Ford Focus / 2003
2003 Ford Focus problems
Owners have filed 1,224 complaints about the 2003 Ford Focus with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 43.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of latches/locks/linkages at 6.8%.
Complaints1,224
Crashes70
Fires23
Injuries72
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 43.8% · 536
Latches/locks/linkages 6.8% · 83
Steering 6.2% · 76
Engine and engine cooling 4.9% · 60
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.7% · 57
Suspension 4.1% · 50
Power train 4.1% · 50
Air bags 4.0% · 49
Severity
Of those complaints, 70 describe a crash, 23 describe a fire, 72 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Ford Focus in this data, 2003 sits 8th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 26 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 55,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My 2003 Ford Focus was previously owned by one person, my own sunday driver grandmother and is currently only driven by myself and my mother. It had only 47,800 miles on it when the key would not turn in the ignition leaving my mother stranded at one place and me stranded across town waiting for a ride. The faulty ignition cylinder locked up randomly potentially making the car a roadside and/or traffic hazard. Electrical system · reported at 47,800 miles
My key will not turn. There for I can't start my car. I have two small children and I have been stuck places numerous times. I fear for my safety. At any time I could be stuck anywhere! The only thing I can do is carry a hammer with me, so that I can tap the key in the ignition and get the key to turn so I can start my car. I feel it is not safe to carry a hammer around but have no other choice to start my car. Electrical system · reported at 68,000 miles
I have a 2003 Ford Focus. I have the common complaint that my ignition needed to be replaced. The wheel became locked and I was unable to turn the key. I have found countless stories similar to mine on the internet and it's so common that the Ford dealer and all the locksmiths that I have talked to in the last two days have known exactly what I was talking about. This problem needs to be addressed. Thank you. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…