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 23, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3, IT HAS JUST A LITTLE OVER 48,000 MILES. ONE MORNING (OUT OF BLUE), THE KEY LOCK WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY, I WAS HOME. AS A RESULT, I HAD IT TOWED INTO A FORD DEALERSHIP. WAS CHARGED AN ARM AND A LEG BY THE TOWING COMPANY (FORD DEALER RECOMMENDED) AND TO MAKE THINGS WORSE, FOUND OUT THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID COVER A (KEY/IGNITION CYLINDER) REPLACEMENT COMPARTMENT, WOULD OF BEEN COVERED IF IT WERE THE SWITCH/ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE SWITCH. IN THE END, I HAD TO PAY OVER $500 FOR A PART THAT APPARENTLY IS GEARED OR EXPECTED TO FAIL ON NEWER FOCUSES (ACCORDING TO TOW CO., FORD MAINTENANCE STAFF, AND THE RANDOM INTERNET SEARCHES). I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY, AND AT THIS POINT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT HASN'T DETERMINED IT TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM (THEY ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM ALSO). I GUESS IF I WERE STUCK UP IN THE SNOW PACKED SANDIA MOUNTAINS AND MY TOES FROZE OFF, HEY MAYBE THEY WOULD CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM. PLEASE, CAN YOU CHECK INTO THIS, I HATE TO SEE OTHER UNSUSPECTING BUYERS, DRIVERS, GET HIT WITH THIS UNNECESSARY BURDEN AND OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE, WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *NM
Parking brake, Oct 18, 2005
SO FAR I HAVEN'T HAD ANY COLLISIONS, BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY EMERGENCY BRAKES. MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE STICKING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO RUB AND GRIND WHEN BRAKING. WHEN I ACCELERATE MY ESCAPE JERKS FORWARD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY VEHICLE WORKED ON TONIGHT. *NM
Power train, Oct 18, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 ZTS WITH A 5 SPEED. AFTER DRIVING ROUGHLY 40 MILES NONSTOP WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 85 AND ABOVE, THE FIRST TIME I PUSH THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN THE PEDAL IS REALLY STIFF, LIKE A SUPER DUPER HEAVE DUTY CLUTCH. BY THE 2ND OR 3D TIME I PRESS IT IN IT'S NORMAL AGAIN. THE CAR SHIFT FINE.. JUST HAS THIS REALLY STIFF PEDAL FOR 1 OR TWO PUSHES AFTER AN 40 MILE TRIP IN HOT TEMPERATURES. FORD AGREED, AFTER A TON OF COMPLAINING, TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER, BUT IT NEVER HELPED. THE CAR HAS 35,000 AND 95% OF THOSE MILES ARE ON THE INTERSTATE SO THERE "SHOULD BE" NEXT TO NO WEAR ON THE CLUTCH ITSELF. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES. NOW THAT THE TEMPERATURES HAVE FALLEN BACK TO MID 70'S FOR DAYTIME HI'S THE PROBLEM IS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 18, 2005
AT THIS TIME I CAN DO NOT HAVE A FAILURE, ONLY A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, ANYTIME WHILE MY 2003 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION IS TURNED ON, A LOUD "TIN-SOUNDING-POP" OCCURS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL TANK BUT I CAN NOT BE SURE WHAT IT IS. IN THE PAST MONTH, THE SOUND HAS GOTTEN LOUDER & LOUDER -- EVEN MORE FREQUENT. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE SOUND IS -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS LEFT A TIN CAN OUTSIDE AND WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES FROM HOT TO COLD OR COLD TO HOT, THE TIN CAN "POPS" AS ITS CONTRACTING OR EXPANDING. NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR COMPUTERIZED MESSAGES COME ON. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE -- I BOUGHT IT NEW IN SEP 2003. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2005
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN SEPT. 2003, BRAND NEW. THIS SPRING, WITH ONLY 23000 MILES ON IT, THE CAR BEGAN MAKING AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS, AT A PRICE TAG OF NEAR $400. OF COURSE MY WARRANTY DID NOT COVER IT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR, AND IN FORD FOR SELLING A CAR THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS A FAULTY, POORLY MADE BRAKING SYSTEM. ONLY 4 MONTHS AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR, I HAVE BEGUN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AGAIN. I WILL ABSOLUTELY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. I AM VERY UNIMPRESSED WITH THEM. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2005
WHEN MOVING A SLOW SPEED (10MPH TO 15MPH) A SMALL SUDDEN TAP OF THE BREAKS AND THE BRAKE SOMETIMES WILL GO DOWN FARTHER THAN MY FOOT. ALMOST AS IF WHEN TAPPED THE BREAK KEEPS GOING DOWN WHEN MY FOOT IS GOING UP. THIS HAS HAPPEN 2 TIMES TO DATE. WHEN IT HAPPENS THE TRUCK ALMOST FEELS AS THOUGH I AM SLAMMING THE BREAKS TO THE FLOOR AND ALL PEOPLE INSIDE ARE SLUNG FOWARD. WHEN I AM JUST TRYING TO SLOW CAUSE OF A CAR IN FRONT HAS SLOWED. BUT I HAVE TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO DO IT AND I CANT ALWAYS MAKE IT HAPPEN AT WILL, IT JUST DOES IT EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECTED IT.
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS, AND JUST RECENTLY MY IGNITION WENT OUT. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. I KNOW VARIOUS PEOPLE WHO OWN A FOCUS AND HAVE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. IT BARELY STARTED TO STICK THE DAY BEFORE IT FINALLY WENT OUT. I CURRENTLY AM LOOKING INTO MY OPTIONS ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME GETTING TO WORK AND GETTING AROUND IN GENERAL. IT IS VERY HARD ESPECIALLY WITH TWO CHILDREN. LUCKILY IT DIDN'T LOCK UP ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *NM
Air bags, Oct 12, 2005, crash
DT: 2003 FORD FOCUS - AUGUST 11, 2005 THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. FORD DEALERSHIP REQUESTED THAT THE MANUFACTURER TO INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT. ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT. CONSUMER CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURE FIVE TIMES WITH NO RESULTS, COULD GET THE MANUFACTURER TO COLLOBORATE ON THIS MATTER. WHILE DRIVING LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO THE DITCH, HIT TWO ROCKS, A TRE, AND CAME TO REST AT THE THIRD ROCK. THIS WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON BEFORE THE ACCIDENT INDICATING THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL THE CONSUMER WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS ONE INJURY.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2005
THE IGNITION OF OUR 2003 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL IT WAS TIME TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND THE KEY WOULD GO INTO THE LOCK, THE BELL WOULD SOUND, BUT THE LOCK WOULD NOT TURN. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS, AND THEY SUGGEST YOU EITHER GET THE CAR TOWED TO THEIR SHOP, OR, IF YOU CAN, DRIVE IT TO THEIR SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE PRICE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS APPROXIMATELY $350.00 AND IS ONLY GUARANTEED FOR ONE YEAR. THE CAR IS TWO AND A HALF YEARS OLD. *NM
Suspension, Structure, Tires, Oct 11, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES SHE OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE REAR TIRES KEPT GOING BALD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE ONLY. THE VEHICLE IS A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES. VEHICLE HAS 61,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE BACK FRAME TWO KITS, ONE ON EACH SIDE DUE TO AN ENGINEERING NOTICE PUT OUT ON THE TIRES. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND SHOCKS REPLACED RECENTLY WITH APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES ON THE CAR, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CAR BOUNCED, AND WHEN SHE HIT A BUMP THE CAR PICKED UP, AND THE REAR END MOVED TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT. SHE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR REALIGNED AT LEAST SIX OR SEVEN TIMES. SOMETIMES THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO GO BACK THE VERY NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT ALIGNED AGAIN, AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT CHARGE THEM FOR THE SERVICE.. THE FRONT BRAKE PAD AND THE FRONT ROTORS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. SHE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER ,AND THEY TOLD HER SHE WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE TO SHELL OUT MONEY BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE TIRES, AND THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY DOID NOT COVER THE TIRES BECAUSE IT WAS BLAMED ON UNEVEN WEAR OR/AND THE ALIGNMENT. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS WITH 44,000 MILES ON IT. THE IGNITION LOCKS TOO FREQUENTLY AND HAS COST ME NOT ONLY MONEY, BUT JOB RELATED TIME AND COSTS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY LET ALONE AS A RECALL. DON'T YOU NEED THE IGNITION TO IGNITE TO USE THE CAR? *NM
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2005
FORD FOCUS NEEDED IGNITION TUMBLERS REPLACED BECAUSE THE OLD ONES LOCKED UP ABOUT 4 HOURS FROM HOME. LUCKILY I READ THAT ALMOST EVERYONE WITH A FOCUS HAS HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS; HOWEVER, FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. I HAD A LOCK SMITH FIX THE PROBLEMS WHOM AAA REFERRED ME TO. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A FORD AGAIN AND AM TRYING VERY HARD TO BECOME PART OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD FOR IGNORING THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO TELL EVERYONE I MEET NOT TO BUY A FOCUS OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF FORD BECAUSE OF THEIR POOR QUALITY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2005
THE CAR HESITATES WHILE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. APPEARS TO SHUT DOWN AND RESTART. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND NOT REPAIRED. *NM
Suspension, Oct 5, 2005
REAR TIRE CUPPING AND INNER EDGE WEAR FROM MISALIGNMENT OF WHEELS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2005
I HAVE A FOCUS FORD 2003. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION, MY KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START MY CAR, I TOOK IT TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. AFTER FEW MONTHS IT DID HAPPEN AGAIN. I JUST TAPPED THE TOP OF THE KEY AND WILL TURN, BUT TODAY IT DID NOT TURN AT ALL. I THINK IS NOT RIGHT TO PAY EXTRA FOR THAT EXPENSE, WHEN THE FIRST THINK A CAR IS SUPPOSED TO DO IS START!!!*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 27, 2005
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS, WHICH IN GENERAL HAS BEEN A PRETTY GOOD CAR TO ME, IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE WORRIES I'VE HAD ABOUT STOPPING! THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED SINCE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE (BRAND NEW) AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THE PADS AND THE ROTORS WERE GONE. NOT SURPRISED SINCE I HAD GRINDING AND SQUEAKING, BUT YET AMAZED THAT THE CAR WAS SO NEW WITH SO LITTLE MILES AND THE BRAKES ARE ALREADY HAVING AN ISSUE. WHEN THE CAR WAS FINISHED, IT DIDN'T SQUEAK OR GRIND FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS - BUT THEN WENT RIGHT BACK TO GRINDING AND SQUEAKING. I TALKED TO ANOTHER GIRL WITH AN 03 FOCUS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. WHY CAN'T ALL OF US WITH THE 2003 FORD FOCUS GET TOGETHER AND COMPLAIN TOGETHER? I AM STILL WORRIED EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT THAT ONE DAY IT WON'T STOP OR SOMETHING. THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE, FOR I PAY FOR THIS VEHICLE EVERY MONTH AND IT SHOULD BE SERVICED CORRECTLY. I ALSO ENCOUNTER MANY FORD ENGINEERS IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN THAT SAY THEY HAVE HEARD MANY REPORTS SUCH AS THIS. CAN I ASK WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT? THEY SAY THAT THE NEWER MODELS HAVE BETTER BREAK SYSTEMS... HOW DOES THAT HELP THE 2003 MODEL OWNERS?????? SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *JB
Air bags, Sep 21, 2005, crash
I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON 9-15-2005 MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Sep 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD ABOUT TWO FEET. HE HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM LURCHING FORWARD. THIS DID HAPPEN EVERY TIME THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT IT COULD BE SOMETHING WITHIN THE COMPUTER, BUT THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS GOING TO CALL AFTER HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. *AK
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
Seat belts, Sep 14, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY ALL OF THE TIME. SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT BUCKLE, AND SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT UNBUCKLE. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELT BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THIS APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MONTHS AGO.*AK
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2005
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER SINCE NEW. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2005
WITH JUST 43,500 MILES ON THE CAR MY IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERS REPAIR SHOP TO BE FIXED. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS FLUCTUATED. AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING, THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS STOPPED WORKING. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *JB
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2005
I OWN A 2003 FORD FOCUS WHICH HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. THE IGNITION ON THE CAR HAS LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION AT ALL. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD BY THEIR SERVICE DEPT. THAT THIS HASN'T BEEN ISSUED AS A RECALL BY FORD BUT THEY HAS "SEVERAL" FORD FOCUS' COMING IN FOR IGNITION REPAIR. FORD ASSUMES NO LIABILITY AT THIS POINT BUT THEY ARE HAPPILY CHARGING APPROX. $500 FOR THE IGNITION REPAIR AT THEIR SHOP. I AM VERY UNSATISFIED AND FEEL THAT WITH THE LARGE # OF FORD FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME COMPLAINT, SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ON A LARGER SCALE AS IT IS OBVIOUS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE MECHANICS OF THE IGNITION. A POPULAR WEB SITE THAT OFFERS ADVICE TO AUTO OWNERS IS WWW.EDMUNDS.COM AND THERE IS A LARGE POSTING OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE PERTAINING TO THIS MATTER. THIS CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESS: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA50DC PLEASE REPLY AND LET ME KNOW IF ANY ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE. SINCERELY, PATRICK MILLER. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2005
DT: 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE IGNITION TUMBLER FAILED AT 38,000 MILES. RANDOMLY, THE KEY WAS HARD TO PUT IN AND THEN IT WENT OUT. THE BATTERY FAILED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED AT FORD. THE BATTERY WENT OUT YESTERDAY AND THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A NEW ONE. THE IGNITION TUMBLER STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO.