2003 Ford Focus electrical problems

Filed May 4, 2024 · Electrical · AZ

wiring harness fused together

Filed Jan 20, 2019 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · OH

New onset burning smell while driving in suburban environment. Parked car, then it wouldn't start. Upon inspection found battery cables/sheath melting. Replaced battery, car started. Car parked and 1 hr later wouldn't start- new battery is dead. Replaced with 2nd new battery, hooked up cables and sparks came from battery (installed correctly). Car still won't start.

Filed Mar 20, 2018 · Electrical · 147,921 miles · TN

The alternator was replaced less than a week ago. Now, it is needing replaced again. There seems to be an issue with the electrical wiring in these vehicles! There are multiple complaints.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Electrical · 10,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. On several occasions, the key could not be inserted into the ignition switch and the vehicle could not be started immediately. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (parks ford & lincoln of gainesville located at 3333 n main st, gainesville, fl 32609) and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2018 · Electrical · 23,700 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed. The failure recurred several times. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 23,700. The VIN was not available.

Filed Sep 3, 2017 · Electrical · 230,000 miles · PA

My complaint stems from faulty electrical wiring/ subpar workmanship. My car has developed another wiring harness issue. The rear electrical harnes wires have completely corroded away. The plastic insulation completely cracked leaving the wires exposed and touching each other. This is the second time I have had this issue. The first time it created an issue with the hatch not being able to close properly. The wiring harness was previously replaced( with oem harness) this time the third break light as it is called stopped working completely.. I was stationary when the problem was discovered. I took apart the rear electrical boot after using a bolt meter to test for electrical conductivity at the brake light system. There was no current so I took the next step.

Filed Feb 24, 2017 · Electrical · 122,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the key did not start the vehicle. The driver contacted an independent mechanic who gently tapped the key several times until it turned. The technician diagnosed that the ignition was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was driven home and parked. The vehicle would not restart. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 34,000 miles · PA

The sub frame broke while driving the car. Entire sub frame had to be replaced. Almost caused an accident. Struts had to be replaced. Caliper and rotor had to be replaced. Control arm had to be replaced. Just replaced the ignition switch tumblers after the switch locked up and refused to work. There are no recalls listed for this car. Service manager said that focus are notorious for these problems. Car has 34,000 miles on it. The brake line running from the front of the car to the rear rusted out causing a lose of brakes. The car is dangerous.

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While at a stop light, the vehicle lost power without warning and failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced. The vehicle was restarted. While driving, the instrument cluster and lights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 92,000 miles · FL

My car lost all electrical power, but was still running then finally it died. I lost all lights and electric battery was dead so I bought new battery then it happened again, so I bought new alternator because old alternator was bad, then new alternator died within a month. Same problem, then I went online and found a forum about the hatch back focus and its wiring problem inside the protective sleeve. So I peeled back protective sleeve and sure enough there were exposed wires just like the thousands of posts from other people, this is very dangerous luckily I was able to pull my car off the road before it died, but with severity of this problem there needs to be a recall for this problem.