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, Oct 19, 2006
2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION IS LOCKING UP WITH THE KEY IN IT MULTIPLE TIMES. *NM
Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED RESULTING IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER KEY BEING REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER. WHILE SEARCHING THE NHTSA WEBSITE, COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND WHERE THIS OCCURRED TO VEHICLES AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER KEY WAS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THIS REPAIR DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A PERMANENT FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THERE WAS AN ODOROUS SMELL WHEN THE HEATING FAN WAS TURNED ON AND THE SMELL OCCASIONALLY OCCURRED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR THE ODOROUS SMELL.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 2, 2006
1ST- TRUNK LATCH DOES NOT DISENGAGE, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MY NEAREST TOWN. AFTER 3-4 TIMES OF ADJUSTING AND OILING, IT STILL DOES NOT RELEASE CORRECTLY, WHEN YOU PUSH THE DASHBOARD RELEASE, OPEN THE TRUNK IT CLOSES THE LATCH ON ITS OWN, YOU CANT CLOSE THE TRUNK UNLESS YOU REPRESS THE DASH RELEASE, WHICH IS DIFFICULT WITH ARMS FULL, OR PULL THE SAFETY RELEASE PROVIDED FOR NOT GETTING LOCKED IN THE TRUNK, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR. 2ND- MY IGNITION FROZE UP YESTERDAY MORNING. NO FOR WARNING. HADN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS. NOW I HAVE TO GET BACK TO MY CAR AND GET IT TO THE GARAGE. BEING NEWER TO THE AREA AND NO OTHER VEHICLE AT MY DISPOSAL IT IS DEFINITELY GOING TO COST ME NOT TO MENTION THE REPAIR COST. 3RD- OH MY GOD--- I JUST READ ABOUT THE BACK DOOR PROBLEMS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING, I TRANSPORT VERY PRECIOUS CARGO BACK THERE, MY GRAND CHILDREN, BEING THAT THERE ARE 3 OF THEM TWO HAVE TO BE BY THE DOOR. I WILL HAVE THE SERVICE AREA CHECK MY DOORS WHEN THEY FIX THE IGNITION. WHY WASN'T I TOLD ABOUT THIS. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2006
FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS SE. KEY SWITCH JUST STOPPED TURNING. REPLACEMENT OF SWITCH: PART $89, TOWING: $60, LABOR $250...GETTING THE STEERING WHEEL FIXED LATER, AFTER IT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY: $100. I HAVE DONE A SEARCH ON THIS FAILURE...THERE ARE MANY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE FORD FOCUS ENTHUSIASTS SITES. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE WITH A PAIR OF PLIERS, WHICH ALLOWED THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE ENGINE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2006
(1) NO EVENT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE; IT WAS UNEXPECTED (2) THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED ON THE VEHICLE,WHICH RESULTED IN US NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR. (3) THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE ARE AWAITING TO HERE THE RESULTS FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Sep 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE STARTER FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE FLYWHEEL AND THE STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THIRTY TIMES FOR THE FOLLOWING FAILURES: BRAKES ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES; BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED; THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER THE SECOND ATTEMPT TO REPAIR IT. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REWIRED. THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE VALVES; THE REAR DOOR LATCHES WERE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL # 05V300000. THE DEALERSHIP HAD NOT CORRECTED THE NOISES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO COOPERATED IN FINDING A SUITABLE RESOLUTION. THE LAST PROBLEM FOUND BY THE DEALERSHIP WAS THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE HEADS. THE ENGINE HEADS WERE ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FRAME.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2006
THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD FOCUS WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES, THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CAR REFUSED TO START. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL, MAKING A TOW DIFFICULT. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RISK OF DRIVERS BEING STRANDED IN UNSAFE PLACES WHERE THEY COULD BE RAPED, ROBBED OR MURDERED. FORTUNATELY, THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE AND I IN OUR APARTMENT COMPLEX, HOWEVER THERE ARE REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE NOT BEING SO LUCKY. HIXSON FORD CHARGED US $289.69 TO REPAIR THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER PLUS WE PAID $65 TO TOW THE VEHICLE. BELOW IS A LIST OF WEBSITES DOCUMENTING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THE FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKING UP AND RENDERING THE CAR INOPERABLE. SOME EVEN COMPLAIN OF IT HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING: HTTP://CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_IGNITION.HTML HTTP://WWW.FAZMICLAW.COM/FOCUS.HTML HTTP://WWW.WJLA.COM/NEWS/STORIES/0706/347339.HTML HTTP://CBS5.COM/INVESTIGATES/LOCAL_STORY_041015136.HTML HTTP://WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/FOCUSIC/PETITION.HTML HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA50DC HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-493.HTML HTTP://THS.GARDENWEB.COM/FORUMS/LOAD/CARS/MSG062031202524.HTML?20 HTTP://WWW.COMPLAINTS.COM/DIRECTORY/2004/DECEMBER/12/7.HTM HTTP://WWW.COMPLAINTS.COM/DIRECTORY/2005/JULY/5/17.HTM HTTP://FORUMS.FOCALJET.COM/PROBLEMS-SERVICE-RECALLS/416401-PLEASE-POST-IF-YOUR-IGNITION-HAS-LOCKED-13.HTML THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2006
MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKING UP ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE IGNITION LOCKED UP ON ME AS I WAS LEAVING MY MOTHER'S HOUSE AUGUST 12, 2006. WHEN I INSERTED MY KEY I FOUND THAT IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL AND THE STEERING COLUMN HAD LOCKED UP AS WELL. LEAVING ME STRANDED, I CALLED A TOW TRUCK WHO TOWED MY CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN WHICH I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME I WAS THE FOURTH FOCUS HE HAD TOWED THAT WEEK WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, SO I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY MORNING TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND GET MY CAR BACK. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED ALL WEEKEND, WHICH MEANT I MISSED WORK ALL WEEKEND. I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED ON MY CAR, ESPECIALLY KNOWING THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES FOR YEARS. MY MAIN CONCERN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND REASON I AM SO UPSET IS THAT FORD HAS SAID THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I SAY TO THEM THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. WHAT IF YOUR CAR STALLS OUT ON TRAIN TRACKS AND YOU CAN'T GET IT TO START UP AGAIN? I THINK THAT WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT ABOUT IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE COAST AND YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE DUE TO A HURRICANE OR SOME OTHER NATURAL DISASTER? WHAT IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO SOMEONE IN NEW ORLEANS DURING KATRINA? ARE YOU GOING TO TELL THEM IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO COME AND DRILL OUT THE IGNITION CYLINDER BEFORE THEY CAN EVACUATE? I THINK THAT FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES AND THEY SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW I WILL NEVER BE BUYING ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION LOCKED AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AS BEING ROUGH IN TURNING THE KEY BUT GRADUALLY WORSENED TO NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER.
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2006
I OWN A 2003 FORD FOCUS, AND LIKE MANY OTHER FORD CUSTOMERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, I HAD MY IGNITION LOCK JAM UP TO THE POINT WHERE IT CANNOT BE STARTED WITH THE KEY. IT WILL PROBABLY REQUIRE A NEW CYLINDER, WHICH, ACCORDING TO OTHER COMPLAINTS, WILL BREAK JUST AS EASILY. CLEARLY FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE SOME CREDIT FOR SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE. IT'S JUST FORTUNATE THAT NO ONE CAN BECOME INJURED FROM THIS PARTICULAR CASE OF BAD ENGINEERING. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON. THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN. IT FREEZES UP. I HAVE TRIED ANOTHER KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WITH NO SUCCESS. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND THE IGNITION FAILS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO START. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THIS IS NOT SAFE I HAVE A TWO YEAR OLD CHILD AND IN AN EMERGENCY I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE OR WE MAY GET STRANDED. FORD REFUSES TO HELP. THERE IS NO RECALL TO MY KNOWLEDGE AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2006
I OWN A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND TODAY I WENT OUT TO MY CAR TO GET SOME LUNCH WHEN MY IGNITION LOCKED. I CANNOT START MY CAR. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE EXCEPT BRING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH THAT MANUFACTURER KNOWS IS BAD. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2006
2003 FORD FOCUS (WHICH IS DRIVEN BY TEENAGER- FEMALE) IGNITION LOCK FAILURE. BASICALLY WHEN IT FAILS YOU ARE STUCK (CAN NOT START VEHICLE)! AT THE MOMENT VEHICLE SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY. $400.00 PRICE TAG TO FIX A PROBLEM - THAT FORD IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF. I AM NOT SURE I WANT MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY GET HER STRANDED SOMEWHERE UNSAFE! *NM
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2006
I WAS LEFT STRANDED WHEN MY IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT WORK IN MY 2003 FORD FOCUS. CALLED A LOCKSMITH AND HE SAID IT TAKE ABOUT $300.00 TO REPAIR IT. MY WIFE HAD TO DRIVE 1 HOUR TO COME AND GET ME AND I LOST A DAY OF WORK, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD TO LOSE. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2006
IGNITION LOCKED AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO START. SOMETIMES THE IGNITION LOCKS FOR HOURS AND SOMETIMES DAYS. IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! THIS IS A FAMILY CAR AND IT'S UNRELIABLE! *NM
Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2006
SEVERAL PARTS FAILURES, INCLUDING ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, MUFFLER,TRANSMISSION, AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2006
THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION ONCE INSERTED IN THE KEYLOCK, THIS LEAVING ME ON THE PARKING LOT FOR HOURS TO WAIT FOR A TOW-TRUCK. THE CAR HAS ONLY 40K MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME $200 TO REPLACE THE LOCK CYLINDER. THAT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST, BUT THIS TIME IT WAS FOR REAL I GUESS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Visibility, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 13, 2006
OWNER OF A FORD FOCUS/2003. IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP AND HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED ($45.00) AS WELL AS PAY FOR REPAIRS ($183.00). CALLED FORD HEADQUARTERS AND TALKED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT BEING REIMBURSED. I ALSO MENTIONED THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING WITH MY GAUGES. UPON STARTING CAR, GAUGES ARE ALL OUT OF WACK, SWINGING BACK AND FORTH AND LANDING ON ZERO. AFTER BEING ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 15 OR 20 MINUTES THEY WILL POSITIONED AT THE RIGHT PLACE. THE REPRESENTATIVE SEEM TO ONLY CARE TO HEAR ABOUT ONE OF THE PROBLEM (IGNITION SWITCH) AND NOT THE OTHER ONE. I WAS PUT ON HOLD FOR A WHILE AND WHEN REP RETURN SHE TOLD ME TO CALL COMPANY THAT WAS REPAIRING MY FOCUS AND THEY WILL HELP ME IN THIS MATTER. I CALLED THE COMPANY AND THE GUY THAT EAGERLY TOOK MY MONEY STATED THAT HE WILL DO A CLAIM FOR ME AND HE STATED THAT I WILL GET SOME OF MY MONEY BUT NOT ALL OF IT BACK. IN CHECKING THE RECALLS I SEE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKUP IS ONE OF THEM. I ONLY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. MY WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED AND INSURANCE SAYS I MUST PAY $250 BEFORE THEY FIX IT, WHEN TURNING ON AIR CONDITIONER, DRIVING SEEM DIFFICULT (HARD TO PULL), LIFTGATE WATER LEAKS, AND UPON PURCHASING MY CAR, BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING; I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER AND HE TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THAT THE BRAKES WERE NEW AND HAD TO BE BROKEN IN. WELL THEY ARE STILL SQUEAKING AFTER A YEAR IN A HALF. I NEED ALL OF THESE THINGS FIXED ON MY CAR, RIGHT NOW I AM A MONTH BEHIND IN CAR PAYMENTS (GOOD RECORD ON MAKING MY PAYMENTS), HAD TO USE THE MONEY TO GET THE IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRED. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2006
FORD FOCUS 2003 KEY CYLINDER FREEZES. COST TO CUSTOMER ~ $300 REPAIR. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ACCORDING TO SEVERAL FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGERS I SPOKE WITH. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2006
DROVE THE CAR TO THE GROCERY STORE. AFTER SHOPPING, I ENTERED THE CAR & PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN, THE KEY CYLINDER WAS FROZEN. IT WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS, APPARENTLY CAUSED BY WEAK AND RAPIDLY DETERIORATING KEY CYLINDER COMPONENTS. LAST WEEK ALONE, THE MECHANIC REPLACED 3 OF THEM. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED ON INTERNET. JUDGING FROM THE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF POSTS ON THE INTERNET FROM FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT APPEARS TO BACK UP WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS, WHICH HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH COMPONENTS. AS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENTER PROPERLY, EVEN WHILE FULLY ENGAGING THE CLUTCH. THEN ON 6/27/06, THE IGNITION REFUSED TO MOVE--WOULDN'T TURN OR ANYTHING. I HAD TO HITCH A RIDE TO WORK FROM A CO-WORKER, WHO WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY FOR ME, THEN CALL WINNER FORD (DOVER, DE) TO FIND OUT IF THE CHIP IN MY KEY HAD GONE BAD, OR WHAT. THEY INFORMED ME DURING THE CONVERSATION THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AND THAT I WAS UNFORTUNATELY 1 MONTH OUTSIDE OF MY WARRANTY. I ASKED WHY IT WAS NOT RECALLED OR COVERED, AS THERE WERE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS PIECE, AND SHE HAD NO ANSWER. I HAD TO GET TOWED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR, THEN WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WORK WOULD COST OVER 200$ TO FIX THE PROBLEM, WITH ONLY A 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE PART. WHEN ASKED, THE TECH WHO WORKED ON MY CAR INFORMED ME THAT THE SAME PIECE WOULD PROBABLY GO OUT AGAIN, AND AGAIN, OVER THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP. I AM NOW SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TRADING IN THIS CAR. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN, FOR BOTH SAFETY, AND THE HONESTY OF THE DEALERS. A DEALER ON SITE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THESE CARS HAD BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I AM NOT ONE TO SUE OVER SPILT MILK, BUT SOME NOTIFICATION WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE. I'M A GRADUATE STUDENT, WITH A VERY LARGE BILL FOR THESE CLASSES, I CANNOT AFFORD TO DUMP 300$ (AFTER TOWING) INTO A CAR THAT HOLDS NO RESALE VALUE, AND WILL PROBABLY SHOW MANY MORE ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE REST OF MY TIME WITH FORD. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF EVER BUYING A FORD AGAIN. *NM