2003 Ford Focus Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 2%of 977 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Ford Focus, 2% of the 977 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was using my passenger seat heater while I was driving to pick something up from the mall when I started smelling a burning smell. When I got to the mall,I looked over to find a large scorch mark on the passenger side front seat”
NHTSA complaint #10779588, filed 2015-10, 152,300 miles“My daughter and wife were out shopping and turned on the seat warmers in the front seat. As my daughter was driving she began to complain of a smell of something burning in the car. Soon after realized her back side was hot ! Summary- driver side seat burn marks visible and her winter coat ruined; it burned it too. Why hasn't this been addressed with Ford? Several complaints have been filed stating this exact description.”
NHTSA complaint #10376836, filed 2011-01, 89,000 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Focus. Since I had the car from 2004 on, I have had to replace the driver side front seat because the seats driver door side back welding failed. The broken welding causes the seat to twist to the right. Seat was replaced at my cost and replacement also broke at the same place. Dealer refuses to acknowledge issue. I believe that may have also been a major contributing factor to a recent injury of my lower back since I had not received any trauma from any other source that I am aware of. A cursory review of the internet turns up dozens of complaints for the same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10312491, filed 2010-02, 80,000 miles“A stopped 2003 Focus sedan was rear-ended at a traffic light by a mazda 626 resulting in limited flexible bumper damage to the Ford Focus, but substantial spinal damage to the healthy, 22 year old driver who was securely seat-belted into the driver's seat. What was lacking in the seat design to protect the driver from such injuries?”
NHTSA complaint #10007553, filed 2003-02, 3,500 miles“Sedan was rear-ended resulting in limited flexible bumper damage. Substantial spinal damage to the healthy, 22 year old driver who was securely seat-belted into the driver's seat. What was lacking in the seat design to protect the driver from such injuries? Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10007554, filed 2003-02, 3,500 milesSeats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 4 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 0% |
| 2012 | 9 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 18 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 31 | 1% |
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 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsEquipment
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