2003 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Focus › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2003 Ford Focus. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
977 complaints52 involved a crash17 involved a fire51 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
wiring harness fused together
- Structure › Body
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!
- Unknown or other
Ignition issues. The key will not turn in the ignition. Cannot start my vehicle or turn the steering wheel. My car only has just over 56,000 miles. I am seeing that this IS a common complaint and could be a safety issue. I am elderly and disabled and it could be a serious issue to my health if I am stranded somewhere in bad weather
- Structure › Body
Drivers side rear door will not latch just flies open. *tr
- Structure · Suspension
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
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Had to replace transmission at 104,000 went out without any warning.
- Engine
Replaced the crank censor and it won't start
- Electrical system
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.
- Unknown or other
2003 ford focus automatic lock malfunctioned doublelocking the door creating a deadlock effect resulting in not being able to open the door
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
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…
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
- Suspension
Skids to side and spins on wet road even if the tires are good even at 30mph. Too much side ways shift on little bumpy roads.
- Steering
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.
- Electrical system
The alternator was replaced less than a week ago. Now, it IS needing replaced again. There seems to be an issue with the electrical wiring in these vehicles! There are multiple complaints.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
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.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. On several occasions, the key could not be inserted into the ignition switch and the vehicle could not be started immediately. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (parks ford & lincoln of gainesville located at 3333 n main st, gainesville, fl 32609) and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed. The failure recurred several times. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed. The failure recurred several times. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The approximate failure mileage was 23,700. The vin was not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
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.…
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.
- Exterior lighting
Due to poor design the bulb melted the surrounding headlight assembly resulting in the entire unit having to be replaced.
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
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…
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.
- Electrical system
My complaint stems from faulty electrical wiring/ subpar workmanship. My car has developed another wiring harness issue. The rear electrical harnes wires have completely corroded away. The plastic insulation completely cracked leaving the wires exposed and touching each other. This IS the second…
My complaint stems from faulty electrical wiring/ subpar workmanship. My car has developed another wiring harness issue. The rear electrical harnes wires have completely corroded away. The plastic insulation completely cracked leaving the wires exposed and touching each other. This IS the second time I have had this issue. The first time it created an issue with the hatch not being able to close properly. The wiring harness was previously replaced( with oem harness) this time the third break light as it IS called stopped working completely.. I was stationary when the problem was discovered. I took apart the rear electrical boot after using a bolt meter to test for electrical conductivity at the brake light system. There was no current so I took the next step.
- Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Engine
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
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While driving 65 mph, the contact drove over a bridge expansion joint and the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated that the vehicle became almost uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While driving 65 mph, the contact drove over a bridge expansion joint and the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated that the vehicle became almost uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary…
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205032Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
- 10183768For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear door latches may experience corrosion in the pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. Initially, customers may experience difficulty closing the rear door that may eventually progress to a point where the rear door may not latch properly. If not latched properly, the door may open while driving.
- 10058100Ford: due to high corrosion areas, where vehicles are operated for extended periods, lower control arm (lca) can separate from forward attachment of subframe. Model 2001-04 escape.
- 10058099Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10056643Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of pawl into catch. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10021051Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019375Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019081Mirfire diagnostic trouble codes p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019076Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0L zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10019073Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip.
- 10018945Mtx-75 premature clutch failure.
- 10017934Rear brake squeal.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017922Difficult or unable to shift into 5TH gear.
- 10017884Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10014667Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Vent leak.
- 10014622Air bag light in with all or any combination of dtc b1881 b2434 b2438 and or c1947.
- 10014596Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014082Engine vibration at idle.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013416A/c condenastion leak.
- 10013391Transaxle noise at idle in neutral with clutch pedal released premature clutch.
- 10013384Stall after cold start in extreme low ambient temperature.
- 10013367Difficulty changing gears - unable to engage gears.
- 10013318Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013070Discoloration of the yellow-colored, extended-life, factory-fill coolant.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10012971Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10012962No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011148Loss of intermittent wiper or wiper park function.
- 10009872Update supplement announcement - customer satisfaction program 04b16. The front seat heater element pads are not adequately bonded to the foam cushions. This may result in shifting or folding up overtime, resulting in uneven heating of the seat surfaces. Attachments i-iii. Supplement #1.
- 10009337Front wheel bearing replacement procedure. Service tip.
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.