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2003 Ford Focus Engine Problems

65 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

65
Complaints
1
Crashes
5
Fires
Jan 2008Dec 2014
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (65)

highENGINE
Filed: Mar 2019

Your car won't start after you replaced the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor may not be properly installed, the wiring connections might be loose, or there could be an issue with how it's been seated in its mounting location. A mechanic will need to verify the sensor installation and test the engine's starting system.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11190021
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2017

THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. COULD NOT TURN OFF. OUT OF TOWN SO THIS WAS DEFINATELY AN UNSAFE SITUATION BECAUSE I EITHER HAD TO STAY WITH THE CAR UNTIL THE GAS WAS OUT OF GAS SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE CASH FOR REPAIR. THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE

NHTSA #: 10992024
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2016

CAR STARTS BUT WHEN PUT IN GEAR, STALLS OUT. ENGINE WILL RUN WITH FOOT ON GAS PEDAL BUT STALLS OUR WHEN PLACED IN GEAR. **HAPPENS ONLY IN VERY HOT WEATHER TEMPERATURES. SEARCH WEB FOR FORD FOCUS STALLING OUT IN HOT WEATHER. HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS ARE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM BUT NO SOLUTIONS FROM ANYONE INCLUDING FORD. VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE CAR QUIT RUNNING AT STOP SIGNS, INTERSECTIONS ETC. NO ANSWER FROM FORD IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB. MUST USE TWO FEET WITH ONE ON GAS PEDAL AND ONE ON THE BRAKE. FORD HAS NO BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM THAT EFFECTS SO MANY FORD FOCUS OWNERS.

NHTSA #: 10896586
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,153.

NHTSA #: 10853279
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2015

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.

NHTSA #: 10809445
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2015

CAR COMES TO A TRAFFIC STOP AND DIES. HAD BEEN SHAKING PRIOR AND HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE ONLY TO SPEND $150 TO HAVE IT NO BETTER . TOOK IT TO A BETTER MECHANIC WHO SAID THE VALVE SEAT DROPPED. I OWE 2K ON THIS CAR AND IT IS WORTHLESS NOT TO MENTION I AM A STUDENT WHO HAS TO GO TO WORK AND CLASSES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO RECOURSE HERE. HOW DO I KEEP MY JOB OR MY STATUS IN COLLEGE SHAME ON FORD YOU STARTED ME OUT WITH A REALLY BIG PROBLEM AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR A CAR THAT WONT GO ANYWHERE AND WILL NOT RUN ON A 2K DEBT. AND NO TRANSPORTATION SHAME ON FORD.. *TR

NHTSA #: 10712756
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE SEAT FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE BLOCK TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

NHTSA #: 10668372
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 2014

IN MARCH 2013 I TOOK MY FORD FOCUS IN TO REPLACE MOTOR MOUNTS, RETURNED IN APRIL FOR THE SAME AWFUL VIBRATION WHILE HEATER WAS ON AND WHILE IDLING. THE MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS WAS FAULTY AND HE REPLACED. I AM TAKING MY FOCUS BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT IS STILL VIBRATING WHILE IN IDLE WHILE THE AC IS ON. THE FIRST FEW TIMES AFTER HE REPLACED THE FAULTY MOTOR MOUNT IT DID THE SAME THING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT'LL JUST RUN LIKE THAT AND THAT HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE TRANSMISSION, ALL MOUNTS LOOK GOOD. AND MY SOMETIMES MY STEERING IS OFF AT 35 MILES PER HOUR. I ONLY USE MY FOCUS FOR IN TOWN I DON'T USE TO TRAVEL OUT OF CITY OR STATE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I AM DISABLED AND I NEED MY CAR RUNNING GOOD. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE IT. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA #: 10605657
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2013

BOUGHT THE 2003 FORD FOCUS NEW FROM MALLON FORD (CURRENTLY LAKEWOOD FORD), IN TACOMA, WA. CAR ADVERTISED AT 27 TO 36 MPG. ACTUAL MILEAGE ON HWY WAS 42 MPG. YESTERDAY (MARCH 14, 2013) CAR OWNER, [XXX], SAID CAR HAD STOPPED AND WAS MAKING LOT OF NOISE. I TOLD HER NOT TO TRY AND START IT ANYMORE BUT THAT I WOULD BE THERE IN 30 MINUTES. SO I ARRIVED AND RESTARTED THE CAR. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RAISED THE HOOD. I FOUND A CONNECTION TO THE AIR FLOW SENSOR DISCONNECTED. RE-CONNECTED IT AND THE ENGINE RAN BUT LOTS OF NOISE IN VALVE TRAIN. LIKE SPARK KNOCK ON STEROIDS. CHECKED WITH STETHOSCOPE WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM. IT WAS EMANATING FROM THE TOP OF #1 AND 2 CYLINDERS. ENGINE OIL IS CLEAN AND FULL. SO, AS A LONG TIME MECHANIC, I AM REASONABLY CERTAIN THAT THE VALVE SEATS DROPPED AND WHERE BROKEN BY THE VALVES IN EITHER NUMBER ONE OR NUMBER TWO CYLINDER. THAT MEANS THE ENGINE MIGHT BE TOAST OR IT COULD BE THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD IS TOAST- - ENGINE HAS NOT BEEN DISMANTLED BUT I AM ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THE VALVE SEATS HAVE DROPPED ON ONE OR MORE CYLINDERS ON THE 2003 FORD FOCUS SOHC 2.0 LITER ENGINE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD MAN OR WOMAN UP AND FIX THESE FACTORY DEFECTS.LOCAL FORD SERVICE MANAGERS TOLD ME IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT ENGINE. IN MY OPINION, THAT IS A DANGEROUS FACTORY DEFECT DESIGNED TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SIMPLE TO EITHER PIN THE VALVE SEATS OR USE ANOTHER RMETHOD (SUCH AS SCREW IN AND PINNED) TO MAKE SURE THE SEATS STAY IN PLACE. THIS CAR USED NO OIL, GOT GREAT MILEAGE AND WAS OTHERWISE DEFECT FREE. IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT FORD DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE FILES A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10503201
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2011

THIS VEHICLE WITH 110K MILES TURNS OUT THE VALVE SEAT OF CYLINDER #4 BROKE OFF INSIDE THE ENGINE AND IRREPARABLY DAMAGED THE PISTON, CYLINDER AND CYLINDER HEAD OF WHICH THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS WITH A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS OPTION IS MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS VALUED. ON FURTHER RESEARCH OF BOTH MY MECHANIC AND I AS WE SEARCHED THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN IT SHOULD. IT SEEMS THAT FORD SHOULD PUT A RECALL TO FIX THESE VALVE SEATS BEFORE ANYMORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO UNNECESSARILY SPEND THOUSANDS TO REPAIR THE ENGINE OR LOSE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A UNDRIVABLE JUNK CAR, SUCH AS MYSELF. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FURTHER AND LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS INDEED AN INHERENT PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10438802
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2011

I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS AND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT IS CRACKED. WHEN IT CRACKED, AND STARTED TO LEAK, IT CAUSED A LOT OF SMOKE, AND WHEN IT STARTED TO LEAK, DUE TO THE TEMPERATURE OF THE COOLANT INSIDE, IT BURNED THROUGH OTHER HOSES ATTACHED AND ALMOST STARTED A FIRE. THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC (SHOULD BE MADE OF SOME TYPE OF METAL SUCH AS ALUMINUM DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES INVOLVED CONSISTENTLY), AND 4 CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIANS THAT I TALKED TO SAID THAT THEY REPLACE DOZENS OF THEM ON FORD FOCUS EVERY YEAR. THEY SAY THAT "IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD'S VARIOUS FOCUS YEARS, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A LONG TIME AGO." EVEN THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE FOLLOWING "YEAH, FORD KNOWS IT'S A PROBLEM; THAT'S WHY WE ALWAYS KEEP THAT PARTICULAR PART IN STOCK." LITERALLY, THERE ARE TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PART, AND HOW IT HAS CAUSED SERIOUS HARM AND DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM STARTS BY SOME COOLANT LEAKING SLOWLY, AND WITHIN A WEEK (EVEN AFTER CONTINUOUSLY ADDING COOLANT), THE LEAK BECOMES LARGER AND LARGER, CAUSING THE DAMAGE LISTED ABOVE, AND CAUSING THE HEATER TO NOT WORK. WHY IS THIS A VERY WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM TO FORD; A PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY DO NOTHING FOR THE TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM? THE PART IS $75 FROM FORD AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PAY LABOR TOO, WHICH IS ABOUT $150-$200. THE FORD REPLACEMENT PART# FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART IS RH157. I HAVE THE OLD PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10395744
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2011

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.

NHTSA #: 10392519
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2010

SAFETY HAZARD-- UPPER MOTOR MOUNT ON 2003 FORD FOCUS MALFUNCTIONS/ DISINTEGRATES WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF INSTALLATION; WHETHER BY GARAGE, DEALER, OR OWNER. IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MOUNT (WHEN CAUGHT) FOUR TIMES AND FOUND IT AGAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE OEM PARTS SAY GUARANTEED BUT IT CONSTANTLY COST TO REMOVE, REPACKAGE, SHIP, AND THEN REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10362247
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN ABNORMALLY JUMPING. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.

NHTSA #: 10346991
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY START AND WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL UNTIL THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,007.

NHTSA #: 10334052
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2009

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 ! *TR

NHTSA #: 10280481
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2009

2003 FORD FOCUS, EARLY MORNING SQUEAKING, MID DAY, VIBRATING, LATE AFTERNOON, CAR STARTS TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AND AS I DRIVE INTO MY DRIVEWAY A REALLY LOUD BANGING NOISE COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR, SO LOUD IT SCARED ME, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND OPEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND NOTICE THAT THE METAL MOUNTS THAT HOLD THE ENGINE BROKE IN HALF AND A PIECE WAS STILL ON THE MOTOR. MY ENGINE WAS HANGING FROM THE LEFT SIDE, YOU COULD SEE IT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY COMES OUT TO CHECK THE DAMAGES AND SAID IN HIS 22 YEARS OF VIEWING VEHICLES FOR CLAIMS HE'S NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. MY MILEAGE IS 59,528, I'M STILL PAYING FOR THIS CAR, UNTIL 2012. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A SIX YEAR OLD CAR WITH THIS LITTLE MILEAGE. I CALLED FORD TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SITUATION. I WAS TOLD NO. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO SEARCH FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2003 FORD FOCUS, FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SEVERAL REGARDING THE VIBRATING OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE RELATING TO MOTOR MOUNT PROBLEMS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS INCIDENT CREATED A PROBLEM WITH THE AXEL AS WELL. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME A LOT OF MONEY. WAITING FOR AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS ON 5/9/09. *TR

NHTSA #: 10268273
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2009

I WAS SEATING IN A TACOBELL DRIVETHRU, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10261773
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2008

NO EVENTS LED TO THIS IGNITION WILL NOT TURN - HAPPENS EACH TIME I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR - AT TIMES IT WILL TURN WITH ENOUGH JIGGLING - HAS LEFT ME STRANDED WITH NO RIDE TAKING IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT, BUT THIS IS A KNOWN FORD FOCUS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10250508
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Sep 2008

I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, THE WATER PUMP, THE THERMOSTAT, AND ALL RADIATOR HOSES. THE CAR OVERHEATS DAILY STILL. THE STEREO CUTS ON AND OFF AND CAN'T BE TURNED OFF BY THE POWER BUTTON. THE REAR LEFT SEATBELT IS STUCK WHERE IT CAN'T BE USED. THE DRIVER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR, WHEN THE PANEL WAS REMOVED IT SHOWED THAT THE WHOLE WIRE SYSTEM HAD SNAPPED. THE DRIVER DOOR ALSO CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10242182
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Aug 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START IN THE MORNINGS AND IT WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGHLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REMEDY THE ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT BLOW COLD AIR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA #: 10239817
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2008

AFTER PLACING THE DOWN PAYMENT OF $1500 AND COMPLETING THE PAPERWORK. NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND I DROVE IT TO FREEWAY FORD HERE IN HOUSTON, TX. EACH TIME THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I HADN'T ENJOYED THE CAR OVER A MONTH BECAUSE THE CAR WAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS WHEN I HAD IT AND IT STAYED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE DEALERSHIP ASSISTANT MANAGER AND NEITHER HAD AN ANSWER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10239283
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2008

I HAD A CRACK IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR THAT I TOOK TO GET REPAIRED. I DROVE MY CAR THERE, TURNED THE CAR OFF WHILE WAITING FOR THE CUSTOMER IN FRONT OF ME TO PULL UP. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PULLED IT UP TO WHERE THE SERVICEMAN WAS WAITING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I GAVE THEM MY INFORMATION. THE SERVICEMAN THEN TOOK MY CAR, STARTED IT, AND DROVE IT INTO THE SERVICE BAY. THEY DID THE WORK ON THE CAR AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THEY TRIED AND TRIED. IT WOULDN'T TURN. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR ANYTHING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM HOW THIS HAPPENS, IF IT HAPPENED OVER TIME, OR WHAT. THE GUY TOLD ME THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND THEN IT WOULD COST $400 TO GET REPAIRED. JUST OUT OF THE BLUE WITHOUT WARNING HE SAID THAT THE IGNITION COULD GO OUT! I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE ONLY HAD TO REPAIR THE IGNITION SWITCH AT VIRTUALLY HALF THE PRICE USING FORD DEALER PARTS! IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE THAT SOMETHING AS VITAL AS THE IGNITION CAN JUST STOP AT ANY TIME! *TR

NHTSA #: 10227494
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: May 2008

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON APRIL 12TH, 2008. 2-3 HS AFTER BEING PARKED ON THE STREET THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET, BUT ACCORDING TO THE FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED NEAR THE CONSOLE AREA. *TR

NHTSA #: 10226765
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2008

2003 FORD FOCUS CAR HAS (2) DIFFERENT TYPE SPARK PLUGS INSTALLED AT FACTORY CAUSING CAR NOT TO RUN NORMAL. FORD MOTOR CO. DOES NOT HAVE A ANSWER FOR PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10225711
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 10-30 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SAME REPAIR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,371.

NHTSA #: 10225482
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON FOUR OCCASIONS BY FOUR DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THEY STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA #: 10213553
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE SEPARATED, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD STILL BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE VEHICLE, OTHER THAN IT SOUNDING LIKE A HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $900. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA #: 10204643
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2007

WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB

NHTSA #: 10189890
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON 04/17/2007 A RAINY DAY THE DRIVER HIT A PUDDLE AND WATER WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE SPORT INTAKE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE OWNERS 60 DAY WARRANTY HAS NOT EXPIRED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $6,000 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 34760. *AK

NHTSA #: 10188167
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2007

ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK

NHTSA #: 10187231
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING A 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART FOR AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE HAD LOST POWER FOUR TIMES. THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO REMEMBER WHICH ONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10186151
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED TO 35 MPH; THE EGR TUBE CAME LOOSE FROM THE MANIFOLD FOR THE SECOND TIME, MADE A LOUD NOISE, AND ALLOWED ESCAPING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. UPDATED 01/30/07. *JB

NHTSA #: 10176241
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2006

2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM

NHTSA #: 10162126
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
CrashFiled: Jun 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE; NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE HATCH BACK FAILED TO CLOSE, VEHICLE FAILED TO START, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED AND THE MOTOR MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA #: 10158796
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: May 2006

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE STARTED BEHIND BATTERY AND BURNED DOWN THE CAR. *NM

NHTSA #: 10158089
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2006

MY PURPOSE IN SUBMITTING THIS LETTER IS TO NOTIFY THE NHTSA THAT THERE IS AN EMISSION PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTW VEHICLE. EMISSIONS FROM THE ENGINE AREA ARE GETTING INTO THE PASSENGER AREA. THESE EMISSIONS ARE CAUSING ME RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. I HAVE PROBLEMS BREATHING. TO MINIMIZE THE AFFECTS I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY MOON ROOF AND WINDOWS OPEN. I HAVE HAD THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CHECKED BY A NATIONAL FIRM AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE SYSTEM WAS OKAY. THERE WERE NO LEAKS. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEIR MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10153051
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2006

2003 FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN. VEHICLE ALSO SHOWS SIGN OF STALLING. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *JB

NHTSA #: 10148661
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2005

FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE OF MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTS STALLING AND SOMETIMES CUTTING OFF COMPLETELY. THIS HAPPENS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE CAR CAN SHUT OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT ACROSS TRAFFIC OR WHILE IN FAST-MOVING TRAFFIC LANES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHERE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM FIRST-HAND BUT BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT. IT HAS BEEN THERE A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES, AND THIS ONE WITH BE THE FIFTH. EVERY TIME THEY HAVE SEEMED TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM BUT IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO RESURFACE WITHIN 48 HOURS. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED: OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL MODULATOR, AND A TRANSMISSION SENSOR. JIFFY LUBE HAS ALSO REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER. ALTHOUGH NONE OF THESE PARTS HAVE BEEN COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, THE DEALER HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO COMPENSATE ME FOR APPROXIMATELY THE LAST THREE REPAIRS FROM THEM. THE CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED AND I PLAN TO TAKE IT BACK TODAY. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THIS IS A CAR WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT AND RATED VERY GOOD BY CONSUMER REPORTS. I HAVE ALSO CHECKED SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS AND PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE PURCHASED A "LEMON", BUT THE NC LAW DOES NOT APPLY SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN VIRGINIA. THE VIRGINIA LEMON LAW DOES NOT HELP EITHER BECAUSE IT APPLIES IF THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. I ALSO FEEL LIKE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL BUT FORD HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM (THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE). ANY HELP YOU COULD OFFER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *JB

NHTSA #: 10145156
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2005

THE CAR HESITATES WHILE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. APPEARS TO SHUT DOWN AND RESTART. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND NOT REPAIRED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10139161
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2005

DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 91 IN MASS. MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THIS WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED ORIGINAL PLUG . THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4 TRITON ENGINE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. RE-THREADING THE ENGINE HEAD, REPLACE THE DAMAGED COIL PACK AND A NEW SPARK PLUG. WITH LABOR MY BILL WAS OVER $700. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TOW FEE AND A NIGHT AT A LOCAL HOTEL (WE WERE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF STATE ON VACATION). UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE READ DOZENS AND DOZENS OF STORIES LIKE MINE INVOLVING THIS TRITON CLASS ENGINE BUILT BY FORD. A SPARK PLUG SHOULD NOT BE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK PERIOD. WHEN DOZENS AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE WRITE IN TO SAY THEIR FORD MUSTANG, F150, EXPEDITION, F250, OR EXCURSION HAS BLOWN OUT A PLUG THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. *NM

NHTSA #: 10132159
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2005

DT: CALLER'S VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE EGR TUBE. THE WELDING CAME OFF, AND THE FUMES GOT INTO THE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. CALLER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ITS REPLACEMENT. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK UPDATED 1/16/2007 - *NM

NHTSA #: 10131929
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: Jul 2005

I WAS SITTING IN DRIVER'S SIDE OF 2003 FORD FOCUE, CAR WAS TURNED ON AND PARKED. CAR SHUT OFF BY ITSELF AND I THEN SMELLED SMOKE. I OPENED HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE ON REAR-SIDE OF ENGINE - NO SIGN OF ANY OIL SPILLAGE..

NHTSA #: 10129424
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: May 2005

VEHICLE HAD FUMES COMING IN. IT SMELLED AS IF SOMETHING WAS BURNING. DEALER CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECTS.*AK CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING STILL SMELL BURNING INSIDE, IT IS PRETTY SCARY AND WISH SOMETHING WOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *BP

NHTSA #: 10116952
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2004

WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA #: 10105221
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2004

VEHICLE IDLES ROUGHLY. ENGINE SKIPS , AND THE FRONT END SHAKES.*AK

NHTSA #: 10098957
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2004

CONSUMER NOTICED AFTER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TO MERGE ON TO FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND SHIFTED INTO FULL THROTTLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA

NHTSA #: 10079279
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2004

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AFTER SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE STALLED. DEALERSHIP WASN'T ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA

NHTSA #: 10079280
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Apr 2004

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 10067320
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2004

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING. SO FAR, ALL INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WHILE BRAKE WAS BEING USED. HAVE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP SERVICE TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM (HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER 2003). THE FIRST TIME, TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. BATTERY, BATTERY CABLES, ALTERNATOR AND CONTROL MODULE WERE ALL REPLACED. ENGINE STALLED TWICE IN ONE DAY A FEW WEEKS AFTER THIS REPAIR. SECOND SERVICE VISIT, TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM, SO CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. NOW I'M JUST WAITING AND WONDERING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME THE NEXT TIME THE CAR STALLS, SINCE I LOSE 90% OF MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN IT HAPPENS. I FEEL LIKE A SHOULD PUT A GIANT SIGN ON THE BACK OF MY CAR, WARNING DRIVERS TO KEEP THEIR DISTANCE AS THIS CAR CAN SUDDENLY STALL AT ANY TIME. *AK

NHTSA #: 10062016
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: Feb 2004

PURCHASED 2003 FORD FOCUS IN SEPTEMBER, 2003. THERE WAS NOT EVEN 3,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT 2 BLOCKS TO THE STORE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2004, WENT INTO THE STORE TO GET ONE ITEM AND ONLY IN THE STORE 5 MINUTES, CAME OUT AND MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR.*AK

NHTSA #: 10056896
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Feb 2004

2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 PZEV ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. ALL THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE DASH (SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, TACHOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, ETC.) BECOME INOPERATIVE. MUST BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, PUT IT IN PARK, AND TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION BEFORE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. PROBLEM BEGAN WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON THE CAR. IN THE THREE MONTHS I'VE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS STALLED AT LEAST 20 TIMES. HAVE HAD IT TO TWO DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE CENTERS A COMBINED TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THEY WAIT FOR A SPECIAL FORD TECHNICIAN TO COME AND TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT IS WRONG. *AK

NHTSA #: 10056971
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2004

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

NHTSA #: 10054113
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2003

ENGINE CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING FOR NO APPARENT REASONS AND WITH NO WARNING. *AK

NHTSA #: 10051108
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: Nov 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THERE WAS ANY KIND OF PROBLEM. *NLM

NHTSA #: 10039948
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2003

WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FORD. *AK

NHTSA #: 10040550
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2003

PROBLEMS WITH WATER IN VEHICLE'S ENGINE.*MR CONSUMER DROVE OVER A PUDDLE AND VEHICLE WAS SPLASHED ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE LANE. APPROX. 50 FEET FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE NEXT MORNING SOMEONE FROM THE SERVICE DEPT. STATED THE ENGINE WAS FLOODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT $5000. THIS WASN'T COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER WOULDN'T OFFER A RENTAL VEHICLE SO THE CONSUMER FELT HE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. AN INDEPENDENT COURT CERTIFIED AUTO EXPERT STATED IN HIS OPINION THERE WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS INCAPABLE OF BEING DRIVEN THROUGH PUDDLES DUE TO LOW AIR INTAKE. *PH *JB THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC

NHTSA #: 10041869
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2003

FOIA REQUEST CYS OF ALL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN NHTSA & INTERNATIONAL ENGINE GROUP RE THE 6.0 POWERSTROKE ENGINE USED IN THE 2003 FORD F250-F550 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS & THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION. *MR *NLM *JB

NHTSA #: 10037929
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2003

MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WITH 70080 MILES SUFFERED ENGINE FAILUE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL NOT REMAIN RUNNING UNLESS THE ACCELLERATOR PEDAL IS HELD OFF OF IDLE. THE ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK AND STAY AT IDLE WITHOUT OPERATOR INTERVENTION. *AK THE UNIT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SERVICE PENDING REPAIR. THERE IS A RUMBLING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES (+-0.5" AT 3 HERTZ) WHEN AT 55MPH AND ABOVE.

NHTSA #: 10033232
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2003

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

NHTSA #: 10030013
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jul 2003

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. *AK

NHTSA #: 10029904
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2003

VEHICLE REPEATEDLY STALLS OR RUNS COARSE WHEN COLD. VEHICLE MISSES REPEATEDLY. THIS HAS NOW OCCURED 7 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS.*AK

NHTSA #: 10025195
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Jun 2003

2003 FORD FOCUS SVT. (850 MILES) CAR HAS A HIGH SPEED SURGE AND A BAD MISS OFF THE LINE. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU PLAY WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE GAS THE CAR ALWAYS FALLS ON ITS FACE THEN PICKS BACK UP.(REALY BAD WHEN ITS COLD) ITS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. THE 1ST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A PINCHED FUEL LINE AND THE GAS TANK HAD TO BE DROPED. 2ND TIME WAS THE SAME A PINCHED FUEL LINE. AND NOW THE 3RD TIME THEIR TELLING ME THAT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEM AND JUST WAIT TILL FORD FIGURES IT OUT. IM PRETTY SURE IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL LINE.(WHO KNOW HOW LONG I WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH FORD ON THIS MATTER). *AK

NHTSA #: 10023798
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Feb 2003

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT MY 2003 FORD FOCUS STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER 3 TRIES THE CAR FINALLY RESTARTED AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY SAID THE MASS AIR FLOW SYSTEM WAS BAD AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 1500 MILES ON IT AND IS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OLD. *JB

NHTSA #: 10008256
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Feb 2003

THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE SLIGHT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*JB

NHTSA #: 10008952

Other 2003 Ford Focus Issues