VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Focus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2003 Ford Focus sits mid-pack among Focus years: 1,224 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 1,133, with 7 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 72 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (541 of 1,224), far ahead of latches & locks at 83.

1,224

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

70

Crash-involved

23

Fires reported

72

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Focus years?

See all Focus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford Focus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System54144%
Latches & Locks837%
Engine786%
Steering766%
Brakes716%
Suspension504%
Transmission504%
Airbags494%
Body & Structure413%
Other403%
Tires & Wheels323%
Visibility & Wipers262%
Seats181%
Lighting161%
Seat Belts161%
Fuel System161%
Speed Control141%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)50%
Driver Assistance10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2003 Ford Focus have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12E007000OtherFebruary 24, 2012 · 10,006 units

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 NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

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.

05V030000Latches & LocksFebruary 1, 2005 · 589,932 units

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 CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

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 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

BRAKES TURN TO SPONGES AND GOES TO FLOOR DEALER SAYS CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND KICKS IT OUT NOW THREE MORE PROBLEMS HAVE ARISEN MOTOR SHUTS OFF AT SLOW U-TURN SPEED AND TRANS DOWNSHIFTS HARD INTO LOW GEAR CAUSING A FACE PLANT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, LASTLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN GOES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2005 · crash

DT: THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005. THE MOTOR WAS OFF, AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID IT LOOK LIKE IT STARTED FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · September 16, 2005 · fire

PURCHASED 2003 FORD FOCUS IN SEPTEMBER, 2003. THERE WAS NOT EVEN 3,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT 2 BLOCKS TO THE STORE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2004, WENT INTO THE STORE TO GET ONE ITEM AND ONLY IN THE STORE 5 MINUTES, CAME OUT AND MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR.*AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 6, 2004 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE RIGHT KNEE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 31, 2016 · crash

WHILE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND COMING TO A STOP CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND IT SIDE SWIPED A SIGN POST NEAR A SCHOOL ZONE. THE POLICE DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT NOR WERE THERE ANY INJURIES. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SOME DENTS , AND THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 26, 2004 · crash

2003 Ford Focus — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford Focus reliable?

It is close to typical for the Focus: 1,224 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2003 Focus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (541 complaints), latches & locks (83 complaints), engine (78 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford Focus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Ford Focus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Ford Focus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Focus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Focus years to avoid are 2000, 2012, 2014, 2013, 2001, 2016, 2015, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Focus years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.