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: engine and engine cooling
65 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,153.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jun 24, 2014
IN MARCH 2013 I TOOK MY FORD FOCUS IN TO REPLACE MOTOR MOUNTS, RETURNED IN APRIL FOR THE SAME AWFUL VIBRATION WHILE HEATER WAS ON AND WHILE IDLING. THE MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS WAS FAULTY AND HE REPLACED. I AM TAKING MY FOCUS BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT IS STILL VIBRATING WHILE IN IDLE WHILE THE AC IS ON. THE FIRST FEW TIMES AFTER HE REPLACED THE FAULTY MOTOR MOUNT IT DID THE SAME THING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT'LL JUST RUN LIKE THAT AND THAT HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE TRANSMISSION, ALL MOUNTS LOOK GOOD. AND MY SOMETIMES MY STEERING IS OFF AT 35 MILES PER HOUR. I ONLY USE MY FOCUS FOR IN TOWN I DON'T USE TO TRAVEL OUT OF CITY OR STATE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I AM DISABLED AND I NEED MY CAR RUNNING GOOD. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE IT. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2011
THIS VEHICLE WITH 110K MILES TURNS OUT THE VALVE SEAT OF CYLINDER #4 BROKE OFF INSIDE THE ENGINE AND IRREPARABLY DAMAGED THE PISTON, CYLINDER AND CYLINDER HEAD OF WHICH THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS WITH A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS OPTION IS MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS VALUED. ON FURTHER RESEARCH OF BOTH MY MECHANIC AND I AS WE SEARCHED THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN IT SHOULD. IT SEEMS THAT FORD SHOULD PUT A RECALL TO FIX THESE VALVE SEATS BEFORE ANYMORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO UNNECESSARILY SPEND THOUSANDS TO REPAIR THE ENGINE OR LOSE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A UNDRIVABLE JUNK CAR, SUCH AS MYSELF. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FURTHER AND LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS INDEED AN INHERENT PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT IS CRACKED. WHEN IT CRACKED, AND STARTED TO LEAK, IT CAUSED A LOT OF SMOKE, AND WHEN IT STARTED TO LEAK, DUE TO THE TEMPERATURE OF THE COOLANT INSIDE, IT BURNED THROUGH OTHER HOSES ATTACHED AND ALMOST STARTED A FIRE. THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC (SHOULD BE MADE OF SOME TYPE OF METAL SUCH AS ALUMINUM DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES INVOLVED CONSISTENTLY), AND 4 CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIANS THAT I TALKED TO SAID THAT THEY REPLACE DOZENS OF THEM ON FORD FOCUS EVERY YEAR. THEY SAY THAT "IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD'S VARIOUS FOCUS YEARS, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A LONG TIME AGO." EVEN THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE FOLLOWING "YEAH, FORD KNOWS IT'S A PROBLEM; THAT'S WHY WE ALWAYS KEEP THAT PARTICULAR PART IN STOCK." LITERALLY, THERE ARE TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PART, AND HOW IT HAS CAUSED SERIOUS HARM AND DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM STARTS BY SOME COOLANT LEAKING SLOWLY, AND WITHIN A WEEK (EVEN AFTER CONTINUOUSLY ADDING COOLANT), THE LEAK BECOMES LARGER AND LARGER, CAUSING THE DAMAGE LISTED ABOVE, AND CAUSING THE HEATER TO NOT WORK. WHY IS THIS A VERY WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM TO FORD; A PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY DO NOTHING FOR THE TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM? THE PART IS $75 FROM FORD AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PAY LABOR TOO, WHICH IS ABOUT $150-$200. THE FORD REPLACEMENT PART# FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART IS RH157. I HAVE THE OLD PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIMING BELT FRACTURED AND RESULTED IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2010
SAFETY HAZARD-- UPPER MOTOR MOUNT ON 2003 FORD FOCUS MALFUNCTIONS/ DISINTEGRATES WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF INSTALLATION; WHETHER BY GARAGE, DEALER, OR OWNER. IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MOUNT (WHEN CAUGHT) FOUR TIMES AND FOUND IT AGAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE OEM PARTS SAY GUARANTEED BUT IT CONSTANTLY COST TO REMOVE, REPACKAGE, SHIP, AND THEN REPLACE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN ABNORMALLY JUMPING. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY START AND WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL UNTIL THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,007.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2009
COOLANT LEAK AND ENGINE OVERHEATING. FORTUNATELY NOTICED IT BEFORE THE ENGINE SEIZED. STOPPED VEHICLE AND TOPPED UP WITH FLUID TO JUST MAKE IT BACK TO HOME. DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT NONE OF THE HOSES WERE DEFECTIVE. PERFORMED AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR THE PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE HAVE DOCUMENTED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET - ITS A LEAK FORM THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. DEFECTIVE PART ! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2009
2003 FORD FOCUS, EARLY MORNING SQUEAKING, MID DAY, VIBRATING, LATE AFTERNOON, CAR STARTS TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AND AS I DRIVE INTO MY DRIVEWAY A REALLY LOUD BANGING NOISE COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR, SO LOUD IT SCARED ME, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND NOTICE THAT THE METAL MOUNTS THAT HOLD THE ENGINE BROKE IN HALF AND A PIECE WAS STILL ON THE MOTOR. MY ENGINE WAS HANGING FROM THE LEFT SIDE, YOU COULD SEE IT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY COMES OUT TO CHECK THE DAMAGES AND SAID IN HIS 22 YEARS OF VIEWING VEHICLES FOR CLAIMS HE'S NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. MY MILEAGE IS 59,528, I'M STILL PAYING FOR THIS CAR, UNTIL 2012. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A SIX YEAR OLD CAR WITH THIS LITTLE MILEAGE. I CALLED FORD TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SITUATION. I WAS TOLD NO. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO SEARCH FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2003 FORD FOCUS, FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SEVERAL REGARDING THE VIBRATING OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE RELATING TO MOTOR MOUNT PROBLEMS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS INCIDENT CREATED A PROBLEM WITH THE AXEL AS WELL. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME A LOT OF MONEY. WAITING FOR AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS ON 5/9/09. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2009
I WAS SEATING IN A TACOBELL DRIVETHRU, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2008
NO EVENTS LED TO THIS IGNITION WILL NOT TURN - HAPPENS EACH TIME I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR - AT TIMES IT WILL TURN WITH ENOUGH JIGGLING - HAS LEFT ME STRANDED WITH NO RIDE TAKING IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT, BUT THIS IS A KNOWN FORD FOCUS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Sep 15, 2008
I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, THE WATER PUMP, THE THERMOSTAT, AND ALL RADIATOR HOSES. THE CAR OVERHEATS DAILY STILL. THE STEREO CUTS ON AND OFF AND CAN'T BE TURNED OFF BY THE POWER BUTTON. THE REAR LEFT SEATBELT IS STUCK WHERE IT CAN'T BE USED. THE DRIVER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR, WHEN THE PANEL WAS REMOVED IT SHOWED THAT THE WHOLE WIRE SYSTEM HAD SNAPPED. THE DRIVER DOOR ALSO CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START IN THE MORNINGS AND IT WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGHLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REMEDY THE ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT BLOW COLD AIR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2008
AFTER PLACING THE DOWN PAYMENT OF $1500 AND COMPLETING THE PAPERWORK. NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND I DROVE IT TO FREEWAY FORD HERE IN HOUSTON, TX. EACH TIME THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I HADN'T ENJOYED THE CAR OVER A MONTH BECAUSE THE CAR WAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS WHEN I HAD IT AND IT STAYED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE DEALERSHIP ASSISTANT MANAGER AND NEITHER HAD AN ANSWER. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2008
I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK 2.3L. AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND STEERING WHEEL LOCK COMPLETELY. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE, MY CAR KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THE WHEEL REMAINS LOCKED, IN TURN THE VEHICLE BECOMES COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. I CALL TO FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANT PROMPTED ME TO QUICKLY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE TURNING THE IGNITION FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS. I HAD BEEN ABLE TO TURN ON THE CAR UP TO 5 TIMES USING THIS SYSTEM ALTHOUGH ONCE AT THE MECHANIC THE CAR WILL NO LONGER TURN ON, THE MECHANIC MUST NOW DRILL A HOLE INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS STARTED ON MY VEHICLE ON SUNDAY JUNE 29TH. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AS A CAR THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE MOTORIST TO TURN ON THE IGNITION CAN LEAD TO POSSIBLE CRASHES IF THE CAR BECOMES STALLED IN A HIGHWAY ETC. *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
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2008, fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON APRIL 12TH, 2008. 2-3 HS AFTER BEING PARKED ON THE STREET THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET, BUT ACCORDING TO THE FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED NEAR THE CONSOLE AREA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2008
2003 FORD FOCUS CAR HAS (2) DIFFERENT TYPE SPARK PLUGS INSTALLED AT FACTORY CAUSING CAR NOT TO RUN NORMAL. FORD MOTOR CO. DOES NOT HAVE A ANSWER FOR PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 10-30 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SAME REPAIR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,371.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON FOUR OCCASIONS BY FOUR DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THEY STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE SEPARATED, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD STILL BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE VEHICLE, OTHER THAN IT SOUNDING LIKE A HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $900. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2007
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON 04/17/2007 A RAINY DAY THE DRIVER HIT A PUDDLE AND WATER WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE SPORT INTAKE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE OWNERS 60 DAY WARRANTY HAS NOT EXPIRED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $6,000 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 34760. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2007
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK