Three problems related to trunk wiring 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.
Took the car to the dealer the same day the left tail light turn signal went out. According to the service manager, they could not remove the bulb because when the bulb "shorted," it melted plastic around the bulb. I had to buy an entirely new tail light and socket assembly for over $100. I was told by him that this happens "a lot" on the Focus wagons and he had replaced 6 of them that day. When I expressed my anger and disbelief at the cost and asked why this wasn't a recall item, he said not to blame him because he didn't design it. I am angry about the cost, but also whether this is a potential safety hazard. It was 5 degrees the day this happened and such a "short circuit" may have safety implications.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. While checking the brake light bulbs, the contact noticed that the wires were cracked. The dealer stated that the wire harness needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 73,281.
The contact stated the vehicle was leaking water into the trunk which houses the brake light module, and the rear license plate lights. This caused the wiring module to corrode. After the repairs were made the vehicle is still had the same problems.