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, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 29, 2010
THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTS, THUS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER A CALL TO THE LOCAL LOCKSMITH, I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR "THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR A FORD FOCUS". WHEN ARRIVING, THE LOCKSMITH PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THE STOCK IGNITION SWITCH OF MY CAR IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN, COMPARING TO A NEW SWITCH THEY WERE ABOUT TO INSTALL. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE, I COULD NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT A RECALL FOR THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. I DID FIND, HOWEVER, PLENTY OF COMPLAINS OF FORD OWNERS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I AM SURPRISED SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED SINCE IT JEOPARDIZES THE RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2010
BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE MELTED THE BULB SOCKET AND THE LIGHT HOUSING. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM AND HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. THE VEHICLE'S CHARGING SYSTEM IS PUTTING OUT ABOUT 15.5 VOLTS TO EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL HE ALSO SAYS THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. ALSO WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE CABIN FILLS WITH THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER ALSO AGAIN I WAS TOLD THIS IS NO PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2010
THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED SOLID. THE KEY COULD BE INSERTED AND REMOVED BUT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. REPLACEMENT SEEMS THE ONLY VIABLE SOLUTION. IT SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT AS SO MANY CASES OF THE LOCK-UP HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Electrical system, Nov 8, 2010
I WAS PARKED OUTSIDE MY GIRLFRIEND'S DR'S OFFICE WAITING TO PICK HER UP. IT WAS A COLD DAY AND SHE DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE BUS. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I ATTEMPTED REPEATEDLY TO TURN THE KEY, BUT IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. THIS HAD HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE (I HAD ONLY OWNED THE CAR A COUPLE MONTHS), BUT THE KEY HAD TURNED WITH SOME FIDDLING. THIS TIME IT WOULDN'T TURN, NO MATTER WHAT I DID. I EVENTUALLY HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. THE MECHANIC CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE KEY HAS TO BE REPROGRAMMED. I READ SEVERAL SOURCES ONLINE THAT SAID THIS IS NOT NECESSARY THAT ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU THIS IS PADDING THEIR OWN POCKET, BUT WHAT CAN I DO? I'M NOT A MECHANIC AND I'M NOT ABOUT TO CALL THIS GUY A LIAR. I HAVE TO BITE THE BULLET AND PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AS HE DESCRIBES THEM. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2010
SAFETY HAZARD-- UPPER MOTOR MOUNT ON 2003 FORD FOCUS MALFUNCTIONS/ DISINTEGRATES WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF INSTALLATION; WHETHER BY GARAGE, DEALER, OR OWNER. IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MOUNT (WHEN CAUGHT) FOUR TIMES AND FOUND IT AGAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE OEM PARTS SAY GUARANTEED BUT IT CONSTANTLY COST TO REMOVE, REPACKAGE, SHIP, AND THEN REPLACE. *TR
Child seat, Oct 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DOREL CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 22-391MLO, MANUFACTURED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2005. (N/A) THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, AND OBSERVED THE CHILD IN A REAR FACING INFANT SEAT REMOVING THE WARNING LABEL AND EATING IT. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO REMOVE THE PLASTIC FROM THE CHILD'S MOUTH. THE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT WAS INSTALLED BY THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2010
THE KEY IN MY 2003 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION. WE WERE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THE KEY IS FINE..THE ACTUAL IGNITION MECHANISM IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 7, 2010
FAILURE TO TURN IGNITION SWITCH WITH KEY...TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS (AT TIMES FOR 1/2 AN HOUR) AND HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND GETTING WORSE. AFTER A QUICK SEARCH ON-LINE, I NOTICED THAT THEIR WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CALIFORNIA AND THAT MANY OTHER FOCUS OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I WILL FIRST CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT BASED ON OTHER FOCUS OWNERS, I DO NOT EXPECT MUCH AND HOPEFULLY SOON WILL BE CONTACTING A LOCKSMITH TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 1, 2010
BRAKE LOCKUP UNDER ABS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN A BRAKING EVENT SUFFICIENT TO ACTIVATE THE ABS SYSTEM, ALL FOUR BRAKES LOCKUP AND DO NOT RELEASE UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED UNDER WINTER CONDITIONS (SNOW/ICE), IN THE RAIN AND IN THE DRY. THE INCIDENT IN THE RAIN OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TAKE AN EXIT RAMP OFF OF AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR BRIEFLY HYDROPLANED ENOUGH FOR THE ABS TO ACTIVATE, AND THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL WITH THE TIRES LOCKED UP. THE CAR SLID OFF OF THE EXIT RAMP AND INTO THE GRASS, WHERE IT FINALLY CAME TO REST. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE INCIDENTS IN THE DRY TOOK PLACE DURING AN AUTO-CROSS ON A CLOSED COURSE AND WERE SUFFICIENT TO SEVERELY FLAT-SPOT THE TIRES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME ABS IS ENGAGED UNDER HARD BRAKING. OCCASIONALLY, IT IS POSSIBLE TO DOWN-SHIFT AND "DRIVE THROUGH" THE BRAKES WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE IS NO DASH LIGHT OR ANYTHING TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. THE REAR-WHEEL TONE RINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE FRONT-WHEEL TONE RINGS HAVE BEEN CLEANED. ALL FOUR SENSORS HAVE BEEN CLEANED AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CHECKED FOR LOOSENESS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR DOORS FAILED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,050.
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2010
2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION WILL NOT TURN ENGINE OVER NOR UNLOCK STEERING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 5, 2010
CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40 MILES PER AN HOUR. CAR TAKEN TO SHOP A NUMBER TIMES. NO CODES FOUND IN COMPUTER. CAR PASSES ELECTRICAL CHECK. SPARK PLUGS AND FUEL FILTER REPLACED. , THROTTLE BODY CLEANED CAR STALLED LESS OFTEN AFTER AIR CONTROL MOTOR REPLACED. CAR HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT AND ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED AS SUGGESTED BY FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 3, 2010
2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK-UP. EVERY TIME THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION AND THEN REINSERTED, IT IS VERY HARD TO GET IT TO UNLOCK TO TURN AND START. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS DURING 110 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE TRYING TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. WE WILL HAVE TO EITHER REPLACE THE IGNITION OR CALL A LOCKSMITH. THIS IS AN EVERYDAY PROBLEM NOW. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 29, 2010
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT START DUE TO THE FACT THAT FORD HAS APPARENTLY USED DEFECTIVE LOCK CYLINDERS ON THE 2003 FORD FOCUS. I WALKED UP TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST 350 TO REPAIR THE CAR. (NOT INCLUDING CHARGES FOR GETTING THE VEHICLE TO THEM) THIS HAS PREVENTED ME FROM DRIVING A CAR THAT I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2010
THE IGNITION HAS BEEN STICKING FOR A COUPLE MONTHS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO START THE CAR, MORE RECENTLY IT HAS BEEN A DAILY OCCURRENCE THAT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY. WHAT THIS ULTIMATELY LEAD TO WAS GETTING STRANDED DUE TO THE CAR BEING UNABLE TO START ( IGNITION WOULDN'T EVEN TURN). I AM NOW GOING TO HAVE TO GET THE CAR TOWED AND EITHER RE-KEYED, OR A NEW IGNITION PUT IN WHICH WILL COST A GOOD AMOUNT OF MONEY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2010
MY IGNITION IS LOCKED UP/STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2010
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS HAS IGNITION PROBLEMS. MY KEY COULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. AND AS I SEARCH ONLINE, A LOT OF PPL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS AND SPECIFICALLY 2003 FORD FOCUS. THIS IS VERY SEVERE. IMAGE YOU'RE IN A HURRY TO START THE CAR, THE KEY COULD NOT TURN AND YOU ARE STUCK. SO WHY IS THERE IS NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT BY FORD? I JUST ASKED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS AROUND $450 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY THIS MONEY DUE TO FORD'S FAULT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 12, 2010
2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN NOW. *TR
Steering, Aug 8, 2010, fire
THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTS (2.0 LITER, DOHC) LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING AN ENGINE FIRE. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE IS ROUTED DIRECTLY OVER THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 6, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS SE. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN WHEN YOU PUT IT INTO THE IGNITION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN ABNORMALLY JUMPING. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 31, 2010
I WAS STRANDED WITH MY 2003 FORD FOCUS BECAUSE THEY KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC AT 2AM AND WAS ABLE TO GET A RIDE HOME. I AM VERY FORTUNATE NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME - WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED THAT LATE AT NIGHT. I HAD TO GET THE IGNITION REPLACED WHICH COST $400. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 31, 2010
IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED UNABLE TO DRIVE FORD FOCUS 2003. COST OF IGNITION CYLINDER, NEW KEY (1), RESET OF COMPUTER = $480.00. *TR
Air bags, Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ROAD HAZARD THAT CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT AND NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 49,000.