2003 Ford Focus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 522about this part
- Share
- 53%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 522 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Focus, 53% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car lost all electrical power, but was still running then finally it died. I lost all lights and electric battery was dead so I bought new battery then it happened again, so I bought new alternator because old alternator was bad, then new alternator died within a month. Same problem, then I went online and found a forum about the hatch back Focus and its wiring problem inside the protective sleeve. …”
NHTSA complaint #10871987, filed 2016-06, 92,000 miles“When I try to start my car, the key won't turn when I put it in the ignition. This happened three times just today. I can wiggle the key back and forth and luckily it's ended up working, but this is not the first time this has happened. I've read online that this is a problem with the Focus. This should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10462467, filed 2012-06, 76,000 miles“Ignition switch will not turn preventing you from starting the car. My daughter got stranded at work at 11pm for 45 minutes until someone was able to help her get the key to turn. I took to a repair shop and they said a Ford dealer would need to replace as the 2000-2003 focuses have a lot of ignition switch problems. The dealer wants $350 and will only warranty the part for 1 year!!”
NHTSA complaint #10486573, filed 2012-11, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10353681, filed 2010-09, 119,623 miles“The ignition lock on my 2003 Ford Focus locks up and the key will not turn in the ignition. It started out as just sticking a little bit but working after turning the steering wheel several times. It ended with it completely locking up. I had to have the car towed to a safe place and a locksmith came out and repaired the pins in the ignition tumbler.”
NHTSA complaint #10298509, filed 2010-01, 88,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019073Jan 1, 2006Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip.
- 10017923Jun 1, 2005Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10012971Feb 1, 2005Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Feb 1, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10013318Jan 1, 2005Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 49 | 6% |
| 2017 | 36 | 4% |
| 2016 | 82 | 7% |
| 2015 | 64 | 6% |
| 2014 | 245 | 9% |
| 2013 | 276 | 13% |
| 2012 | 352 | 9% |
| 2011 | 25 | 22% |
| 2010 | 43 | 15% |
| 2009 | 45 | 20% |
| 2008 | 57 | 23% |
| 2007 | 85 | 22% |
| 2006 | 47 | 23% |
| 2005 | 113 | 26% |
| 2004 | 183 | 47% |
| 2003 | 522 | 53% |
| 2002 | 277 | 30% |
| 2001 | 496 | 28% |
| 2000 | 1,343 | 36% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Focus
82 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsBrakes
62 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 27, 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