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
1,017 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2007
AFTER FUELING, MY DAUGHTER TRIED TO START THE CAR (2003 FORD FOCUS WAGON), BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. WE GOT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT, AND THE KEY CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED BY A LOCKSMITH. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR, PLUS THE TOWING, COST OVER $200.00. MEANWHILE MY DAUGHTER'S CAR WAS STUCK AT THE GAS PUMP, WHERE OTHER CUSTOMERS WANTED TO FUEL, BUT COULD NOT DO SO. I'M GLAD MY DAUGHTER HAD NOT RUN OVER A NAIL, LIKE I DID THE OTHER DAY, HAVING TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, AND THEN HAVE THIS PROBLEM OCCUR. DEPENDING ON WHERE THIS KIND OF THING HAPPENS, THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. NOT ONLY WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT WITH THE PLACE THE VEHICLE IS STRANDED WHEN IT OCCURS. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAS KNOWN FOR QUITE SOME TIME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY REFUSE TO RECALL CARS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, AND CONTINUE TO USE THIS DEFECTIVE PART IN THEIR FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I BOUGHT WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ONE, AND YET IT COVERS EVERYTHING BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT SEEMS. UNLESS FORD DECIDES TO REIMBURSE ME, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT. THIS IS THE FOURTH FORD FOCUS WE HAVE PURCHASED. IF I DON'T FIND SATISFACTION WITH THIS PROBLEM, IT WILL CERTAINLY BE THE LAST. ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT, MY FOCUS HAS HAD SQUEALING BRAKES SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, AND FORD HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THIS, AS WELL, SAYING THAT IT'S "NORMAL." NO WAY THIS NOISE IS NORMAL. I'M FED UP WITH FORD AT THE MOMENT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 27, 2007
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN FOR SUSPENSION NOISE IN THE FRONT. THE SHOP TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND SAID HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF FOCUS' AND ESCORTS THAT HAVE THE SPRING ON THE STRUT BREAK. HE SAID THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNS. THE NOISE HE WAS HEARING WAS COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE STRUT WHICH HE SAID DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE A HAZARD BUT SUGGEST I REPLACE BOTH FRONT STRUTS JUST IN CASE. HE SAID A LOT OF THE TIME PEOPLE WON'T KNOW THAT THEIR SPRING IS BROKEN BECAUSE IT WILL STAY INTACT IN THE BOTTOM AND TOP STRUT HOUSING. HE SAID ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE SPRING WILL COME OUT OF THE HOUSINGS AND POSSIBLY PUNCTURE THE TIRE. HE SAID AFTERMARKET BRANDS HAVE A STRONGER STEEL THEY USE IN THEIR SPRINGS AND RECOMMENDED USING THE AFTERMARKET BRAND INSTEAD OF FORD GENUINE PARTS. THAT IS OK WITH ME BECAUSE THE AFTERMARKET BRAND IS CHEAPER. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN IT WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION. HE HAD TO SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL AND MOVE IT FOR 15 - 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $512. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500.
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2007
IN JULY 2007 THE IGNITION KEY LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT BE TURNED TO START THE ENGINE. I MANAGED TO GET IT TO TURN (NO, IT WAS BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HOLDING) AND DROVE IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE KEY CYLINDER FOR NEARLY $400. DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND A 100,000-MILE WARRANTY, THIS SERVICE WAS NOT COVERED. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE KEYS WERE WORN OUT AND THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE A NEW KEY TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURE. I DID SO AND ONLY USE THE NEW KEY TO START THE CAR. NOW, ONLY 3 MONTHS LATER, THE IGNITION PERIODICALLY STICKS AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO START LOCKING UP AGAIN. IF I PUSH THE KEY IN FIRMLY, IT WILL TURN NORMALLY. THIS IS A POOR QUALITY MECHANISM AND FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ON A 40-BELOW WINTER NIGHT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2007
WHILE IN DANGEROUS SITUATION MY FORD FOCUS AGAIN HAD A KEY FAIL IN THE IGNITION. I HAD TAKEN IT TO FORD, WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND ASKED FOR IT TO BE REPLACED AND THEY SAID, "OH, IT'S OK, JUST JIGGLE IT." THAT DOES NOT WORK. EVENTUALLY IT WILL COME FREE, USUALLY, BUT NOW IT SEEMS TO BE PERMANENTLY STUCK. NO, THERE IS NO TENSION ON THE STEERING WHEEL FROM A PARTLY TURNED FRONT WHEEL. IF THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE OR DAUGHTERS IN A DANGEROUS NEIGHBORHOOD, I WOULD JUST GO BERSERK. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
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.
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.
Tires, Sep 30, 2007
COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2007
THE IGNITION ON MY FORD FOCUS 2003 HAS LOCKED UP FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 75,000 MILES, AND THIS IS GETTING TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM TO HAVE REPLACED. FORD ACTUALLY HAS THE BALLS TO CHARGE ME FOR THIS DEFECT IN THEIR CRAFTSMANSHIP, USING SUBSTANDARD PARTS IN THEIR IGNITION SWITCHES, AND MAKING ME PAY TO COVER UP THEIR FAULTY WORKMANSHIP WHEN GETTING IT REPAIRED. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN WHEN SHE INSERTED THE KEY. AS OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2007
WITHOUT WARNING, AND WITH NO PRIOR OCCURRENCE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2003 FOCUS. A FRIEND RESCUED ME AND DROVE ME BACK TO WORK THE NEXT MORNING. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW - ALONG WITH A 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. FIRST, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REP TRIED TO PLAY "DUMB' WHEN I STATED THAT I'M HAVING THE "IGNITION PROBLEM" AND HE LATER TOLD ME THAT IT'S NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. I HAVE PULLED OUT AND READ THE WARRANTY. IGNITION SWITCH IS COVERED BY MY BASECARE POLICY. (I WILL BRING IT IN HAND WHEN I HAVE THE CAR SERVICED IN 2 DAYS.) MEANWHILE, ANOTHER PERSON AT THE SERVICE DESK HINTED THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO TAP IT WITH A HAMMER SO THAT IT WILL TURN AND COULD DRIVE TO THE DEALER AND NOT HAVE TO BE TOWED. SURE ENOUGH, A TAP OF THE HAMMER ALLOWED ME TO TURN THE KEY. I WILL LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND AM STRUGGLING WITH THE THOUGHT THAT A REPLACEMENT FROM FORD WILL BE ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. WHETHER MY WARRANTY COVERS IT OR NOT, I DON'T WANT ANOTHER BAD IGNITION SWITCH! FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ, IT SEEMS THAT A LOCKSMITH WOULD REPLACE IT WITH A BETTER QUALITY DEVICE THAN FORD DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE USING. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT, THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM TURNING OR PUSHING THE STEERING WHEEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $400. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 22, 2007
2003 FORD FOCUS WAGON, TAIL LIGHTS MELTED BOTH SIDES WHERE YOU REPLACE THE BULB, CANNOT REPLACE THE BRAKE, RUNNING, TURN, BULB BECAUSE YOU CANNOT PULL THE BULB HOUSING OUT OF THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. FORD SERVICE DEPT. SAID TO LONG ON THE BRAKE PEDAL $160 EA. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED, WHICH PREVENTED THE KEY FROM BEING TURNED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED THE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2007
2003 FORD FOCUS/ IGNITION WON'T TURN IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM BY ALL THE DIFFERENT WEBSITES AND BLOGS ABOUT IT. THIS DEFECT SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE A RECALL AND WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THE FIX AND PRICE THEY LAUGHED AND SAID $600 TO $700 DOLLARS. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND I AM APPALLED. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE UNLOCKED FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. ON SEPTEMBER 09, 2007, AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS, SHE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN. ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT HER JOB BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. SHE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR SEPTEMBER 22, 2007. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 24,000. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITON MODULE WAS REPALCED. UPDATED 12/12/07
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2007
AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00 P.M., MY IGNITION LOCKED UP ON ME, WITH MY CAR PARKED IN A PARKING LOT CLOSE TO MY HOME (THANK GOODNESS). I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR WIDESPREAD ISSUE, AND THAT I AM DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN HE TURNED THE IGNITION. SHE CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY ADVISED HER TO STRIKE THE IGNITION WITH SOMETHING, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START MOMENTS LATER. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN 2005 AND HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED REPLACING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 12, 2007
DOOR LATCHES ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN, BOTH FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, SOMETIMES LEAVING ME SITTING IN THE CAR WONDERING HOW I AM GOING TO GET OUT. BEFORE MY WARRANTY WAS UP, THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THIS WAS JUST TYPICAL OF OUR MODEL OF CAR AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 12, 2007
(1) NOT SURE (2) STEERING WHEEL AND IGNITION ARE LOCKED AND CAN NOT BE MOVED ANYMORE (3) NEW LOCK *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 8, 2007
REF. NHTSA 05V030000 MY DAUGHTER TOOK HER CAR TO REEMY FORD OF JOHNSON CITY TN. TO HAVE THE SAFETY RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. REEMY FORD SAID THEY COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL. SINCE THEN THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. THE RECALL STATES IF THE LATCHES DO NOT PASS THE EVALUATION THEY WILL BE REPLACED. WHEN REEMY WAS CALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY TOLD MY DAUGHTER THAT THEY HAD COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. LATCH DOES NOT LATCH, SOUNDS LIKE THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2007
IGNITION CYLINDER TOTAL FAILURE. KEY WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. SEARCH TERM "IGNITION CYLINDER""FORD FOCUS" ON THE NET AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED HOW BIG OF A PROBLEM THIS. WHY A SAFETY ISSUE. WELL, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I STOPPED THE CAR SOMEWHERE AND WAS STUCK IN THE DESERT IN THE 112 DEGREE HEAT, WHICH BY THE WAY IS THE TEMPERATURE THAT EXISTED WHEN IT HAPPENED IN MESA AZ. I WAS LUCKY THE CAR WAS HOME. *TR UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2007
OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE IGNITION/LOCK MECHANISM HAS BEEN FAILING. THE WHEEL WILL NOT RELEASE AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO THE ON POSITION. SOMETIMES IF FORCED, THE KEY WILL TURN, BUT THE LOCK HAS BROKEN COMPLETELY NOW. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2007
MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE THEN SUDDENLY THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN. TUMBLER BROKE $350 AT DEALERSHIP. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, YET DEALER WON'T WARRANTY. *TR