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.
Seats, May 21, 2007
UNDER NORMAL WEAR THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE ON THE 2003 FORD FOCUS. *AK
Electrical system, May 19, 2007
I WENT TO START THE CAR AFTER WORK LIKE ALWAYS AND THE IGNITION WAS STUCK IN LOCK! I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE ALL DAY ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT THIS HAPPENED TO. PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL THIS PRODUCT OR AT LEAST REFUND THE CONSUMER THE COST TO FIX A PRODUCT THAT IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE. I HAVE YET TO GET TO SEE THE FINAL BILL ON THE FIX.*AK
Suspension, May 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD SEVERAL SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND FOUND THE SPRING RUBBING ON THE STRUT COVER. THE FAILURE AFFECTED THE FRONT SHOCKS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT HAD IT REPLACED AND PAID $550.62. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,709.
Air bags, Equipment, May 15, 2007, crash
I WAS ON MY WAY TO TAHOE IN FEBRUARY 2006. IT WAS RAINY AND THE ROADS WERE A LITTLE WET. WE HIT A PUDDLE AND HE CAR SPUN OUT HIT BOTH FRONT AND BACK ENDS FROM SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL AND SMASHED INTO THE SIDE WALLS. WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 45-50 MPH. THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. FROM SMASHING IN TO THE WALLS THE PASSENGER SEAT COMPLETELY BROKE BACKWARDS. ALMOST IN A LAYING DOWN POSITION AND THE SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY EXTENDED AND WOULDN'T RETRACT. CAR WAS TOTALED. AT THE TIME THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES. BUT 8 MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT I STARTED HAVING GRAND MALL SEIZURES. *AK
Electrical system, May 15, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Electrical system, May 15, 2007
KEY WOULD'NT TURN THE IGNITION ON MY2003 FORD FOCUS ZX5. HAPPENED AT VARIOUS TIMES, TILL IT WOULD'NT WORK AT ALL. HAD IT REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $365.00. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK.AK
Electrical system, May 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION OR THE KEY FAILS TO START THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDS A NEW KEY OR A NEW IGNITION. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Electrical system, May 7, 2007
THE IGNITION WON'T WORK. I CANNOT TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE HAD TROUBLE TURNING IT BEFORE, BUT USUALLY AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR JIGGLING THE GEAR SHIFT IT WOULD WORK. NOTHING IS WORKING TODAY.*AK
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2007
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WITH LOW MILEAGE. I HAVE AN INTERMITTMENT PROBLEM WITH IT STOPPING. THE ENGINE SURGES AND WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IT IS STIFF. IT HAS ALWAYS DONE IT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD IT TO A FORD DEALER THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND SAID THEY WERE CALLING FORD TO TALK TO THE ENGINEERS. FORD INFORMED THEM THEY HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE BOOSTER ON IT THE SECOND TIME. I PICKED IT UP AND THE VERY NEXT DAY I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE ENGINE SURGED EVEN MORE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF . THE FORD DEALER HAS HAD IT FOR A WEEK NOW WITH NO COMMUNICATION FROM THEM SO FAR. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND GIVES NO INDICATION IT IT GOING TO DO IT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THIS STARTING IN NOVEMBER. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF APRIL THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME QUITE FREQUENT. *JB
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
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
Electrical system, May 2, 2007
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS HAS A LOCKED IGNITION THAT I FOUND OUT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM SINCE 2000. IT WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ME $500.00 TO FIX IT. *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
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2007
MY LEFT TAIL SIGNAL LIGHT WENT OUT. WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE IT ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS IN MY MANUAL I COULD NOT REMOVE THE TAILLIGHT CAPSULE FROM THE HOUSING. I WENT TO COONS FORD FAIRFAX, VA TO SEE IF THEY COULD CHANGE IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ELECTRICAL OUTPUT OF MY CAR MELTED THE TAILLIGHTS TO THE LENS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR IS $500. I GOT ON THE PHONE AND TALKED TO SOMEONE AT FORD'S MAIN CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. AFTER OUR CONVERSATION THEY GAVE ME 15% OFF ON MY REPAIR BILL. AFTER RETRIEVING MY CAR THE OTHER TAILLIGHT DIED. SOMEONE ON FORD'S ASSEMBLY LINE DID NOT WIRING MY CAR CORRECTLY. HOW IS THIS MY FAULT AND WHY DID I HAVE TO PAY $421.20 FOR A MISTAKE THEY MADE? FOR SAFETY REASONS I GOT THE REPAIRS DONE. I WOULD LIKE A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION BOTH BROKEN TAILLIGHTS FOR ANYONE TO CHECK OUT.*AK
Visibility, Apr 29, 2007
LEAKING OF RAIN WATER ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY CHECKED AND NOTHING IS WRONG. THEY REFUSE TO REINSTALL THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT WITH THE POLLEN FILTER SEALS NOT KEEPING WATER OUT. IT IS CAUSING WATER DAMAGE TO MY CAR, MOLD IS STARTING TO FORM, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER DAMAGE THIS WILL CAUSE! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2007
IGNITION TURNED FINE, PARKED CAR OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I RETURNED (VERY LATE THAT NIGHT) TO LEAVE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED. NOTHING WOULD FIX THIS. I SPENT NEARLY 30 MINUTES TRYING TO TURN THE KEY WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR. THE NEIGHBORHOOD WAS VERY SCARY, AND MY INABILITY TO DRIVE AWAY MADE ME FEEL EXTREMELY UNEASY, ESPECIALLY AT SUCH A LATE TIME OF NIGHT. *JB
Suspension, Apr 26, 2007
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS SE STARTED TO SHAKE, PULL HARD TO THE RIGHT STARTING AROUND 50 MPH, TAKES BUMPS HARD AND BACK-END SWAYS. IT ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER SAYS THE LEFT REAR KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY AND WHEEL BEARING NEED TO BE REPLACED, THAT IT WAS "BENT" AND I MUST'VE HIT SOMETHING WITH IT. THIS IS JUST NOT TRUE. 2000 FOCUS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. I THINK A BOLT CAME LOOSE, WEAKENING THE ASSEMBLY AND ALLOWING IT TO BEND THROUGH NORMAL USE. *TR
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
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
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
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2007, fire
TL*- CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD FOCUS LX HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE STARTED FROM SOME FAULTY WIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT COULD PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 54,000.*AK
Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOR FOCUS WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE ODOMETER READING OF 38,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH UNDER DRY CONDITIONS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. BUT, WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST HER WITH THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE AT DEALER FOR SERVICE THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLE MELTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHT TO FAIL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING A 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART FOR AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE HAD LOST POWER FOUR TIMES. THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO REMEMBER WHICH ONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2007
A FORD FOCUS WAGON 2003. WHEN I TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER LOCKEDE, WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN INSERTED IN THE LOCK & ICOULD NOT TURN ON THE CAR. THE VEHICLEWAS JUST OVER THREE YEARS OLD. *AK THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TWO DAYS IN A ROW. CALLED FORD & THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR ''FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS''. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RESULTS COPIED FROM THIS GOOGLE SEARCH ''RESULTS 1 - 10 OF ABOUT 455,000 FOR FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS . (0.39 SECONDS)''. I WAS CONCERNED THAT A FAULTY IGNITION WOULD BE USED IF FORD REPLACED IT SO I CALLED A LOCAL LOCKSMITH. THE OWNER WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM & HAS REPLACED A NUMBER OF FORD VEHICLE IGNITION LOCKS. I HAD THE LOCKSMITH REPLACED MY FOCUS IGNITION. THE COST WAS $240.75. I AM 59 YEARS OLD. MY FAMILY HAS OWNED NUMEROUS CARS & TRUCKS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE AN IGNITION KEY SWITCH IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE ESPECIALLY ONE JUST OVER THREE YEARS OLD. IRONICALLY TO ADD TO MY FRUSTRATION, I JUST PAID OFF THE 36 MONTH CAR LOAN ON THIS FOCUS. ALSO, SENT A LETTER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM TO ATTN: ALAN MULALLY, PRESIDENT & CEO PLUS CC'ED TO WILLIAM CLAY FORD, JR., EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN & NHTSA HEADQUARTERS, 400 SEVENTH STREET, SW, WASHINGTON, DC 20590 (SENDING VIA MAIL & EMAIL TO NHTSA)
Visibility, Mar 22, 2007
THE DRIVER SIDE REAR ELECTRIC WINDOW OF MY 2003 FORD FOCUS LS HAS MALFUNCTIONED & FAILED TO RESPOND TO SWITCH CONTROL. MOTOR FUNCTION SEEMED TO STILL BE INTACT BUT THE WINDOW DIDN'T RESPOND TO THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH ON THE DOOR PANEL. THIS RESULTED IN THE WINDOW BEING STUCK IN A HALF DOWN POSITION BUT COULD BE PULLED BACK UP MANUALLY WITH LITTLE RESISTANCE. 1 WEEK LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WINDOW EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS. AFTER CALLING A FEW LOCAL DEALERSHIPS/REPAIR SHOPS, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW(S) HAD PROBABLY COME "OFF TRACK" BUT THEY COULD NOT BE CERTAIN WITHOUT INSPECTION. I RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE OF $200 JUST TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM, THE ESTIMATE DID NOT INCLUDE ANY ADDITIONAL FEE'S THAT MAY INCUR THEREAFTER. I CONTACTED TRIUMPH AUTO GLASS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THAT THIS IS A VERY FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS MODEL & THAT HE HAS RAN INTO THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES IN RECENT MONTHS. HE WASN'T ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME, BUT HE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AS HE HAD RAN ACROSS IT NUMEROUS TIMES. HE STATED THAT BOTH REGULATORS FOR THE WINDOW MOTOR'S HAD FAILED & ESTIMATED THE REPAIR COST TO BETWEEN $500-$600.00 ! I WAS NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THAT EXPENDITURE AT THIS TIME & OPTED TO GLUE BOTH BACK WINDOWS SHUT IN THE UP POSITION. SO NOW I HAVE ESSENTIALLY NO REAR WINDOWS (AT LEAST WINDOWS THAT FUNCTION) & THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE CARPET & UPHOLSTERY FROM THE ELEMENTS. NOT TO MENTION THE FEAR OF POSSIBLY HAVING THE CAR BROKEN INTO OR STOLEN. I DID WISH TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS IT SEEMS TO BE QUITE FREQUENT. I HAVE CHECKED YOUR SITE & SEVERAL OTHERS FOR THE FORD FOCUS & WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY RECALLS OR BULLETINS FOR THIS PROBLEM. BUT IT'S A BIG PROBLEM & A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD AND I AM OBVIOUSLY NOT THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED BY THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE. THANK YOU FOR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, MARK WILLIAMS