Two problems related to starter solenoid have 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 have had ignition problems with my 2003 Ford Focus. First incident in July, 2006 and am now experiencing another. I have a small child and do not want to be stranded somewhere just because I can't get the key to turn in the ignition. I am now also dealing with (today) a solenoid malfunction in my transmission (3rd gear). This is the 2nd time this has happened to me as well. The car jerks like crazy and wouldn't go over 30 mph. Thank goodness I was close to a side street to exit the highway. This is getting ridiculous that these issues are not being recalled. The ignition is a huge issue with enough people. . . .
Tachometer in vehicle stopped working which resulted in a short. This caused the brake lights to go out. The brake lights had to be replaced 8 times since September. The solenoid in the ignition was defective and resulted in the vehicle shutting down. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who has replaced the solenoid. But due to the design of the vehicle he could not guarantee that this would not happen again. Consumer reported this to Ford 3 times. The alarm on the car was also not working. The alarm was not original equipment, but was something that consumer paid extra for the Ford dealership to add on vehicle. Ford will not repair or replace alarm because it was not manufactured by Ford.