4.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,875 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Ford Focus:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #4

Jan 072006

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles
Piston in transmission deteriorated causing shift solenoid and value body to go bad at 71,000 miles, front drivers seat belt will not unbuckle, rear seat belts will periodically not buckle, now blowing massive amounts of smoke, rims are seized when trying to change tires, no matter if it was just taken off 5 minutes previously to takeoff; ignition seized and ending up having to rebuild steering column.

- Garden City, MI, USA

problem #3

Oct 252003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at various highway speeds vehicle vibrated. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for inspection. Consumer was informed the problems pertained to the tire and rim. She had to replace the same tire after 18,000 miles/30,000 miles, and 46,000 miles due to mud accumulating inside the tire rim. This threw the balance off, and vehicle control was affected. It performed erratically. Consumer also called the manufacturer.

- Willsboro, NY, USA

problem #2

Aug 062004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,500 miles
The consumer was driving over a rock the size of a tomato and the wheel rim has a tear straight down the middle of the rim. The pressure of the air blew the tire toward the inside of the rim. The rim shattered and the tire was left intact. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, who stated there was nothing they could do. The vehicle was equipped with low profile tires.

- Oak View, CA, USA

problem #1

Oct 012003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles
Rear drive wheel rim is bent and damaged the tire. Dealer stated probably consumer hit a pothole or a curb and bent the wheel. The dealer refused to replaced the rim under the warranty because they believed the dented rim came from the vehicle hitting a rock or pothole. The bent rim caused the tire to have bumps on it.

- San Juan, TX, USA