2003 Ford Focus steering problems
Owners reported steering problems in 76 complaints for the 2003 Ford Focus, 6% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 76 6% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 51 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 10 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 7 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 10 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 12 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 51 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 70,000 miles, and 41% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 10 injuries.
What owners wrote
This vehicle has been plagued with electrical issues since the day it was purchased. Now last night the engine, steering and brakes lost all power. The result is now 4 people getting injured and 2 cars damaged. No fatalities but all 4 experienced their first car accident. They are all sore and bruised. I cannot believe that ford has not recalled these cars to fix this obvious issue. I guess someone may have to lose their loved one before ford will acknowledge that they made a lot of bad cars!
When riding down the road the doors will automatically lock by themselves. The steering wheel has locked several times over the years. When I bought the car used, it came with many keys. Well, this time when it locked, the steering wheel locked and the ignition locked and I had to get it towed from smithfield nc; approximately an hourly from my home. The mechanic can not get it unlocked because the steering wheel has to be turned to unlock it, vice versa, and the steering wheel is locked.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Ford Focus
- Electrical system 536 complaints
- Latches & locks 83 complaints
- Engine 74 complaints
- Brakes 71 complaints
- Suspension 50 complaints
- Air bags 49 complaints
- Body & structure 41 complaints
- Transmission 37 complaints