Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Feb 6, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 977 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1
What this page shows
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Ford Focus submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 43 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming body or structure
The 25 most recent of 43, in the owner's own words
Vehicle has a recall for Rear Door Latches. I have attempted to take the vehicle to 2 different Cloninger Ford in Hickory and Cloninger Ford in Valdese. Both dealerships claim they can not do the recall due to parts. I would like to know what steps do I need to take to get my vehicle repaired for this recall!
NHTSA ID
11505755
Incident
Nov 23, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Jun 24, 2020
DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH JUST FLIES OPEN. *TR
NHTSA ID
11330452
Incident
May 22, 2020
Mileage
175,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Feb 26, 2020
2003 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL STEEL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEEL ON THE CONTROL ARMS WERE POORLY MANUFACTURED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY DEAD STOPPED, TURNED RIGHT, MAKING A CRACKING NOISE. THE CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED AND DUG INTO THE TAR, BRAKING THE TIE ROD AND CREASING THE BREAKLINE. *JS
NHTSA ID
11311272
Incident
Oct 29, 2019
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 12, 2018
I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT DOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN THE CAR MADE A SUDDEN JERKING MOTION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE DAMAGES WERE SEVERE RUST, SUB FRAME ROTTED, RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKEN, RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKEN, SWAY BAR BENT. THE TOW DRIVER SAID THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF MY CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE THING THAT WENT WRONG. I PUT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER WITH THIS DEATH TRAP. SUPPOSEDLY THIS CAR WAS INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2018. WITH EVERYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITH IT AND THE DAMAGES, I DONT SEE HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN. I BELIEVE THERE TO BE FRAUD INVOLVED AND BELIEVE THIS MATTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER FOR PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER. I PAID $3,000 FOR THIS CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF FEB. 2018. IT IS NOW AUGUST AND IT HAD INCURRED $3,000 IN DAMAGES. I SOLD THE CAR FOR SALVAGE AT $125
NHTSA ID
11128842
Incident
Aug 27, 2018
Mileage
109,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 31, 2017
BOTH REAR DOORS ON MY 2003 FORD FOCUS DO NOT STAY LATCHED AND WILL FLY OPEN DURING DRIVING MANEUVERS. I CANNOT HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FEAR THAT THEY COULD FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING. MY MODEL AND YEAR WERE RECALLED BY FORD IN 2005 FOR THIS ISSUE. WHEN I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE ISSUE EVALUATED I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY DIDN'T NEED TO EVALUATE THE VEHICLE FOR THE RECALL FROM 2005 BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT IN THEIR SYSTEM AND WOULD NOT REPORT THE ISSUE TO FORD DIRECTLY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA ID
10992393
Incident
May 31, 2017
Mileage
190,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesElectrical+2 more
Filed Nov 4, 2016
THE SUB FRAME BROKE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. ENTIRE SUB FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. STRUTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. CALIPER AND ROTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONTROL ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED. JUST REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TUMBLERS AFTER THE SWITCH LOCKED UP AND REFUSED TO WORK. THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR THIS CAR. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT FOCUS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THESE PROBLEMS. CAR HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKE LINE RUNNING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR TO THE REAR RUSTED OUT CAUSING A LOSE OF BRAKES. THE CAR IS DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ID
10924347
Incident
Oct 30, 2016
Mileage
34,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME AJAR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ID
10731680
Incident
Jul 1, 2015
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Jun 24, 2014
IN MARCH 2013 I TOOK MY FORD FOCUS IN TO REPLACE MOTOR MOUNTS, RETURNED IN APRIL FOR THE SAME AWFUL VIBRATION WHILE HEATER WAS ON AND WHILE IDLING. THE MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS WAS FAULTY AND HE REPLACED. I AM TAKING MY FOCUS BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT IS STILL VIBRATING WHILE IN IDLE WHILE THE AC IS ON. THE FIRST FEW TIMES AFTER HE REPLACED THE FAULTY MOTOR MOUNT IT DID THE SAME THING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT'LL JUST RUN LIKE THAT AND THAT HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE TRANSMISSION, ALL MOUNTS LOOK GOOD. AND MY SOMETIMES MY STEERING IS OFF AT 35 MILES PER HOUR. I ONLY USE MY FOCUS FOR IN TOWN I DON'T USE TO TRAVEL OUT OF CITY OR STATE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I AM DISABLED AND I NEED MY CAR RUNNING GOOD. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE IT. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ID
10605657
Incident
Mar 20, 2014
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed May 28, 2014
(1ST) IT WAS PASSENGER REAR DOOR LATCH WOULDN'T STAY LATCHED, DOOR COME OPEN DURING DRIVING, (2ND) A MONTH LATER TRUNK WOULDN'T LATCH, THEN (3RD) 2 MONTHS LATER DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR CAME OPEN DURING DRIVING, WOULDN'T LATCH. DAUGHTER ALMOST FELL OUT AND CAR ALMOST HIT DOOR WHEN IT FLEW OPEN. I HAD TO USE SEAT BELT TO TIE DOOR SHUT TO MAKE IT HOME. *TR
NHTSA ID
10594695
Incident
Dec 18, 2013
Mileage
111,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PART OF THE UNIBODY WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA ID
10584046
Incident
Feb 27, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 28, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS NOT WORKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND LASTED A FEW DAYS THEN SOMEHOW STARTED WORKING AGAIN BUT NOW IT IS BACK. WHEN I TRY TO PULL IT OPEN IT IS AS IF THERE IS NOTHING ATTACHED TO THE OTHER SIDE. I PULL IT OUT AND IT STAYS OUT AND LOOSE. WE HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME VEHICLE FOR THE REAR DOORS HAVING THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE EXCEPT WE HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DOORS, ONLY THE FRONT. MY DEALER SAYS THEY CAN FIX THE REAR DOORS FOR FREE BUT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE FRONT. I FIND THIS FUNNY BECAUSE FORD IS WILLING TO WORK ON MY DOORS THAT WORK FINE FOR FREE BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR THE BROKEN AND HAZARDOUS DOORS. CAN WE PLEASE UPDATE THIS RECALL TO AFFECT ALL THE DOORS ON THE 2003 FORD FOCUS BEFORE WE HAVE DRIVERS ROLLING OUT OF THEIR CARS? *TR
NHTSA ID
10500839
Incident
Oct 12, 2011
Mileage
52,000 mi
Body & structureHeating & air conditioningElectrical+1 more
Filed Feb 12, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LEMON.AT 4,900 MILES 5 DISC CD PLAYER HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 15,000 MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT AND HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED, LUCKILY IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AT 22,000 THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CRANK. AT 24,000 MILES THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT EVEN TURN OVER SO THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. 26,000 THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE OF HINGES. 27,356 MILES THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER THE STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED.32,000 MILES THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT. 36,000 MILES ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.38,000 MILES COMPLICATIONS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AGAIN. HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL 54,000 THEN EVERYTHING SPIRALED OUT OF CONTROL. THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT, THE PUMP HOUSING WAS LEAKING. THE STARTER COIL WAS BAD A FEW FUSES HAD BLOWN THAT I HADN'T KNOW ABOUT. I HAD A FULL TUNE UP, SPARKPLUGS AND NEW WIRES AND ALSO PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY. 61,000 THE WINDOW LEVER TO ROLL WINDOWS UP ON PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF, THE DOOR HANDLE ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE BECAME VERY STIFF AND HAD TO BE AGGRESSIVELY OPENED UNTIL THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. 68,000 MILES WATERPUMP ADAPTER CRACKED AND SPRAYED ANTIFREEZE EVERYWHERE. 72,000 LIGHT OIL LEAK FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE, COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE SPARK PLUG COMPARTMENT AND ONLY DAYS LATER THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT. SO THIS LITTLE PROBLEMATIC BABY IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE WITH ONLY 73,263 MILES ON IT BECAUSE I CUT HER OFF AT NEARLY $4K IN REPAIRS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT BESIDES SEND IT TO THE JUNK YARD BECAUSE I WOULD HATE TO SALE IT AND PAWN THIS MONEY CONSUMING VEHICLE OFF ON SOMEONE ELSE. FORD SHOULD JUST BUY IT BACK FROM ME. *TR
NHTSA ID
10497866
Incident
Feb 11, 2004
Mileage
1,500 mi
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRUNK LATCH FAILED TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY AND THE IGNITION FAILED; HOWEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ID
10490733
Incident
Feb 1, 2012
Mileage
84,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 26, 2012
Crash reported1 death reported
I HAVE BEEN IN THE WRECKER BUSINESS FOR 20 YEARS, THIS BEING THE SECOND FORD FOCUS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THIS YEAR. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THEREFORE PUTTING THE PASSENGERS AT RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE MENTIONED ABOVE LOST CONTROL, AND SLID SIDEWAYS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC RESULTING IN AN IMPACT TO THE PASSENGER DOOR AND RESULTED IN A FATALITY OF THE DRIVER..THE AREA OF PROTECTION SURROUNDING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS INADEQUATE IN THAT IT DOES NOT PROVIDE SAFETY UPON IMPACT. THIS BEING THE SECOND FOCUS TOWED RECENTLY, IT HAS BECOME APARENT TO ME THAT THESE LIGHT WEIGNT VEHICLES PROPOSE A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED. *TR
NHTSA ID
10490142
Incident
Dec 15, 2012
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Nov 13, 2012
THE LEFT REAR DOOR DOESN'T LATCH PROPERLY, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FLY OPEN ON IT'S OWN. THANK GOODNESS KIDS WERE NOT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH AND IS NOW TETHERED WITH ROPE AND CAN'T BE USED. FORD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE A CURRENT RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V030000 FORD CLAIMS THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED. THE ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE IS THAT IT WAS PURCHASED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN 2003 AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN FEB OF 2005 WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT. (IT IS NOW REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF NY WHERE IT HAS BEEN SINCE 2006. IF THE RECALL CAME OUT ONE YEAR LATER, MY CAR WOULD BE COVERED?) COVERED OR NOT, FORD KNOWS THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE. A REMEDY WOULD BE TO RE-ISSUE THE RECALL AGAIN SO THAT IT COVERS ANY 2003 FOCUS AS I AM CERTAIN THAT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY CAR SOLD IN A STATE NOT COVERED, BUT THAT HAS SINCE RELOCATED TO A STATE WHERE CORROSION CAN OCCUR DUE TO SALT AND WINTER CONDITIONS (UNBEKNOWNST TO CONSUMERS). I AM LUCKY THAT MY KIDS WERE NOT HURT, BUT SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT NOT BE AS LUCKY. *TR
NHTSA ID
10484469
Incident
Nov 8, 2012
Mileage
62,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ID
10458334
Incident
Aug 1, 2005
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Dec 14, 2011
UPON OPENING, THREE HARD CLICKS ARE HEARD - AND LOCK OPENS ON OCCASION. OFTEN REFUSING TO LATCH AND ON MANY OCCASIONS, I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. IT APPEARS TO BE AS STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V030000 I HAVE SPOKEN WITH DEALER AND FORD ON MANY OCCASIONS THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, AND THEY INSIST THIS CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE CAMPAIGN AND REFUSE TO INSPECT, OR VIEW, OR ASSESS. *TR
NHTSA ID
10439905
Incident
Dec 14, 2007
Mileage
42,495 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 3, 2010
WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS, TURNING AND DRIVING SPEED BUMPS A HORRIBLE RATTLING, VIBRATION, METAL ON METAL SOUND IS HEARD INSIDE THE CARE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND GLOVE BOX. CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND 2 AAA APPROVED MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND IT. *TR
NHTSA ID
10334373
Incident
May 1, 2010
Mileage
64,000 mi
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Jun 30, 2009
I OWN A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND BACK IN FEBRUARY 2006 I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A RECALL TO FIX DOOR HINGES THAT BECOME HARD TO OPEN OR ACTUALLY BREAK. THEY COMPLETED THE WORK. AS I WAS DRIVING THE OTHER DAY MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR JUST SWUNG OPEN AND THE DOOR WILL NO LONGER LATCH. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID SINCE THEY PUT SOME GREASE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ON MY DOOR BACK IN 2006 (THEY NEVER PUT A NEW LATCH ON THE CAR) THAT I AM OUT OF LUCK AND HAVE TO PAY THE $336 MYSELF TO FIX THE LATCH THAT I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE. TWO OF MY OTHER THREE DOORS ARE GETTING HARD TO OPEN AND I FEEL IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY COMPLETELY BREAK ALSO. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND THANK GOD ONE OF THEM WAS NOT IN THE BACK SEAT THE DAY THE CAR DOOR JUST DECIDED TO SWING OPEN. *TR
NHTSA ID
10275329
Incident
Jun 28, 2009
Mileage
59,246 mi
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Feb 1, 2009
THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE LOCKS FOR A WHILE NOW. WE CAN NOT PUT THE KEY INTO THE DOOR TO UNLOCK IT BECAUSE IT WONT ALWAYS WORK. THE HANDLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS BROKE ONCE AND WAS REPLACED. NOW THE KEY FOR THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN TO START THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN TO START THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ID
10257101
Incident
Feb 1, 2009
Body & structure
Filed Oct 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REAR DOORS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT AFTERWARDS, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE HANDLES ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CONTACT CAN OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, BUT NOT FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS SEEM TO BE SEALED EXTREMELY TIGHTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE DOORS PROPERLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 118,507.
NHTSA ID
10246259
Incident
Oct 21, 2008
Mileage
118,507 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 28, 2008
WATER LEAKS IN TO MY 2003 FORD FOCUS FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND LITERALLY FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS. IT SEEMS IT IS RELATED TO THE CABIN AIR FILTER HOUSING. IT ACTS LIKE A FUNNEL THAT DIRECTS RAIN THAT ESCAPES THE COWL SEAL INTO THE CABIN. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THIS? *TR
NHTSA ID
10235974
Incident
Jul 27, 2008
Body & structure
Filed Jun 20, 2008
I TOOK MY 2003 FORD FOCUS WAGON INTO THE SHOP BECAUSE OF LOUD NOISES I WAS HEARING FROM UNDER THE CAR WHILE DRIVING CAR. WHEN THEY GOT IT UP ON THE LIFT THEY HAD ME COME TO REPAIR BAY TO LOOK AT IT BECAUSE THEY'D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. WHAT THEY'D FOUND WAS THAT THE CRADLE OR SUBFRAME PIECE THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE IN WAS COMPLETED ROTTED OUT. IT WAS SO BAD YOU COULD STICK YOUR FINGER THROUGH IT. THEY SAID THIS IS SOMETHING YOU'D EXPECT TO FIND ON A 1980S CAR PERHAPS, BUT CERTAINLY NOT ONE THAT WAS ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD FIX IT AND THEY SAID THEY COULD, BUT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT INSTEAD TO THE FORD DEALER, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE FORD DEALER WAS EQUALLY SURPRISED BY THE CONDITION OF THE FRAME AND SAID HE'D TALK TO THE WARRANTY ABOUT IT, BUT THEY SAID A 2003 MODEL WAS NOT COVERED FOR RUST DAMAGE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT. SO THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED INSTEAD THAT I CONTACT FORD CUSTOMERS RELATIONS ABOUT IT BECAUSE 1) IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY WARRANT A RECALL AND 2) AS A RESULT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. I TALKED WITH THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS PEOPLE BUT THEY TOOK THE POSITION THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A RUST CONDITION AND BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL IN PLACE FOR SUCH A CONDITION THEY COULDN'T OR WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SO I DECIDED TO BRING IT TO YOU. *TR
NHTSA ID
10231828
Incident
Jun 7, 2008
Mileage
74,636 mi
Body & structureElectricalInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Apr 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED IN THE BACKYARD, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WINDOW. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE LOCKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THAT FAILURE AS WELL. AFTERWARDS, THE IGNITION CYLINDER BEGAN TO FAIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND HAD TO PAY $300. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 5,000. UPDATED 05/21/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUNK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AS WELL. UPDATED. 05/20/08. *JB
NHTSA ID
10224763
Incident
Apr 11, 2008
Mileage
5,000 mi
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Feb 20, 2008
TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THE SAME DAY THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY COULD NOT REMOVE THE BULB BECAUSE WHEN THE BULB "SHORTED," IT MELTED PLASTIC AROUND THE BULB. I HAD TO BUY AN ENTIRELY NEW TAIL LIGHT AND SOCKET ASSEMBLY FOR OVER $100. I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THIS HAPPENS "A LOT" ON THE FOCUS WAGONS AND HE HAD REPLACED 6 OF THEM THAT DAY. WHEN I EXPRESSED MY ANGER AND DISBELIEF AT THE COST AND ASKED WHY THIS WASN'T A RECALL ITEM, HE SAID NOT TO BLAME HIM BECAUSE HE DIDN'T DESIGN IT. I AM ANGRY ABOUT THE COST, BUT ALSO WHETHER THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. IT WAS 5 DEGREES THE DAY THIS HAPPENED AND SUCH A "SHORT CIRCUIT" MAY HAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. *TR
NHTSA ID
10218659
Incident
Feb 19, 2008
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own