Canon EUROPE have posted the following message on their website (https://self-service.canon-europe.com/ce/pages/) and it can be found via the FAQ for the EOS 1D MkIII
Phenomenon: Cause: Affected products:
The focus or AF tracking is inconsistent when using the Artificial Intelligent (AI) servo
continuous shooting mode under high temperatures in particular.
In the digital SLR camera, EOS-1D Mark III that was launched in May this year, Canon has
found that some cameras have an adjustment problem with the mirror for AF. The adjustment
problem means for the affected products that the focus is not stable or that the Auto
Focus tracking is not right when using the AI servo continuous shooting under high
temperatures in particular.
The products that could have this problem can be identified as explained: If the serial
number on the bottom of the camera is between 501001 and 546561, it could contain one of
the AF mirrors with the adjustment problem.
Support:
For customers who have affected products and are experiencing these problems, we are
making preparations to offer free of charge repairs planned to start from late November.
We will announce additional details about the repair process on our Web site as soon as
they become available.
UPDATE. Canon USA have now issued a service notice which you can read HERE. It's reported that all 1D MkIIIs currently shipping have been fixed and that they can be identified by round blue sticker on the UPC code label on the box. So if you buy one from an authorized Canon dealer it should have the blue sticker and it should not have any AF issues. Dealers should have returned any stock with serial numbers in the range detailed above to Canon for repair.