2003 Ford Focus Problems and Repair Histories

2003 Ford Focus problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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Ford Focus

2003 Ford Focuses for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Ford Focus problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2003 Ford Focus problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Ford Focus problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year	Make/Model	Trips/Year/100 Cars	Compared to all models for the same year
2003	Ford Focus	30 Focuses, 8.3 months of data per Focus, average 104100 miles82	Fewest Trips Most Trips	see reported repairs see lemon odds

Ford Focus in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	45880		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	46500	364	brakes squealing
Dec	2009			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2007	86000		First odometer entry
Oct	2008	102000	76	There was an electrical problem whereby when the brake lights came on the radio would die. It appears to have been a loose ground between the engine and the body. Also caused the engine to freak out.
Jan	2009	106000	960	Heater core was shot and leaked coolant. The whole heater core had to be replaced along with several hoses. Also had a leaky valve cover gasket replaced.
Nov	2011	125000	0	Car had CEL, probably 02 sensor. Blower for the AC was not working. Replaced one burnt fuse for the AC, did not fix. All was disclosed to buyer but he bought anyway.

Ford Focus in Alberta, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	116560		First odometer entry
Sep	2010	118420	295	Replaced two front anti-sway bar links.
Oct	2010	119040	1551	Clutch rebuild to install new clutch kit with slave cylinder.
Sep	2012	135160	529	Replaced left inner seal and left side CV axle.
Mar	2013	140740		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2007	47000		First odometer entry
Dec	2009	82000	217	Leaking clutch master cylinder replaced
Jun	2010	91000	294	Leaking engineered plastic mono bloc assembly housing the thermostat and where hoses are connected. Mono bloc, thermostat and gaskets were replaced.
Dec	2011	117000	80	Exhaust system bracket rusted off. Part not available so welded new bracket in place..
Mar	2012	117000	54	Front rotors were warped, as I felt the pulsing in the brake pedal. No repairs made. i sold the car to my mechanic.

Ford Focus in District of Columbia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2011	56000		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	57700	0	New alternator. Replaced transmission mount.
Nov	2011	58300	2300	Right side lower control arm and bolts. Right & left fronts struts. Rack pinion. O2 sensor EGR sensor & valve Vaccuum solenoid Battery, 3 relays, waterpump, thermostat, and resistor replaced
Mar	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Nova Scotia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2012	69440		First odometer entry
Oct	2012	74860	80	Driver's side brake caliper seized. Took calipers off my old focus (which is now a parts car). Heater fan bearing making horrible squeaking sound - not loud but same effect as nails on a blackboard! Mechanic replaced fan with the one from my old focus parts car. It has also started making the noise now (Jan) but only on lowest setting
Feb	2013	78120	460	caliper seized - destroyed rotors and pads on one side.
Mar	2013	78120	0	water pump leaking - and body work needed to be done too so decided to cut my losses and trade it in.

Ford Focus in Indiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2010	89000		First odometer entry
Feb	2011	99000	590	radiator and water pump leak
Oct	2011	104000	560	waterpump faulty and timing belt was soon due for replacement so had both replaced replaced coolant hoses. one had started to fail, so as a precautionary I thought it best to replace all of them.
Dec	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Kansas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009	93000		First odometer entry
Feb	2010	99300	0	Power lock on driver's door was jamming, and would not allow the door to be opened unless the key was used. Problem solved by taking apart the door & latch assembly, cleaning, lubing, and replacing. Seat belt latch was jamming for the driver's seat, making it very difficult to unlatch the seat belt & get out of the car. Problem was fixed by simply spraying some WD-40 into latch.
Jul	2011	114300	60	Thermostat housing was cracked. Replaced Housing and thermostat. Also replaced valve cover gasket. Cracked T-stat housing may have been caused by oil seeping from valve cover getting on Tstat housing gasket, causing it to swell.
Mar	2013	126000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	117000		First odometer entry
Jun	2011	138000	50	Drive belt tensioner was noisy and replaced.

Ford Focus in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2011	98000		First odometer entry
Dec	2012	106000	160	replace entire exhaust system, front to back.
Mar	2013	106000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	105400		First odometer entry
Mar	2011	106020	250	Several problems to describe. Rear trunk latch seized, lubrication fixed it. Driver and passenger (front and rear passenger) hand crank window regulators replaced. Broken driver's seat replaced. My 5 foot 110 pound wife drives this car.
Sep	2011	117800	150	Broken spring on the front passenger side. Replaced passenger and driver side with new strut kit. Will replace rear shocks this weekend (preventative maintenance).

Ford Focus in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	64000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	76000	250	Alternator failure. Replaced. Replacement lasted 2 weeks, replaced again under warranty.
Jan	2010	78700	25	Replacement alternator failed after approximately 1 month. Thermostat failed, stuck closed, and required replacement. Trunk release no longer works from dash switch. Cruise control stopped working. Checked for obvious problems - fuses, connections, etc; decided not to repair. Book value on car is less than 3K; not worth dumping money into.
Jul	2011	100000	185	Water pump leaking. Replaced T-belt while apart. Engine mounts collapsed.
Mar	2012	111000	0	Alternator failed again, warranty item. R&R alternator.
Mar	2013	128000	100	Replaced pads and rotors. Pads were still in good shape, but rotors were worn well below spec. Was told this is common with ceramic pads. Decided to replace both pads and rotors.

Ford Focus in Maine, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009		220	Inspection Sticker Sway Bar Linkage on passenger and driver sides Fuel Filter
May	2009		169	timing belt & serpetine belt & plugs/wires because of a misfiring spark plug
Sep	2011	139000	100	Crankshaft Sensor went bad and needed to be replaced. After replacement, car has been running fine.
Feb	2012	143000	0	entire exhaust system, heat shield for exhaust heater blower motor left side ball joint

Ford Focus in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008	65000		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	82000	110	Replaced right passenger side motor mount. Bad vibration with engine running and growling noise around right turns. Replaced front sway bar links. Bad front end rattle over bumps and dangerous roll in car handling.
Jun	2011	96000	300	Replaced leaking Evaporator core and accumulator. Went to have it recharged and learned needed to replace more parts. Also did brakes all around.
Jul	2011	97300	175	Replaced accumulator, suction hose, and one liquid hose. Vacuumed and recharged system.
Dec	2011	103000	40	Hesitant downshifting when coasting - replaced throttle position sensor. Smoother acceleration and mild relief of shifting problem.
Jul	2012	108700	100	Replaced wheel bearings (as part of drum assembly) while doing rear brakes. Steadier/smoother ride - it was time.
Mar	2013	116000	0	Had to replace both rear drums due to bearing failure - second replacement within 12 months. Napa parts replaced under warranty.
Apr	2013			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2012	54000		First odometer entry
Oct	2012	55000	800	new clutch
Apr	2013	70000	0	Clutch safety switch was no longer being depressed by the clutch and car didn't start. I fixed it myself by putting magnets on the clutch to extend it further so it would depress the switch when I pushed the clutch in.

Ford Focus in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2012	133000		First odometer entry
Sep	2012	136000	1200	A valve seat came out of the cylinder head, ruined the head and 1 piston. Replaced head, piston, connecting rod, rings
Mar	2013	142000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	52000		First odometer entry
Sep	2010	53000	457	car was misfiring and ignition coil and ignition wires replaced
Oct	2010	54000	175	EGR tube had split by exhaust manifold, tube and gasket were replaced. Parts were purchased from Ford dealer by local shop.
Dec	2011	62000	110	error code requiring fuel cap to be replaced
Mar	2012	64000	100	replaced power window regulator of rear window
Dec	2012	70000	260	motor mount needed to be replaced P0456 failure code
Mar	2013	71000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2008		700	Rear door handles/locks
Aug	2009	60000	140	EG pipe broke. Purchased new one from local Ford dealership. Shift cable was melted from problem 1. Has not been installed yet.
Jun	2010	70000	80	Sway bar links were worn out.
Nov	2010	77000	13	Coolant Temperature Sensor needed to be replaced - was running too cool
Nov	2011	87000	330	Car was misfiring on cyl 1. Also smelled strongly of anti-freeze. Found a loose clamp and the coolant thermostat needed to be replaced. Was missing the motor mount on the driver side. Due to damage from it being missing, the passenger side motor mount was replaced as well.
Feb	2012	90000	260	Left front wheel bearing making a loud roar.
Jul	2012	93700	56	Rough starts and rough idle. Fuel pump replaced. Cracked head gasket. Nothing done yet
Aug	2012	94300	800	Engine had cracked head gasket. Cause unknown. Had the heads resurfaced and repaired using a head gasket kit.
Jan	2013	97000	1680	Reverse and 2nd gear were completely lost. Replaced entire transmission with a used one with about 30,000 miles on it.
Mar	2013	99000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2008	27000		First odometer entry
Sep	2008	27000	100	Ignition lock cylinder would not turn to the on position without tapping the key for several minutes. Ordered new cylinder at http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/fordfocus.html by emailing them a picture of the key.
Jul	2012	66000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Oklahoma, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2009	76000		First odometer entry
Jul	2011	105000	850	Replaced timing belt, plug wires, and spark plugs.

Ford Focus in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2011			First odometer entry
Mar	2011		750	Axle and half shaft replacement for the left front wheel.
Apr	2011		165	Thermostat housing and a temp sensor.
Feb	2012	71000	0	Transmission shift bushing, clutch master cylinder, and drivers side CV axle needed replacing. This was primarily the reason for trading it in along with the high car payment.

Ford Focus in Nevada, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2003		0	AF/FM CD system LCD read out deffective FREE under warranty
Jun	2005		0	Cooling Fan loose and cut hole in radiator causing leak of coolant (fixed under warranty)
Jul	2005		0	Air Flow sensor defective FREE under warranty
Feb	2007		900	Ignition Lock defective unable to unlock
Jun	2008		250	Right Engine Mount broken
May	2009		450	Front Struts - worn out causing excessive front tire wear
Sep	2009	98300	98	Cracked and Leaking coolant expansion tank
Nov	2009	98800	0	Timing chain skipped timing on OHC, engine dead
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in British Columbia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2006		0	Fuel pump and sender replaced in response to check engine light coming on numerous occasions after refueling. Covered under warranty.
Nov	2006		221	To correct annoying rattle just over 3000 RPM, exhaust flex pipe replacement. This was an ongoing annoyance, just couldn't pinpoint the source. If I had made an issue sooner, would have been warranty.
Sep	2007		52	Rattle in front suspension, over bumps; replaced both links for front stabilizer bar. Price is parts only, installed myself.
Nov	2007		184	Replace clutch master cylinder due to fluid leak (on floor mat.)
Feb	2008	60440	360	Ignition coil pack and connector failure. Limped to dealer on 2 cylinders.
Apr	2009	72540	0	Tilt & Telescopic steering wheel lever would not stay in place at times and the wheel would move if not in exactly right position. I used to work at this dealership as parts manager, and was not charged. Cleaned & adjusted mechanism.
May	2009	73780	165	Rattling serpentine belt tensioner. Replaced by dealer. Front stabilizer bar link replaced AGAIN! Rattle when going over bumps. replaced and problem fixed. Just over parts warranty period, so the OE parts used last time were even worse than the originals. GRRR.
Oct	2009	76260	100	Replaced front struts and one front sway bar end link again, under extended warranty. The sway bar links are a constant problem on Focus.
Mar	2010	81220	100	Engine vibration when cold only, Replace RH engine mount. Concern fixed. Tech also found RH axle center support Bearing worn; replaced at same time, paid one deductible. Rh axle shaft support bearing replaced.
Feb	2011	88040	150	Noisy RF wheel Bearing, replaced. Upon checking, R. axle support bearing was replaced (again) under parts warranty, so part of total labor was covered. Also replaced inner RF axle seal, as it was weeping.
Mar	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Missouri, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2008	88000		First odometer entry
Feb	2009	105000	60	Thermostat housing cracked and leaked around o-ring. Thermostat housing replaced by owner.
Jul	2009	110000	175	Alternator replaced
Nov	2009	116000	25	Front sway bar end links
Feb	2011	133500	100	Factory stereo died (Blaupunkt). Replaced with an aftermarket unit (Pioneer).
Apr	2011	135000	0	Both front coil springs broke and were replaced under warranty due to factory defect. Common problem so covered by ford on Focus up to 10 year or 150K miles.
May	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

2003 Ford Focus Problems and Repair Histories

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Ford Focus Reliability through March 31, 2013

2003 Ford Focus

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2003 Ford Focus 4dr Wagon

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2003 Ford Focus 4dr Wagon

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2003 Ford Focus 4dr Hatch

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2003 Ford Focus 2dr Hatch

2003 Ford Focus 2dr Hatch

2003 Ford Focus 2dr Hatch

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Ford Focus

Ford Focus in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2010	70000		First odometer entry
Jul	2011	81300	500	Water pump impeller broke apart resulting in uncontrolled water temperature when driven, was able to drive short distances and shut off and cool down and make it to repair facility.
Mar	2013			Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in Alabama, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2012	92000		First odometer entry
Nov	2012	98000	15	Front Wiper Relay Non-functional, replaced
Mar	2013	101000	0	Timing belt, incl tensioner, idler

Ford Focus in Vermont, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2012	89000		First odometer entry
Oct	2012	92000	65	Faulty 02 Sensor - Replaced

Ford Focus in Tennessee, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2004		0	The car would occasionally stall when bringing the vehicle to a stop. The computer was recalibrated, and mostly solved the problem.
Mar	2008		100	The mist feature of the wiper switch no longer stopped the wipers in the down position. The in-dash CD changer jammed. The wiper motor and CD changer were both replaced under extended warranty.
Jun	2009		2	An o-ring on the thermostat housing started leaking. I replaced the O-ring.
Mar	2013	106000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in New Mexico, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2008	38000		First odometer entry
Jun	2008	40000	95	I had a locksmith replace the defective ignition cylinder every Focus built between 2000 and 2005 came equipped with. It should be a recall but Ford has refused. A class action lawsuit is being filed.
Jan	2009	44000	600	Shift cables fell apart again. It took three days to get the parts. I've been experiencing a "clunk" in the front end and http://focusfanatics.com suggested I check the "endlinks". I asked my mechanic to inspect the "endlinks" and he said they were worn out. He replaced them with "moog" parts and the clunk was fixed.
Dec	2010	58000	340	Clutch master cylinder was replaced; again.
Feb	2011	60000	0	Junk plastic thermostat housing cracked again and had to be replaced. Replaced with another junk plastic thermostat housing.
Mar	2013	76000		Most recent odometer entry.

Ford Focus in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2008		502	Front Rotors, Bleed brake system, wheel stud, oil change, fuel filter.
Jul	2009		115	road force balance to fix vibration.
Dec	2009		245	Replaced Valve cover gasket.
Dec	2010	80000	1060	Alternator died. Power steering pump leaking.
Jan	2013	97300	550	New struts and shocks
Mar	2013	98000	90	Rain leaked onto passenger floor. Replaced passenger side cowl between windshield and hood. Required purchase of glass setting butyl tape and new passenger cowl.