2003 FORD FOCUS Electrical System Problems

136 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2003 FORD FOCUS

136 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD FOCUS. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 5 resulted in injury.

136
Complaints
3
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11586972 |
wiring harness fused together
#11171007 |
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.
#11080353 |
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.
#11067073 |
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.
#11062430 |
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.
#11021307 |
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.
#10956829 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY DID NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CONTACTED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO GENTLY TAPPED THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT TURNED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
#10871987 |
MY CAR LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, BUT WAS STILL RUNNING THEN FINALLY IT DIED. I LOST ALL LIGHTS AND ELECTRIC BATTERY WAS DEAD SO I BOUGHT NEW BATTERY THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, SO I BOUGHT NEW ALTERNATOR BECAUSE OLD ALTERNATOR WAS BAD, THEN NEW ALTERNATOR DIED WITHIN A MONTH. SAME PROBLEM, THEN I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND A FORUM ABOUT THE HATCH BACK FOCUS AND ITS WIRING PROBLEM INSIDE THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE. SO I PEELED BACK PROTECTIVE SLEEVE AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WERE EXPOSED WIRES JUST LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF POSTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY CAR OFF THE ROAD BEFORE IT DIED, BUT WITH SEVERITY OF THIS PROBLEM THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
#10862798 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND THE BATTERY AND ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE HAZER LIGHT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
#10851004 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 05/11/16*LJ *TR
#10840295 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SIX OCCASIONS WHERE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
#10811027 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START. IN ADDITION, THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
#10779588 |
I WAS USING MY PASSENGER SEAT HEATER WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO PICK SOMETHING UP FROM THE MALL WHEN I STARTED SMELLING A BURNING SMELL. WHEN I GOT TO THE MALL,I LOOKED OVER TO FIND A LARGE SCORCH MARK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT
#10747450 |
WHEN RIDING DOWN THE ROAD THE DOORS WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK BY THEMSELVES. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, IT CAME WITH MANY KEYS. WELL, THIS TIME WHEN IT LOCKED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE IGNITION LOCKED AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED FROM SMITHFIELD NC; APPROXIMATELY AN HOURLY FROM MY HOME. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT GET IT UNLOCKED BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED TO UNLOCK IT, VICE VERSA, AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. ALSO THE LIGHTING IS VERY POOR WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS AND I SEE THIS ON ALL THE VEHICLE FOR THAT YEAR AND MAKE AS I RIDE DOWN THE ROAD. MY CAR IS PARKED BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO FIX IT. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS STEERING AND IGNITION LOCK ISSUE. I AM WONDERING WHY THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN...
#10713516 |
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. AGAIN! HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
#10691968 |
KEY LOCKS INSIDE THE IGNITON DOESN'T ALLOW THE CAR TO START I REPLACED THE IGNITON LOCK 3 TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS... *TR
#10676480 |
I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY IGNITION NOT TURNING. I LOOKED UP AND SAW OVER 300 COMPLAINTS SINCE 2011 ON THIS PROBLEM.. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME. I AM NOW TAKING MY CAR TO A COMPANY THAT HANDLES THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY OVER $150.00!!! I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL. THE OWNER HAS STATED THAT HE IS FIXING AT LEAST ONE CAR (FORD FOCUS) A WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, YET THERE IS NOT RECALL!!!!!!
#10663788 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW. *TR
#10663790 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW APPROXIMATE DATE. *TR
#10663791 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW APPROXIMATE DATE. *TR
#10663794 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW APPROXIMATE DATE. *TR
#10663798 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW APPROXIMATE DATE. *TR
#10663799 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT CAR NEW APPROXIMATE DATE BY THIS TIME THE IGNITION STARTED DRAINING MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND HAD TO HAVE THEM BOTH REPLACE ALONG WITH NEW IGNITION KIT AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED NEW KEYS THIS LASTED ABOUT A MONTH THEN KEY GOT STUCK ON IGNITION AGAIN CONTINUOUSLY AT THAT TIME I CALLED FORD AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION AND NOTHING THEY WILL DO FOR ME. MY NEPHEW WENT TO FORD SCHOOL TO BECOME A MECHANIC AND TOLD ME FORD HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2002 AND DOESN'T WANT TO DO A RECALL. *TR
#10663801 |
I HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION KIT ABOUT A MONTH AFTER GETTING IT REPLACED AGAIN I PUT UP WITH IT UNTIL DEC5 AND HAD IR REPLACED AGAIN 1 DAY LATER KEYS IS STUCK IN IGNITION AGAIN ITS A TOTAL OF 7 IGNITIONS I HAVE REPLACED AND FORD AGAIN SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IGNITION,. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF BLOGS ABOUT SAME PROBLEM AND FORD DOESN'T REPLAY TO ANY OF THEM WHAT CAN BE DONE? I AM TIRED OPF PAYING 250-200.00 TO REPLACE THIS. *TR
#10660920 |
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION LOCKING. I'M GOING ON MY 3RD REPAIR FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. FIRST THE IGNITION WAS RE-KEYED AND/OR REPLACED. NEXT THE IGNITION AGAIN WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO REMOVED. THIS TIME, I'M IMAGING THE SAME THING. I'M VERY UPSET THAT FORD HAS NEVER OFFERED TO REPAIR AT DISCOUNTS OR TO REPAIR AT ALL. VERY UPSET THAT THEY NEVER RECALLED IT, KNOWING THIS WAS STACKING UP FOR BUYERS, AS AN ISSUE. I COME FROM A FAMILY WITH FAITHFUL FORD, LINCOLN/MERCURY TIES, WHICH INCLUDE EMPLOYEES, RETIREES, AND A FAMILY THAT SUPPORTS FORD, NO DOUBT. AS A FOCUS OWNER, I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED HOW THIS HAS BEEN HANDLED. *TR
#10576873 | Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, THE CONTACT'S HIP WAS DISLOCATED AND SHE SUSTAINED SEVERE BRUISING AND A LACERATION THAT REQUIRED THIRTEEN STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
#10573857 |
EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL START AGAIN IN APPROX. 3 SECONDS. NOW IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. IT HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I MADE A RIGHT TURN, AND THE CAR TOTALLY DIED. I QUICKLY PUT ON MY FLASHERS, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND LUCKILY IT STARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS IN MY PARKING LOT AND IS TOTALLY BLANK. NO POWER WHATSOEVER. I TOOK THE CAR IN ONCE TO MY AUTO MECHANIC, HE DID A DIAGNOSTIC (AND SINCE THE CAR WAS UP AND RUNNING) HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND ALL HE DID WAS CLEAN THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. I KNOW GM IS HAVING PROBLEMS RIGHT NOW, BUT I DON'T THINK MINE IS AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM (BUT WHAT DO I KNOW!) I WAS THINKING OF HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD...
#10562147 | Fire
WHILE DRIVING, AN ODD ODOR COULD BE SMELLED, BUT WENT AWAY AFTER A MINUTE. CAME BACK ONCE BRIEFLY. 20 MINUTES LATER, AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO MY WORK'S PARKING LOT, MY CAR TURNED ITSELF OFF. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND ALL THE GAUGES WENT HAYWIRE. AFTER I STOPPED TRYING TO START IT, I TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR ATTEMPTED TO START ITSELF. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS, THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE BATTERY. AN OFFICER SHOWED UP LESS THAN 2 MINUTES AFTER THIS ALL OCCURRED, AND HE SAT THERE AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN. HE PULLED OUT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER 10 MINUTES LATER SO MY CAR WOULDN'T CREATE VISIBILITY ISSUES FOR THE CARS DRIVING PAST (IT DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR LANE ROAD). THEY TOLD...
#10558796 |
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION PREVENTING HER FROM TURNING THE VEHICLE ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PM
#10556832 |
KEY CANNOT TURN - VEHICLE CANNOT BE STARTED. UNACCEPTABLE AND HAZARDOUS CONDITION WITH A POORLY DESIGNED AND/OR LOW QUALITY PART ON ALL FORD FOCUS AND LIKELY OTHER FORD PRODUCTS. I GOT AROUND THIS BY POUNDING ON THE KEY WITH A SMALL HAMMER I KEEP IN THE GLOVE BOX - I HAD LIVED WITH THIS FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS. SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER-IN-LAW'S CAR (HE REMOVED ALL THE TUMBLERS SO ANY KEY CAN START HIS CAR). IT IS OBVIOUS FROM READING THROUGH THE COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE (>50%?) OF ALL OF THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS VEHICLE. DEALERSHIPS WANT $400 TO FIX IT - THAT'S BS. ACTIONS BY NHTSA OR A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD IS APPROPRIATE. IT APPEARS THAT FORD IS USING THIS DESIGN DEFECT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROFIT AFTER HAVING PUT 1000S OF CONSUMERS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. *TR
#10555309 |
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER STUCK LEAVING US STRANDED. *TR
#10552115 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN. AFTER TWO HOURS OF REPEATED ATTEMPTS, THE KEY WAS FINALLY ABLE TO BE TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD THE CONTACT STATED WAS INVOLVED WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
#10550443 |
STEERING WHEEL/KEY LOCK. THE KEY DOESN'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. *TR
#10535142 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD NOT BE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
#10534209 |
IN PAST WEEK AND A HALF, 90% OF THE TIME I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION IS LOCKED AND WON'T RELEASE. I HAVE TO ATTEMPT TO ROCK THE KEY BACK AND FORTH MANY TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY RELEASES. THIS IS OF GREAT CONCERN BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I OWN AND MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER DRIVES IT AS WELL. I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I OR MY DAUGHTER COULD END UP STRANDED SOME WHERE AT NIGHT. FORD HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS RAMPANT ON FOCUS BETWEEN 2000 AND 2003. *TR
#10507042 | Crash
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES SINCE THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED. NOW LAST NIGHT THE ENGINE, STEERING AND BRAKES LOST ALL POWER. THE RESULT IS NOW 4 PEOPLE GETTING INJURED AND 2 CARS DAMAGED. NO FATALITIES BUT ALL 4 EXPERIENCED THEIR FIRST CAR ACCIDENT. THEY ARE ALL SORE AND BRUISED. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT FORD HAS NOT RECALLED THESE CARS TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS ISSUE. I GUESS SOMEONE MAY HAVE TO LOSE THEIR LOVED ONE BEFORE FORD WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY MADE A LOT OF BAD CARS! BETTER NOT BE MY LOVED ONES!!! I'LL MAKE SOMEONE PAY DEARLY!!!! *TR
#10501328 |
THE KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION - APPARENTLY A NOTORIOUS FORD FOCUS PROBLEM. THE CAR LEFT ME STRANDED MILES FROM HOME IN FREEZING WEATHER. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
#10500645 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
#10486573 |
IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN PREVENTING YOU FROM STARTING THE CAR. MY DAUGHTER GOT STRANDED AT WORK AT 11PM FOR 45 MINUTES UNTIL SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO HELP HER GET THE KEY TO TURN. I TOOK TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID A FORD DEALER WOULD NEED TO REPLACE AS THE 2000-2003 FOCUSES HAVE A LOT OF IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE DEALER WANTS $350 AND WILL ONLY WARRANTY THE PART FOR 1 YEAR!! *TR
#10479477 |
THE IGNITION KEY FAILS TO TURN. KEYS ARE FINE AND HITTING THE KEY WORKED A FEW TIMES TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. WITH THIS PROBLEM, A PERSON CAN EASILY BECOME STRANDED IN UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS. ALSO, SHOULD ANYTHING HAPPEN WHERE THE ENGINE DIES WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING COULD BECOME LOCKED WITH NO WAY TO TURN KEY. *TR
#10475118 |
I WENT TO START THE CAR AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT MOVE. I WAS UNABLE TO GOT TO MY DOCTORS APPOINTMENT.. *TR
#10472851 |
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN IN LOCK. UNABLE TO START CAR. WIFE STRANDED. BROUGHT HER OTHER KEYS, SAME PROBLEM. FINALLY GOT LOCK TO TURN BY VILOENTLY WIGGLING AND POUNDING ON KEY. DROVE CAR HOME. INTERNET SEARCH SEEMS TO INDICATE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE PURCHASERS. *TR
#10472324 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION BUT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
#10465903 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION BUT COULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND SHE VERIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
#10465456 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO OPERATE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE KEY GOT STUCK. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
#10461006 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
#10456073 |
THE IGNITION CYLINDER WILL NOT TURN IT IS LOCKED AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. KEY GET STUCK IN THE CYLINDER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
#10456120 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE THE POWER STEERING WARNING CHIME SOUNDED. IN ADDITION, THE KEY WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO TURN WHEN INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START AFTER APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES OF REPEATED ATTEMPTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
#10452542 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED AND PREVENTED HER FROM INSERTING THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
#10449010 |
LEAVING WORK AT THE END OF THE DAY I WENT TO START MY VEHICLE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. IT WAS VERY COLD AND AFTER ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIME FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR. I HAVE SINCE HAD DIFFICULTY TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY VEHICLE EVERYDAY. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS WHILE AT THE GAS STATION, WHICH TOOK ALMOST 15 MINUTES TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE ALSO HAD THIS ISSUE, WITH NO RECALL PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AS IT IS NOT AN IMMEDIATE RISK TO SAFETY. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOW FOUND MY SELF UNCOMFORTABLY ATTEMPTING TO START MY CAR IN LESS THAT SAFE ENVIRONMENTS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. *TR

Other 2003 FORD FOCUS Problem Areas

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