Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
After leaving my auto, I returned to find the rear window shattered, but in tact/in place. There no signs of any impact or attempted entry. The police were called and they said they could not find any evidence of anything striking the window and appeared it might be a faulty window. Upon bringing it to the dealer's sevice shop, the manager said he would notify his Ford rep of this problem. He said normally they would not do anything but since the auto was so new, he would try to see what he could do. Upon investigating if there was a Ford recall or similar regarding this problem, I came accross at least one other occassion where the window just shattered and was replaced by Ford under warranty. The individual said Ford claimed it was due to welding irregularities and such. …
My wife barbara purchased a new 2003 Ford Focus. She brought it home on fri. Oct.10th. 2003, she put on about 100 miles. She parked it in our driveway. On Monday oct. 13, 2003 when I went out to the car I noticed that the rear window was crazed. With a closer inspection I saw that the window was completely cracked. The window was intact with no sign of impact. I called the dealer and they asked me to bring it in to their service center. I did and they are repairing it. We live in a remote area with no trafic. The car was parked in a driveway with the rear window facing away from the road. The temperture was 38 deg. F.at night and 70 deg. F daytime. We live in alpine, az ellevation 8050 ft.
Back in July (ish) of 07, my 4 door Ford Focus zx5 passenger side rear door window fell in the door while driving. On aug 8, 2008 my driver side rear window fell in the door as well. I had my 2 girls in the back seat this time. The first time this happened I took it to a Ford dealership and was told that the top pulley had broken out of the door causing the window to fall. I now have 2 non functioning windows with the same thing wrong with them within almost a year from each other. Just waiting for the front windows to do the same while I'm driving down the road.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. While parked in the backyard, the contact started the vehicle and the rear window blew out. The dealer repaired the window. A few days later, the locks on the passenger side door would not unlock. The dealer repaired that failure as well. Afterwards, the ignition cylinder began to fail. The contact took the vehicle in for repair and had to pay $300. The current and failure mileages were 5,000. Updated 05/21/08 the consumer stated the trunk needed to be repaired as well. Updated. 05/20/08.
I only owned the car for about 2 months before the problems started I was told that there was nothing wrong. The transmission wouldn't change gear, they say this is normal. Also, the windshield was never sealed in they told me that it could be fixed. The front wheels click when driven. The brakes went out quick. The back hubs are sealed from rust. And now I can't even get my disabled child to the doctors because the ignition has gone completely out. The locksmith said I was lucky I was parked.
NHTSA previous report 01V258000 (recall id 01d-258) for Ford Focus windshield wiper motor problems - 2001/2002 vehicles. I have a 2003 Ford Focus with identical problems, wiper does not stow - as there are other reported vehicles - will NHTSA direct Ford to "recall" or fix later model year for this same issue? The virginia safety inspection failed my car for this issue - stated Ford would fix, Ford dealer has no requirement, as this is not a "recalled year".
Tl contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the windshield wiper motor in his vehicle would not return to the off (park) position. When he turned it off, the wipers would stop in the middle of the windshield. NHTSA campaign id number 01V258000 only included the 2000-2001 models. The manufacturer provided him with a reference number and refused liability. The current and failure mileages were approximately 44,000. Updated 08/04/09.
Dt*: the contact stated the ignition locked up and the vehicle was taken to the dealership. The ignition tumbler was replaced. The ignition locked up again, and the dealership determined the key needed to be replaced because they would not work with the new ignition tumbler. Also, the windshield has been replaced three times. The windshield cracked when hit by an object on the highway and overnight, with the source unknown.
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.
Leaking of rain water onto the floor of the passenger's side. The car has been completely checked and nothing is wrong. They refuse to reinstall the windshield because they say it is a factory defect with the pollen filter seals not keeping water out. It is causing water damage to my car, mold is starting to form, and who knows what other damage this will cause!
Window & Wiper complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Ford Focus, 2% of the model year's 977 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Focus window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.