2003 FORD FOCUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,224

Owner Complaints

70 Crashes 23 Fires 1 Death

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

28

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 FORD FOCUS

The 2003 FORD FOCUS has received a total of 1,224 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 28 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical Systemignition (263 complaints), Electrical System (136 complaints), and Electrical Systemignitionswitch (98 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2003 FORD FOCUS, potentially affecting up to 781,253 vehicles.

Recall 12E007000 — EQUIPMENT

| 10,006 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 08E050000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 1,921 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 58,640 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 05V030000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 589,932 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 FORD FOCUS

1,224 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD FOCUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 263 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 136 3 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 98
Steering
Complaints: 50 4 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 49 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 28 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 26 3 Crashes
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 25
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 24 1 Crash 3 Fires
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 24
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 23 2 Fires 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 22 20 Crashes 13 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 20 12 Crashes 13 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 18 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 18 1 Crash
Equipment
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 13 2 Crashes 2 Fires 6 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 13
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 13 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 13
Tires
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 11 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 10 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 9
Structure
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Death
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 8
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 8
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Service Brakes
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 7
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 6 1 Injury
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 5
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 5
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 5
Wheels
Complaints: 5
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 4 3 Fires 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 3
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 3
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 3
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeindicator Light
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblybell Housing
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinecenter Support Bearing
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockinterconnecting Assemblywiring
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tiresbead
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11586972 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
wiring harness fused together
#11505755 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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!
#11366467 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 56,300 miles
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
#11330452 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 175,000 miles
DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH JUST FLIES OPEN. *TR
#11311272 | STRUCTURE | | N/A miles
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

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Safety Rating for the 2003 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 FORD FOCUS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 FORD FOCUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 28 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 FORD FOCUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

19009 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DTC P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 AND/OR P0304 - SERVICE TIP. *TT

18352 — AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT IN WITH ALL OR ANY COMBINATION OF DTC B1881 B2434 B2438 AND OR C1947. *EH

042113 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

STALL AFTER COLD START IN EXTREME LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. *EH

04152 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER OR WIPER PARK FUNCTION. *TT

04B16 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

UPDATE 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. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT

17920 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. SERVICE TIP. *TT

0481 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

CLUNKING OR RATTLE NOISE IN THE TRANSAXLE, MAINLY AT IDLE IN NEUTRAL, WITH CLUTCH PEDAL RELEASED. *TT

17778 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

LOSS OF POWER, HESITATION AND/OR MISFIRE AFTER COLD START. *TT

17593 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2195 AND/OR STALL AT IDLE AFTER A COLD START. *TT

17505 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RUNS ROUGH AND/OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON CONDITION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P402 AND/OR P0403 (EGR FLOW EXCESSIVE DETECTED/EGR CONTROL CIRCUIT) IN WET WEATHER OR IN A CAR WASH. *TT

Showing 10 of 28 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 FORD FOCUS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD FOCUS

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Other FORD Models

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