2003 Ford Focus Latches/locks/linkages Problems

NHTSA component category: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · data through 07/14/2026

49Latches/locks/linkages complaints

5%Of all 977 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How latches/locks/linkages ranks on this vehicle

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION263 · 26.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136 · 13.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH98 · 10%

STEERING50 · 5.1%

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES49 · 5%

Share of the 977 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2003 Ford Focus overview page.

What owners report

“I HAVE A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CYLINDER AND KEY DESIGN IS NO GOOD. LOTS OF FOCUS OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY (FORD) SAY ITS…”NHTSA complaint 10072713 — filed 05/17/2004

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Latches/locks/linkages complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Focus have latches/locks/linkages problems?

Latches/locks/linkages is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2003 Ford Focus: 49 of 977 complaints on file (5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2003 Ford Focus have in total?

977 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 52 involved a crash, 17 involved a fire, 51 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's latches/locks/linkages category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.