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: service brakes
66 reports, newest first. Show all
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, Air, Electrical system, Jul 26, 2005, crash
BRAKES TURN TO SPONGES AND GOES TO FLOOR DEALER SAYS CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND KICKS IT OUT NOW THREE MORE PROBLEMS HAVE ARISEN MOTOR SHUTS OFF AT SLOW U-TURN SPEED AND TRANS DOWNSHIFTS HARD INTO LOW GEAR CAUSING A FACE PLANT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, LASTLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN GOES OFF AFTER 3 HOURS OF DRIVING.
Service brakes, Air, Jul 20, 2005
I DRIVE TO WORK AT THE SPEED LIMIT AND I USE THE BRAKES VERY SOFTLY. I WAS PARKING AT WORK AND MY BRAKES STARTED TO REALLY GRIND. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEEALERSHIP AND SURE ENOUGH THE CAR WHICH HAD 18,000 MILES ON IT, HAD TO GET NEW BRAKE PADS.
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, Air, Electrical system, May 18, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 9, 2005
REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR BRAKES AND FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT ON 2003 FORD FOCUS. *BF THE CONSUMER TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE BRAKES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2005
MY 2003 FOCUS ZTW WAGON HAS BEEN IN FOR BRAKES 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. FORD STANDING BY THIS AS A "WEAR" ITEM NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. COULD I HAVE 2002 PARTS IN MY VEHICLE? I HAVE HAD BRAKE INSPECTIONS DONE WITH OIL CHANGES INDICATING EVERYTHING IN THE "GREEN ZONE". THE ROTOR WARPING IS SUDDEN AND UNPREDICTABLE. 3 BRAKE JOBS IN ONE YEAR IS EXCESSIVE AND PROBLEMATIC. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE EVEN WITH THE BRAKES BEING FIXED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2005
TE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP. INTERMITTENTLY THE PEDAL WOULD FEEL SOFT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2005
THERE IS SERIOUS PROBLEMS W/ THE FRONT END OF THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS PURCHASED APPROX. 17 MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD 3 MAJOR BRAKE JOBS. TWICE, THE PADS WERE REPLACED AND ONCE BOTH THE PADS AND THE ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ALSO RESONATES AT HIGH SPEEDS. EVERYTHING SHAKES INCLUDING THE STERRING WHEEL AND THE STATES. IT APPEARS MY TWO FRONT TIRES ARE OUT OF ROUND. FORD ORIGINALLY SAID IT WAS DEFECT IN THE TIRE, WHICH I REPLACED, HOWEVER THE NEW TIRE IS OUT OF ROUND AS WELL. AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE SAYS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT STRUTS. FORD HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM ME REGUARDING BOTH THE BRAKES AND THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. ALSO THE VEHICLE IS VERY LOUD AND IT APPEARS TO BE AIR COMING IN WHEN. FORD INITIALLY RESEALED THE WINDSHIELD, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Dec 17, 2004
THE CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE REAR DRUM BRAKE PADS WERE DEFECTIVE, PARTS AND COMPOUND WERE MISSING, TRIM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN WAS MISSING, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, AND THE IGNITION WAS DAMAGED. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Equipment, Back over prevention, Dec 13, 2004
THREE TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND REPLACEMENTS. THE ENGINE, STARTER/IGNITION AND 1 GEAR SHIFT ALL REPLACEMENTS AND OTHER VARIOUS PROBLEMS. *BF FOUR CD PLAYER REPLACEMENTS, THE BRAKES FAILED, AND 1 ALARM FAILURE. *SC THE ENGINE WAS ALSO REPLACED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2004
MY CAR WHEN FIRST BOUGHT ALWAYS MOANED AND GROANED UPON BRAKING. I BOUGHT MY CAR 9/14/2003. THE NEXT YEAR IN 5/22/04 THE ROTORS AND PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 3,500 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER DID PAY FOR AFTER A RUN AROUND. I HAD TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE BEING ABLE TO TAKE MY CAR IN AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR TO NOT DRIVE MY CAR. HERE I AM IN DECEMBER NOISE IS BACK AND ROTORS ARE ALL BUMPY AGAIN WITH ONLY 8,100 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP IS WORKING ON TAKING CARE OF IT BUT I AM GOING TO FILE A DISPUTE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY .*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2004
18,000 MILES ON A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE RUINED, THE DEALER TOLD ME I CAN EXPECT THIS WITH A FOCUS OR A ESCAPE BECAUSE OF CENTER MOUNTED ROTORS. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER 2500 MILES AGO. STATE POLICE CAN'T HELP ME DUE THE TIME THAT HAS PASSED SINCE INSPECTION. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2004
THE TEMPERATURE HAD BECOME COLDER AND THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT DEPRESS WITHOUT FORCE. THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT OR FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE CONSUMER WOULD DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR UNTIL IT WOULD MOVE DOWNWARDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. IT WOULD TAKE 4-5 DEPRESSIONS UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR WOULD MOVE DOWNWARD. OTHER PROBLEMS WERE THE BRAKES SQUEALING AND THE VEHICLE SUFFERED FROM NOT STARTING AT TIMES, EITHER THE PANEL LIGHTS WOULD ENGAGE OR THE STARTER WOULD GRIND. *AK *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 30, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX5. BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 1/2004. REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEALING FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. I'VE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALER AND A BRAKE SHOP AND BOTH HAVE SAID THE BRAKES ARE FINE. NOW THERE IS A DEFINITE SPONGY FEEL IN THE PEDAL AND A LOUD CREAKING NOISE FROM THE BACK, AND FINALLY YESTERDAY WHEN I DEPRESSED THE PEDAL TO STOP, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. I NEARLY STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 25, 2004
BACK AT ABOUT 18000, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED. THEY WERE SQUEAKING AND HAD EXCESSIVE DUST ON RIMS. AT TIMES I WOULD GET A GRINDING NOISE. THEY SAID "ALL WAS FINE." I TOOK MY CAR BACK AGAIN WITH THE SAME ISSUES, AT ABOUT 20000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND SINCE THE ROTORS WERE "SO THIN" THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. I ASKED ABOUT THE SERVICE BULLITEN THAT IS OUT ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT "FORD" WAS NOT GOING TO REPLACE THEM. I AM MAD BEYOND BELIEF THAT THERE IS A "BULLITEN" ON THIS ISSUE AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. THIS NEW OF CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE THREW THE BRAKES THIS QUICK. THAT IS EXACTLEY WHAT I WAS TOLD ON MY INDEPENDENT EVALUATION. NOW I AM STUCK PAYING FOR THIS EVEN THOUGH FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 27, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2003 FOCUS FROM A DEALER WHO HAD USED IT FOR A DEMONSTRATION VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS OBTAINED ON OR ABOUT MARCH OF 2004 WITH ABOUT 5,600 MILES. AT THE TIME THE BRAKES SEEMED FINE. TWO WEEKS AGO I HEARD A NOISE AT 16,800 MILES. WHEN I PULLED THE WHEELS TO INSPECT THE BRAKES, I FOUND THE INNER DISC PADS DOWN TO METAL AND THE OUTER PADS WITH ABOUT 1/8 - 1/4" REMAINING. THE ROTORS ARE SCORED ON BOTH SIDES. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY TAURUS. ANYONE ELSE HAVING THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS? I AM STARTING TO THINK THAT THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH FORD'S FRONT DISC BRAKES, OR THAT THE READ DRUMS ARE HOPELESSLY UNDER POWERED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2004
FORD FOCUS 2003 ROTORS WEAR OUT INCREDIBLY FAST.. TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A 30,000 INSPECTION AND HAD TO HAVE NEW ROTORS AND BREAKS I WAS TOLD THAT MANY FOCUS'S ARE COMING IN AT 30,000 THAT NEED NEW ROTORS. WHY??? UNLESS THEY ARE DEFECTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE.