUT. I BELIEVE FORD OWES ME FOR THE REPAIR. THE DOORS ALSO GET STUCK AND WON'T OPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2003 FORD FOCUS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN. LEFT STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2008
THE IGNITION ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS KEEPS SEIZING UP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE KEY TO TURN IS TO TAP IT WITH A HAMMER. I RAN A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR FORD FOCUS STEERING LOCK AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. MANY OF WHICH SAID THAT FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM AND CHARGED THEM FOR THE REPAIR. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE YET AND AM RELUCTANT TO WASTE MY TIME WITH THE DEALER GIVEN THE COMPLAINTS I SEE AND THE FACT I COULD HAVE IT DONE CHEAPER ELSEWHERE. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS AND RECALL OR REIMBURSE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN COLD WEATHER. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE IGNITION PART WAS REDESIGNED IN 2005 AND NOW FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN. IT'S LIKE THE KEY IS FROM THE WRONG CAR OR SOMETHING. I WAS STUCK IN 5 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW-TRUCK DRIVER TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH WAS CLOSED ANYWAY. THE TWO-TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME THAT HE'S PERSONALLY SEEN ABOUT A HUNDRED FOCUSES (FOCI?) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT THEY ARE "NOTORIOUS" AMONG THE TOW-TRUCK DRIVERS FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN, AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME, BUT NOW I HAVE LOOKED ON THE WEB AND SEEN THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THERE IS A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER IT. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2008
THE IGNITION ON OUR 2003 FORD FOCUS FAILED. I WAS OUT OF TOWN VISITING RELATIVES IN OMAHA AND STOPPED AT THE OMAHA SAMS CLUB. WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE TO GO HOME, THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. IT WAS FROZEN SO THE KEY COULD NOT MOVE IT AT ALL. AS A RESULT, I WAS STUCK AT A STORE. I CALLED RELATIVES AND WE ARRANGED FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND WE WERE BILLED $339.00 FOR THE REPAIR. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON ANY VEHICLE YET IT IS SUPPOSEDLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS. *TR