2003 Ford Focus acceleration problems

Filed Sep 13, 2017 · Acceleration · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was getting stuck and failed to release. The contact constantly had to maneuver the accelerator pedal due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic more than twice for repairs, but was unable to provide a solution to prevent the failure. In addition, the vehicle was taken to a dealer (advantage ford lincoln, 1031 central ave, duarte, ca 91010, (877) 386-3673) who provided no specific diagnosis or the option for a loaner vehicle so they could test drive the contact's vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Apr 18, 2008 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. When the contact placed her vehicle into park, turned it off, and then started it up again, the vehicle surged forward. The contact stated that if it is in drive, the vehicle would surge forward. In addition, the air bags failed to deploy. If the vehicle is in reverse, it would surge backward. The contact only notified the insurance company. A crash occurred and an occupant was injured. The manufacturer has not been notified. The contact stated that the air bags also failed to deploy. The current mileage was 36,600 and failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Acceleration · 8,000 miles · CT · crash · 2 injuries

Car had sudden acceleration that was almost uncontrollable--aug 2004 causing crash with 1 injury & car accelerated uncontrollably in reverse causing crash with damage to house...both accidents could have been fatal..owner was accused of careless driving but was not at fault either time.

Filed May 6, 2007 · Acceleration · 27,000 miles · NY

I recently purchased a 2003 ford focus zx3 with low mileage. I have an intermittment problem with it stopping. The engine surges and when you press the brake pedal it is stiff. It has always done it in heavy traffic. I have had it to a ford dealer three times. The first time they couldn't find what was wrong with it and said they were calling ford to talk to the engineers. Ford informed them they had several complaints on this problem, but no recall. They replaced the brake booster on it the second time. I picked it up and the very next day I was in heavy traffic and the engine surged even more and the brake pedal was stiff . The ford dealer has had it for a week now with no communication from them so far. This car is dangerous to drive and gives no indication it it going to do it. I have had several incidents with this starting in november. Since the beginning of april the problem has become quite frequent.

Filed Sep 20, 2005 · Acceleration · 46,500 miles · FL

Dt: the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated when he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle lurched forward about two feet. He had to press hard on the brakes to keep the vehicle from lurching forward. This did happen every time the contact drove the vehicle. The contact has contacted the service dealer, and they stated that it could be something within the computer, but they were not sure what was wrong with the vehicle. They instructed the contact not to drive the vehicle. The contact has not contacted the manufacturer, but was going to call after he filed a complaint with the federal safety agency.

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Acceleration, Transmission · 3,000 miles · TX

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. While approaching a stop sign driver began to slow down, applied the brakes, and vehicle suddenly surged forward. Driver had both feet on the brakes. Driver has to turn off the engine to get the vehicle to slow down to a stop. *ak the vehicle also jerked went the consumer reached speeds of 55 MPH and higher.

Filed Jun 2, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · NJ

Dt: there is a cross member piece of metal behind the dash of the car, the cross member bar behind the dash has obvious rust spots. *ak the brace behind the dash which extends from the steering column to the right end of the dashboard has obvious oxidation spots and rust. There is no indication of the cause. No water spots inside the vehicle. These rust spots can be seen behind the glove compartment as well. Vehicle has very low mileage. Vehicle also has a stuck accelerator caused by failure to the throttle body plate. *tt

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. Driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak the dealer told the consumer that the brakes are not the problem.

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 6,980 miles · NJ

The temperature had become colder and the accelerator would not depress without force. The problem would occur whenever the vehicle sat overnight or for several hours. The consumer would depress the accelerator until it would move downwards. The vehicle would lunge forward. It would take 4-5 depressions until the accelerator would move downward. Other problems were the brakes squealing and the vehicle suffered from not starting at times, either the panel lights would engage or the starter would grind. *ak

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Acceleration, Transmission · 19,000 miles · UT

Consumer can shift gears without pushing the shift release button. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak on several occasions, the consumer accidentally shifted into neutral when driving and at highway speeds. On another occasion when the vehicle was shifted from neutral to drive without knowledge of having done so until the vehicle suddenly lunged forward.