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: hydraulic
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 3, 2012
MANUFACTURING DEFECT PLACES THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER AGAINST THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE LINE. THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER IS ALLOWED TO RUB A HOLE IN THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE LINE. THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE LINE LEAKED DUE TO WEAR CAUSED BY THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER. LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO A HOLE IN THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE LINE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 4, 2012
LEAKING BRAKE LINE. THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY THE FRONT LEFT PLASTIC INNER FENDER RUBBING AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE. I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES AVAILABLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 1, 2010
BRAKE LOCKUP UNDER ABS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN A BRAKING EVENT SUFFICIENT TO ACTIVATE THE ABS SYSTEM, ALL FOUR BRAKES LOCKUP AND DO NOT RELEASE UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED UNDER WINTER CONDITIONS (SNOW/ICE), IN THE RAIN AND IN THE DRY. THE INCIDENT IN THE RAIN OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TAKE AN EXIT RAMP OFF OF AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR BRIEFLY HYDROPLANED ENOUGH FOR THE ABS TO ACTIVATE, AND THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL WITH THE TIRES LOCKED UP. THE CAR SLID OFF OF THE EXIT RAMP AND INTO THE GRASS, WHERE IT FINALLY CAME TO REST. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE INCIDENTS IN THE DRY TOOK PLACE DURING AN AUTO-CROSS ON A CLOSED COURSE AND WERE SUFFICIENT TO SEVERELY FLAT-SPOT THE TIRES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME ABS IS ENGAGED UNDER HARD BRAKING. OCCASIONALLY, IT IS POSSIBLE TO DOWN-SHIFT AND "DRIVE THROUGH" THE BRAKES WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE IS NO DASH LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. THE REAR-WHEEL TONE RINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE FRONT-WHEEL TONE RINGS HAVE BEEN CLEANED. ALL FOUR SENSORS HAVE BEEN CLEANED AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CHECKED FOR LOOSENESS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2010
AFTER A TWO-WEEK VACATION, I WAS GOING TO DRIVE MY 2003 FORD FOCUS TO WORK. AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY SOFT. THE REPAIR SHOP THAT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE PROBLEM TOLD ME THAT I HAD A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH CONTROLS BOTH THE CLUTCH AND BRAKES. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF. REPAIR INCLUDED A NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT WAS COINCIDENCE OR NOT, BUT THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS HAD ALSO "EXPLODED." REPAIR REQUIRED CYLINDER AND DISC REPLACEMENT. OLD PARTS HAVE BEEN RETAINED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 7, 2009
ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WEAR DOWN FASTER THAN I CAN AFFORD TO FIX THEM. ROTORS ONLY LAST 1-2 MONTHS THEN BEFORE WARPING THEN I RIDE THEM OUT FOR ANOTHER MONTH (NO MONEY TO KEEP REPLACING) THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR 2 YEARS. I HAVE RECEIPTS AND MECHANICS PROOF. ITS CRAZY. I HAVE ALSO VERIFIED SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER CAR COMPLAINT WEB SITES WITH PEOPLE AND FORD FOCUS' - BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS SHOULD NOT WEAR OUT MONTHLY. I CANT AFFORD THE REPAIRS BUT I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE MY BRAKES GO OUT COMPLETELY AND RISK THE HARM TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. PLEASE HELP *TR
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.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE WORN OUT ON THE INNER SIDE AND ONLY HALF WORN ON THE OUTER SIDE. BOTH THE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. 06/01/06 UPDATED - CONSUMER BELIEVES BRAKE CALIPERS ARE DEFECTIVE. *TT
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING FOR 30 TO 45 MINUTES THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HUB IS HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE REAR BRAKES ARE MAKING A SQUEALING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE BOTH REAR BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Power train, Mar 18, 2006
MY CALIPERS HAVE FAILED TWICE ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS SEDAN. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2004 AS A END OF MODEL YEAR AND HAVE LOTS OF BRAKE AND ACCELERATION ISSUES. MY BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME WHEN I AM DRIVING. THE CAR WON'T ACCELERATE AND MAKES A LOUD REVVING NOISE. I HAVE ABOUT 27K MILES ON IT AND THE CALIPERS FAILED AT 10K AND THE SECOND TIME AT 22K. IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE FORD MECHANICS SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAS HAPPENED. SO THE REASON IT FAILS HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED BUT THEY REPLACE THE CALIPERS. HOW THEY HAVE FAILED TO REPAIR THE BRAKE LIGHTS FROM COMING ON WAS TO REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE (BUT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEMS). THE BRAKES MAKE A SQUEALING METALLIC NOISE AND I WAS TOLD THAT WAS 'NORMAL' BY THE MECHANICS. AFTER BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 10 TIMES I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC TO BRING MY PROBLEM TO FORD CO. WHEN I SAID THE CAR IS NOT SAFE AND THAT I WANT IT REPAIRED OR FOR THEM TO BUY IT BACK THEY SAID I WAS 'DOING' SOMETHING TO MAKE THE CALIPERS FAIL. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY! *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A METAL TO METAL SOUND. AT 10,000 MILES THE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS MAKING THE SAME METAL TO METAL NOISE AGAIN. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE OUTER PADS WERE AT 35%, BUT THE INNER BRAKES WERE METAL TO METAL. THE PADS WERE REPLACED A SECOND TIME.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 19, 2006
ONE DAY MAY CAR JUST DIDN'T START, THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED- THE CAR HAS UNDER 49000- AND IT HAS ALREADY HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS! THE MASTER CYLINDER( FOR THE BRAKES) , THE IGNITION CYLINDER, AND SEVERAL PIECES HAVE ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS!!! PLEASE RECALL THIS CAR! THE PARTS PUT IN THE FORD FOCUS 2003 DURING THE MANUFACTURING ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE!!!! AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE THEY MUST REPLACE THESE PARTS AND DEAL WITH ALL THE CONSEQUENCES. THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKES! DETAILS ON PROBLEMS: 1- MY CAR SHUTTERED STARTED SMOKING FROM THE HOOD A BIT- AND SMELLED AS IF SOMETHING HAD BURNED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. ( THE IGNITION LIGHT CAME ON ) AT ALMOST 30000 MILES. TOOK IT INTO THE DEAL- THEY REPLACED A COIL- NAME UNKNOWN. 2- THIS TOOK SEVERAL TRIPS INTO THE FORD SERVICE DEPT- BECAUSE IT KEPT HAPPENING- BEFORE THEY WOULD ACTUALLY REPLACE THE COIL!!! 3- THE MASTER CYLINDER ( BRAKE SYSTEM) MALFUNCTIONED WITHIN 30000 MILES AS WELL!!! AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. 4- THE IGNITION CYLINDER- WITH 49000 MILES ON THE CAR- NOW HAS BEEN REPLACED- NO THANKS TO FORD!!! 5- THE TRUNK HAS NEVER CLOSED PROPERLY. I SLAM IT ONCE TO CLOSE, THEN I PULL UP ON IT TO CHECK IT'S ACTUALLY LOCKED, IT HASN'T- MAYBE ON THE THIRD TIME AFTER SLAMMING IT SHUT- IT WILL ACTUALLY CATCH AND CLOSE. THESE PARTS ARE ALL DEFECTIVE, AND IT'S UNJUST TO THE CONSUMERS!!!!! *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 13, 2005
IN APRIL I HAD MY 30,000 MILE MAINTENANCE CHECK-UP. AT THE END OF NOVEMBER MY SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED MY BRAKE PADS REPLACED, WHICH I AGREED TO. THEY ALSO REPLACED MY ROTORS. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALERSHIP WITH REGARD TO THE ROTOR WEAR, WHICH I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND SINCE I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED 3,000 MILES EARLIER AND THE BRAKES WERE FINE, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS KIND OF WEAR IS NORMAL ON THIS VEHICLE, AND TO EXPECT TO HAVE TO REPLACE MY PADS AND ROTORS EVERY 15,000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. IN ADDITION, I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THERE ARE TWO TSB'S (16685/17278) ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Wheels, Nov 21, 2005
I ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE PROBLEMS STARTED I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T CHANGE GEAR, THEY SAY THIS IS NORMAL. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WAS NEVER SEALED IN THEY TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE FIXED. THE FRONT WHEELS CLICK WHEN DRIVEN. THE BRAKES WENT OUT QUICK. THE BACK HUBS ARE SEALED FROM RUST. AND NOW I CAN'T EVEN GET MY DISABLED CHILD TO THE DOCTORS BECAUSE THE IGNITION HAS GONE COMPLETELY OUT. THE LOCKSMITH SAID I WAS LUCKY I WAS PARKED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2005
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN SEPT. 2003, BRAND NEW. THIS SPRING, WITH ONLY 23000 MILES ON IT, THE CAR BEGAN MAKING AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS, AT A PRICE TAG OF NEAR $400. OF COURSE MY WARRANTY DID NOT COVER IT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR, AND IN FORD FOR SELLING A CAR THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS A FAULTY, POORLY MADE BRAKING SYSTEM. ONLY 4 MONTHS AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR, I HAVE BEGUN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AGAIN. I WILL ABSOLUTELY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. I AM VERY UNIMPRESSED WITH THEM. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2005
WHEN MOVING A SLOW SPEED (10MPH TO 15MPH) A SMALL SUDDEN TAP OF THE BREAKS AND THE BRAKE SOMETIMES WILL GO DOWN FARTHER THAN MY FOOT. ALMOST AS IF WHEN TAPPED THE BREAK KEEPS GOING DOWN WHEN MY FOOT IS GOING UP. THIS HAS HAPPEN 2 TIMES TO DATE. WHEN IT HAPPENS THE TRUCK ALMOST FEELS AS THOUGH I AM SLAMMING THE BREAKS TO THE FLOOR AND ALL PEOPLE INSIDE ARE SLUNG FOWARD. WHEN I AM JUST TRYING TO SLOW CAUSE OF A CAR IN FRONT HAS SLOWED. BUT I HAVE TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO DO IT AND I CANT ALWAYS MAKE IT HAPPEN AT WILL, IT JUST DOES IT EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECTED IT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 27, 2005
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS, WHICH IN GENERAL HAS BEEN A PRETTY GOOD CAR TO ME, IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE WORRIES I'VE HAD ABOUT STOPPING! THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED SINCE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE (BRAND NEW) AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THE PADS AND THE ROTORS WERE GONE. NOT SURPRISED SINCE I HAD GRINDING AND SQUEAKING, BUT YET AMAZED THAT THE CAR WAS SO NEW WITH SO LITTLE MILES AND THE BRAKES ARE ALREADY HAVING AN ISSUE. WHEN THE CAR WAS FINISHED, IT DIDN'T SQUEAK OR GRIND FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS - BUT THEN WENT RIGHT BACK TO GRINDING AND SQUEAKING. I TALKED TO ANOTHER GIRL WITH AN 03 FOCUS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. WHY CAN'T ALL OF US WITH THE 2003 FORD FOCUS GET TOGETHER AND COMPLAIN TOGETHER? I AM STILL WORRIED EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT THAT ONE DAY IT WON'T STOP OR SOMETHING. THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE, FOR I PAY FOR THIS VEHICLE EVERY MONTH AND IT SHOULD BE SERVICED CORRECTLY. I ALSO ENCOUNTER MANY FORD ENGINEERS IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN THAT SAY THEY HAVE HEARD MANY REPORTS SUCH AS THIS. CAN I ASK WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT? THEY SAY THAT THE NEWER MODELS HAVE BETTER BREAK SYSTEMS... HOW DOES THAT HELP THE 2003 MODEL OWNERS?????? SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 20, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005. THE MOTOR WAS OFF, AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID IT LOOK LIKE IT STARTED FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM TWO WEEKS BEFORE, AND TOOK IT TO DEALER. THEY REPLACED SOME IGNITION ITEMS. ALSO, WAS HAVING LATCHES, BRAKES, AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Structure, Aug 4, 2005
DT: 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED FRONT WINDOW CAME OUT. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT. THEN, THE TRUNK STARTED POPPING OPEN, THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE PURCHASED IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE SHE MOVED. THEY STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDSEDNEW BRAKE PADS. TE CONSUMER TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE FRONT TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A TIRE COMPANY, THEY FOUND THE FRONT ROTORS WORE OUT, AND THIS WAS A MANUFACTURERING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. ALSO A PIECE WAS COMING OFF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE TWO DOORS ON THE DRIVER SIDE BETWEEN THE WINDOWS. THIS VEHICLE JUST WENT OVER 15,000 MILES WHEN SHE WAS LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. IN ADDITION, THERE IWAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS TOO HARD TO PULL BACK, AND IT SWERVED IN THE OTHER LANE. THE TRUNK WAS STILL COMING OPEN.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 2, 2005
I HAVE HAD TWO FRONT END ALIMENTS IN 20,000 MILES AND MY CAR HAS 23.454 MILES ON IT . ALSO NOW IT NEEDS NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THEM UNDER WARRANTY . THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS THAT SHOULD BE FIXED . *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2005
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, HAD THE WORK DONE AND THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS AND FORD DOES NOT CARE HOW OR IF ITS DEALERS HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. AS A SIDE NOTE, THERE WERE TWO MINOR BODYWORK ISSUES THAT THE SAME DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH WE TAKEN CARE OF BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 23, 2005
WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEED THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE FRONT/REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK THE BRAKES VAVE CONSUMER PROBLEMS SINCE THEY BROUGHT THE CAR. HAD NEW ROTORS, NEVER STOPPED LIKE THEY SHOULD. FINALLY ALL THE BRAKES WENT OUT. DEALER KEPT SAYING THEY KEPT GETTING THE WRONG PARTS. STILL DON'T DRIVE AS IT SHOULD. DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDER. *BF
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 4, 2005
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE CAME FROM THE VEHICLE. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2005
ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED. DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2005
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REGULAR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE WORN OUT. CONSUMER WILL NOTIFY MANUFACTURER.*AK