Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Ford Focus. While driving 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a retaining wall. The contact stated that both air bags were deployed. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained an injury to the right knee, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000.
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. Also the lighting is very poor with the head lights and I see this on all the vehicle for that year and make as I ride down the road. My car is parked because I cant afford to fix it. I have found many complaints about this steering and ignition lock issue. I am wondering why this vehicle has not been recalled for the issue. It is a hazard. …
I was leaving a parking lot doing no more than 5 MPH when the car made a sudden jerking motion. Had the car towed to a garage. The damages were severe rust, sub frame rotted, right front axle broken, right front control arm broken, sway bar bent. The tow driver said the wheels could have fallen off my car and I could have been seriously injured or killed because of the thing that went wrong. I put myself and my family in danger with this death trap. Supposedly this car was inspected February 2018. With everything that went wrong with it and the damages, I dont see how it could have been. I believe there to be fraud involved and believe this matter should be investigated further for putting lives in danger. I paid $3,000 for this car in the middle of feb. 2018. It is now August and it had incurred $3,000 in damages. I sold the car for salvage at $125
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact lost all control of the vehicle and crashed into a guard rail. The front passenger was thrown into the windshield and as a result of the impact, the contact's hip was dislocated and she sustained severe bruising and a laceration that required thirteen stitches. A police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer and the dealer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
The sub frame broke while driving the car. Entire sub frame had to be replaced. Almost caused an accident. Struts had to be replaced. Caliper and rotor had to be replaced. Control arm had to be replaced. Just replaced the ignition switch tumblers after the switch locked up and refused to work. There are no recalls listed for this car. Service manager said that Focus are notorious for these problems. Car has 34,000 miles on it. The brake line running from the front of the car to the rear rusted out causing a lose of brakes. The car is dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 96,000.
While parking the car on a city street the steering wheel came loose and control of the car was lost. Was able to brake and stop the car at the curb. We determined that the bolt that holds the steering wheel on the shaft had loosened to the point where the steering wheel was no longer making contact with the splines on the shaft.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to unlock the steering wheel when attempting to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
The power steering pressure hose on my 2003 Ford Focus zts (2.0 liter, dohc) leaked power steering fluid onto the hot exhaust manifold, causing an engine fire. The power steering pressure hose is routed directly over the exhaust manifold.
Ball joint (suspension) broke, vehicle spun out of control. Fortunately, incident occurred in a multi-story parking garage, at low speed. The consumer's insurance requested status update.
Steering complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Ford Focus, 7% of the model year's 977 complaints. The component named most often is column (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Focus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2003 Ford Focus, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Focus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.