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Ford Focus - Ignition

Laura of Trumbull, CT (8/5/05):
I seem to have the same problem as everyone else with my Ford Focus. My ignition key would not turn and I was left stranded at the airport.

My friend had a Focus rental car a couple months back, and the same thing happened. He got out on the highway to fix a flat tire, got back in and couldn’t turn the key. The poor guy's was stuck on the highway. I can't believe this has not been recalled!

John of Ann Arbor MI (11/25/04):
I bought a 2000 Ford Focus in October 2000. I thought to myself, "It's not a new car, they have been selling it in Europe for a few years now. What's the worst that could happen?" How about eight recalls and a lingering problem with the ignition that Ford claims is no problem at all?

Ford Focus • Fires • Brakes • Ignition • Stalling, Sputtering • Transmission • Water Leaks • Everything! News • 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)

I have been forced to replace the ignition twice already, and it just failed again. The first time it failed I was working at Domino's Pizza as a manager, closing. I didn't get home until 4 in the morning and my store was not exactly in a very safe neighborhood. The second time it failed, it was the middle of winter. Now it has failed again (on the coldest day of the early winter season, no less) and I was stuck yet again. The first time it was covered under warranty and the second time it was not, costing me $250.

Ford seems to think this is not a problem, but I have never replaced an ignition before on a car, let alone three times in four years. Now, as I look on the Internet, I see a lot of other Focus owners with the same problem. I smell a class-action lawsuit.

Emily of Sacramento Ca (9/27/04):
The ignition keey gets stuck and won't turn in my Ford Focus. Wasn't able to start the car and spent 6 hours trying to get a tow truck to tow it home.

Larry of Lake Worth FL (8/24/04):
We have read several articles concerning the Ford Focus 2000 and an apparent defective ignition switch cylinder. The internet is full of disgruntled Focus owners who have suffered the inconviences associated with in some cases multiple failures of the ignition switch which often times left them stranded and facing large towing and repair charges.

Since a family member had recently experienced the same problem I researched the Internet, spoke with several dealers and locksmiths which led me to conclude that the failed cylinders resulted from a substandard manufactured cylinder which rapidly deteriorates with use and eventually fractures and jams. Ford is well aware that these fragile cylinders are made of substandard materials and are breaking and jamming at an alarming rate.

The locksmith showed me a "baggy" with 10 switches that he had recently replaced. The Ford dealerships eluded the same. I beleeve it is time for Ford to pick up the tab and correct an apparent oversight in quality control.

Jerry of Colton CA (8/4/04):
I have a 2001 Ford Focus and have had two ignition switches replaced. Now I can't get my key to go into the switch. This seems a major, major problem. Also, I have extreme screeches on my radio when I apply the brakes or the turn signals. Dealers have dealt with this five times to no avail. Have had numerous tow jobs for the ignition switch replacement.

Ben of Summerville SC (7/1/04):
My 2000 Ford Focus would not start. We had it towed to a mechanic who couldn't find anything wrong with it. The mechanic found that the car would start if you turn the wheel. The car started fine the next day by turning the wheel.

Then a new and dangerous problem happened less than a week later. While driving 60 mph on a highway the Focus shut off and the steering locked up. Fortunately, I was able to apply the brakes and let the car cruise off the road out of danger. I know Ford has had a lot of recalls on the Focus.

Donald of Marion OH (6/3/04):
The ignition locked up for the third time that I have owned a 2000 Ford Focus Station wagon that I bought new June 17 2000. The first time was 12 April 2002. The second time was 16 November 2003 and the third time was yesterday June 2004.

The first one was replaced by Mathews Kennedy Ford-Lincoln-Mercury,Inc. located in Marion, Ohio. It cost me $281.20 plus towing fee of $30.00. The second one cost me approx. $86.15 plus assembly (keyed) (I think it cost $30.00) plus towing of $30.00; I drilled out the old one and installed the new one myself.

I have called the Ford Motor Company and basically they say that I will have to pay the cost because I have driven more than 12,000 miles since November 16 2003. The tow truck driver said that he has taken many Ford Focus's into Mathews Kennedy for the very same problem. He also said that he does not know why Ford doesn't have a recall for the Ford Focus ignition problems.

My wife has been stranded 3 times now and it has cost me approx. $400.00 and now my Ford Focus sits in my garage where the wrecker parked it waiting to be fixed. This does not seem right -- 91,000 miles and three ignition switches.

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