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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 13, 2004
CONSUMER CAN SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT PUSHING THE SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE CONSUMER ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHEN DRIVING AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF HAVING DONE SO UNTIL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD. *SC
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2004
IGNITION SWITCH BECOMES LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 7, 2004
2003 FORD FOCUS BRAKES ARE WEARING UNEVEN, RUBBING, AND SQUEEKING. THE FRONT ROTORS HAVE GROVES BEYOND ALLOWABLE LIMITS WHILE 40% OF PADS REMAIN. LOOKS AS IF THE FRONT PADS ARE EATING THE ROTORS. WHEN TAKEN TO FORD THEY SAY ITS NORMAL WEAR, WHAT A LIE.. THIS COULD CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, IM SURPRISED FORD HASNT LEARNED THEIR LESSON FROM PAST EXPERIENCE. SINCE FOR HAS REFUSED TO TAKE ACTION ON THEIR FAULTY BRAKES, THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS THAT REALLY WISH YOU GUYS WOULD STEP FORWARD AND MAKE THEM BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Air, Aug 31, 2004
EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE FIRST SERVICE, I INFORMED THE MECHANIC OF MY CONCERN ABOUT THE SQUEAKING BRAKES AND THE OVERWHELMING AMOUNTOF BRAKE DUST ON MY WHEELS AND RIMS. AFTER THAT CHECK UP I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES WERE FINE AND I PLEADED WITH THE MECHANIC TO BE SURE AND AGAIN AND AGAIN HE TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THIS PAST SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 2004, JUST OVER 16,000 MILES, I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND AGAIN COMPLAINED OF THE BRAKE DUST AND SQEAKING SOUND AND NOW GRINDING SOUND I HERE. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT I NEED NEW FRONT BRAKES METAL TO METAL PADS AND THE FRONT ROTORS MUST BE REPLACED!!!! THIS IS CRAZINESS AND I AM OUTRAGED!!!*AK
Structure, Aug 27, 2004
ON ANY RAINY DAYS THE FLOOR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE LEAKS WATER. DEALERSIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER TOLD THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2004
THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE HAS 12,000 MILES AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. IT WILL REACH AS HIGH AS 7,000 RPMS WITHOUT EFFORT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND NEITHER WERE WILLING TO ASSIST. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2004
2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION CEASED TO FUNCTION. EHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED AND SERVICED BY FORD. ESEARCH ON INTERNET INDICATES THIS IS AN EXTREMELY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AMONG FORD FOCUS OWNERS, WITH MANY OWNERS NEEDING TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW YEARS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2004
2003 FORD FOCUS - FRONT BRAKES CAUSED OVERHEATING OF ROTORS AND SEVERE WEAR OF PADS - AT 20,000 MILES. *AK
Air bags, Aug 2, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANG AFTER A TRACTOR TRAILER PASSED ON THE LEFT SIDE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO FILL WITH SMOKE, AND THE CONSUMER FELT A SHARP PAIN IN THE SHOULDER. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER MADE CONTACT WITH THE TRACTOR TRAILER. *AK
Power train, Air bags, Jul 21, 2004, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING. THEN, THE VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR WITHOUT WARNING AND COLLIDED INTO A BUILDING. BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *LA
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE WHEEL BRACKET AND BEARING ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN ON THE EXACT SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE WILL REV UP SEVERELY, EVEN WHEN THE CONSUMER'S FOOT IS ON THE BRAKES. *NM
Suspension, Jul 13, 2004, crash
1) PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CAR HAD BEEN RETURNED TO DEALER WITH CLUNKING NOISE COMPLAINT, SOUNDING LIKE FROM LEFT FRONT. DEALER REFERENCED TSB 03-20-02, REPLACED SWAY BAR END LINKS (TWICE), TIGHTENED LOOSE STRUT MOUNT BODY BOLTS. OWNER STILL HEARD POPPING NOISE. 2) DAY OF FAILURE, DRIVER HAD JUST EXITED CURVE TO LEFT AND DRIVING IN STRAIGHT SECTION. CAR LURCHED TO LEFT, ACROSS CENTERLINE. DRIVER (OVER)CORRECTED, VEERING OFF ROAD TO RIGHT, STRIKING TREE WITH LEFT REAR. DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL ASKEW DUE TO BROKEN LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BROKEN SWAY BAR LINK, WHICH RESULTED IN DISCONNECTED CV SHAFT. DAMAGE PATTERNS INDICATE FAILURE PRECEEDED OFF-ROAD EXCURSION. 3) CAR PROBABLE TOTAL LOSS. *LA
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER HAD THE BATTERY AND THE ALTENATOR CHANGED, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING SERVICED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES. *AK *NM
Suspension, Jun 19, 2004
AT ABOUT 13,000 MILES MY 2003 FORD FOCUS BEGAN TO VIBRATE IN THE FRONT (STEERING WHEEL AND GEAR SHIFT). I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD A TIRE OUT OF BALANCE. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL TIRE CENTER AND HAD THE TIRES BALANCED. I THEN WENT ON VACATION IN MY CAR. THE CAR CONTINUED TO VIBRATE THROUGH THE TRIP. WHEN I RETURNED I TOOK MY CAR TO A SECOND DEALERSHIP. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT MY GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES HAVE PREMATURE WEAR CAUSING THE VIBRATION. MY TIRES ALSO HAVE SCALLOPING, BUT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE ALIGMENT WAS WITHIN FORD SPECIFICATIONS. I NOW HAVE A CAR LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND JUST OVER 16,000 MILES IN NEED OF NEW TIRES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE RAPID WEAR OF THE TIRES AND THAT THIS MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS WITH OTHER DRIVERS OF THE 2003 FORD FOCUS. MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 FORD FOCUS BECAUSE THE GOODYEAR TIRES HAD A VERY SOFT RUBBER COMPOUND. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, BUT PREMATURE WEAR AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE TIRES AT MY EXPENSE. I AM NOW PLANNING ON GOING TO MY LOCAL TIRE DEALER AND REPLACING THE TIRES. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 16, 2004
WHILE PUMPING GASOLINE AT THE GAS STATION THE GASOLINE SPLASHED ON THE CONSUMER. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL NECK HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2004, crash
WHILE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND COMING TO A STOP CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND IT SIDE SWIPED A SIGN POST NEAR A SCHOOL ZONE. THE POLICE DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT NOR WERE THERE ANY INJURIES. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SOME DENTS , AND THE LOSS OF THE EXTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AFTER SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE STALLED. DEALERSHIP WASN'T ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED AFTER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TO MERGE ON TO FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND SHIFTED INTO FULL THROTTLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
Structure, Jun 12, 2004
OIL FILTER MOUNTED AT LOWEST POINT ON UNDERCARRIAGE IN FRONT OF CAR,I RAN OVER SOMETHING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ONLY PART OF CAR HIT WAS OIL FILTER WHICH LOST OIL AND DAMAGED ENGINE. *AK
Visibility, Jun 9, 2004
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. GLASS FILLED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2004
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY.*AK
Steering, Jun 2, 2004, crash
BALL JOINT (SUSPENSION) BROKE, VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, INCIDENT OCCURRED IN A MULTI-STORY PARKING GARAGE, AT LOW SPEED. *AK THE CONSUMER'S INSURANCE REQUESTED STATUS UPDATE. *SC
Latches/locks/linkages, May 31, 2004
AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING THE VEHICLE I WAS GETTING WATER IN MY TRUNK. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING DEVISE AND REPAIRED THE RUST. A MONTH LATER SAME PROBLEM. BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY DID THE SAME THING. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN BUT WARRANTY IS UP.*AK