general problems of the 2003 Ford Focus

2003 Ford Focus. Consumer writes in regards to inadequate structural steel. The consumer stated the steel on the control arms were poorly manufactured. While driving the vehicle, it suddenly dead stopped, turned right, making a cracking noise. The control arm had snapped and dug into the tar, braking the tie rod and creasing the breakline.

When accelerating at low speeds, turning and driving speed bumps a horrible rattling, vibration, metal on metal sound is heard inside the care on the passenger side behind glove box. Continues to get worse and 2 aaa approved mechanics could not find it.

I bought Ford Focus 2003 at 38,000 (certified pre-owned) from premier Ford inc in brooklyn, NY in 5/04, had massive leaking of water during and after rain a month later in 6/04. This was repaired by dealership because it was under 90 day warranty. It was fine until this month 12/05 and is now again soaking my passenger floor when it rains or snows. I took to dealership, they said they cannot repair it - take it down the street where they "always take it for this problem anyway". I called Ford, they said it may be covered under my extended warranty, but the dealership needs to diagnose the problem. Apparently, this is a very common problem with Ford Focus' according to the dealership and from many postings online I have found. It seems to be a structural design defect in the dash causing massive flooding into the car and if it does get into driver floor would be a safety hazard since your feet could slip off petals while trying to operate the vehicle.

On any rainy days the floor on the front passenger's side leaks water. Dealersip was notified.

The sun's reflection on the dial system made it hard to see the speedometer. The consumer considered this to be a safety concern.