2003 Ford Focus - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2003 Ford Focus belongs to a Ford Focus lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 5 model years, from 2000 to 2004. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Focus entirely. It is configured as front-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2000) and later (2004) Focus model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, Motorcraft Gold battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 15 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 100 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around electrical system (437), engine and engine cooling (47), air bags (40). A representative report reads: "Vehicle has a recall for Rear Door Latches. I have attempted to take the vehicle to 2 different Cloninger Ford in Hickory and Cloninger Ford in Valdese. Both..." There are 7 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...CE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $1,700.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $1,700 |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Motorcraft Gold |
| Open recalls on record | 7 |
| Technical service bulletins | 104 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.