One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 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.
I purchased a 2003 Ford Focus in February of 2012. Immediately after purchasing it, I had to spend $700. 00 to fix the motor mounts, bearings in the front wheel, something regarding a cover for the tail pipe/muffler area, a/c, (twice repaired, and went out). Fuel pump, door jambs in front (2 door), locks on the doors would automatically lock whether you wanted them locked or not. Door on passenger side refuses to open from the outside. Spent over $4,000 in fixing, replacing, engine & body parts. Etc. Just when I bought a second set of new tires last week and did the 3 month oil change, it konked out on me, after a shrilling, high-pitched noise. Just got off the expressway. Found out from a repair shop that this model, especially the 2003 is known for transmission, shoddy parts, and is a safety hazard! the pump inside the transmission broke. This car came with 124,000 miles and over 2 years, spent $4,000. 00 on top of the used private purchase of $2,400. 00. Car repair shop wants $2,400 (what I paid for it) to put a new transmission in. One thing after the other went wrong. Iplaint sexperienced, and it has cost me so much money, I feel Ford needs to replace every penny us consumers paid on this model. Never again need to recall the whole car, it is a death trap.