2003 Ford Focus Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Focus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical51844.6%
- Interior & seats998.5%
- Engine786.7%
- Steering736.3%
- Brakes665.7%
- Suspension494.2%
- Airbags464.0%
- Transmission443.8%
- Body & structure433.7%
- Visibility252.2%
- Other / unspecified242.1%
- Tires & wheels232.0%
- Driver assistance171.5%
- Seat belts171.5%
- Fuel system151.3%
- Exterior lighting110.9%
- Powertrain (other)50.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
wiring harness fused together
NEW ONSET BURNING SMELL WHILE DRIVING IN SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENT. PARKED CAR, THEN IT WOULDN'T START. UPON INSPECTION FOUND BATTERY CABLES/SHEATH MELTING. REPLACED BATTERY, CAR STARTED. CAR PARKED AND 1 HR LATER WOULDN'T START- NEW BATTERY IS DEAD. REPLACED WITH 2ND NEW BATTERY, HOOKED UP CABLES AND SPARKS CAME FROM BATTERY (INSTALLED CORRECTLY). CAR STILL WON'T START.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLATCH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOORS FAILED TO LATCH. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE A BUNGEE CORD TO KEEP THE DOORS CLOSED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD OPEN EVERY TIME A TURN WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. ..*BF *TT
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
REPLACED THE CRANK CENSOR AND IT WON'T START
THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. COULD NOT TURN OFF. OUT OF TOWN SO THIS WAS DEFINATELY AN UNSAFE SITUATION BECAUSE I EITHER HAD TO STAY WITH THE CAR UNTIL THE GAS WAS OUT OF GAS SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE CASH FOR REPAIR. THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKS UP. CAR HAS TO EITHER BE FORCED TO MOVE BY EITHER GUNNING THE ENGINE, OR ROCKED BY A PERSON UNTIL IT RELEASES. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED DUE TO BRAKE LOCK UP AFTER MECHANIC COULD NOT RELEASE IT AT MY HOME. NEW BRAKE WAS INSTALLED. CONTINUES TO LOCK UP. CAR HAD BEEN IN PARK FOR ALL INCIDENTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION, WHICH FOR SAFETY REQUIRES THE USE OF AN E-BRAKE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN IN LAST 5-7 YEARS. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WOULD RESOLVE AFTER NEW E-BRAKE WAS INSTALLED.... IT HASN'T.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL, AND SPUN AROUND. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, FACIAL BRUISING, AND WHIPLASH. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THEY REFUSE THE CONTACT TO VIEW/TAKE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS A FEE WAS PAID. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 267,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01/26/2017*CT UPDATED 7/13/18*JB *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE SLID ON AN ICE PATCH , WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOOSE VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN COLLIDED ON AN EMBANKMENT. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER NECK, FEET, AND RIBS, THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE SPINE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. ALSO THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $450.00. SHE ALSO PAID $300.00 TO REPAIR THE DOOR LOCKS. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SHERIFF REPORT NUMBER WAS 09004117. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE STEERING COLUMN ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT CAN BE TURNED 360 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH JUST FLIES OPEN. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE HEATER VENTS AND THE HEAT WAS NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IN HIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE OFF (PARK) POSITION. WHEN HE TURNED IT OFF, THE WIPERS WOULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V258000 ONLY INCLUDED THE 2000-2001 MODELS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED HIM WITH A REFERENCE NUMBER AND REFUSED LIABILITY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 44,000. UPDATED 08/04/09.*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEEL STUD ON FRONT, DRIVERSIDE BROKE OFF WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. BECAUSE OF STUD FAILURE, WHEEL NUTS AND WHEEL FLEW OFF VEHICLE, CROSSING ONCOMING LANE. IF DEFECT OCCURS ON OTHER VEHICLES ON A HWY OR AT HIGHSPEEDS. SEVERE INJURY COULD OCCUR. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED AND ON AN EMPTY STREET. FORD REPORTED NO WAY OF CHECKING ITS DATABASES FOR SIMILAR DEFECTS. *TR
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD FOCUS IN FEBRUARY OF 2012. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING IT, I HAD TO SPEND $700.00 TO FIX THE MOTOR MOUNTS, BEARINGS IN THE FRONT WHEEL, SOMETHING REGARDING A COVER FOR THE TAIL PIPE/MUFFLER AREA, A/C, (TWICE REPAIRED, AND WENT OUT). FUEL PUMP, DOOR JAMS IN FRONT (2 DOOR), LOCKS ON THE DOORS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHETHER YOU WANTED THEM LOCKED OR NOT. DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE REFUSES TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. SPENT OVER $4,000 IN FIXING, REPLACING, ENGINE & BODY PARTS.ETC. JUST WHEN I BOUGHT A SECOND SET OF NEW TIRES LAST WEEK AND DID THE 3 MONTH OIL CHANGE, IT KONKED OUT ON ME, AFTER A SHRILLING, HIGH-PITCHED NOISE. JUST GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. FOUND OUT FROM A REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS MODEL, ESPECIALLY THE 2003 IS KNOWN FOR TRANSMISSION, SHODDY PARTS, AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD! THE PUMP INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. THIS CAR CAME WITH 124,000 MILES AND OVER 2 YEARS, SPENT $4,000.00 ON TOP OF THE USED PRIVATE PURCHASE OF $2,400.00. CAR REPAIR SHOP WANTS $2,400 (WHAT I PAID FOR IT) TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN. ONE THING AFTER THE OTHER WENT WRONG. I PLAINT EXPERIENCED, AND IT HAS COST ME SO MUCH MONEY, I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO REPLACE EVERY PENNY US CONSUMERS PAID ON THIS MODEL. NEVER AGAIN NEED TO RECALL THE WHOLE CAR, IT IS A DEATH TRAP. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE PRIMEWELL PZ900 TIRES, SIZE: P205/50Z/16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A ROAR AND FELT A VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE TIRE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE AND REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
SIDEWALL OF TIRE BLEW OUT. TIRES ARE NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS OLD. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. DOUGLAS XTRA TRAC II 185/65/14. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS FLASHES ALONG WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT, THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT INSTANTLY LOSES ENGINE POWER WITHIN MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. I HAVE CHANGED BATTERY, AIR FILTER, ADD GAS CLEANER PRODUCTS. YET THE PROBLEM STILL IS HAPPENING . VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DOWN A EXTREMELY BUSY INTERSTATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS GETTING STUCK AND FAILED TO RELEASE. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO MANEUVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MORE THAN TWICE FOR REPAIRS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (ADVANTAGE FORD LINCOLN, 1031 CENTRAL AVE, DUARTE, CA 91010, (877) 386-3673) WHO PROVIDED NO SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS OR THE OPTION FOR A LOANER VEHICLE SO THEY COULD TEST DRIVE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS COMING TO PIECES. IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING IS CHEWING ON IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND RETRACTOR WAS INOPERABLE. THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CARHOP CAR LOTS, NOT ONLY IN TULSA, BUT IN SURROUNDING AREAS, ARE SELLING CARS THAT ARE UNSAFE, AT ANY COST. THE PROBLEMS RANGE FROM WARPED FRAMES, CRACKED STRESS POINTS, LEAKY FUEL SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT COULDN'T BE FIXED BY DUCT TAPE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S VISIBLE WHERE THEY RE-TAPED THINGS. EXHAUST COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ENGINE DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY REPAIRED, SO THEY WILL RUN TEMPORARILY, BUT NEED FURTHER REPAIRS.
CAR STARTS BUT WHEN PUT IN GEAR, STALLS OUT. ENGINE WILL RUN WITH FOOT ON GAS PEDAL BUT STALLS OUR WHEN PLACED IN GEAR. **HAPPENS ONLY IN VERY HOT WEATHER TEMPERATURES. SEARCH WEB FOR FORD FOCUS STALLING OUT IN HOT WEATHER. HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS ARE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM BUT NO SOLUTIONS FROM ANYONE INCLUDING FORD. VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE CAR QUIT RUNNING AT STOP SIGNS, INTERSECTIONS ETC. NO ANSWER FROM FORD IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB. MUST USE TWO FEET WITH ONE ON GAS PEDAL AND ONE ON THE BRAKE. FORD HAS NO BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM THAT EFFECTS SO MANY FORD FOCUS OWNERS.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DUE TO POOR DESIGN THE BULB MELTED THE SURROUNDING HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE UNIT HAVING TO BE REPLACED.
THE BACK DOOR LOCKS ON THIS CAR DO NOT WORK. THEY SAY A LUBRICANT WAS USED TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUE, HOWEVER, IF THAT WAS THE FIX, IT DID NOT WORK AND THE LOCKS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. THAT FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS IS INSANE TO ME, AS DOOR LOCKS SHOULD NOT JUST GO LIKE THAT. THE "FIX" WAS NOT A FIX AT ALL. ALSO, THE LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE HORRIBLE. IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT IN AN UNLIT AREA. THERE IS NO VISIBILITY. I WAS TOLD ONCE A RECALL WAS PERFORMED IT WAS THEN DONE, HOWEVER, I DO NOT BELIEVE THE LOCK WAS TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY, THEREFORE, I FEEL FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS. I HAVE APPLIED THE LUBRICANT AS THEY INSTRUCTED TO THE DOORS AND THIS DOES NOTHING. NEITHER DOOR WILL STAY CLOSED & OPENS IF DRIVEN.WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME, THERE WAS A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT. WE WERE VERY LUCKY WE WERE IN A 25 MPH ZONE AND WERE ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER. THE DOORS HAVE TO BE CORDED SHUT UNTIL A LOCK IS INSTALLED. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF THIS REPAIR AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY SAY A LUBRICANT CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS MY OPINION THE LOCKS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING THE RECALL, NOT JUST SPRAYED WITH A LUBRICANT. I CANNOT BELIEVE I'M THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. I FEEL THAT FORD SAYING THIS RECALL WAS COMPLETED IS FAR FROM INCORRECT AND THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THIS RIGHT. AGAIN, I UNDERSTAND ONCE A RECALL IS COMPLETED IT IS CLOSED, HOWEVER, I FEEL YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO FORD HAVING NOT REALLY COMPLETED THIS RECALL, AS THE ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSED. ALL THEY DID WAS PUT A TEMPORARY BAND-AID ON IT AND DID NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY.WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO IS FORD TOOK THE CHEAPEST WAY OUT AT THE TIME AND DID NOT TRULY FIX THE PROBLEM AND DID NOT TAKE THEIR FULL RESPONSIBILITY. DOORS THAT WERE RECALLED AND ARE NOT WORKING WERE NOT FIXED.I HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH FORD WITH NO SOLUTION
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT UNATTENDED FOR APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DEFROSTER ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR, SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT REALIZE THE HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AS WELL. THE CONTACT BURNED TWO OF HER FINGERS AS A RESULT OF ATTEMPTING TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT THEN POURED WATER ON THE SEAT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,677. UPDATED 3/8/11 *CN UPDATED 03/14/11
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. ALL POWER IS LOST FOR STEERING AND BRAKES. HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. HAPPENS IN ALL CONDITIONS AND UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR WILL RESTART. APPEARS TO BE A CURRENT "RECALL" OF FORD CARS FOR THE SAME ISSUES. DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO FIX AND CLAIMS TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS APPEARS TO BE A NEVER ENDING PROBLEM WITH FORDS BASED ON THE INFORMATION I SEE ONLINE. HAVE ALREADY REPLACED AIR HOSE, SPARK PLUGS, VALVE COVER GASKET, WIRES. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED BY OTHERS ONLINE TO CLEAN THE MAF SENSOR AND THROTTLE BODY, BUT THE DEALER DOESN'T REALLY KNOW IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM OR WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. TO THEM THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I CAN SEE FROM INFORMATION POSTED BY OTHERS ALONG WITH THE RECENT RECALL THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM FOR FORD. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT AND HAVE ALMOST HIT OTHERS WHEN THE CAR STALLS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR. RECENTLY STALLED 2 TIMES IN A WEEK WHILE DRIVING.
WHILE WAITING IN A PARKING AISLE FOR A CAR TO EXIT A PARKING PLACE THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO VERY HIGH RPM. AS MY CAR WAS STATIONARY AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IN DRIVE THE CAR DID NOT SEEM TO MOVE. PLACING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PARK MADE NO DIFFERENCE. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTED WITH SAME RESULT. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES WHILE RESPONDING TO AN INTERESTED PERSON I TRIED AGAIN AND EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL. DROVE THE CAR HOME AND LEFT IT PARKED. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .