VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Focus steering problems

The 2003 Ford Focus has 76 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

76

Steering complaints

6%

Share of year

5

Crash-involved

0

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Focus steering complaints by model year927 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 173 complaints2001: 86 complaints2002: 53 complaints2003: 76 complaints2004: 29 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 13 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 9 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 927 complaints2013: 274 complaints2014: 219 complaints2015: 94 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 20 complaints2018: 30 complaints
Focus steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2003 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA has 76 complaints about the 2003 Ford Focus steering — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.