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2003 Ford Focus locks problems

82 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 66,666.

owner complaints
82
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
66,666
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Doors: latch
    24
  • Trunk lid: lock
    9
  • Hood: latch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Focus locks problems in other years

20002005201020152018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Ford Focus locks

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Door locks 33

Related recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported February 1, 2005 · 589,932 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch can cause a binding condition of the pawl that may affect proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. The occupant may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly.
Risk
If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. The recall began on march 9, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 05V030000 · Recall details

What 2003 Ford Focus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 14, 2016 · Locks · 80,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that all of the doors failed to unlatch without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2016 · Locks · 125,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to latch. The contact had to use a bungee cord to keep the doors closed; however, they would open every time a turn was made. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. ..*bf

Filed May 28, 2014 · Body, Locks · 111,500 miles · OH

(1st) it was passenger rear door latch wouldn't stay latched, door come open during driving, (2nd) a month later trunk wouldn't latch, then (3rd) 2 months later driver side rear door came open during driving, wouldn't latch. Daughter almost fell out and car almost hit door when it flew open. I had to use seat belt to tie door shut to make it home.

Filed Nov 13, 2012 · Body, Locks · 62,500 miles · NY

The left rear door doesn't latch properly, causing the door to fly open on it's own. Thank goodness kids were not in the car when this occurred. Since the first incident, the door will not latch and is now tethered with rope and can't be used. Ford know about this problem as they have a current recall notice the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v030000 ford claims that my vehicle is not covered. The issue for my vehicle is that it was purchased in the state of florida in 2003 and registered in the state of florida in feb of 2005 when the recall came out. (it is now registered in the state of ny where it has been since 2006. If the recall came out one year later, my car would be covered?) covered or not, ford knows that the car is unsafe. A remedy would be to re-issue the recall again so that it covers any 2003 focus as I am certain that my car is not the only car sold in a state not covered, but that has since relocated to a state where corrosion can occur due to salt and winter conditions (unbeknownst to consumers). I am lucky that my kids were not hurt, but someone else might not be as lucky.

Filed Jun 28, 2012 · Engine, Locks · 75,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 07/25/12 *bf a lock smith determined the lock wafers were bent, due to it being made of cheap metal. Updated 07/30/12

Filed Dec 14, 2011 · Body, Locks · 42,495 miles · ME

Upon opening, three hard clicks are heard - and lock opens on occasion. Often refusing to latch and on many occasions, I am unable to open the door. It appears to be as stated in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v030000 I have spoken with dealer and ford on many occasions the past several years, and they insist this car was not part of the campaign and refuse to inspect, or view, or assess.

Filed Aug 1, 2011 · Locks · 102,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). After the vehicle was repaired, it was difficult for the rear drivers side door to remain closed. While driving approximately 50 MPH the rear drivers side door opened while a child was seated in the rear seat. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the door latch was extremely corroded. The rear drivers side door would no longer latch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Locks · 120,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that both rear door locks no longer functioned. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch). The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 145,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2011 · Locks · 37,000 miles · NC

Trunk latch failed at 37,000 miles on 2003 ford focus. Could not get the trunk to latch to drive home. Cost over $400 to replace the part which is not in yet. Driving around another week with my only car's trunk tied down.

Filed Jun 28, 2011 · Locks · 91,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that when closing the right passenger rear door, it would not close completely; making it dangerous to drive. The vehicle was performed under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch), but the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted, but they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 95,000.

Questions about the 2003 Ford Focus locks

Does the 2003 Ford Focus have locks problems?

Owners have filed 82 complaints about the locks of the 2003 Ford Focus, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Ford Focus locks problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 66,666 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2003 Ford Focus locks?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V030000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2003 Ford Focus problems

Electrical 522Engine 78Steering 73Brakes 62Suspension 49Transmission 48Airbags 46Body 40Visibility 25Tires 22Seats 18Lights 16Seat belts 16Fuel system 15Acceleration 14Wheels 10Driver assistance 3

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