2003 Ford Focus structure problems
40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2003 Ford Focus — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle has a recall for Rear Door Latches. I have attempted to take the vehicle to 2 different Cloninger Ford in Hickory and Cloninger Ford in Valdese. Both dealerships claim they can not do the recall due to parts. I would like to know what steps do I need to take to get my vehicle repaired for…”
filed Feb 6, 2023
“2003 ford focus. Consumer writes in regards to inadequate structural steel. *ld the consumer stated the steel on the control arms were poorly manufactured. While driving the vehicle, it suddenly dead stopped, turned right, making a cracking noise. The control arm had snapped and dug into the tar…”
filed Feb 26, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Ford: due to high corrosion areas, where vehicles are operated for extended periods, lower control arm (lca) can separate from forward attachment of subframe. Model 2001-04 escape. *pe
TSB-14-0163 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 9, 2014Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus. *pe
TSB-14-0162 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 9, 2014
Structure problems in other Focus years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 Focus | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 Focus | 14 | 1% |
| 2015 Focus | 16 | 2% |
| 2014 Focus | 62 | 2% |
| 2013 Focus | 83 | 4% |
| 2012 Focus | 332 | 9% |
| 2011 Focus | 14 | 12% |
| 2010 Focus | 24 | 8% |
| 2009 Focus | 12 | 5% |
| 2008 Focus | 41 | 16% |
| 2007 Focus | 24 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Ford Focus
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.