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FaultScore report

2003 Ford Focus problems

Owners have filed 1,224 complaints about the 2003 Ford Focus with NHTSA between 2002 and 2024. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 20 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Ford Focus All 2003 cars
C

FaultScore 48/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Focus.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,224

Complaints

70

Crashes reported

23

Fires reported

50

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

55,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

27%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 41 vs 50 Severity 61 vs 50 Early failure 47 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Ford Focus. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 47
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Ford Focus

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Ford Focus

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 536 43.8%

4 crashes, 6 fires · median 60,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 83 6.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 66,666 mi

Engine & Cooling 78 6.4%

1 crashes, 7 fires · median 70,040 mi

Steering 76 6.2%

5 crashes, 1 fires · median 70,000 mi

Brakes 71 5.8%

4 crashes, 1 fires · median 20,000 mi

Suspension 50 4.1%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 42,584 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 50 4.1%

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 18,500 mi

Airbags 49 4.0%

35 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi

Body & Structure 41 3.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 57,623 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 26 2.1%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 25 2.0%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 23 1.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 37,882 mi

Tires 22 1.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,611 mi

Seats 18 1.5%

2 crashes, 5 fires · median 89,000 mi

Seat Belts 16 1.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,500 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 16 1.3%

Median failure at 22,997 miles

Lights 16 1.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 92,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 14 1.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,250 mi

Wheels 10 0.8%

Median failure at 42,584 miles

Stability & Traction Control 2 0.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 91,216 mi

Child Seats 1 0.1%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.1%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Ignition 263 54.2%
Switch 98 20.2%
Automatic Transmission 28 5.8%
Latch 24 4.9%
Engine 24 4.9%
Frontal 22 4.5%
Body 13 2.7%
Column 13 2.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 41 4.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 68 7.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 83 8.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 209 22.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 224 24.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 128 13.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 133 14.2%
150,000+ miles 49 5.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2002 peak 21 May 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Ford Focus

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

AQ10001 Opened 18 Nov 2010 Closed 28 Dec 2015 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this...

Recalls on the 2003 Ford Focus

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

12E007000

EQUIPMENT

RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

Risk: IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

05V030000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

Risk: IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2005025 152,181 units in Canada

Other

Certain four door (sedan and wagon) and five door vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario may have faulty rear door latches. Corrosion build-up at the pawl pivot area of the latch can cause the latch to bind. The owner may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly. If not latched properly the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear door latches. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 267,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL, AND SPUN AROUND. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, FACIAL BRUISING, AND WHIPLASH. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THEY REFUSE THE CONTACT TO VIEW/TAKE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS A FEE WAS PAID. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 267,000.

NHTSA complaint #11286464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,780 miles Topeka, KS Crash

SUSPENSION

SKIDS TO SIDE AND SPINS ON WET ROAD EVEN IF THE TIRES ARE GOOD EVEN AT 30MPH. TOO MUCH SIDE WAYS SHIFT ON LITTLE BUMPY ROADS.

NHTSA complaint #11118867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles LOS Angeles, CA Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE RIGHT KNEE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA complaint #10824003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles LA Puente, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE BECAME EXTREMELY HOT AND MELTED. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10637582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Cleveland, OH 1 injured

SEATS

MY WIFE COMPLAINED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT WAS SO HOT IT WAS BURNING, RESULTING IN A MILD BURN. I INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE BACK CUSHION HEATING ELEMENT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNT INTO THE SEAT CUSHION AND BACK LINING OF THE SEAT FABRIC. I HAVE PICTURES AND HAVE HELD ONTO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE HEATING ELEMENT HAS BEEN REPLACED HOWEVER WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE READ OF OCCURRENCES OF THIS INCIDENT INCLUDING REPORTS OF FIRES.

NHTSA complaint #10595759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Morgantown, WV Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, THE CONTACT'S HIP WAS DISLOCATED AND SHE SUSTAINED SEVERE BRUISING AND A LACERATION THAT REQUIRED THIRTEEN STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10576873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Payson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

wiring harness fused together

NHTSA complaint #11586972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hickory, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 this recall!

NHTSA complaint #11505755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,300 miles Waynesburg, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IGNITION ISSUES. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. CANNOT START MY VEHICLE OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR ONLY HAS JUST OVER 56,000 MILES. I AM SEEING THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM ELDERLY AND DISABLED AND IT COULD BE A SERIOUS ISSUE TO MY HEALTH IF I AM STRANDED SOMEWHERE IN BAD WEATHER

NHTSA complaint #11366467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Elkhorn, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH JUST FLIES OPEN.

NHTSA complaint #11330452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsfield, MA

SUSPENSION

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, BRAKING THE TIE ROD AND CREASING THE BREAKLINE.

NHTSA complaint #11311272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsfield, MA

STRUCTURE

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, BRAKING THE TIE ROD AND CREASING THE BREAKLINE.

NHTSA complaint #11311272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 267,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL, AND SPUN AROUND. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, FACIAL BRUISING, AND WHIPLASH. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THEY REFUSE THE CONTACT TO VIEW/TAKE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS A FEE WAS PAID. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 267,000.

NHTSA complaint #11286464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

RED OAK, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AT 104,000 WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #11231129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Dallas, TX

ENGINE

REPLACED THE CRANK CENSOR AND IT WON'T START

NHTSA complaint #11190021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Mason, OH

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.

NHTSA complaint #11171007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Peoria, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2003 FORD FOCUS AUTOMATIC LOCK MALFUNCTIONED DOUBLELOCKING THE DOOR CREATING A DEADLOCK EFFECT RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR

NHTSA complaint #11157094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Lancaster, PA

STEERING

I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT DOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN THE CAR MADE A SUDDEN JERKING MOTION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE DAMAGES WERE SEVERE RUST, SUB FRAME ROTTED, RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKEN, RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKEN, SWAY BAR BENT. THE TOW DRIVER SAID THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF MY CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE THING THAT WENT WRONG. I PUT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER WITH THIS DEATH TRAP. SUPPOSEDLY THIS CAR WAS INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2018. WITH EVERYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITH IT AND THE DAMAGES, I DONT SEE HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN. I BELIEVE THERE TO BE FRAUD INVOLVED AND BELIEVE THIS MATTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER FOR PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER. I PAID $3,000 FOR THIS CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF FEB. 2018. IT IS NOW AUGUST AND IT HAD INCURRED $3,000 IN DAMAGES. I SOLD THE CAR FOR SALVAGE AT $125

NHTSA complaint #11128842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Lancaster, PA

SUSPENSION

I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT DOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN THE CAR MADE A SUDDEN JERKING MOTION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE DAMAGES WERE SEVERE RUST, SUB FRAME ROTTED, RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKEN, RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKEN, SWAY BAR BENT. THE TOW DRIVER SAID THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF MY CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE THING THAT WENT WRONG. I PUT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER WITH THIS DEATH TRAP. SUPPOSEDLY THIS CAR WAS INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2018. WITH EVERYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITH IT AND THE DAMAGES, I DONT SEE HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN. I BELIEVE THERE TO BE FRAUD INVOLVED AND BELIEVE THIS MATTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER FOR PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER. I PAID $3,000 FOR THIS CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF FEB. 2018. IT IS NOW AUGUST AND IT HAD INCURRED $3,000 IN DAMAGES. I SOLD THE CAR FOR SALVAGE AT $125

NHTSA complaint #11128842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Lancaster, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT DOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN THE CAR MADE A SUDDEN JERKING MOTION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE DAMAGES WERE SEVERE RUST, SUB FRAME ROTTED, RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKEN, RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKEN, SWAY BAR BENT. THE TOW DRIVER SAID THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF MY CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE THING THAT WENT WRONG. I PUT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER WITH THIS DEATH TRAP. SUPPOSEDLY THIS CAR WAS INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2018. WITH EVERYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITH IT AND THE DAMAGES, I DONT SEE HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN. I BELIEVE THERE TO BE FRAUD INVOLVED AND BELIEVE THIS MATTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER FOR PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER. I PAID $3,000 FOR THIS CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF FEB. 2018. IT IS NOW AUGUST AND IT HAD INCURRED $3,000 IN DAMAGES. I SOLD THE CAR FOR SALVAGE AT $125

NHTSA complaint #11128842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Addison, IL

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11118729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,780 miles Topeka, KS Crash

SUSPENSION

SKIDS TO SIDE AND SPINS ON WET ROAD EVEN IF THE TIRES ARE GOOD EVEN AT 30MPH. TOO MUCH SIDE WAYS SHIFT ON LITTLE BUMPY ROADS.

NHTSA complaint #11118867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,921 miles Tellico Plains, TN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11080353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,432 miles Kingston Springs, TN

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS FLASHES ALONG WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT, THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT INSTANTLY LOSES ENGINE POWER WITHIN MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. I HAVE CHANGED BATTERY, AIR FILTER, ADD GAS CLEANER PRODUCTS. YET THE PROBLEM STILL IS HAPPENING . VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DOWN A EXTREMELY BUSY INTERSTATE.

NHTSA complaint #11076765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Gainsville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (PARKS FORD & LINCOLN OF GAINESVILLE LOCATED AT 3333 N MAIN ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32609) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11067073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,700 miles Amsterdam, NY

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 MILEAGE WAS 23,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11062430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,700 miles Amsterdam, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 MILEAGE WAS 23,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11062430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 172,255 miles Sapulpa, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CARHOP CAR LOTS, NOT ONLY IN TULSA, BUT IN SURROUNDING AREAS, ARE SELLING CARS THAT ARE UNSAFE, AT ANY COST. THE PROBLEMS RANGE FROM WARPED FRAMES, CRACKED STRESS POINTS, LEAKY FUEL SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT COULDN'T BE FIXED BY DUCT TAPE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S VISIBLE WHERE THEY RE-TAPED THINGS. EXHAUST COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ENGINE DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY REPAIRED, SO THEY WILL RUN TEMPORARILY, BUT NEED FURTHER REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #11056536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 172,255 miles Sapulpa, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CARHOP CAR LOTS, NOT ONLY IN TULSA, BUT IN SURROUNDING AREAS, ARE SELLING CARS THAT ARE UNSAFE, AT ANY COST. THE PROBLEMS RANGE FROM WARPED FRAMES, CRACKED STRESS POINTS, LEAKY FUEL SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT COULDN'T BE FIXED BY DUCT TAPE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S VISIBLE WHERE THEY RE-TAPED THINGS. EXHAUST COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ENGINE DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY REPAIRED, SO THEY WILL RUN TEMPORARILY, BUT NEED FURTHER REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #11056536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 197,253 miles Charlotte, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

DUE TO POOR DESIGN THE BULB MELTED THE SURROUNDING HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE UNIT HAVING TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #11043991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Gabriel, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS GETTING STUCK AND FAILED TO RELEASE. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO MANEUVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MORE THAN TWICE FOR REPAIRS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (ADVANTAGE FORD LINCOLN, 1031 CENTRAL AVE, DUARTE, CA 91010, (877) 386-3673) WHO PROVIDED NO SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS OR THE OPTION FOR A LOANER VEHICLE SO THEY COULD TEST DRIVE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11023007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.