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: power train
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 1, 2016
THE CAR STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. ALL POWER IS LOST FOR STEERING AND BRAKES. HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. HAPPENS IN ALL CONDITIONS AND UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR WILL RESTART. APPEARS TO BE A CURRENT "RECALL" OF FORD CARS FOR THE SAME ISSUES. DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO FIX AND CLAIMS TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS APPEARS TO BE A NEVER ENDING PROBLEM WITH FORDS BASED ON THE INFORMATION I SEE ONLINE. HAVE ALREADY REPLACED AIR HOSE, SPARK PLUGS, VALVE COVER GASKET, WIRES. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED BY OTHERS ONLINE TO CLEAN THE MAF SENSOR AND THROTTLE BODY, BUT THE DEALER DOESN'T REALLY KNOW IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM OR WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. TO THEM THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I CAN SEE FROM INFORMATION POSTED BY OTHERS ALONG WITH THE RECENT RECALL THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM FOR FORD. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT AND HAVE ALMOST HIT OTHERS WHEN THE CAR STALLS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR. RECENTLY STALLED 2 TIMES IN A WEEK WHILE DRIVING.
Power train, Engine, Jun 20, 2014
WHILE WAITING IN A PARKING AISLE FOR A CAR TO EXIT A PARKING PLACE THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO VERY HIGH RPM. AS MY CAR WAS STATIONARY AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IN DRIVE THE CAR DID NOT SEEM TO MOVE. PLACING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PARK MADE NO DIFFERENCE. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTED WITH SAME RESULT. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES WHILE RESPONDING TO AN INTERESTED PERSON I TRIED AGAIN AND EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL. DROVE THE CAR HOME AND LEFT IT PARKED. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED . *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Power train, Air bags, Dec 29, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE SLID ON AN ICE PATCH , WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOOSE VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN COLLIDED ON AN EMBANKMENT. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER NECK, FEET, AND RIBS, THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE SPINE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. ALSO THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $450.00. SHE ALSO PAID $300.00 TO REPAIR THE DOOR LOCKS. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SHERIFF REPORT NUMBER WAS 09004117. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,000.
Steering, Power train, Oct 7, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE STEERING COLUMN ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT CAN BE TURNED 360 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING,HARD SHIFTING, AND NOT GOING INTO 4TH. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 70 THOUSAND MILES. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A SOLENOID. ALSO WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. IT MAY OR MAY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY. WHEN I QUESTIONED WHY HE SAID THAT MANY OF THE FOCUS TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SOLENOID PROBLEMS UNTIL THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WENT ONLINE AND DID SOME SEARCHING AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE OF MY CAR. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THESE PROBLEMS VERY OFTEN. WHEN I APPROACHED THEM WITH THE DISCUSSION BOARDS THAT I HAD READ AND THE COMMENTS FROM MY TRUSTED MECHANIC THEY HAD NO COMMENT. MY CAR DOES WORK NOW AFTER THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED, BUT IT STILL SLIPS AND SHIFTS HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD WILL NOT ADMIT TO A PROBLEM WITH THE MECHANICS OF THIS TRANSMISSION. *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
Power train, Sep 9, 2008
I PURCHASED MY CAR A YEAR AGO. IT HAS 26,452 MILES ON IT. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN AND THE LIGHT WAS OUT. I CONTINUED ON. A DAY LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND THEY PULLED THE CODES THAT SAID THE GEAR RATIO WAS INCORRECT IN 2ND AND 3RD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED....AFTER 26,000 MILES??? MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED ABOUT A MONTH PRIOR. I CALLED FORD. THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY AND EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO SAY MY DRIVING HAD CAUSED THE FAILURE. THEY ALSO FLAT OUT LIED AND TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WAS FOR ONLY 3/36,000 WHEN I HAVE A NEWS RELEASE FROM FORD STATING IT IS FOR 5/100,000. I DID GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT THE COST OF $3600. FORD STILL REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY OBVIOUSLY MADE A MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Mar 5, 2008
WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY TO PASS OTHER CARS THE TRANSMISSION DROPS INTO LOWER GEAR THE THE MOTOR REVS UP NOT SHIFTING INTO ANOTHER GEAR STALLING AND SLOWING DOWN CAUSING CARS BEHIND TO ALMOST HIT MY CAR. AT HIGHER SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC THIS CAN CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Dec 28, 2007
I HAVE HAD TWO COMPLETE TRANSMISSIONS REBUILT ON THIS VEHICLE, THE FIRST AT AROUND 18,000 MILES, THE SECOND AT AROUND 50,000. IT IS BEGINNING THE SAME SEQUENCE OF EVENTS, FAILURE TO ENGAGE IN 4TH GEAR (AUTOMATIC). DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL COMPLETE FAILURE. I UNDERSTAND THE 2003 TRANSMISSION TO HAVE RELATIVELY FREQUENT FAILURE OCCURRENCE BASED ON WEB AND OTHER INVESTIGATION. DATE OF FIRST INCIDENT BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2007, fire
WHILE DRIVING IN A NICE ASPHALTED ROAD UP A HILL, I FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM SO I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I ENDED UP AT A SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY LOST AND THE SERVICE STATION SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *TR
Power train, Oct 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CLUTCH LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME. FORD ADVISED THE OWNER THAT THE PARTS FOR THIS VEHICLE ARE NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33000.
Power train, Jun 25, 2007
CLUTCH SLIPS DURING ATTEMPTS TO PASS VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY TRUCKS ON TWO LANE HIGHWAYS. DURING ACCELERATION SUDDENLY THE CAR LOOSES SPEED AND THE TACHOMETER REVVED UP, MAKING SAFE PASS IMPOSSIBLE. HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND MERGE AGAIN BEHIND THE VEHICLE. ONLY SEEMED TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVE MORE THAN 100 MILES NON-STOP. NO PROBLEMS IN CITY OR FREEWAY DRIVING. REALLY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENED SO FAR ABOUT 9 TIMES. *AK
Power train, May 2, 2007
MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. IT ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING DOWN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THANK GOD I WAS SOMEWHERE I COULD LET THE VAN COAST OFF THE ROAD BEING I HAD 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VAN WITH ME. I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE FORD OUGHT TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE PER THEIR OWN EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLE JUST STOPS PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2007
NO ACCIDENT, EXPENSE REPAIR $1000.00 TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 22,145 MILES. THIS HAS TO BE THE RESULTS OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH 60 MILES ON IT. NOT LONG AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR, IT STARTED TO ACT AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN CHANGING GEARS. WE HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP ON THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO WE WERE DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD, NOT ON A BUSY STREET THANK GOODNESS, WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED VERY HARD AS WE SLOWED DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO BEGIN DRIVING AGAIN, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. WE PROMPTLY TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR NEARLY 3 WEEKS. THEY HAVE PULLED THE TRANSMISSION OUT TO REBUILD IT TWICE AND HAVE STILL NOT FOUND WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE MECHANICS HAVE EVEN TAKEN IT OVER TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. I NOW HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 53000 MILES ON IT THAT DOES NOT RUN. IF THAT HAD HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY A CAR BEHIND US. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. IF THIS CAR EVER ACTUALLY GETS FIXED, I WILL CERTAINLY NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT AS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR IS UNRELIABLE AND THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN IT WILL SUDDENLY QUIT WORKING AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2007, fire
MY DAUGHTER DRIVES A 2003 FORD FOCUS SVT. ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007 SHE WAS RETURNING TO EASTON, PA FROM STATE COLLEGE, PA WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DESTROYED ITSELF RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE GEARBOX, FLYWHEEL,BELL HOUSING AND PRESSURE PLATE. THIS TOOK PLACE ON I-80 . I FEEL YOU SHOULD BE INFORMED DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE AND SEVERITY OF THE EXPLOSION. A FIRE DID RESULT FROM THE FAILURE/EXPLOSION. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD (STATE COLLEGE FORD) AND THEIR ESP REPRESENTATIVE HAS CLAIMED THE DO NOT COVER PRESSURE PLATE FAILURE PAST 12,000 MILES AND HAVE DECLINED TO ADMIT THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION. *JB
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, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2006
SEVERAL PARTS FAILURES, INCLUDING ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, MUFFLER,TRANSMISSION, AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
Power train, May 22, 2006
I BOUGHT A FORD FOCUS 2003 IN 2005. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. ACCELERATION ISSUES. NOW SHIFT GEAR ISSUES. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. CAR WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. BANGS INTO GEAR. CAR HAS HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICE AND IS STILL HAPPENING TRANSMISSION IS PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Seat belts, Wheels, Mar 22, 2006
PISTON IN TRANSMISSION DETERIORATED CAUSING SHIFT SOLENOID AND VALUE BODY TO GO BAD AT 71,000 MILES, FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL NOT UNBUCKLE, REAR SEAT BELTS WILL PERIODICALLY NOT BUCKLE, NOW BLOWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE, RIMS ARE SEIZED WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE TIRES, NO MATTER IF IT WAS JUST TAKEN OFF 5 MINUTES PREVIOUSLY TO TAKEOFF; IGNITION SEIZED AND ENDING UP HAVING TO REBUILD STEERING COLUMN. *JB
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
Steering, Power train, Seat belts, Tires, Jan 10, 2006
MY BOYFRIEND AND SON TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE IT WASHED. WHEN THEY TURNED THE CORNER THE STEERING WHEEL JUST SPUN. CAUSING THEM TO ALMOST CRASH. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER THINGS HAPPEN WITH THE CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN MAY 2004 USED. I HAVE REPLACED THE BACK TIRES 4 TIMES IN A YEAR. THEY ALL HAVE CUPPED. EVERY TIRE PLACE WE HAVE WENT HAS SAID THE REAR OF THE CAR HAS A DEFECT IN IT. ALSO, MY SEAT BELTS USED BY MY CHILDREN DO NOT ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY. LAST JAN, THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST. OTTAWA FORD DID FIX THIS ISSUE AS A SPEED CONTROL SENSOR WIRING PROBLEM. WITH THE STEERING ISSUE THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE AND I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION OR MEANS OF INCOME TO FIX. I NEED SOME HELP WITH THIS. *JB
Power train, Dec 19, 2005
PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 11-05 WITH 32600 MILES ON IT FROM CREDITABLE DEALER. 6 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER WHO HAD TO HAVE CAR TAKEN TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH REPLACED. DEALER TRIED TO LAY THE BLAME ON THE DRIVER AS "ABUSE" - IN 6 DAYS!!!! 2 DAYS AGO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, BUT HAS SINCE GONE OUT. HAD I KNOWN WHAT I KNOW NOW ABOUT THIS FORD 2003 SVT, I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT. I AM AFRAID IT IS TURNING OUT TO BE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE AND LEMON (EVEN THOUGH STILL COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY) AND I WILL FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL TO HAVE FORD PAY FOR REPAIRS. *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