8.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$550.00
Average Mileage:
80,667 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most common solutions:
- buy first new one, second under warranty (1 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
- R & R (1 reports)
electrical problem
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Focus premature alternator failure
2009Jun 16
Focus ZTW 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
It seems a little obvious that this is an issue that Ford needs to look into. Alternators do not typically fail before 60,000 miles.
Since the car was new I have complained during the Warranty period that there was a phantom electrical issue. I received the typical reply " Cannot duplicate the problem". I will not purchase another Ford, because Ford is apathetic to these electrical complaints (eg. pick-up truck fires).
2007Nov 09
(reported on)Focus ZX3
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I have had this car not quite 3 years and it seems there is a pattern! About ever 4-6 months I am having to put a new alternator in it! No one can tell me WHY! I have gotten a band new alternator, refurbished, different vendor, you name it and like clock work in several months the piece of crap goes out again! There has to be an underlying problem! I call this car a ford fucus! I hate it!
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your electrical problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 11
Focus SE
I bought the car used from a private dealer (May 09). The radio was messed up and the boot on the right drive shaft was busted. I was in desperate need of a car and he dropped the price and I bought it AS IS. Big Mistake!! About a month and half later (July 09) the battery lite came on and it stayed for a week until the car died on me in the middle of an intersection. The alternator went out. We got it to a shop the next day and put a brand new alternator in it ($600)! Then just over a month later (Aug 09), car's running great then BAM! Out of no where, no signs or anything, the car dies while I'm at the store. The alternator dies again. Luckily it was under warranty so I was covered.
Since then though, the car has been nothing but problem after problem... a pain in my ass and a drain to my bank account. Sept. 09; the computer in the car reset itself. Ford dealership tells me I need 2 keys with chips in them to program it ( of course my luck I have one, and they told me it was no good so they through it away). Solution: buy 2 new keys, $45 ea. and pay for the diagnostics test to program it.
Oct. 10, 2009; I'm sitting at a light and the car made a big WHOOSH! sound and smoke started flowing from under the hood. The radiator hose busted and anti-freeze went everywhere. Solution: Luckily it was a minor problem and no need for a shop or maintenance, but I'm curious what next month will bring. AARRGGHHH!!!!! Now I strongly believe what they say about FORD! Found On Road Dead!
ashton
Columbia, SC, USA
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