2003 Ford Focus Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 82about this part
- Share
- 8%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,666miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 82 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Ford Focus, 8% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,666 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“I have a 2003 Ford Focus and the ignition and the key suddenly won't turn in the ignition. I have looked this problem up online and it looks like a far too common problem. My wife is 8.5 months pregnant, and I thank god this didn't happen any later as it is our only vehicle. Please take prompt action against Ford and make them issue a recall! Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10339209, filed 2010-06, 100,600 miles“Upon opening, three hard clicks are heard - and lock opens on occasion. Often refusing to latch and on many occasions, I am unable to open the door. It appears to be as stated in NHTSA campaign id number: 05v030000 I have spoken with dealer and Ford on many occasions the past several years, and they insist this car was not part of the campaign and refuse to inspect, or view, or assess.”
NHTSA complaint #10439905, filed 2011-12, 42,495 miles“I was stranded with my 2003 Ford Focus because they key would not turn in the ignition. I finally was able to get my car towed to a mechanic at 2am and was able to get a ride home. I am very fortunate nothing happened to me - who knows what could have happened that late at night. I had to get the ignition replaced which cost $400. It is ridiculous that this has not been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10346488, filed 2010-07, 102,000 miles“I was stranded many miles from a highway because I could not get my ignition key turned, steeringwheel turned or automatic shifter moved. All blocked. Luckily, I was able to get a ride back to where I could use my cellphone. A friend checked the internet on the problem and he found the suggestion to hit the key. Later many taps this actually worked and I was able to drive home.”
NHTSA complaint #10275893, filed 2009-07, 81,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine…Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10183768Apr 21, 2016For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where…
- 10058099Sep 9, 2014Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model…
- 10056643Aug 11, 2014Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area…
- 10205032Jan 26, 2005Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 47 | 2% |
| 2013 | 53 | 3% |
| 2012 | 134 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 15% |
| 2010 | 31 | 11% |
| 2009 | 18 | 8% |
| 2008 | 25 | 10% |
| 2007 | 30 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 50 | 11% |
| 2004 | 28 | 7% |
| 2003 | 82 | 8% |
| 2002 | 45 | 5% |
| 2001 | 66 | 4% |
| 2000 | 201 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Focus
522 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 30, 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