2003 Ford Focus Electrical System Problems
- 135
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 135 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 2 indicate fire
What owners report
- Ignition · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 46 |
| 100–150k mi | 29 |
| 30–60k mi | 22 |
| 1–30k mi | 14 |
| 150–400k mi | 8 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electrical System
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.
ODI 11171007
Electrical System
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.
ODI 11080353
Electrical System · Ignition
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…
ODI 11062430
Electrical System
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…
ODI 11021307
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10956829
Electrical System · Engine · Exterior Lighting
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…
ODI 10871987
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10862798
Electrical System
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
ODI 10851004
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10811027
Electrical System · Seats
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
ODI 10779588
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10840295
Electrical System
Key will not turn in ignition. Again! Has happened several times. *tr
ODI 10713516
Electrical System
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
ODI 10691968
Electrical System
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)…
ODI 10676480
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10660920
Electrical System
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
ODI 10558796
Electrical System
Ignition lock cylinder stuck leaving us stranded. *tr
ODI 10555309
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Steering
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…
ODI 10747450
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10552115
Electrical System · Steering
Steering wheel/key lock. The key doesn't turn in the ignition. *tr
ODI 10550443
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10535142
Electrical System · Steering
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…
ODI 10534209
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10663801
Electrical System · Service Brakes · Steering
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…
Crash reported · 4 injuries
ODI 10507042
Electrical System
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…
ODI 10573857
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2003 Ford Focus.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.