One problem related to front suspension lower control arm has been reported for the 2003 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2003 Focus.
1) prior to incident, car had been returned to dealer with clunking noise complaint, sounding like from left front. Dealer referenced TSB 03-20-02, replaced sway bar end links (twice), tightened loose strut mount body bolts. Owner still heard popping noise. 2) day of failure, driver had just exited curve to left and driving in straight section. Car lurched to left, across centerline. Driver (over)corrected, veering off road to right, striking tree with left rear. Driver side front wheel askew due to broken lower control arm and broken sway bar link, which resulted in disconnected cv shaft. Damage patterns indicate failure preceeded off-road excursion. 3) car probable total loss.