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.
Equipment, May 31, 2004
MUSTY MOLD SMELL COMING FROM AIR CONDITIONER AND HEAT. *AK
Power train, May 25, 2004
TRANSAXLE DISENGAGES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. TRANSAXLE RE-ENGAGES BELOW 30 MPH. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, May 17, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CYLINDER AND KEY DESIGN IS NO GOOD. LOTS OF FOCUS OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY (FORD) SAY ITS BECAUSE THE KEYS WERE TO HEAVY OR SOMETHING BUT I ONLY HAVE MY CAR AND HOSUE KEY ON MY RING. NOW IN ORDER TO START THE CAR I NEED TO PLAY WITH THE KEY FOR 1 TO 15 MINUTES JUST TO GET THE CAR STARTED. IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $275 TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 15 MONTHS. (13 AT TIME OF FAILURE). *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 14, 2004
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT MAKES A METAL TO METAL NOISE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS 3 TIMES. *AK
Suspension, May 7, 2004
SQUEALING BRAKES, GRABBING BRAKES, GRINDING NOISES FROM BRAKES, PREMATURE WEAR IN FRONT ROTORS, KNOCKING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION, LOUD SQEAKING NOISES FROM ALL SUSPENSION. BROUGHT CAR INTO 3 DIFFERENT SERVICE DEPARTMENTS A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES FOR ALL AND NO SOLUTION. SERVICE DIDN'T CARE ENOUGH AND VERY RUDE.*AK
Power train, May 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE/BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THEN, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEARS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Apr 29, 2004
. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. ON OCTOBER 31 OF 2003, I PURCHASED FORD FOCUS SE, BRAND NEW.. FOR FIVE MONTH I OWN THIS VEHICLE, I WAS IN THE SHOP FOR ALL KIND DIFFERENT PROBLEMS 9 TIMES. IT WAS: CONSTANT VERY STRONG VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, CONSTANT GROUNDING NOISE COMES FROM ENGINE SITE AND TRANSFORMED TO AN ULTRASOUND NOISE AT HIRE SPEED, THE SQUEALING HAS INTENSIFIED AND SOUNDS HORRIBLE! TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, HAD TO USE TOW TRACK.( DEALER SAD THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ) ,BUT TRANSMISSION STILL LOCKS AND JERKING CONSTANTLY, SQUEAL NOISE FROM BREAKS, (DEALER REPLACED FRONT PADS AND RESURFACE DRUM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR REAR BREAKS AND NOISE AND PULSATION IS STILL THERE., DEALER FOUND DEFECTIVE RIMS, DEFECTIVE TIRES, THROTTLE PROBLEMS, BRAKES PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR INTENSIFIED. I GOT MY CRUSE CONTROL ACCELERATED BY IT SELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP AND JERKING INTERMITTENTLY, BRAKES SQUEALING AND PULSATE THE FORD DEALER SALES AND SERVICE PEOPLE SAID THAT I SHOULD NOT RETURN FOR SERVICE AND WAIST ANY BODYS TIME, HE SAID THAT WHAT I HEAR AND FILL IN MY FORD FOCUS IS NORMAL . FORD WARRANTY IS NOT WORTH A PAPER IT IS WRITTEN ON. SO, FORD WONT FIX MY CAR AND I CANNOT DO IT OTHER WISE. AS A RESULT OF STRONG VIBRATION AND SQUEALING NOISE I AM LOOSING BALANCE, HAVE SEVERE HEADACHE, ALL BODY EKING, I HAVE PAIN IN BOOTH OF MY ARMS, AND I HAVE DIFFICULTY TO WALK AND MY RIGHT LEG BECOME NUM. I HAVE TO USE WALKING CANE AND KNEE AND ANKLE SUPPORT. I SCARED TO EVEN DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I AM PLEADING TO YOU, TO HELP .ME TO GET A FULL REFUND FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR ITS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, PLUS A COMPENSATION FOR ALL EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS ORDEAL.
Tires, Apr 24, 2004
CONTINUOUS FRONT END VIBRATION. 1 TIRE BLOWOUT AT 5,000 MILES, ANOTHER BLEW A BELT AT 14,000 MILES. FIRESTONE FIREHAWK 205, 50 R16. *AK
Tires, Apr 22, 2004
BOUGHT 2003 FORD FOCUS AUGUST 2003; MARCH-APRIL 2004 HEARD THUMPING NOISE OFF REAR TIRES. (PLEASE NOTE: I PUT ON 3,000 MILES MONTHLY AND CHANGE MY OIL MONTHLY AS WELL AS ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE.) TREADS ARE WEARING IN COASTER SIZE SPOTS, BUT UNDER 25%. GOODYEAR IS REPLACING ONLY ONE TIRE UNDER THE "WARRANTY" "NUISANCE" CLAUSE. WILL MONITOR ALL TIRES. THE OLD TIRE IS WAVY, UNLIKE THE OTHERS, WHICH ARE FINE THUS FAR. GY SUGGESTED POSSIBLE SUSPENSION, BUT DOUBTED DUE TO THE YOUTH OF THE CAR AND TIRES AND ALSO SUGGESTED ALIGNMENT. HAD THE NEW TIRE PUT ON...FREE..AND HAD A "FREE" ALIGNMENT ANALYSIS PERFORMED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Tires, Apr 10, 2004
I HAVE HAD BULGES DEVELOP IN THE SIDEWALL OF TWO FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA 02 TIRES THAT CAME AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 2003 FOCUS ZX3 HATCHBACK. THE FIRST TIRE BULGED AT 3800 MILES AND THE DEALER RELUCTANTLY REPLACED THAT TIRE. NOW AT 11,500 MILES A SECOND TIRE HAS A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL. THE FIRST BULGE I ATTRIBUTED TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NOW THAT THE SECOND TIRE HAS BULGED, AND MANY OTHERS REPORT SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I THINK FIRESTONE HAS ANOTHER BIG PROBLEM DEVELOPING. FORD/FIRESTONE SHOULD BE MADE TO REPLACE ALL OF THESE TIRES AT NO COST.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE RUMBLED AS IT ACCELERATED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD. DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK SO THAT IT WOULD COME TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION, AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *LA
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 6, 2004
THE VEHICLE'S DRIVERSIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *MR
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE, BUT ALWAYS STARTED BACK UP AFTER A FEW MINUTES. ON ONE OCCASION, THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER AND ON THE ANOTHER OCCASION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *AK THE STARTER WAS FOUND FAULTY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERATIVE AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHILE GOING 40 MPH DUE TO SHIFTING, THE CLOCK DISPLAY WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE ENGNE LIGHT STAYED ON. *SC *JB
Suspension, Power train, Apr 1, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO JERK. AS A RESULTED THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VAN AND HIT A TREE. THE VAN WAS TOTALED. *NM *SC
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2004
MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT OUR FORD FOCUS IN MAY OF 2003. IN SEPT. OF 2003 WE PAID IT OFF. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AN ODOR COMING OUT OF THE COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM. IT SMELLS LIKE MOLD/MILDEW. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO BOB BELL FORD IN GLEN BURNIE, MARYLAND ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THEY ONLY PUT SOME KIND OF DEODERIZER IN THE SYSTEM THAT LASTS A FEW DAYS, AND THEN THE ODOR COMES BACK AGAIN. THE LAST TIME WE TOOK IT THERE, MY HUSBAND WAS INSULTED BY ONE OF THE SERVICE MANAGERS. THEY STILL HAVEN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM. WE GOT OUR CAR BACK ON SATURDAY, 5 DAYS AFTER TAKING IT TO THEM, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE 'SERVICE MANAGER' HAD IT DETAILED, AND SUGGESTED THAT THE ODOR WAS DUE TO THE CAR BEING DIRTY. GRANTED, THE CAR NEEDED A GOOD WASHING ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT COME ON NOW, PLEASE, THAT WON'T CAUSE AN ODOR ON THE INSIDE. IT IS EITHER A CONDENSATION PROBLEM OR AN IMPROPER WATER DRAINING PROBLEM THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING AND THEY WON'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM PROPERLY. FOR SOME REASON, AFTER IT RAINS, WE SMELL THIS HORRIBLE ODOR WHEN WE USE OUR COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY DEODORIZE THE SYSTEM THE ODOR COMES BACK. IT IS A "HEALTH HAZARD" BREATHING THIS HORRIBLE ODOR. HOPEFULLY FILING THIS COMPLAINT MAY HELP OUR SITUATION BEFORE WE ARE FORCED TO GO ANY FURTHER. IF THEY DON'T SOON CORRECT THE PROBLEM , WE WILL BE CALLING THE BBB AND CONTACTING OUR LAWYER. *JB
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2004
MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT OUR FORD FOCUS IN MAY OF 2003. IN SEPT. OF 2003 WE PAID IT OFF. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AN ODOR COMING OUT OF THE COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM. IT SMELLS LIKE MOLD/MILDEW. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO BOB BELL FORD IN GLEN BURNIE, MARYLAND ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THEY ONLY PUT SOME KIND OF DEODORIZER IN THE SYSTEM THAT LASTS A FEW DAYS, AND THEN THE ODOR COMES BACK AGAIN. THE LAST TIME WE TOOK IT THERE, MY HUSBAND WAS INSULTED BY ONE OF THE SERVICE MANAGERS. THEY STILL HAVEN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM. WE GOT OUR CAR BACK ON SATURDAY, 5 DAYS AFTER TAKING IT TO THEM, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE 'SERVICE MANAGER' HAD IT DETAILED, AND SUGGESTED THAT THE ODOR WAS DUE TO THE CAR BEING DIRTY. GRANTED, THE CAR NEEDED A GOOD WASHING ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT COME ON NOW, PLEASE, THAT WON'T CAUSE AN ODOR ON THE INSIDE. IT IS EITHER A CONDENSATION PROBLEM OR AN IMPROPER WATER DRAINING PROBLEM THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING AND THEY WON'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM PROPERLY. FOR SOME REASON, AFTER IT RAINS, WE SMELL THIS HORRIBLE ODOR WHEN WE USE OUR COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY DEODORIZE THE SYSTEM THE ODOR COMES BACK. IT IS A "HEALTH HAZARD" BREATHING THIS HORRIBLE ODOR. HOPEFULLY FILING THIS COMPLAINT MAY HELP OUR SITUATION BEFORE WE ARE FORCED TO GO ANY FURTHER. IF THEY DON'T SOON CORRECT THE PROBLEM , WE WILL BE CALLING THE BBB AND CONTACTING OUR LAWYER. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 20 MPH ENGINE REVVED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CASE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2004
CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING. SO FAR, ALL INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WHILE BRAKE WAS BEING USED. HAVE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP SERVICE TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM (HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER 2003). THE FIRST TIME, TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. BATTERY, BATTERY CABLES, ALTERNATOR AND CONTROL MODULE WERE ALL REPLACED. ENGINE STALLED TWICE IN ONE DAY A FEW WEEKS AFTER THIS REPAIR. SECOND SERVICE VISIT, TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM, SO CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. NOW I'M JUST WAITING AND WONDERING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME THE NEXT TIME THE CAR STALLS, SINCE I LOSE 90% OF MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN IT HAPPENS. I FEEL LIKE A SHOULD PUT A GIANT SIGN ON THE BACK OF MY CAR, WARNING DRIVERS TO KEEP THEIR DISTANCE AS THIS CAR CAN SUDDENLY STALL AT ANY TIME. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 8, 2004
ON SATURDAY MORNING I BOUGHT THE CAR - A BRAND NEW 2003 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON. ON SUNDAY MORNING, I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE DUE TO THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF THE MOMENT. INSTANTLY, THE BACK END OF THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT IN A JACK-KNIFE MANNER. THE CAR SPUN AROUND AND THREW ITSELF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE FRONT END WOUND UP POINTED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY THE CAR LANDED IN A SANDY SPOT WITH NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO ME. IT WAS AS IF I HAD HIT BLACK ICE, EXCEPT THAT DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT DAY WERE PERFECT - 50 DEGREES, SUNNY AND DRY WITH GOOD ROAD SURFACE. IN MY OPINION, THIS INCIDENT MAY BE THE RESULT OF POOR DESIGN: THAT IS THE REAR END OF THE FOCUS SE WAGON IS TOO LIGHT TO HOLD THE ROAD WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, OR THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN. IN ANY EVENT, THIS WAS A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I THINK THAT THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP FOR ME AND A HAZARD FOR EVERYONE ELSE NEAR IT ON THE ROAD. *AK
Suspension, Mar 2, 2004
FRONT END SHIMMIES AND PULLS TO THE LEFT AT SPEED OF 70 MPH AND FASTER. IF VEHICLE ISN'T SERVICED IMMEDIATELY THE PROBLEM WILL PROGRESS AND OCCUR AT LOWER SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP BALANCED AND ROTATED THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES, AND REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES TWICE. THIS ONLY PROVIDES A TEMPORARY SOLUTION BECAUSE THE PROBLEM RECURS. *AK
Tires, Feb 28, 2004
FRONT WHEEL ALOY RIM IS BENT DUE TO FAULTY FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA 02 205/50R16 TIRES WITH WEAK SIDEWALLS. TIRE HAS BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL DEALER STATED FIRESTONE PROBLEM NOT FORD PROBLEM. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACED THE TIRE AND RIM UNDER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED THE DENTED RIM CAME FROM THE VEHICLE HITTING A ROCK OR POTHOLE. THE BENT RIM CAUSED THE TIRE TO HAVE BUBBLE ON IT. THE DEALER ULTIMATELY REPLACED THE TIRE BUT NOT THE RIM. THE NEW TIRE WAS GOOD FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IT PUNCTURED AND DESTROYED. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE FIREHAWK TIRES HAVE DESIGN FLAWS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.*AK
Structure, Feb 28, 2004
I BOUGHT MY 2003 FORD FOCUS AROUND OCT 2003, SINCE DAY 1 THE DRIVER'S SIDE AREA OF THE TRUNK GETS SOAKED WHEN IT RAINS. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE IT IS COMING FROM OR HOW THE MOISTURE GETS IN. ALSO, CAR HAD RUST ON THE MUFFLER AND UNDERCARRIAGE WHEN I DROVE IT OFF OF THE LOT THE DAY I BOUGHT IT.*AK
Power train, Feb 19, 2004
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, TRANSMISSION OPERATED POORLY. IT WAS HARD TO SHIFT GEARS OR GEARS DID NOT SHIFT AT ALL. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK *NM
Power train, Feb 18, 2004
I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK CAR FROM SERAMONTE FORD ON 7-4-2003. IT HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE UNTIL FRIDAY, 2-6-2004. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THE CAR STALLED AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN ON THE WAY COMING HOME FROM STONESTOWN SHOPPING CENTER. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND AGAIN. NEARLY GOT HIT FROM THE BACK ONCE. IT WAS REALLY SCARY. MY WIFE WAS REALLY SHAKEN UP. . I WAS AFRAID TO USE THE CAR UNTIL TUESDAY, 2-10-2004. I STARTED DRIVING TO THE DEALER THAT MORNING AT 8:30 AM AND WHEN I ALMOST GOT INTO THEIR PARKING LOT THE CAR STALLED AT ABOUT 30 FT FROM THE ENTRANCE TO THEIR LOT. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. I WALKED OVER TO THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THE SERVICE MAN NAMED CARL TO GO OVER TO THE INFINITY LOT TO SEE IF HE COULD CHECK ON THE CAR. IT WAS ABOUT 9:15 AM AT THAT TIME. CARL TOLD ME THAT HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME AND THAT I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY REGULAR SERVICE MAN -KEVIN- WHO WILL BE IN AT 10 AM THAT MORNING. I WAITED 45 MINUTES AT THEIR LOT FOR KEVIN. KEVIN WALKED WITH ME OVER TO THE INFINITY DEALER'S LOT AND TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT START. MY CAR WAS TOWED INTO THE FORD DEALER'S SHOP AT ABOUT 11:30 AM. I WAITED THERE UNTIL 1:30 PM AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WILL HAVE TO BE LEFT AT THEIR SHOP OVER NIGHT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT FOUND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS AT THEIR SHOP SINCE 2-10-2004. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER RAY WERTZ THE NEXT DAY TO ASK IF HE HAS INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR, AND HE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE CHECKING ON IT STILL AND AN IMPORTANT PART HAS TO BE ORDERED FROM THE FACTORY AND WILL KEEP ME INFORMED. THAT WAS WEDNESDAY, 2-11-2004. RAY WERTZ CALLED 2-16-2004, AND SAID THAT IMPORTANT PART TO BE HERE ON THURSDAY, 2-18-2004. MY WIFE AND I FEEL UNEASY ABOUT THIS CAR. SHE TELLS ME THAT SHE WOULD BE SCARE TO RIDE IN IT. SHE FEELS WE SHOULD GET A NEW CAR FROM SERRAMONTE FORD. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU. *AK