2003 Ford Focus: engine failure

Filed Feb 3, 2016 · Steering · 89,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 ford focus. While driving 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a retaining wall. The contact stated that both air bags were deployed. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained an injury to the right knee, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2015 · Engine · 109,000 miles · FL

The piston shattered at 109,000 miles. After doing some research, I have found many more complaints of the same thing. Come to find out that there is a design flaw in the engine when it comes to the valve seat. This happened in the #3 cylinder. The walls of the cylinder wall is so scored from the damage that it will require a new engine to fix the problem. When this happened, I was in a parking lot after shopping. I turned the key and it would not start. It also made a terrible noise. Before that, it was running fine. I had no trouble with my car except having to change an alternator. That's it. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles. I bought the car used at 90,000 miles. It was from a friend who is obsessed about keeping cars maintained. He would get a tune up, serviced, and change the oil when it was time. The car was well maintained by him. I found out there was a design flaw in the engine. But yet, there is no recall to fix the flaw. And when calling ford, they say that there is no recall and has no intent at opening one for the faulty engine.

Filed Jun 13, 2013 · Brakes · 133,066 miles · AZ

My drivers side rear brake drum separated at the bearing and my entire wheel assembly flew off of the vehicle and caused me to lose control temporarily and also become totally stranded and immobile. There seems to be no direct cause for this as the bearing inside the drum was not seized or malfunctioning. The mechanic that serviced the repair has over 30+ years experience and could not recall ever seeing this happening on any vehicle ever. I frequently drive this vehicle on highways and interstates (and had done so just an hour prior this day) and I am thankful to the powers above that this did not happen at highway speeds or this could have been catastrophic for me and my family. This type of failure should have never occurred as this is of primary importance that the wheels of the vehicle stay on the vehicle during normal driving conditions. My car is just 10 years old and has only 133k miles (avg of 12,000 miles per year), this is something that should not happen even at twice the mileage !!!! I am now fearful that this could happen again to the other rear wheel as this shearing of the brake drum just cannot be explained.

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that while parking, the steering wheel seized while the power steering warning chime sounded. In addition, the key would sporadically fail to turn when inserted into the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle would start after approximately thirty minutes of repeated attempts. The dealer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2011 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the timing belt fractured and resulted in complete engine failure. The technician stated that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Electrical · 132,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact attempted to start the ignition. However, the engine failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the security system; pass security switch. The repair part was ordered. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the unavailability of the part. The contact had concern of the safety issue involved. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2009 · Engine · 89,000 miles · FL

Coolant leak and engine overheating. Fortunately noticed it before the engine seized. Stopped vehicle and topped up with fluid to just make it back to home. Diagnosis indicated that none of the hoses were defective. Performed an internet search for the problem. Many people have documented this problem on the internet - its a leak form the thermostat housing. Defective part !

Filed Mar 13, 2009 · Engine · 51,000 miles · CA

I was seating in a tacobell drivethru, when all of the sudden my engine had a catastrophic engine failure.

Filed Mar 22, 2006 · Engine, Seat belts · 71,000 miles · MI

Piston in transmission deteriorated causing shift solenoid and value body to go bad at 71,000 miles, front drivers seat belt will not unbuckle, rear seat belts will periodically not buckle, now blowing massive amounts of smoke, rims are seized when trying to change tires, no matter if it was just taken off 5 minutes previously to takeoff; ignition seized and ending up having to rebuild steering column.

Filed Jan 1, 2005 · Electrical · 35,178 miles · AZ

Ignition lock cylinder would not turn after the key was inserted the key was hard to get into the cylinder before it seized. I did some research and on the automotive talk net I was able to print out 35 pages of the same complaints with 3 to 4 complaints on each page. A few of the complaints said that tow truck drivers had told them they have had several calls with the same problem, as did the lock smith I called to fix mine. The cost was $200.00

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Steering · 7,000 miles · NY

Consumer states that while driving 25 MPH through a puddle of about 6", the engine died on the spot. Consumer had vehicle inspected by a certified new york car inspector, who informed consumer that the air intake hose is below the front fender of vehicle. The manufacturer and the dealer has been notified and neither will claim responsibility.