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Ford Focus

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The Focus is a nice-looking little car. And it replaced the truly execrable Escort. There, we said something good about it. Unfortunately, for way too many owners, that about exhausts the list of compliments. The Focus has so far set a record for safety recalls (would you believe 10?) and it may just be getting started.

Ford Focus • Fires • Brakes • Ignition • Stalling, Sputtering • Transmission • Water Leaks • Everything! News • Ford Focuses On Improvement At Detroit Auto Show • Another Recall: Back Door May Come Open • Ford To Replace Focus Fuel Modules • Feds Probe Focus Fires • Focus Setting Recall Record • Focus Recall (Oct. 2000)

It's unfortunate for everyone when an economy car has this many problems. It's especially rough on the poor customers, who presumably are on tight budgets and unable to pour time and money into keeping their supposed economy car running.

Here are a few of the more recent complaints:

Ebonie of Charleston, SC February 9, 2010

I have been having trouble with my 2002 Ford Focus since I purchased it. First my radio stoped working, then my check engine light came on and has been on almost nonstop for the past few years. I take very good care of my car and now I'm being told by a non Ford mechanic that my transmission needs to be built. This is after I had the Ford dealer check my car and tell me the only thing that needed to be done was replace a PCV hose and battery cables for over 1000.

After reading many blogs about this car I see that many people are having the same issues with the transmission that I am and I just wanted to make sure that it was reported because it appears to be an issue with the transmission that Ford placed in the car. I am constantly going to the mechanic for this car and each mechanic I go to tells me that the repairs they do will definitely fix my car and take care of the check engine light. I had Ford replace the thermostat and gasket in my car with a guarantee that that would fix my car.

Needless to say it didn't when I took my car back they had a whole new list of problems that were guaranteed to fix my car. I have spent 1000s on repairs on this car in the last few years alone and nothing seems to fix the problem. I was just told today, 2/9/10, that my transmission needs to be rebuilt for 1200 and this will take care of the check engine light and the shifting of gears that the car just started doing last week.

However, I am a little leery about this because every single repair I have had was to fix the car and check engine light issue, but it never does. Now I'm faced with paying over 1000 again for a car repair and I'm worried that I will be right back in the shop in a few months with the same issues. I'm at a point where I don't know what to do.

R. of Newton, MA February 8, 2010

Last night I tried to start my car, but the ignition lock cylinder froze up. I have read several complaints from other Ford Focus 2000 owners of the same issue.

Summer of Nipomo, CA January 31, 2010

I went to start my care put the key in the ignition and the ignition cylinder in my 2000 Ford Focus locked up. Had to have it towed to Mullahey Ford Dealership and paid 413.55 to get it fixed. They had to drill out and replaced the cylinder.They built new tumbler to match existing key.

Elaine of Clifton, NJ January 26, 2010

2000 Ford Focus, 43000 miles on it. Key would not turn in ignition. Had to be towed and have it fixed. 598.00

Mark of Haw River, NC January 21, 2010

My 2000 Ford Focus Ignition Switch,broke last night stranding me. I just replaced my wifes 2000 Focus Ignition Switch about 2yrs ago... My car only has 76,000 miles, I think this is definely a problem that Ford Motor Company needs to address. I have always bought Fords (2) new ones,89 Taurus which was defected with Paint Faded within 3 months of purchase. We bought the 2000 Ford Focus (SONY EDITION) off the Showroon floor from a local dealership (Stearns) with 87 miles on 10/2000. We haven't had alot of problems with the car,but this Ignition problem Ford needs to FIX...

Randall of Orland Hills, IL December 31, 2009

My daughter went away to college with her 2000 Ford Focus when she was left stranded due to not being able to get the key in the ignition. A mechanic from her school helped out and after an hour of working on it he was able to get the key in and start the car. He recommended to never take the key out again until it is fixed. He mentioned alot of Focus owners have this same problem but Ford won't recall them to fix.

Stephanie of Frederic, WI December 22, 2009

We own a 2004 Ford Focus and we've had to have the ignition replaced two times within the last month! First time in Florida couldn't get to work the key wouldn't turn. Second time was a few days ago just moved to Wisconsin and the same thing happened! The locksmith in Florida said he's had to replace 8 ignitions this year alone and the locksmith from Wisconsin said he's had to replace 5! We've had to pay two different locksmiths 200+ to get the problem fixed.

clay of fresno, CA December 20, 2009

this is the second time I had to replace the ignition switch on my 2000 ford focus there should be a recall and reimbursement

Shawn of Eldred, PA December 4, 2009

Sounds like I'm in the same boat as many others concerning my 2000 Ford Focus. My ignition has been replaced three times now, all which were covered under warranty, however, once again it has malfunctioned. Dealer quote was in the neighborhood of 450 to fix. The first time it malfunctioned was New Year's Eve at around 5:30PM. I was at my wife's office for a early evening get together, and had to have my car towed. Great timing. At least the other two times the car was in my driveway and I just had to find a way to get it to the dealer from there.

Just for fun I call Ford's customer service # to see if there was anything being done about these ignition problems, such as a recall or at least some sort of discount for the repairs. They did inform me that there was indeed a recall for my Focus........for the battery cables!!! And if I would like to schedule a time to have those fixed, it would be free of charge. Did I miss something? I called concerning my ignition, and a vehicle that cannot be started if the key is removed from the ignition, and was given information on something completely different.

In the end, there will be no discount, no recall. I broke one key trying to start the car, so I am down to one key that must be left in the ignition in the unlocked position, if I want the car to start. Therefore, the car cannot be locked. Furthermore, I cannot have a key made, because of the type of key that is used. Nobody will make a copy of the key for me. So 500 for repair and no guarantee I won't be paying this again a year down the road.

clesia of irvington, NJ December 1, 2009

My 2003 ford focus had had problems every since I bought it new from the dealer. The doors always were difficult or stiff to open. I just almost failed my last dmv inspection because the inspector indicated that my driver door does not open. I realized that I am so used to pulling on the handles twice before the door opens I had to go back and open the door in front of him. Two months after I purchased the car the wiper blade motor went out on the car.

Two and a half years into owning the car my truck latch went out completely and would not lock correctly. My latest issue is that my car key will not turn in the ignition. I have had this problem fixed once already and have to have it done again. I will never buy another ford in my life and the focus was our family's 3rd ford purchased brand new. Such a dissappointment.

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