This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The transmission slipped out of gear while driving 25 mph. The steering column also needs to be replaced since it can be turned 360 degrees. The manufacturer could not identify the cause of the failures. The current mileage was 120,000. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Purchased this car in 11-05 with 32600 miles on it from creditable dealer. 6 days after purchase, car was towed back to dealer who had to have car taken to Ford dealer to have entire transmission and clutch replaced. Dealer tried to lay the blame on the driver as "abuse" - in 6 days!!!! 2 days ago, the check engine light has come on, but has since gone out. Had I known what I know now about this Ford 2003 svt, I would have never purchased it. I am afraid it is turning out to be a complete and total failure and lemon (even though still covered under factory warranty) and I will fight tooth and nail to have Ford pay for repairs.
The consumer heard a grinding noise coming from the rear brake drums. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The rear drum brake pads were defective, parts and compound were missing, trim under the steering column was missing, the transmission was slipping in first, second and third gear, and the ignition was damaged.
2003 svt Ford Focus: Flywheel, pressure plate, clutch assembly failure. Multiple cases have been submitted to dealers. Vehicle has been in shop for 15 business days with no end in sight. I have also heard of bellhousing cracking however I'm not sure if this was a case with my car, no information about that from dealer.
Replaced the axle and transmission and was picked up on 8/26/03. It had exactly 725 miles. On 9/5/03 it broke down again with the transmission getting stuck in a forward gear. It had exactly 1024 miles. Remains in the shop to this day. 9/12/03.
- Knoxville, TN, USA
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I bought a 2003 Ford Focus LX on 7/23/03. It broke down on 8/18/03 in springgold, ga. With a broken axle and a broken transmission. Sale Ford replaced the axle and transmission and was picked up on 8/26/03. It had exactly 725 miles. On 9/5/03 it broke down again with the transmission getting stuck in a forward gear. It had exactly 1024 miles. Remains in the shop to this day. 9/12/03.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Charleston, WV, USA