2003 Ford Focus: transmission slipping

Filed Oct 7, 2009 · Steering, Transmission · 80,000 miles · WV

Tl* 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.

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Transmission · 68,897 miles · MI

The transmission was slipping,hard shifting, and not going into 4th. The car had less than 70 thousand miles. Took it to repair shop and was told that it was a solenoid. Also was told that it was a common occurrence in my type of vehicle. It may or may not fix the problem completely. When I questioned why he said that many of the focus transmissions have solenoid problems until they need to be replaced. I went online and did some searching and found that there are many people who have had the same problems with the same year and make of my car. When I contacted ford they said that they did not see these problems very often. When I approached them with the discussion boards that I had read and the comments from my trusted mechanic they had no comment. My car does work now after the solenoid was replaced, but it still slips and shifts hard from 1st to 2nd. I am disappointed that ford will not admit to a problem with the mechanics of this transmission.

Filed Apr 12, 2007 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · IL

I have a 2003 ford focus that I bought brand new and drove off the lot with 60 miles on it. Not long after we purchased the car, it started to act as though the transmission was slipping when changing gears. We have always kept up on the recommended maintenance and no one has ever been able to find a problem with the car. About 3 weeks ago we were driving around the neighborhood, not on a busy street thank goodness, when the car shifted very hard as we slowed down for a stop sign. When we attempted to begin driving again, the car would not shift out of first gear. We promptly took it to a transmission shop where they have been working on it for nearly 3 weeks. They have pulled the transmission out to rebuild it twice and have still not found what is causing the problem. The mechanics have even taken it over to the local ford dealership and they cannot figure it out. I now have a 4 year old car with 53000 miles on it that does not run. If that had happened while we were driving on the highway we certainly would have been hit by a car behind us. This is not normal wear and tear, there is a serious problem with the transmission or the computer system. If this car ever actually gets fixed, I will certainly not feel safe driving it as the performance of the car is unreliable and there is no telling when it will suddenly quit working again.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 19,000 miles · WI

The consumer heard a grinding noise coming from the rear brake drums. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak 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. *sc

Filed May 3, 2004 · Transmission · 3,042 miles · NY

While driving engine/battery light illuminated. Then, transmission slipped out of gears. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Nov 10, 2003 · Fuel system · 12,000 miles · CA

Approximately 2 months ago, I was traveling at 70 MPH in freeway traffic, and my 2003 ford focus quit accelerating. There was no prior warning.*ak I began pumping the gas pedal, thinking a fuel line might be clogged, but it didn't seem to help. Finally, although somewhat chugging, I got enough acceleration to weave out of traffic and exit at an offramp. I pulled into the first parking lot, put my car in neutral, and let it idle. The engine sounded smooth. After a few minutes, I put the car back in drive and all was fine. I took my car to the san diego ford dealership and was told no problem could be detected. I was advised to let the gas tank go to empty, add stp, and see if the problem ceased. I did so. Now, several weeks later, I was driving about 65mph down a dangerous winding grade near my home in morongo valley. Again, my car lost acceleration. I began pumping the gas pedal, but the motor just revved. It was as though my car had slipped into neutral. I glanced down at the automatic shift lever, to see if I had accidentally knocked it out of gear. It was still in drive. I began losing speed and had to coast down to the bottom of the grade, where there was parking accessibility. The same as before, I placed my car in park, let it idle for a couple of minutes, put it in drive, and it was fine. I took it to palm springs ford, where it is right now. I received a phone message friday evening, after work, and I was told the car has checked out fine. I had assumed this would happen, because the problem is so intermittent. The service attendant, mike bruni, stated he had documented the problem and I could pick up my car. I left a message on his voicemail, explaining my fear of a collision. There is definitely a major problem that must be fixed, or I feel my safety is in jeopardy. Until the problem is eliminated, I am reluctant to take my car home. I see the 2000-2001 focus had a stalling problem also. Any relation?

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Transmission · 9,000 miles · GA

Clutch began slipping, causing the flywheel to break. The clutch came apart and hit the bell housing. Then, bell housing separated and broke into the radiator.