Below Average Reliability
2003 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2003 Ford Focus
CRITICAL
Ignition switch and lock failures: key will not turn or release, the car will not start, or the steering wheel locks up
MODERATE
Rear door latch corrosion (salt-belt cars) and failing door latches can leave a door not fully latched
CRITICAL
Engine stalls while driving or at idle, sometimes without a restart
What to Inspect
- Cycle the key repeatedly with the wheel off-centre: it should turn and release smoothly, the steering should unlock easily and the car should start every time
- Open and close every door several times; each should latch with one firm push and open from inside and out
- Idle the engine for several minutes and drive in stop-and-go traffic; any stall or rough idle is a red flag
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open campaign has been repaired
- Ask for the full service history and match it to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule
Maintenance costs to expect
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | every 5,000 miles or 6 months | $35-$60 |
| Tire rotation | every 5,000 miles | $25-$50 |
| Engine air filter (2.0L engines) | every 30,000 miles | $20-$40 |
| Engine air filter inspection (2.3L PZEV) | every 75,000 miles | $0-$40 |
| Fuel filter | every 30,000 miles | $60-$120 |
| Spark plugs | every 100,000 miles | $80-$150 |
| Engine coolant (non-SVT engines) | at 100,000 miles or 60 months, then every 50,000 miles or 36 months | $100-$180 |
| Transmission fluid (4-speed automatic) | every 30,000 miles | $120-$200 |
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