2003 Ford Focus Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 6%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,450miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford Focus, 6% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,450 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Emergency brake locks up. Car has to either be forced to move by either gunning the engine, or rocked by a person until it releases. Car had to be towed due to brake lock up after mechanic could not release it at my home. New brake was installed. Continues to lock up. Car had been in park for all incidents. This vehicle has a standard transmission, which for safety requires the use of an e-brake. This has happened more often in last 5-7 years. I thought the problem would resolve after new e-brake was installed.... It hasn't.”
NHTSA complaint #10903221, filed 2016-09, 170,000 miles“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 from the outside. Spent over $4,000 in fixing, replacing, engine & body parts.etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520993, filed 2013-06, 126,000 miles“18,000 miles on a 2003 Ford Focus and the brake pads and rotors are ruined, the dealer told me I can expect this with a Focus or a escape because of center mounted rotors. The car was inspected by the dealer 2500 miles ago. State police can't help me due the time that has passed since inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10100806, filed 2004-11, 18,000 miles“My 2003 Focus ztw wagon has been in for brakes 3 times in the last year. Ford standing by this as a wear item not covered under warranty. Could I have 2002 parts in my vehicle? I have had brake inspections done with oil changes indicating everything in the green zone . The rotor warping is sudden and unpredictable. 3 brake jobs in one year is excessive and problematic. I do not feel safe in this vehicle even with the brakes being fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10110405, filed 2005-02, 24,000 miles“. The national highway traffic safety administration. On october 31 of 2003, I purchased Ford Focus se, brand new.. For five month I own this vehicle, I was in the shop for all kind different problems 9 times. It was: constant very strong vibration while driving at any speed, constant grounding noise comes from engine site and transformed to an ultrasound noise at hire speed, the squealing has intensified and sounds horrible! …”
NHTSA complaint #10068068, filed 2004-04, 1 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017934Jun 7, 2005Rear brake squeal.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 24 | 1% |
| 2012 | 61 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 13 | 5% |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 30 | 7% |
| 2004 | 40 | 10% |
| 2003 | 62 | 6% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 199 | 11% |
| 2000 | 424 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Focus
522 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
82 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsTires
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology