2003 Ford Focus Engine Problems
- 18
- 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 18 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 8 |
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 3 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine
REPLACED THE CRANK CENSOR AND IT WON'T START
ODI 11190021
Engine
The key was stuck in the ignition. Could not turn off. Out of town so this was definately an unsafe situation because i either had to stay with the car until the gas was out of gas since i didn't have cash for repair. The car was driveable
ODI 10992024
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Car starts but when put in gear, stalls out. Engine will run with foot on gas pedal but stalls our when placed in gear. **happens only in very hot weather temperatures. Search web for ford focus stalling out in hot weather. Hundreds and hundreds are reporting this problem but no solutions from anyone including ford. Very dangerous to have car quit running at stop signs, intersections etc. No answer from ford in…
ODI 10896586
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
Engine · Power Train
The car stalls randomly while driving. All power is lost for steering and brakes. Highly dangerous situation and i don't feel safe driving the car. Happens in all conditions and unexpectedly. Car will restart. Appears to be a current "recall" of ford cars for the same issues. Dealer has no idea what to fix and claims to have no knowledge of the problem. However, this appears to be a never ending problem with fords…
ODI 10852855
Engine
The piston shattered at 109,000 miles. After doing some research, i have found many more complaints of the same thing. Come to find out that there is a design flaw in the engine when it comes to the valve seat. This happened in the #3 cylinder. The walls of the cylinder wall is so scored from the damage that it will require a new engine to fix the problem. When this happened, i was in a parking lot after shopping. I…
ODI 10809445
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Car comes to a traffic stop and dies. Had been shaking prior and had a diagnostic done only to spend $150 to have it no better . Took it to a better mechanic who said the valve seat dropped. I owe 2k on this car and it is worthless not to mention i am a student who has to go to work and classes with absolutely no recourse here. How do i keep my job or my status in college shame on ford you started me out with a…
ODI 10712756
Engine · Power Train
While waiting in a parking aisle for a car to exit a parking place the engine accelerated to very high rpm. As my car was stationary and my foot on the brake and in drive the car did not seem to move. Placing the car in neutral or park made no difference. Shut off engine and restarted with same result. After waiting several minutes while responding to an interested person i tried again and everything appeared…
ODI 10604809
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the valve seat fractured which caused the engine block to crack. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
ODI 10668372
Engine · Ignition
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston valves and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 125,000. Updated 10/29/13*lj
ODI 10538561
Engine
Bought the 2003 ford focus new from mallon ford (currently lakewood ford), in tacoma, wa. Car advertised at 27 to 36 mpg. Actual mileage on hwy was 42 mpg. Yesterday (march 14, 2013) car owner, [xxx], said car had stopped and was making lot of noise. I told her not to try and start it anymore but that i would be there in 30 minutes. So i arrived and restarted the car. I shut off the engine and raised the hood. I…
ODI 10503201
Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Engine
While driving, an odd odor could be smelled, but went away after a minute. Came back once briefly. 20 minutes later, as i was about to turn into my work's parking lot, my car turned itself off. When i tried to turn it back on, it would not turn over and all the gauges went haywire. After i stopped trying to start it, i took the key out of the ignition and the car attempted to start itself. Immediately after this,…
Fire reported
ODI 10562147
Engine · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 07/25/12 *bf a lock smith determined the lock wafers were bent, due to it being made of cheap metal. Updated 07/30/12
ODI 10463394
Engine · Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear passenger wheel emitted a loud whining noise, overheated, and caused the engine rpms to increase. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic several times for the failure. The local mechanic replaced the rear passenger wheel drum assembly several times. The failure was not corrected. The rear passenger wheel continued to emit a loud whining…
ODI 10462977
Body · Engine · Ignition
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was restarted and began to function normally. The contact also stated that the trunk latch failed to function correctly and the ignition failed; however the ignition switch was replaced. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the…
ODI 10490733
Engine · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · Service Brakes
I purchased a 2003 ford focus in february of 2012. Immediately after purchasing it, i had to spend $700.00 to fix the motor mounts, bearings in the front wheel, something regarding a cover for the tail pipe/muffler area, a/c, (twice repaired, and went out). Fuel pump, door jams in front (2 door), locks on the doors would automatically lock whether you wanted them locked or not. Door on passenger side refuses to open…
ODI 10520993
Electrical System · Engine
Key cannot turn - vehicle cannot be started. Unacceptable and hazardous condition with a poorly designed and/or low quality part on all ford focus and likely other ford products. I got around this by pounding on the key with a small hammer i keep in the glove box - i had lived with this for more than 3 years. Same thing happened to my brother-in-law's car (he removed all the tumblers so any key can start his car).…
ODI 10556832
Air Conditioner · Engine · Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · Structure
This vehicle is a total lemon.at 4,900 miles 5 disc cd player had to be replaced. At 15,000 miles the vehicle began leaking coolant and had to have the radiator replaced, luckily it was still under warranty. At 22,000 the vehicle needed a new alternator because it would not crank. At 24,000 miles the key became stuck in the ignition and would not even turn over so the ignition was replaced. 26,000 the center console…
ODI 10497866