2003 Ford Focus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 6%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,188miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Focus, 6% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,188 miles. 1 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.
“I currently drive a 2003 Ford Focus hatchback 2.3l. After the engine is turned off the ignition and steering wheel lock completely. When attempting to turn on the vehicle, my car key will not turn and the wheel remains locked, in turn the vehicle becomes completely unusable. I call to Ford road side assistant prompted me to quickly move the steering wheel left and right while turning the ignition forwards and backwards. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232951, filed 2008-07, 73,000 miles“No events LED to this ignition will not turn - happens each time I attempt to start the car - at times it will turn with enough jiggling - has left me stranded with no ride taking it to dealership for replacement, but this is a known Ford Focus problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10250508, filed 2008-12, 60,000 miles“While driving home from a doctor's appointment my 2003 Ford Focus stalled and would not restart. After 3 tries the car finally restarted and I drove it to the dealership to have it repaired. They said the mass air flow system was bad and would have to be replaced. The car only has 1500 miles on it and is less than 2 months old.”
NHTSA complaint #10008256, filed 2003-02, 1,500 miles“Purchased 2003 Ford Focus in september, 2003. There was not even 3,000 miles on this car. My husband drove it 2 blocks to the store on saturday, february 7, 2004, went into the store to get one item and only in the store 5 minutes, came out and my car was on fire under the hood of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10056896, filed 2004-02, 3,000 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
- 10021051Feb 27, 2007Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Jan 1, 2006Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019375Jan 1, 2006Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019081Jan 1, 2006Mirfire diagnostic trouble codes p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10012962Feb 1, 2005No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10014082Dec 13, 2004Engine vibration at idle.
- 10013384Nov 1, 2004Stall after cold start in extreme low ambient temperature.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10013070Oct 1, 2002Discoloration of the yellow-colored, extended-life, factory-fill coolant.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 124 | 15% |
| 2017 | 81 | 9% |
| 2016 | 50 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 0% |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 7 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 6% |
| 2003 | 60 | 6% |
| 2002 | 103 | 11% |
| 2001 | 243 | 14% |
| 2000 | 474 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 55% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Focus
522 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
82 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsBrakes
62 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