2003 Ford Focus SE from North America - Comments

At 2500 miles, the car started to stall right after it was started. Sometimes, it takes about 3 minutes to get it to fire. Dealer can't find any code in the computer, so they won't fix it.

AT 4000 miles, the heating system had to be replaced. (it leaked water inside the heat box) When I would start it in the winter and turn on the heat, water would blow into the car and immediately freeze everything!!!

At 6250 miles, the driver side wiper started skipping across the windshield. First, the dealer adjusted the wiper arm. Then about 2 days later it happened again. Took it back and they replaced the blade. At 10,500 miles and 5 trips back to the dealer it is still skipping across the windshield!!!

The car has been out of alignment since the first week. Pulls hard left. Dealer can't find any problem.

The blaupunkt radio always has static in all the radio stations. I can't get a clear signal from anywhere.

The car is very comfortable and I love to drive it. But I don't know if I can live with the constant problems it is giving me!!

At around the same mileage as you my ZX3 would stall out after starting after a short trip, but it would start right up the second try. Ford couldn't find any problem and wouldn't fix it. Fortunately my car stopped the stalling a bit after.

My tires also wore out prematurely. the worst were replaced and am still trying to build the money to replace the other 2. Ford didn't tell me there was a problem until my suspension and tires were out of warranty. Typical.

I haven't had any problems with my windshield wipers, but I am having an uncomfortable slight "shuddering when nearly stopped"

Other than that. I love my car and will keep it, but it's scary driving in the middle of the night and come to a stop while the engine is acting like it's wanting to stall.

About the Focus problems. I've never had it stall out, but I have had the compressor fixed due to it leaking water on my floorboard. The exhaust had a leak and had to be fixed. All of this was just 4 months into ownership.

Since then the car has gone to the shop for more problems. I've had the transmission rebuilt and again it is slipping. My exhaust has another leak, the motor is going out on one of the windows. When you turn the windshield wipers off they just stop where ever they are. The gas tank door will not shut because the latch is broke. The question is: What hasn't gone wrong with the car?

I just got my focus 2 months ago. It was in the the shop in less than a week. The windshield was leaking and there was a problem with the bumper flapping in the wind. The dealership also took two months to get me the registration papers for my car which sucked. The brakes have been replaced two times and they continue to make screeching noises. I have to take it into the shop tomorrow to get the alignment fixed. I regret the day I walked into that ford dealership.

Have a 2003 100'th Anniversary Edition. I have had it to the shop twice because the backend recently started hopping to the side when I hit a bump or manhole cover. I replaced the tires at 29000 miles thinking that would help, but it didn't. I had it aligned and that made no difference. The service guys can't seem to find anything wrong with it. I bought the car with the intent of handing it over to my daughter in another year, but with the back end hopping around the way it does I won't be able to give it to her... too dangerous for a teenage driver.

I originally posted this review. Sorry to say things have not gotten any better with this piece of junk.

First of all, I must warn anyone who gets their oil changed, Be Careful!! A mechanic who changed my oil left his oil gun in the fill hole when he tried to start the car. In turn the camshaft hit the oil gun, and detonated the inside of the engine. It blew apart the spark plugs and destroyed 2 out of 4 pistons. It was taken to ford, and after looking at it, they determined it was not to be covered under warranty. The cost? $5500.00!! Finally the guy who changed the oil admitted that he left the oil gun in, and his insurance covered it. Just look for marks on the camshaft near the oil fill hole if you find yourself in this situation.

I'm on my third set of tires at 35,000 miles. My right wheel bearing heat seized itself to the CV joint. (that was very scary!!)

My driver door won't shut half the time. (the latch is screwed up, but they recalled the back latches?)

The trunk is rusting.

The right rear door panel is loose and I can't tighten it in any way. (It is rattling very loudly when the stereo is on)

So in general, I hope this piece of junk gets stolen or something else happens to it!

I have a 2003 focus wagon and have had only one problem with it in 57k the wipers would stop were ever they pleased when shut off, the local dealer fixed it and since no more problems I love the car it's quick rides and handles great I would buy another one. This car is dealer serviced, they look after me very well, I have two other fords a 98 ranger no problems at 90k, and a 97 escort on which just about everything has been replaced, trans,cyl head,ball joints, wheel bearings window leak and the rear wiper has never touched the window.

I bought a 2003 SE and have been very happy with it. I have had no mechanical problems. My only complaints are that it seems to go through tires too quickly and I wish (as I'm sure everyone else does) that it got better gas mileage. In fact, I'm considering purchasing a 2006 Focus.

I have had my focus for 2 years now. I purchased a factory pre-owned car (it was used by factory reps and factory serviced until 33K, when I bought it). It currently has 51K. I have been really impressed with this car. Since I did not buy it new, and have not experienced some of the problems mentioned above, I have only one small complaint, is that the trunk latch seems to have gone screwy. It will make 3 consecutive clicks, but will remain locked, unless the lid is lifted. Other than that, I love the car. I have also noticed the tire issue, but I just figured that my driving style is so chaotic, that I was destroying the tires myself. I would definitely recommend considering getting a factory owned car, my warranty goes until 75K, hard deal to beat.

Yeah, I've had my Ford SE for about 6 months now, it has 66000 km and yeah it's a 2003. I have the problem too with the stalling, I thought it might just be because it was winter and maybe the engine was too cold. But now that I see it's a normal thing, now I'm beginning to think that may not be it. I had to change the 2 back reer dust sheilds (nothing major) but it made the car sound like it was about to fall apart (not impressive). Also, my transmission slipped a few times, I'm not sure if I should be worried ot not, but I don't think I should with 66000kms on it! Other than that the car has been good, ill keep adding my comments and if anything else happens I will post it so that when people like me read about their potential probelems they know its not them, its the make of the ford.

I purchased a 2003 Ford Focus SE 2 years ago. I have several complaints. The rear end is all over the road in the wind, rain, and horrible in the snow. The car simply won’t stay on the road in snow. This is a dangerous situation when other vehicles are passing you in a snow storm at 50 and you can only travel 25mph! The tires wear out quickly and there is a very annoying squeak in the left front break. I have had it in 3 times for the squeak and they insist there is nothing wrong. This winter the driver’s door latch stuck closed several times. WD40 worked. This car has the worst heater of any car I’ve ever owned. Getting rid of it this week (if I can).

I've noticed a couple of reviewers mentioning water leaks in the heating and cooling systems. My 2003 Focus was recalled for that very problem and was fixed at the dealership for free. Perhaps you should check with Ford about that.

I have a 2003 Focus and have had very few problems. Breaks were making noise the dealer replaced them. The car now has 56000 miles and the transmission is slipping, check engine light is coming on. I sure hope the power train coverage picks this up.