2003 Ford Focus

The 2003 Ford Focus was a compact car known for its European-inspired handling and fuel efficiency. It offered a practical and affordable option for many drivers. Common customer praises often mention the car’s nimble handling and decent fuel economy, especially for its time. Dislikes often centered around its sometimes lackluster reliability, particularly with certain engine and transmission combinations, and some interior components feeling cheap. Engine options included the 2.0L SOHC inline-4 “Zetec” engine producing around 110 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.0L DOHC inline-4 “Zetec” engine producing around 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L SOHC Zetec I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light with codes related to cylinder misfires. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coil packs, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, ignition coil packs, and check for and repair any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the number of parts needing replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine. Often caused by a cracked thermostat housing or leaking hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing and coolant hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L DOHC Zetec I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light with codes related to cylinder misfires. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coil packs, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, ignition coil packs, and check for and repair any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the number of parts needing replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the engine, low oil level, burning oil smell. Often caused by a leaking valve cover gasket or front crankshaft seal.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or front crankshaft seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift into gear. Often caused by a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or worn internal components.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the TCM or rebuild/replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the issue and chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Hard Shifting/Grinding
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into gears, grinding noises when shifting. Often caused by worn synchronizers or a worn clutch.
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers or clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the number of parts needing replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, clunking noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the broken coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or working intermittently. Often caused by a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light illuminated, dimming headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, lights flashing or not illuminating.
  • Solution: Replace or repair the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage. Especially prevalent in areas with road salt use.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Prevention is key with rust inhibitors/undercoating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the severity and extent of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the ceiling.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Focus has some common issues, primarily revolving around engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical components. While some issues, like engine misfires or worn suspension components, are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as transmission problems or rust repair, can be quite costly. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of them and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchasing. The cost of ownership can be moderate, depending on the vehicle’s condition and how well it has been maintained.