Two problems related to transmission not go into gear 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.
When driving on freeway to pass other cars the transmission drops into lower gear the the motor revs up not shifting into another gear stalling and slowing down causing cars behind to almost hit my car. At higher speeds in traffic this can cause a accident.
With only 59,000 miles the transmission would not change gears properly. Ford dealer and independent mechanic said the transmission had to be rebuilt. Cost $950 at independent mechanic, $1800 at dealer.