2003 Ford Focus Latches/Locks/Linkages Problems
- 49
- 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 49 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- turn ignition · 11 records
- failure mileage · 5 records
- side door · 5 records
- ignition switch · 5 records
- turn start · 5 records
- ignition cylinder · 5 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 20 |
| 100–150k mi | 12 |
| 30–60k mi | 11 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that all of the doors failed to unlatch without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
ODI 10935259
Body · Latches/Locks/Linkages
(1st) it was passenger rear door latch wouldn't stay latched, door come open during driving, (2nd) a month later trunk wouldn't latch, then (3rd) 2 months later driver side rear door came open during driving, wouldn't latch. Daughter almost fell out and car almost hit door when it flew open. I had to use seat belt to tie door shut to make it home. *tr
ODI 10594695
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
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). After the vehicle was repaired, it was difficult for the rear drivers side door to remain closed. While driving approximately 50 mph the rear drivers side door opened while a child was seated in the rear seat. The contact inspected the vehicle and…
ODI 10416445
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Trunk latch failed at 37,000 miles on 2003 ford focus. Could not get the trunk to latch to drive home. Cost over $400 to replace the part which is not in yet. Driving around another week with my only car's trunk tied down. *tr
ODI 10411526
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
My key will not turn over and my wheel is locked up. The problems started and i would just turn the wheel and sooner or later it would turn over. Now im stranded in my driveway with the wheel locked up and no turning the key over. Missed work and money. I searched the internet on this and the was over 300 diff people with this problem. I bought this car (ford) to save gas and money. I think this should be recalled…
ODI 10407213
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Late night 35 miles from home. Key would not turn in the ignition. Had to get a ride home. Returned the next day and had a locksmith replace the ignition lock with a strattec ignition lock. *tr
ODI 10404437
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Key wont turn in ignition windows down in a bad neighborhood. *tr
ODI 10403707
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that when closing the right passenger rear door, it would not close completely; making it dangerous to drive. The vehicle was performed under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch), but the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted, but they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was…
ODI 10409196
Latches/Locks/Linkages
The door handles on my 2003 ford focus have a recall on them, but only on certain ones and mine isn't one of them, although all four of my handles are broken. The first incident that happened with the door handles was i got out of my car at a store and left my four year old daughter in the car with it running to get a paper, and when i went to open the driver door, the door handle broke and all of the other doors…
ODI 10403902
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Key would not turn the ignition, stalled the car and then could not turn the car back on in the middle of rush hour traffic, on christmas eve none the less. *tr
ODI 10392665
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
The key would not turn in the ignition of my 2003 ford focus zts, thus, the vehicle would not start. After a call to the local locksmith, i was surprised to hear "this is a common problem for a ford focus". When arriving, the locksmith proceeded to explain to me why the stock ignition switch of my car is a defective design, comparing to a new switch they were about to install. Upon further research online, i could…
ODI 10368133
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
The key in my 2003 ford focus will not turn the ignition. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere. The key is fine..the actual ignition mechanism is locked and will not turn. *tr
ODI 10359863
Latches/Locks/Linkages
My 2003 ford focus will not start due to the fact that ford has apparently used defective lock cylinders on the 2003 ford focus. I walked up to my local ford dealership and was told that it would cost 350 to repair the car. (not including charges for getting the vehicle to them) this has prevented me from driving a car that i am still making payments on. *tr
ODI 10352564
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
2003 ford focus ignition lock-up. Every time the key is removed from ignition and then reinserted, it is very hard to get it to unlock to turn and start. We have been stranded in parking lots during 110 degree weather while trying to get the key to turn. We will have to either replace the ignition or call a locksmith. This is an everyday problem now. *tr
ODI 10353681
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
I was stranded with my 2003 ford focus because they key would not turn in the ignition. I finally was able to get my car towed to a mechanic at 2am and was able to get a ride home. I am very fortunate nothing happened to me - who knows what could have happened that late at night. I had to get the ignition replaced which cost $400. It is ridiculous that this has not been recalled. *tr
ODI 10346488
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Ignition cylinder locked unable to drive ford focus 2003. Cost of ignition cylinder, new key (1), reset of computer = $480.00. *tr
ODI 10346487
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
I have a 2003 ford focus and the ignition and the key suddenly won't turn in the ignition. I have looked this problem up online and it looks like a far too common problem. My wife is 8.5 months pregnant, and i thank god this didn't happen any later as it is our only vehicle. Please take prompt action against ford and make them issue a recall! Thank you. *tr
ODI 10339209
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Ignition cylinder lock sticks, unable to turn key and start car. *tr
ODI 10329390
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Key won't turn in the ignition of our 2003 ford focus just happened today - no prior problem with ignition will most likely call a locksmith. *tr
ODI 10327082
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
No previous indication of any problem, just went to my 2003 focus and could not turn the key. Went in the house and got the other key. It would not turn. The ignition column is permanently locked. Ford has known of this failure for 10 years and done nothing??? Why is there no recall for such an ongoing and known defect? I'm surprised i have not heard of deaths related to this as weather conditions, robbery or rape…
ODI 10326779
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages
The ignition of my 2003 ford focus se, locked up on me and left me stranded in a parking lot. *tr
ODI 10325229
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
My 2003 ford focus has a ignition switch problem all of a sudden the key will not start the car it has left us stranded and has taken us as long as 30 minutes to start car. We have tried several remedies like silicone spray, tapping on key so it will start this problem has effected a host of focus owners with costly repairs and we will soon have to spend money to repair this obviously flawed design. *tr
ODI 10320611
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
2003 ford focus. Went to drive the car got in put the key in the ignition and it won't turn. This is the second time it has happened. 3/4/10, the first time, it "finally", after about 10 minutes turned after putting the key in and out of the ignition. The second time on 3/5/10, it just wouldn't turn. The car is sitting, will have to call a lock smith to get it fixed. *tr
ODI 10317282
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
Ignition key will not turn, and vehicle can not be started, removing key and inserting again and again would allow it to start this happened every time. Now it will not turn at all. *tr
ODI 10316838