2003 Ford Focus Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 3%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,710miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2003 Ford Focus, 3% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,710 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2020-10, 56,300 miles“The drivers seat back support has snapped. The seat needs replacement. This was not caused by any accident just normal driving. I must say I've never heard of a seat breaking like this before. Needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10670996, filed 2015-01, 248,000 miles“I was out doing errands and the key would not turn in the ignition even with the steering wheel loose. I tried a few times and it finally turned. Later that evening when leaving the key would not turn again, except this time it did not ever turn and I ended up having to borrow a car from my in-laws. We are in the process of getting quotes to have it looked at and fixed or replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10251297, filed 2008-12, 68,000 miles“The ignition cylinder has had issues with turning when first inserting key. On two (2) separate occasions has left me stranded. Once was while I was leaving work and another when trying to go to work. This issue has now cost me a days pay and a lot of headache. Ford has claimed that the ignition cylinder not turning is not a safety issue and therefore will not issue a recall. At this time I feel that there have been more than enough people with this issue that Ford needs to do right by their customers and fix the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10860234, filed 2016-04, 89,000 miles“The ignition switch would not turn. Although I had both keys with me, and both will still unlock the doors, neither would turn the ignition switch. Between towing and replacement of the switch, I had to shell out $450. Ford knows this is a problem with this vintage Focus, but does not think it important or a safety matter. As a woman who often travels alone, I think it is a safety matter. I have driven many, many old cars - much older than this one - and have never been stranded by something as simple as a faulty ignition switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10758928, filed 2015-08, 168,000 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78 | 9% |
| 2017 | 81 | 9% |
| 2016 | 105 | 9% |
| 2015 | 120 | 12% |
| 2014 | 280 | 11% |
| 2013 | 198 | 9% |
| 2012 | 363 | 10% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 27 | 9% |
| 2009 | 16 | 7% |
| 2008 | 18 | 7% |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% |
| 2006 | 12 | 6% |
| 2005 | 20 | 5% |
| 2004 | 11 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 30 | 3% |
| 2001 | 40 | 2% |
| 2000 | 102 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Focus
522 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
82 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsBrakes
62 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsBody and structure
40 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 28, 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