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, Jun 7, 2006
DAD*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MANEUVERED THE KEY UNTIL THE VEHICLE STARTED; IT WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 06/23/06. *JB
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2006
IGNITION BARREL WILL NOT ROTATE. CANNOT START CAR OR TURN STEERING WHEEL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Interior lighting, Jun 1, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE; NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE HATCH BACK FAILED TO CLOSE, VEHICLE FAILED TO START, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED AND THE MOTOR MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 23, 2006, fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE STARTED BEHIND BATTERY AND BURNED DOWN THE CAR. *NM
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
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
Electrical system, May 8, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH LOCK UPS, CAN'T TURN THE KEY. *JB
Electrical system, May 8, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IN A 2003 FORD FOCUS. I INSERTED MY SPECIAL SECURE LOCK KEY AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR CAME SHE INFORMED ME SHE TOWS FOCUS' ALL THE TIME WITH THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE TO SEVERAL FORUMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PART AS IT COSTS $525 DOLLARS TO REPAIR!!!*JB
Electrical system, May 8, 2006
ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION MY IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO START MY CAR HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. THE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON BUT THE RADIO WORKS. I TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION THEN CAME BACK COULD NOT START CAR, HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE TRY. HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY PERSON WHO WORKS AT DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS CAR AND ALSO SAME INFO PROVIDED BY TOW TRUCK DRIVER. I AM NOW WITHOUT VEHICLE BECAUSE NOT SURE OF COST TO REPAIR. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE KEY FAILED TO TURN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2006
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 FOCUS IN JANUARY OF 2004. THE CAR ONLY HAD ABOUT 42000 MILES ON IT. I WENT TO WORK ONE DAY AND WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. IT GETS STUCK. THE WHEELS LOCK AND I HAVE TO JIGGLE IT UNTIL IT FINALLY COMES UNSTUCK. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR AT WORK OVERNIGHT ONCE BECAUSE OF THIS AND THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT A RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. I WILL NOT PAY OVER $200 FOR SOMETHING THAT IS HAPPENING TO MORE PEOPLE. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006
THE KEY GOES INTO IGNITION BUT WILL NOT TURN AT ALL TO START THE CAR. THIS IS A CONTINUED PROBLEM. IN MINNESOTA WHEN IT IS 30 BELOW, THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT BE ABLE TO START YOUR CAR AND FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS ON CONSUMER HEALTH. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE AND PLAN TO SELL IS VERY SOON. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2006
THE IGNITION TO MY 2003 FORD FOCUS WOULD NOT TURN WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED. WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP (FAMILY FORD IN NETCONG, NJ) AND THEY SAID NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR IS A RECALL AND CHARGED ME $514. AFTER THIS I SEARCHED ON INTERNET AND SEE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AND MANY FORUMS DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO SAW STATEMENTS ON THE FORUMS THAT FORD IS OVERCHARGING AND SHOULD GO TO A LOCKSMITH TO GET IT DONE FOR UNDER $150. *NM
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2006
THE IGNITION SWITCH ON OUR 2003 FORD FOCUS HAS LOCKED UP FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN A MOVIE THEATRE PARKING LOT 600 MILES AWAY FROM HOME. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THE PART REPLACED. THE MOST RECENT TOOK PLACE AT HOME LAST NIGHT. WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT FIXED YET. *NM
Steering, Apr 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE KEY CYLINDER. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE KEY CYLINDER AGAIN. *AK
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 16, 2006
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES. IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION LOCKING AND AS WELL AS THE STEERING WHEEL, I CONTACTED THE DEALER CAREY PAUL FORD IN DECATUR, GA AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS, WHICH I DID, AFTER BEING STRANDED WITH MY SON. THIS COST ME 260.00, I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND MONEY ON PROBLEMS THAT THE MANUFACTURER CLEARLY WAS AWARE OF. THE TRUNK ON THE VEHICLE JUST RANDOMLY OPENS AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, YOU'RE RIDING ALONG THE ROAD AND THE TRUNKS JUST OPENS FOR NO REASON. THIS I FIND JUST ANNOYING BUT WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE CORRECTED. MY LATEST ISSUE IS THAT ON YESTERDAY 04/16/06, WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE STEERING WHEEL JUST BECAME LOOSE AND I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE CAR, I MADE IT TO A FIRESTONE DEALER THAT RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHICH I WILL DO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. I CAN'T STOP THINKING THAT I OR SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW A MANUFACTURER CAN CONTINUE TO MARKET A PRODUCT AS SAFE WHEN CLEARLY THERE ARE ISSUES WITH IT. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS WEB SITES AND PERSONALLY SPOKEN WITH FOCUS OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET FORD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT'S PRODUCT. ANY FEEDBACK WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *NM
Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 12, 2006
ON 4/12/06, THE IGNITION IN MY 2003 FORD FOCUS JAMMED AND WAS UNABLE TO START I WAS STUCK I CALLED THE TOW SERVICE WHO HAD ME TRY DIFFERENT WAYS TO START MY CAR HOWEVER IT DIDN'T WORK. WHEN THE DRIVER ARRIVED HE HIT THE KEY 4-5 TIMES THEN IT UNJAMMED AND STARTED UP AFTER HE TURNED THE CAR OFF HE HAD TO HIT THE KEY AGAIN TO START THE CAR WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER IN ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA THE SERVICE REQ INFORMED ME THE I HAD TO PAY $430 TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED I ASKED WHY HASN'T THE CAR BEEN RECALL HE DIDN'T HAVE AN ANSWER BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR I LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *NM
Wheels, Apr 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE WHEELS. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE TURNED INWARD BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THERE WAS WEARING PRESENT ON THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCHANGED.
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO TURN WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED. THE IGNITION SOMETIMES ENGAGED WHEN THE KEY WAS JIGGLED, BUT EVENTUALLY THE IGNITION COMPLETELY LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TUMBLERS WERE BAD AND THE IGNITION NEEDED NEW TUMBLERS.
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.
Tires, Apr 6, 2006
I HAVE PURCHASED 3- COOPER LIFE LINER TOURING SLE 205501687 H TIRES. 2 WERE ON THE REAR. 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. I REPLACED IT. 2 WEEKS LATER THE LEFT REAR WENT FLAT. I FILLED IT AND THE VERY NEXT DAY THE RIGHT REAR WENT FLAT. I PUT A SPARE ON AND TOOK THEM WHERE I BOUGHT THEM. THEY RAN TESTS AND FOUND NOTHING TO BE WRONG WITH THE TIRE AND COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THEY JUST WENT FLAT. I REPLACED THE 2 REAR TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND HAVE YET TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEM. *JB
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2006
MY PURPOSE IN SUBMITTING THIS LETTER IS TO NOTIFY THE NHTSA THAT THERE IS AN EMISSION PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTW VEHICLE. EMISSIONS FROM THE ENGINE AREA ARE GETTING INTO THE PASSENGER AREA. THESE EMISSIONS ARE CAUSING ME RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. I HAVE PROBLEMS BREATHING. TO MINIMIZE THE AFFECTS I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY MOON ROOF AND WINDOWS OPEN. I HAVE HAD THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CHECKED BY A NATIONAL FIRM AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE SYSTEM WAS OKAY. THERE WERE NO LEAKS. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEIR MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2006
I HAVE AN 03 FOCUS WITH JUST OVER 40K MILEAGE, AND NOT EVEN 3 YEARS OLD YET, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS MORNING I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND THE KEY CYLINDER TUMBLER WAS MECHANICALLY FROZEN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, PAYING $55.50. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO DRILL OUT THE KEY CYLINDER AND REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT SINCE THE TUMBLERS FROZE. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO MENTIONED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN OTHER FOCUSES. I BELIEVE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY A DIME AND THAT THIS IS PURELY A MECHANICAL/WARRANTY/RECALL ISSUE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS, SINCE THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP, BUT THEY SAID I WOULD BEAR A PARTIAL BURDEN. *JB