Ford Focus Reviews

I too own a focus and where should I start.I have already replaced the fuel pump.Ford wanted $500 to do so,I bought the part from them and my dad fixed it.Back over this past winter lots of snow and my son and I get stuck over at a friends house because the ignition went out.I called Ford and they said that it was something I could do on my own.Well they failed to mention that even getting the correct ignition and key with the computer chip that I would have to take it to them to get the computer reprogramed with the new code.All in all that cost about $200 all together. Currently my car is sputtering and almost dying and when I called them they said it would be the $100 to hook it up and find out whats wrong.After reading all of these stories I think I already know what it is and I'm going to call and possibly order the part if it's not to hard to do.I to am a single parent with limited means and will try to fix it on my own!! Nice car BUT I'd never buy one again not worth the trouble.I think when it's paid of maybe before I'll get rid of it too!!

I have a Ford Focus 03 4 door. Was off from work at 11pm on July 3rd. Drove to the local gas station to fill up, and when I went back into my car the key would not turn in the ignition at all. The steering wheel was locked up as well. I tried for over an hour to get the key to start while wiggling the steering wheel as much as possible. It only moved back and forth by about 1 inch.

I purchase a zx3 2001 ford focus and I had it for about 2 years and still paying payments on it and it just started smoking really bad and water is coming out of the pipe and black smoke sometime come out of it

Since I have purchased my 2003 Ford Focus I have had issues my tires wearing quickly. I have to purchase tires every 6 months. But last night I tanned and when leaving my steering was locked up. After trying for several minutes I called my husband who tried w/ no luck. Finally he found a website that said to use wd40 and a light tap w/ hammer and it will unlock. We tried that and it worked. We drove it straight to the dealership - I hope my extended warrenty will cover this repair.

Ok Guys! I continue my story. After the ignition key wouldnt turn on Friday evening I got my car towed to CarX on Monday morning. I did not go to the FORD dealership becasue I dont what FORD to have any more of my money. The cars airbag warning sign is still on and I have decided to let it be so. This was my last repair on this car and anything more if it is going to ask..it is going to be traded in for a Toyota or a Honda (as I have decided). In the mean time I will just drive this car in fear to to when again this car will ask me another 500 dollars or when and where it will stall me again. Since yesterday each time I have turned my ignition on I have always thought as to how long this lock will last and where next I may get stranded. I wonder what good is a car if you drive it in fear. Such things change your whole driving psychology. Now if I plan for a trip even to Chicago..I would fear stopping my car on any rest areas. What if the key doesnt turn again when I am in the middle of nowhere. I feel continuing using this car is similar to continuing your marriage with a person with whom you have lost trust with. For the time being CarX has given me warranty for 12000miles/12 months with their service on ignition lock. Costed me around $450 (towing excluded and after using $20 CarX coupon).

Just like so many others on this site--ignition switch would hang up.

I had the same problems with my 2000 ford focus. It left me and my children in dangerous areas. The ford focus ignition would not turn, the wheels shimmy, the car kept stalling and I had water leaks. no one would ever help, so i told them to pick up the garbage because i was tired of paying for it. i would call customer service and tell them that i was sold a lemon and they would say that the car didnt fall into the lemon law. i could not believe what i was hearing. Now im in court with ford motor credit because i didnt know they was a separte company. ford credit is garnishing my pay check and i can not afford it. Ford is a rip off.

I have a 2004 Ford Focus with 43,000 miles on it. The ignition key will not turn in the lock. Had to have it towed in for repair.

My husband's 2002 Ford Focus Zx3 has been in the shop for repairs many times. The latest problem is the battery cable and alternator. He has had the alternator replaced and is going to try to replace the battery cable himself since he is tired of pouring money into this piece of junk. I believe Ford should recall these cars.

I have a 2000 Ford Focus Wagon. It has 108000 miles on it and I have started feeling its a pity piece of crap. Just a few days back the right shocker and strut gave away. I got it changed but then the wheels wouldnt align because the other shocker and strut was old. So spent another $300 on it. $600 for no apparent reason!!! The cars AIR BAG warning sigh is on. Went to the ford dealership and they would take approximately $80 to diagnose the problem and then it can be anything upto $500. Ok! if that is not enough today the ignition key wouldnt turn.

Over the past few days, my ignition in my 2003 Ford Focus was having a hard time turning when I put the key in. Initially I thought it was because my steering wheel was locked. On Tuesday, June 12 2007 when I put my key in the ignition the key would not turn at all. I had it towed to a mechanic and sure enough I needed a new ignition! After spending $425 my car will not start! My car is at the dealership service center for further inspection on why it won't start. Which will cost even more, I'm sure. The most interesting thing about this is the Service Representative said that he's seen several Ford Focus vehicles come in for the same problem. Why isn't there a recall? If the Ford Motor Company employees are telling their customers that this is a frequent problem, shouldn't something be done about it?

I too have experience issues with my ignition switch in my Ford Focus. I returned to my car from being in the mall only to find out my key would not turn. Finally after being stranded for what seemed like forever and a near $100 tow truck bill. I was rescued. Only to have to fork out another $500 to Ford have my ignition fixed. That seems way too sttep for a key but the guy at the dealer said that there was a 'special' chip that synced my key with the engine and it was necessary. What was even more disappointing was after only spending minutes on the internet doing research about the ignition, I found that not a few but many many others had the same complaint. It really doesn't seem fair. I understand parts being faulty at times but geez $500 for a key!

I have replaced my ignition switch three times on my 2000 Ford Focus.The key would get stuck in the ignition switch.The key would not turn.It cost me 400.00 dollars to replace the switch and the cost of the tow.I notified Ford they informed me it was not their problem

I own a 2003 Ford Focus. Short Story - its a poorly constructed piece of tin. Long Story - projection light bulbs (delear installed option) replaced 5 times at $250Cdn each; 3 windsheild washer pumps (all within 1st 10,000km so under warranty); rubber clutch pedal cover replaced twice ($12Cdn each); several safety recalls including rear hatch post rust issue that might cause hatch to open unexpectedly, front seat heaters wiring pad crumples causing potential short and fire; suspension bottoms out over moderate sized bumps/potholes, rear seats rattle and squeak when they are in the up position; radio antenna fell off after ice storm with less than 5mm ice buildup; shifter will randomly pop out of 2nd gear; strange vibration that happens at 1800rpm then again at 3200rpm for which delear mechanic cannot find an explanation.

My wife was getting ready, out of town, for a wedding when she called and said that the key would not turn in her 2003 for Focus. I though that the stearing wheel had the key locked but after having a mechanic look at it he said the ignition switch was bad and that he had replaced some before. It almost cost us getting to the wedding on time and the Ford dealership said that it was not a problem with the design or car but that we had done something wrong.

Purchased a new 2000 Ford Focus in Queens, New York. I've had to replace two ignition switches for a car with under 50,000 miles. I had to be towed both times.

Purchased a Ford Focus 2004 SE sedan. This car is a friggin death trap, I am scared to bring my 8 month old in it. the rotors have failed twice(fallen out once) battery DIED in the middle of the NY Thruway. And to think, it only has 24,000 miles on it. We have to bring it in, time number three now to look at the rotors which are again squeaking

I've had consistent problems when I drive my 2002 Ford Focus. The car's engine & oil lights come on & the car just dies. This has happened while I'm driving in traffic. I have spent several hundred dollars trying to repair this problem & the problem is still not fixed.

My ignition would not start after i parked my 2000 Ford Focus. I was left standed over my nephews house for 3 days trying to rectify this problem. After checking the battery and seeing that the battery was fine, other knowlegeablecar guys gave their many opinions of what the cause of the problem could be, mostly i heard that it could be the starter. Until i ket a street mechanic take a look at it and he diagnosed it as being a problem inside of the gear shift, the bushing inside the shifter needed to be realaigned. He all said cars like this some times could be started in neutral when it doesnt start. I've read a couple of horror stories on this site like the one where the guys driving 60 on the highway and the car locks up. Jesus is with me always but i admit that scairs me a little. I'm considering selling mine after hearing these stories, and you know what the sad part is that ford knows and doesn't want to recall the car, putting many peoples lives in danger.

5/25/07 car loaded to leave on a driving vacation from arkansas to iowa.ignition locked up called locksmith repair completed 10:30 p.m. finally on road at 11:30 p.m.

I am SOOOO tired of sinking my hard earned money into this piece of crap vehicle. I do my best to stay on top of my car (oil changes, new brakes, etc) and this past Saturday after the tires were being rotated and aligned, they mechanics could NOT turn the key in the ignition. I went to pick up the car and same thing, it just would not turn. Thank god my boyfriend has a work vehicle so I was able to use his spare car to get to work. I'm amazed that this has not been recalled after all that I've read. I've had SO many issues and problems with this Ford Focus from the tranmission having to be re-built, that's right, Ford wouldn't allow them to put a NEW transmission in, rather they could only rebuild it and that's when it was under warranty. Then the oil dipstick came completely detached from where it's suppose to be under the hood. And now this ignition switch. FORD: F: Fix O: Or R: Repair D: Daily For all of the money I've sank into this car I could've made a down payment on a new car. I will NEVER EVER purchase another Ford and will tell everyone I know to do the same.

I had the same problem with my 2004 Ford Focus. The ignition locked and I had to get towed. This is a major problem with Ford Ignitions. You would think after making cars since, well the early 1900's they would have the ignition figured out... I boooo Ford for this flaw, they should be recalling this problem for sure....(boooooo!) What happens when your out in the middle of nowhere. In my opinon, I would not suggest to others to buy a Ford Product.

I went to start my Ford Focus and the key wouldn't go in. After about 5 minutes I finally got the key in but it wouldn't turn. I ended up missing work and ruining my perfect attendance. I had to spend 85 dollars on a new ignition switch. But now I can't get thew old one out. I don't have the money to send it to a dealership. So now I am stuck without a car.

I bought my 2001 Ford focus about 3 yrs. ago. It only had 23,000 miles. We even purchased the extended warranty. I bought the car at Hixson Autoplex in Alexandria, and every time I brought it to them with a problem they informed me they didn't have time to fix it. In January 07 my key would not come out of the ignition.

The ignition key of my car just broke. The firs two times it happen, I was in the middle of a highway and the car turned itself off, the steering weel drive was lucked, I caused a huge traffic problem until a police car pushed my car with the police car saying if any damage, there were not responsible. Anyway, the ignition key was replace both times. Now, the key doesn't turn. I have to hammer the key in order to make it turn. I went to my mechanic and they told me that a new law with Ford, force you to go to a dealer to replace the cylinder, so they reprogram the key. Ford Company is aware of this manufacturing problem and is doing nothing about it. Now, they are forcing you to go to a dealer so they make a business out of it?

the same thing happend to me on my 02 focus zx3, the ignition has locked not once but twice. the first time was at two thousand miles past my warranty, and the next time at 75,000 miles.. this car has broken had to have a major repair every ten thousand miles. its about time Ford steps up and starts paying out.

Ignition always locks up. Have to now hire a tow truck for 2003 Ford Focus with only 34000 miles.

I own a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 that I bought for my daughter. It has been nothing but trouble since the day I bought it. It was a brand new car when I bought it in December 2002.

My 2001 Ford Focus ignition switch finally seized up after several warning episodes. Luckily, I finally got the car going at drove to the dealer for a $441.00 replacement of the ignition. Also the coolant reservoir had a leak and the right engine mount was damaged for a grand total of $850.00. The problems started early with this car: first a $400.00 brake job after about 2 years, a coolant system problem, misdiagnosed as me not watching the level, leading to a major engine overheat and a $600 service and part replacement ( I forget what the part was) The remote trunk opener has never worked. I have also had the fuel pump replaced. The list goes on so I have quite a thick file on this car.

I bought a new 2004 Ford Focus and enjoyed it until Mother's Day, 2007. I took my mother in law shopping and when we decided to go home, my Focus ignition froze up. I could do nothing. The key would not turn, the steering wheel would not turn, nothing worked. We had never heard of this problem with the Focus until mine had it and I read the complaints online. It certainly would have been a consideration when we bought the car. After considerable expense and inconvenience, the car is now fixed, but I worry every time I drive it that the ignition problem will happen again.

2000 Ford Focus - Ignition Switch - I was actually looking for information about a problem with 3rd gear in any Focus, but found this. Yes, we've had to replace our ignition because the key got stuck - we used a locksmith - he put a whole new ignition, tumbler, whatever but said we would never have the problem again. It was much cheaper than taking it to the Ford dealer.

I've purchased a 2000 Ford Focus, only to have replaced the ignition switch two times. I've never had an issue in all the cars I've had and now 2 in less than 2 years. I really think they have a problem, but why won't they correct it? Too many of us, too much money.. They are already losing money because of their lack of eco friendly cars.

Well, i have a 2000 Ford Focus SE it was purchased with 7 miles on it. one day after a year of use the car ignition stopped responding and i got stuck at a shopping mall. After 2 hrs a tow truck was able to lift my car and take it to the dealership to get the ignition replace. Since the car has not had any more issues but it happen to me too. After 500 dollars for the new part Ford never said i am sorry or nothing. Now i am seeing more and more people that this happen to them and of course it is not cover under the 3 years or 30 k miles warranty. After 3 or 4 years I would like to get my money back!!!!!

Wow! I thought I was the only one with problems with the Ford Focus. After reading all the other blogs, I just can't believe it! I bought my 2000 Focus in December 1999. It still runs pretty well for a 7 year old car, but I have had my share of problems. First, at 36,248 miles my ignition had to be replaced. So when I took it in, they told me that my warranty only covered up to 36,000 miles so I had to pay $255. Then a few months later, my car remote went out so I have had to manually lock my doors for about 4 1/2 years because they can't fix it. Miraculously, my windows still work! In 2002, I was involved in a car accident and they said it wasn't totaled even though the entire front of my car was torn off. After 3 months, they fixed it and it has never run the same since. The engine is so loud and the car sometimes sputters when I stop. To top it all off, my engine is getting stuck again, and I'm afraid that I'll be stranded somewhere with my 19 month old daughter. I just can't believe that Ford has let this problem go on this long without doing something about it. Well, I guess they feel that if they do a recall on the ignitions now, everyone will be bringing their Focus's back and they would really go broke! It seems to me that they purposely made them like that.

I also have had problems with the igntion my 2000 ford focus. I was able to turn the key and after 20 minutes or prompting eventually got it to turn,(this was located in a bank parking lot at 11pm, not the safest place to break down) but everyday after that was a trial to turn on my car. 2 months later it wouldn't turn at all. I missed a vey important meeting and my finacial situation is not the best, so the stress of coming up with a huge repair bill was very upsetting.

I have a 2000 Ford Focus. I have been driving it for 15 months and am now installing my second ignition in that time frame. This is just rediculous.I also had a 1991 Ford Escort GT where the ignition went out, but Ford stepped up to the plate on that one and did the right thing. I guess they just don't give a d__m unless people get killed first.Also drove a Festiva for a while, great car! The Focus is not even a good car by my previous experiances with the Ford product line.

I purchased a 2003 Focus (standard) in August of 2005. It had 64,000 miles on it. Except for the windshield which was cracked completely across and the fact that the radio/CD player was missing, both of which the dealer agreed to fix, nothing else stood out as a potential problem....'cause it was all hidden under the hood and in the ignition. The ignition ceased up and I was unable to turn the key and was stranded until the tow truck arrived.

This is my third Ford, a 2003 Ford Focus,(second car was a Ford Escort from them, first was a Ford Tempo years ago at another dealer). This weekend late at night coming out from a grocery store (luckily across from home) my key fit into ignition but would not turn at all, it was frozen. I was mislead by the tow company to tow my car to them under false pretenses and ultimately had them tow it to my apartment across the street only to have it re-towed to the dealer this morning to find that they tried to cheat me but failed (told this by the dealer as well as the second tow company).

Well- last week there were a couple of times when I went to start my 2004 Ford Focus that the key would stick but after a few minutes it unjammed and my car would start. Then yesterday as I got in my car the same thing happened but this time it stayed jammed. I now have to get a new ingnition cylinder for my car. An expense that I did not expect. As I read all the other compliants about this problem it makes me wonder why Ford will not do anything about the situation. Because of this problem many people have been left stranded. The one good thing about my situation is that it happened at home on a sunday so I could figure what to do and not have to lose at time at work.

My ignition in my car has been having problems. Either the key gets stuck in the ignition, or the ignition locks up and you can't start it. Usually I sit there and play with it for a few minutes and I can get it to work. Today it seems to have broke altogether. So I resorted to calling around to find out what to do about it. You have 2 choices, you can tow it to the dealership and get a new ignition ($400), or a locksmith can redrill and make a new key for ($160). When you call Ford they tell you it hasn't been recalled because not many complaints have been received. So I placed my complaint. There are millions of posts out there about this ignition problem, but yet not even a quarter of the people have called to make a formal complaint. I urge everyone who has the same problem as me please, please call them. If enough of us submit complaints it will be recalled, and we can be reimbursed for the defect. I have given you the phone number please make the effort to get these ignitions recalled!

I have had water leak problems with my 2003 Ford Focus since we bought it brand new in July 2003. I've taken it to the Ford dealer at least 4 times to be fixed, but each time the water returns. After heavy rain or snow thaw we get a puddle of standing water in the front passenger seat and the floor behind the seat gets soaked. After years of shoddy work from the dealership and no responses from letters to Ford, I found an 800 number and contacted them.

I have been forced to replace the Ford Focus 2003 ignition as my daughter and her kids (one year old and three year old) were stranded at a supermarket till 12:00 pm at night. Lock smith charged $158.00 dollars to replace the ignition switch. It took him over three hours to fix this car and Ford or the government has not had a recall about it?

I bought a used 2003 Ford Focus with 24,500 miles on it in June, 2006. I started having an intermittment problem with the engine surging and the brake pedal being stiff, making it impossible to stop. Ford instructed me to take it to a ford dealer. The first time i took it in they could not find what was wrong with it. They stated they would call the ford engineers. Ford told them they had several complaints on this, but no recall. I took back to the dealer the next day they replaced the brake booster. They made a deal with me that ford would pay for everything but a 100.00 deductible. I agreed. I picked up the car 2 days later and almost smashed into the back of a dump truck. I took it back to the dealer and they had it 12 days. On the 12th day they stated they could not duplicate the problem therefore there was no problem.I have filed a complaint with the attorney general against the dealer I bought it from and Ford Motor company. I believe I bought the car this way. Since Novermber 2006 it has happened six times and at this point i am afraid to drive the car.

I bought a used 2003 Ford Focus around May '06. Around November of '06 I was having intermittant problems with the key turning in the ignition. Ususally futzing around for a few minutes with the key in the ignition would start the car. Finally, yesterday, after spending 45 minutes trying to start the car again I admitted defeat, had it towed, and a new igntion put in for the tune of $400. The mechanic even told me this was a common occurance with this type of car. After reading through other people's complaints about the Ford Focus, it seems that this might have to happen MORE THAN ONCE? Unacceptable.

I have a 2000 Ford Focus and got stranded at church because the key wont turn in the ignition. I had to leave the car there. I cost me about $300 to fix the problem Ford should really do something about this problem too many owners have the same problem with the 2000 focus. This car has been nothing but a money eater since I bought it.

My ignition switch is faulty as the numerous people on the website and my car will not turn on due to a faulty switch in the ford focus as everyone else and there should be a recall!! I am on a fixed income and cannot afford this expense.

I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus brand new from Fuller Ford. After 3 weeks the check engine light came on and the car had to go back to the dealership, They replaced a sensor.It us now 2007 and I have had the car back 6 additional times for a check engine light where they had to replace the fuel pump, fuel sender,2 DPFE sensors, 2 EGR pressure valves. Also I had to replace an ignition switch that locked up in the car and I couldn't start. This car is a piece of junk! I want to sue under the lemon law. Oh I forgot, the check engine light is on again and I have to take it back to the shop. The car only has 59,000miles!!!!!

I have had my 2001 Ford Focus since 2004 and I a month after I bought it I have had problems, the ignition has locked up on it 4 times, the brakes go bad all the time, I had several batteries replace, the EGR pipe keep coming loose, making my car sound like a motor scooter, the fuel pump with out on it twice, one of them Ford paid for only because it was a recall, the engine light stays on for no reason. I hate my car, it is truly a POS, Ford knows they are wrong. We by this car because that's what we can afford. At this very moment the car is stuck in my inlaws front yard with the ignition locked up yet again. I can't afford to fix it right now.

I have been reading many stories about peoples' mishaps with the Ford Focus. I originally began the search because I was looking for a possible recall on ignition switches, only to find that although there's not-One is VERY necessary. I bought my 2003 Focus under the impression that it was a safe and economical family sedan...Then about a week ago my ignition began to reject my key. I tried my spare key thbinking maybe the original had been slightly bent, however within a week the ignition completely jammed and left me stranded at the grocery store with a trunk full of groceries in 90 degree weather. Now my husband and I have to pay a tow bill, plus $250.00 to have the problem fixed. What's the deal with these cars? How bout a recall Ford???

my 2001 focus has had problems stalling and just locking up on me, I cant drive the car more than 20-25 miles per hour or it will sputter and lock up, I called the dealer that I bought the car from in 2001 and the advised me of a program that ford has where they will replace the fuel pump no questions asked, that dealership is in ohio, i now live in georgia, because my husbands serves in the army, and the dealership here is telling me no., it is not under warrent, or a recall. or does not fall under the fuel module replacement, I think this is the craziest thing I've heard, my car is doing exactly what the cars do that are having the work done to them. I want my car fixed too. I love my focus but cant drive it because its not safe. everyone I have talked to about my car says it sounds like the fuel pump to me maybe ford need to look into this a bit more before there is an accident and someone dies.

I'd like to express my complaints about my 2000 Ford Focus. First of all, the first week I bought it the car stalled on me and I was stranded for a day. I should have taken it back at that time, now I'm kickin my self in the behind. My other problems were with the fuel pump, which I replaced twice and only got reimbursed for one when they had the recall. And the ignition is the other problem I've encountered with the car. I've replaced it twice and it's giving me problems again.

This is my second Focus...My first one I replaced 4 ignitions in and today I go out to start the second Focus I just bought 3 months ago and the ignition is out.....WTF.. Why wont Ford fix this problem?

I bought a 2001 Ford Focus in October of 2005 and the car has been completely rigged to make it seem like it worked prpoerly before I bought it. I have had it in the shop 6 to 7 times for various repairs. The car has broken down several times leaving my daughter stranded on the side of the road. The thermostat, rear brakes, air conditioner-twice-, tires, alternator, timng belt just to name a few things that have gone wrong. The car is not running at this time.

My 2003 Ford focus had me stranded on yesterday. Seeems my ignition locked on me as well. i called the dealership, and was told by Hector in the service department that it happens all the time, and was quickly quoted a repair price of $375.00. i was appalled, and asked if it happened all the time why hasn't there been a recall on it. He says he didn't know. I then called a local locksmith, who was able to do it for half that price, and then went on to tell me, that he'd already done 3 that day. I am livid, as I'm a single mom, and had no choice but to pay for it.

Ford ignition switch failed. I purchased a new switch from the dealer and changed it myself. It seems that the dealer keeps a good stock on the item as it is defective.

I have a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. I have been the sole owner since purchase in 2001. Since I bought the car, I have replaced the brake pads (normal wear), had to repair the air conditioner that died, the engine light has gone on for no apparent reason, the car has started sputtering with slightly less than a quarter tank of gas left in it, I had to replace the front sway bar, and the entire right front of the car fell down over the wheel, and it was fixed as part of a recall. My problem now is the engine light going on for no apparent reason since the car runs fine. My dealer wanted to charge me $80/hour to run diagnostics. After one hour of diagnostics he gave up, and didn't do the state inspection b/c he had trouble communicating with the car computer. This is not the first time this has happened.

I purchased a new 2000 Ford Focus at Heritage Ford. No problem with the dealership. However, 'quality being job 1' with this auto was seriously lacking! We experienced the usual recalls, poor quality tires (Goodyear), internal engine noise, whining noise in right rear section of the car, carpet in back floor tore in spite of very little traffic, at 49,000 we had to replace the ignition at a cost of $195.00, paint durability has been very poor,...

I bought my 2000 Ford Focus in January of 2000 and two to three years later I had to replace my ignition switch. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they told me that there was no recall on this problem because they have not had a lot of people coming in with this problem. It's funny because the tow truck driver who worked for the Ford dealership told me that he tow so many of these focuses for this same ignition problem.

My key would not turn in my Ford Focus. I've used Machine Oil in the past. This time, it's stuck for good. I will get it towed to Don Bohn Ford in Lapalco. I'll let you know what happens. H Cambel Monday, April 22, 2007.

I bought my 2000 ford focus in Sept 2002 and after owning it less than teo days the alternator went out and was stuck in line of the toll booth at the bay bridge with no power to put on my hazard lights. Ford was cool and replaced the alternator for free. Months later the heating elements went out on my rear window (not all of them) so now when I defrost the rear window there is only a strip of visibility. Nearly a year after that my rear passenger window wouldnt roll up. I took it in to ford and thankfully it was covered by the warranty.

Im living in Dubai, i have ford focus 2003 , im doing regular maintenance in The agency, suddenly car stopped at street, send it to FOrd agency, 2 days they dont know what the peorblem they asked for the other Car key to make programing for the computer, then didnt knwo how to fix it, they destroy the ACU then and as a result for that another problem caused with Egnision coil as they mentioned and now they r askign for huge amount to fix really im upset , i will not use ford any more and i will sell the care after fixing so plz advise and support and try to find me solution i cant pay all this

Took my 2000 Focus Wagon for regular oil change and tune up (they claim that a tune up is just the change of spark plugs and visual inspection of the wires for a charge of $139.00!). Just one day after the tune up the car began to loose energy it would go and then even if I pressed the gas it would not go. They claimed fist that the cables needed to be replaced (what about that inspection?) then the coil pack was damaged and I insisted that they had to replace them since they failed to mention they were not in good condition. After making them agree that they would replace the wires and the coil pack without charging me, the assistant manager warns me that they will do the repair but if anything else goes wrong they are not responsible. The day they were suppose to change the parts my car dies on my way to school and had to be towed. They claim the engine needs to be replaced and that will cost me about $4000.00, more than what the car was purchased for. Ford claims that these cars are famous for having this problem and that they have sold used cars that the engine dies one week later. The Ford wants to charge me $75 for the towing of the car and to diagnose it another $380.00. What kind of service or product is this? I just can't believe the car was fine one day and dead the next it makes no sense.

I have not called anyone as this just happened to me. I bought this car from my daughter=in-law and the key kept sticking and finally just would not turn. it cost $270. to get a new key and ignition. The locksmith said he had replaced dozens and he thought there would be a recall on them. But I see there is not, just a lot of complaints.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus ZTW. Twice in the past 2 yrs I've had the key jammed in hte cylinder - Steering is locked, key would not turn.

My husband was stranded just last week, April 12,2007 it was on a thursday. The ignition key did not turn it was stuck he couldn't start the car. They provided us with a tow truck that night but, little did we know that next morning would be a day of complite fustration and headacks. The dealer claimed that our warrenty did not cover the serves therefore, we had to pay.

Ingnition cylinder locked on 2004 Ford Focus with only 12K. The car is luckily stuck in my garage,unable to turn the key to start the car. The wheels were straight and not turned at all. Weird, since some cars keys will not turn unless you movethe steering wheel from either the right or left fully turned position,but the darn wheels are straight as can be.I've read of hundreds of Focus owner's with the same problem.It's time for Ford to pay for their mistakes.

I Joseph am writing regarding my extended warrantly cancellation. I purchased extended warranty from Best Ford car dealership three yeard ago om my new car, a Ford Focus in December 23, 2003, because tge car was purchased new the car came with a three year factory warranty. I never used the extended warranty because the car had a factory warranty which was used. I was told by Best Ford dealership when the car was purchased that I did not need to use the extended warranty until the factory warranty had been exhausted frist.

2002 Ford Taurus with 89000 miles suffered front broken spring disabling vehicle. I understand this may be a common problem with the model but Ford is not including 2002 in the recall to fix this problem.

2003 Ford Focus - ignition cylinder jams and will not turn. Car cannot be started.

I have several issues with the Focus I boughtnew. 1 - Within weeks of buying the Focus Z3, the windshield was leaking. The dealership said they would replace the windshield, but did not (a decal mark from a decal I removed was still there). they then said they would replace the seal.

Yet another ford focus customer with a broken ignition.It is a 2003 ZX3 Focus.

My 2000 Ford Focus Kona would bong as if the keys were still in the ignition after they were extracted. It's been doing this for years - I'd push gently on the spot where you put in your key and it would stop. Than on Monday, my key would only go in about a 1/4 of the way. I tried it for an hour. AAA came and the guy dispatched was very familiar with the problem. He hammered in the key, but the wheel was still locked and the key wouldn't turn. I had to get a second AAA guy to come and tow the car the 25 miles from a gas station near work in West Holly wood at 1 in the morning. My service station is great and they knew from the local Pasadena Ford dealership to order the new ignition part - they keep plenty in stock since this is clearly a recurring issue. My station called in a local locksmith the re-key my car to the original keys.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus and have had two ignition switches replaced. Now I can't get my key to turn the switch. This seems to be a major problem. Have had two tow jobs for the ignition switch replacement. I was told by AAA that there is a recall on the ignition switch for the Ford Focus, but I have looked it up on the internet ad I can't find anything. I can't keep spending money on the same problem over and over.

The ignition in my 2002 Focus would not turn. After researching on-line, I was interested to find this is a common problem with the Ford Focus.

Well i was about 30 minutes away from home i turned off my car wen inside a store and when i got back in. The Key would not start it was lock and i was un able to get it unlock, i had to call somebody to pick me up then i had to go back the next day and pick it up, i think its time for it to be reported as a recall.

Ignition Locked Up in 2003 Ford Focus Wagon. At 5:00 a.m. on a rainy Sunday morning I went to leave for a dog show with my dog in the car and the key would not turn in the ignition. I fussed with it for over an hour to no avail. I ended up having to take a cab for $50.00 to the dog show and barely made it in time for my first event and it was not easy to find a cab that would take a dog. I ended up getting a ride home from a friend, but I was very stressed out and angry the entire day.

I drive a 2001 Ford Focus. My car was parked overnight, and as I went to back out of my parking space to go to work, I heard a loud clunking noise and my car struggled to back up. I left my car parked as I thought it was a problem with the brakes. I drove the car to work the next morning (going 65 on the freeway), and the noise continued to worsen and I started to smell burning rubber. I brought the car to a repair shop. The next day they said I was very lucky the tire did not blow because the spring had broken and was rubbing against the tire. This is a problem I know Ford is well aware of. I don't know what I would have done had anything happened to me and my family as a result of this gross negligence by Ford. Repars ended up costing $570 to replace both front springs, struts, and mounts.

We purchased a 2003 Ford Focus in October 2003. It is now April 2007, and we have only 26,000 miles on the car. The car is currently at the dealer for repairs. Over the past few weeks, we would put the key in the ignition and it would lock up. With some effort, we could get the steering wheel to unlock and start the car. Yesterday, while out with my children, the same thing happened and I was unable to get the ignition to work. Thankfully, it was the weekend and my husband was not at work and was able to rescue us. The car was towed to the dealership this morning. In addition, over the past 2 years we have replaced brakes/rotors, put new tires on at 20,000 miles - they were bald - either Ford put lousy tires on the vehicle and told us they were 40,000 mile tires or the car has an alignment problem (the salesman who sold us the car pointed out the premium tires and wheels on the car), we had to replace the battery. The struts were shot a year ago and we have not replaced them yet. This car is a piece of garbage and we plan on trading it in after this repair.

March 30 - car ignition locked up. Tow truck had to be called. Car had been experiencing problems for several months. I had no idea that the Focus had so many issues until I found this website. I want to be added to any class action suit against Ford.

The same problem as so many others, regarding the key cylinder of my Ford Focus wagon. Almost all repair shops I have dealt with have said the Focus ignition is notorious for not working. So here I am today, not able to go to work. Waiting for a tow truck, to fix my Focus. Doug

I seem to have the same problem as everyone else with my Ford Focus. My ignition key would not turn . This is the second time it's happened- the dealers service department know it's a problem but Ford won't admit it- it's in their shop now and I have no idea what it will cost yet- but the 1st one- @ 54,000 mi cost me $300

I KNOW HOW TO FIX YOUR FOCUS IGNITION! First I'll tell of my problems though. I have a 2000 Ford Focus, which other than this ignition problem has served me pretty well. I started having troubles turning the key about a month ago, and it got progressively worse, until I had to bang on the key with a hammer to get it to turn. Eventually, I got stranded at work(70 miles away from home), and had to have it towed to a Ford dealership.

The ignition just locked up on my Focus this past saturday morning after work around 3 am. I live 40 minutes from my house. I got my car towed to the local Ford dealer. They had no one on staff that knew what was wrong with it on Saturday, and it might be fixed Monday or Tuesday, For $405.00 plus a $58.00 tow bill. I did some checking online, to findout this is a common problem. So I contacted Ford, I was told there were not enough complaints to look into a recall.

For the past couple of weeks, the ignition on my 2003 Ford Focus ZX3(30,000) was sticking. I would put the key in and have to turn it twice and turn the wheel back and forth a couple of times to get the key to turn. After a couple of attempts, the car would start.

I couldn't turn the key in my Ford Focus 2003 and had to have the steering cylinder replaced for about $300.00 and had to pay $93.00 for a tow because my ford dealer, Crowley Ford of Bristol, CT wouldn't tow it in. Then I went on the internet and couldn't believe the number of complaints about this same problem and how Ford has basically ignored their customer complaints about this for years! I contacted Jennifer at the Ford Motor Co. because I felt I should be reimbursed for this, explaining that as customers, the value of our cars upon trade-in would be a great loss if people read these postings and were afraid to buy a Ford, especially if they think Ford will ignore any future commplaints. Even the mechanic at Ford said Yeah, we've been getting a lot of that problem with these cars.

Several times when placing the key in the ignition switch (column) the key would jam and not turn, but after about 20 attempts of turning the key upside down, switching sides, and reinserting-eventually somehow the key would turn and could finally get on my way. I had NO idea there was a problem from Ford on this - and after reading thousands of horror stories, FORD should have done a Call Back. Thanks to the writers on this site; I took my Focus over to the local Ford dealer. they confirmed the ignition switch was bad to the tune of: $290.49 and now it supposedly) is fixed? let's hope so.

The car key tumbler won't turn at all. Everything locked up and became stranded. Had to call dealership to come and pick up car which my warranty has ended, so I end up having to pay out of pocket expense. It was a 2004 Ford Focus.

I have had the same experience as many other Ford Focus owners, I have had two ignition cylindars dissintegrate and lock up so that I am unable to turn the key. This is very expensive to fix - $300 to $400 each time - and there seems to be no acknowledgement by Ford that the component is defective. I have a 2000 focus and the problem occured in 2002 and just recently in 2007. This is not a part that should have sufficient wear to fail as it does. This experience is quite common among Focus owners as evidenced by the internet. I am wondering why Ford does not recall this defective part.

I bought my Ford Ford Focus ZTS New in 2002. Two years later the ignition start to stick and it was hard to turn the key. Two or three months later as I arrived at work I could not get the key out of the ignition.

2001 Ford Focus SE. Textbook complaints about the poor component quality. At approx 60k miles.. Front spring broken and replaced, ignition lock would not turn and left my wife stranded. However the handy Ford repair kit fixed the problem.

dealership recall on rear door latches ,not latching, they dented car when installing new latches. Had wiper moter replaced and they cracked my windsheild. Now the battery and altenator have just been replaced and the battery light is coming on and the car stalls whilr i'm driving it?

I have a 200 Ford Focus (Kona Edition). Started fine, but recently it started dying as if someone had shut the fuel supply or turned off the key (while driving on the freeway). I also had to replace the throtle sensor and the mass air flow sensor. Replacing sensors is expensive, but at least it's not dangerous, but I almost got run over when the car stalled in the middle of the 405 freeway going to Los Angeles. Not fun at all. Now I have the car at the Ford Dealer having the Fuel Supply System replaced (free of charge because of recall Ford#03N01.

In my 2002 ford focus lx the wheel locked up and the key wouldnt turn at all....my car only had 60,000. This is rediculous that ford does not get a recall in this ignition problem.

21 years old. I see from doing research online that this is a common problem amongst us ford focus owners. My little adventure happened last night, I've neve had this problem before though I've noticed recently how the key took a bit more effort to insert than usual. to say the least i got stranded too with the damn steering wheel locked and the key not turning, it took me 3 hours to finally figure out what happened to the car, this is the last ford I'm ever buying and please God help me so I don't become so poor during my life time that I'm forced to buy a ford FOCUS

I stopped for gas. After refueling, when I attempted to turn the key in the ignition I was unsuccessful. Thus, I was stuck at the gas station with three kids in the car as we awaited the tow truck for a little over three hours.

I purchased my 2001 Ford Focus used with 20,000 miles on it. My story is just about the same as everyone else's. I've had to replace my rotars once and my brakes twice. I went to Brake Masters because they have the lifetime warranty. I'm glad that I did because the mechanic told me that Focuses have brake problems and need to be replaced a lot. Also I've had to get a new ignition.

I drive a ford focus zx3 it's a 2004, I've had it for a year now, never did have any problem's with it, till two moths ago.I was just leaving Pizza Hut with a night out with the family, it was raining that night, that's when i entered my car,and insert my key to the ignition, to my surprise the ignition was locked, it couldn't turn.

The ignition cylinder on my 2000 Focus ZX3 froze up again...this time I pulled the entire cylinder out of the steering column with my key still in it. Note: THIS IS THE SIXTH TIME I NEED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER IN THIS CAR IN SEVEN YEARS!!!!! I've had to pay for each and every cylinder repair except for the first one, which was under warranty. All the others- nope! My car is currently sitting in my parent's driveway and I couldn't even get the tow truck to take my car to the dealer since we can't get it into neutral. It's time that Ford owns up to this problem.

Ford Focus ignition - replaced twice int 2 years. First at a cost of 300.00 - second at a cost of 500.00 this must be addressed - lots of innocent consumers going through the same problem.

I bought a 2000 Ford Focus for my daughter several years ago, which has been a fairly decent car, but we have continued to have problems with the key assembly locking up. It is either that we can't get the key out at all or even if we can get it in and out it will not turn, therefore, she has been left stranded. Tonight is her third time. She is now a college student and is not close to home. This appears to be a major problem with the Ford Focus. This is a safety issue for owners. I am concerned that my 19 year old daughter may be stranded somewhere where it is not the safest place. What can be done to have Ford stand behind their product?

I bought a car from All American Ford. I was called back 2 different times within 1 month to resign our contracts. The first time was two weeks after we purchased a Blue 2006 Ford Focus, All American Ford calls, I really don't remember why we had to sign this contract again.. all of the numbers were the same so I didn't think that much about it but they call us again to tell us the car I have been driving for over a month (All American Ford was transfering my tag from my Jimmy to the Focus) had the wrong VIN number on the contract and that we need to come back and sign another contract. When we get there the finance manager, says I have good news I was able to get you a better interest rate from 8.9% to 3.9% but I had to reduce the number of months from 72 to 60. by this time I was tired of dealing with this people so I just signed and didn't pay attention to the contract, I wish that I had… The first two contacts had the same numbers the last contact changed by $2,000 (approx) more for the car and my trade went down 2000.00 but it was to late to do anything about, I had already signed the contract. In June 06, my husband and I went to renew the tag on the Focus just to be told that we do not have a 2006 Ford Focus to be renewed but we did have a GMC Jimmy that needed to be renewed. I could not believe that they did not register my vehicle. So I call the dealership to just to be transferred from voicemail to voicemail, I even left a voicemail for the owner. The dealership put us off for 4 days, come to find out they had misplaced my paperwork for the registration and it took them 4 days to find it and have the car registered. I never did get a call from the owner. I bought this car in April and in June I take it to dealership to be serviced and have them look at the front end, it had a funny vibration when I was driving on the I-10. The Service Manager, for both locations, drives my car and tells me that what I am feeling is the road. I take it in again for another oil change a couple of months later by now the driver's window is vibrating enough that I can hear it and the back hatch vibrates a little bit, so I let them know and of course they can not duplicate the sound.

I bought 2001 Ford Focus ZX3used with 60,000 miles. At about 80,000 miles both front coil springs broke within 1 year of each other. They were non-replaceable at the time because Ford would not release springs for retail sale. Have been driving car because my only transportation to work.

On the evening of 23rd feb 2007 I received a phone call from my girlfriend saying that her key would not turn the car over.. She is the owner of a 2000 ford focus. I in turn called a buddy who drives a wrecker and had him pull the car to our home.I have worked on cars for 20+years and decided to take a look and see what i could do to repair this issue(this is not the first time I had seen this happen on the focus)when I took the cover apart and inspected the problem I was in over my head with the eqp I was working with.

I brought my 2000 Focus into the body shop to repair some damaged body work. When I got my car back I found my key sticks in the ignition and it takes some jiggling to get it to finally engage. I talked to the body shop, who of course claim that it was a problem for them the entire time they had the car. I looked it up on the internet and have found it to be a regular occurance! This is my third and last Ford, this Focus has been nothing but problems from the beginning.

In 2004 I bought a 2001 Ford Focus SE, and it only had 40,000 miles on it which wasn't to bad. The reason that I got this car was because my family had always owned Fords, and never had a problem.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3. Both the drive and passanger doorhandles broke on the inside not allowing me to open my doors from the outside.

I was driving my 2001 Ford Focus when hte engine mount bolts broke allowing the engine to drop down placing all of the weight of the engine on the right front axle. As a result, the axle seperated from the transmission.

The ignition switch for my 2004 Ford Focus (as with MANY of them, I am finding out) is defective. It periodically seizes up and I can not start my car. My complaint is that they are quite aware of this situation and do nothing about it.

Like many of the people listed on this website, my stepsons 2003 Ford Focus had the ignition lock up on him. This problem is frustrating, no doubt, but it does have a solution.

I've had the same ignition problem several times on and off over the last month. The locksmiths advise silicone or teflon lubricant, and if not just having the dealership replace it. If anyone is doing a class-action suit again Ford let me know.

I am having problems getting my key to turn in the ignition of my 2000 Ford Focus. I have been stranded in the cold, fortunatly I figured out if I kept banging the key with my hand it eventually turned. Now, everytime I get in my car I have to sit there banging the key with my hand for as long as it takes. At first it only locked now and then. I'm realizing now this is a problem I'm going to have to fix. Came online to research what it may be and I see it's a common Focus problem. I can't believe with all of these complaints Ford is not recalling!!! I'm not a happy Ford customer!

My wife was about to leave for work yesterday when she honked the horn for me. I went to the garage and she said she couldn't start her car. When I got in to start the car, the key wouldn't budge in the ignition. We have owned this car for one year, she has had this problem once before at the Post Office about six months ago but was finally able to start the car after about 30 minutes.

The Ignition switch started out just getting stuck a little and then it started getting stuck worse. I use to be able to jiggle the key or the steering wheel now I have just spent 3 hrs trying to fix it and it is useless. NEVER BUY A FORD FOCUS!!! It has been nothing but trouble. We have spent more fixing the car than we did when we bought it.

my wife and i have ahve the focus for about 4 years now and i have had several problems with the car the tires seem to wear out really quick i have had 2 different places allign the car and still no good the hatch button doesnt work most of the time and the stereo goes in and out when it wants to but the worst problem of all is the motor stalls and jumps and studders expecially the first time you start it in the morning.

I was at home when i tried to leave my 2006 ford focus the key wouln`t turn after a hour of trying i gave up later that eveing it started

The focus i bought in July 06 has just failed me by the ignition switch locking up - 2001 ford Focus. I cannot believe it! This is what I get for going back to a brand I use to love. Now im stranded. And ******.

I have several incidents where my the steering column on my car locked up and I was left stranded trying to unlock it with my key. For several of those incidents, I was accompanied with my two children (7 and 4). I have had to leave my car parked for days until I got lucky enough to get it unlocked, had someone else unlock it for me, or even have the entire care moved.

LOCKED-UP IGNITION - AGAIN!!!! We fixed the locked ignition once about 3 years ago - immediately after our warranty expired so it was at our expense, of course - and now, tonight, it's happened again! I am flabbergasted that so many of us are having this identical problem and Ford has done nothing about it.

got off work and tried to start car, and the key would not start the car, 2hrs on my job trying to get car to start.Had it towed to the ford place in Concord NC, where it will cost 1200.00 to replace the entire cylinder and key mechanism......

We bought a Ford Escort Station Wagon 1998 three years ago, and had it checked thoroughly at the time, and they did say that the back suspension was not very good, but it worked, but just now, the two rear coil springs snapped, cut in half the mechanic said. We noticed it because when we had people in the back there were strange loud noises, especially when turning the car.

We have a 2002 Ford Focus SE. Recently while traveling accross country the fuel pump went out and we got that fixed through a recall they had for no charge.

I bought a brand new 2002 Ford Focus with only 7 miles on it. Two years later with only 20,000 miles on the vehicle, i find that the ignition was locked. After calling ford to find out that they would not give me any help fixing this problem I was referred to a locksmith who would help me fix the ignintion for almost half the price the dealership offered me.

I purchased a new 2000 Ford Focus,this is the worst car that I have ever owned. I've had wheel bearings replaced,vacuum hoses,tires after 20,000 miles,suspension linkage, and a complete new engine.I maintain this vehicle,but I have put so much money into this piece of junk.OH! I almost forgot! my key has been stuck in the ignition for 2 years and I was told that the repair would be $375.00,also the trunk latch does not close,knobs inside fell off,radio knob melted,right front wheel wobbles,replaced front lights 2x,throttle sticks,and guess what? I got stranded tonight once more and had to be towed 42miles home,new engine would not turn over or jump start.I don't cover the stuck key,I was hoping that someone would steal it-if they could get it started.

For the second time in two years my ignition cylinder has locked up on me. This is getting too expensive. Ford needs to do a recall on these.

I drove to Houston from Dallas and The next day when I tried to start my 2001 Ford Focus and the key would not turn in the ignition. I had to call and get the ignition replace only to be told that in 80000 miles it could and most likely will happen again. There should definitely be a recall on the Ford Focus's for the ignition problems these cars have. The people I talked to at the mechanic places all new about these problems, which means it happens alot and that is a little ridiculous.

I went in this morning to start my car to get to work and the ignition wouldn't turn. It was horrible. I've never had to sit there for more than 5 minutes to turn on a car and i sat there for 20 minutes before i had to ask my a friend to drive me to work. If all these complaints are being said, there must be something that can be done for all of us to a. either get our money back for all the problems we had to pay for in leu of their mistake or b. a new car!! this is an issue they should have tested out already and have fixed. It isn't easy being a single mother raising a one year old on your own. Money doesn't grow on trees or these complaints wouldn't be made. i

I was leaving my morning job, about to head to class (college). I got into my car and put in the key... and it wouldn't turn. I figured the steering wheel had turned and it would require more force, but after trying for thirty minutes while talking to my father on my cell phone, I was sure it was hopeless.

My 2002 Ford Focus Wagon had over 100,000 miles. I had relatively few problems with it ubtil this past December (2006). If the overnight temperature was in the 30s, I couldn't even get the solenoid to click when I tried to start it at 7 AM, when I go to work. If I waited until 8 AM, when it was a little warmer, it started easily. Naturally, I figured it was the battery.

We were driving our 2000 Ford Focus SE wagon 10 minutes and started smelling something burning just as we noticed smoke coming into the car. We pulled over and raised the hood to see the engine compartment on fire. All we could do was throw snow on it to put it out.Since it burned up the wiring,we could not unlock the back doors or roll up the windows. If my daughter had been driving with her baby in the back seat,she would not have been able to get the baby out and we hate to think of what would have happened to our grandaughter locked in a burning,smokefilled car!

My key goes in but won't turn it is completlt locked up I got on the web to see if I could find a way to get it to unlock and seen many people are having this problem. Why in the world is this problem not recalled by ford and fixed? This will be the second time I will have to have this problem fixed.

I own a 2003 Ford Focus which is only a little over 3 years old. I got up one morning to go to work and I could not get the key to turn in my focus. I had to hit the key so hard about 4 or 5 times just to get it to turn in the ignition. I was late for work everyday for two months. Finally the ignition just went out one day and I could not get it to turn at all. I had to get my car towed ($70 ) then rent a car for the time it was being worked on ($150) and then had to pay for the ignition to be replaced($360). What a rip off. Ford should be paying its consumers to drive there vehicles. This is ridiculous. I smell a lawsuit. This could be very dangerous for a lot of people.

Every other day my 2001 Ford Focus Se sputters, chugs, jerks, and finally dies while I am driving it. We have replaced pretty much everything thing to rule everything out. No one knows why this is happening. Maybe they should take the Focuses off the market.

Replace ignition swithc with just 82k miles on car.

2001 Ford Focus with 90k miles. Engine suddenly stalls and attempt to restart causes loud noise from engine. Turns over and stalls instantly. Performed tests and found no compression in cyl #4. Rmoved spark plug to find ecectrode completely gone. Engine completely ruined. $2000 to replace with used engine. NB: Changed ignition twice already because keys could not be removed. No help from Ford.

i bought my daughter a brand new ford focus in march of 2004, so she would have a safe vehicle to drive with no problems. 7 months later, the car began stalling on her. they couldn't find anything wrong or duplicate the problem. a couple months later, it happened again coming off an offramp and she ended up hitting her head on the drivers window and going to the ER.

I purchased a 2000 Ford Focus, for the first 3 months my car was great, then the car wouldn't start, I had to have it towed and have a new gas tank put in, this happened one more time and then Ford finally recalled the problem but I had to pay for a fuel filter. then I got 4 tires and the shop said they couldn't align my car because there was a problem with the front end, I took it to the Ford Dealer and they relaced shocks & Struts (Under warranty).

same thing itis the ignition locking..i cannot believe what I'm reading here..I'm going to call our local news people who researches these kind of incidents and report this to them of all the complaints and recalls on ford focus so it will make the public more aware about ford. So MAYBE ford will make some effort to fix or recall this problem if more and more people are being alerted about this.

Cannot turn key in ignition! Why on earth is this not a recall?? How many customers are you willing to loose?

My 2002 Ford Focus has had just about everything go wrong with it. I've had to have the battery, clutch and transmission replaced. In addition, the front passenger side and rear driver side windows no longer work, the rear passenger doesn't unlock and the radio has eaten all of my cds and only works intermittently. I'm tired of fixing a car that hasn't even been paid off yet.

Got a call from my wife who was stranded in Keene. The ignition locked up in our 2003 focus. We've never had any ignition problems with the car so this is new to me. The car has about 75k miles on it and the key just won't turn. Thanks for the reports...I'm going back to Keene tomorrow and try the hammer on the key trick to see if I can get it working. FYI...the cruise control stopped working on us this past summer, the seat belt light and buzzer stay on for the first 10-15 minutes and the airbag light is on all the time. My wife wants me to get rid of the car, but I can't afford to buy another car now because I'm broke and all my money each month goes for bills. Thank you Ford for a job well done. I hope the hammer trick works.

I got stranded with my key stuck in the ignition of my Ford Focus Wagon about 2 yrs ago. Paid over $200.00 out of pocket. Today it happened again! I have seen so many folks on the internet with this same problem. This is why Americans opt for Toyota or Honda. Ford needs to step up to the plate and take care of their own.

I have a 2003 zx3 ford focus. i have already been through 3 transmitions. this past weekend i was at starbucks getting my morning cup and may i remind you this is the coldest texas has ever been 17 deg. i walk out and put my key in the ignition and yea you guessed it.. it locked up it took me 7 hrs to get a tow truck and cost me $75. i went to the ford delarship and they told me no it will take $400 to fix it. im 17 years old and my mom has cancer. they wouldent work with me for anything. the tow guy told me on my way to my house that he had taken in the past year a total of 15 focuses.

When I purchased my 2000 Ford Focus it was my first new car. I was so excited to drive it, but soon began to discover several malfunctions across the board. I have had countless recalls, and repairs that have left me paying thousands of dollars of out my own pocket. My car has broken down on my several times within the past couple years. When I bring it to places to get fixed, no one can tell me what is wrong with it and say that it is running fine. After several attempts at one repair shop, they sent me off to Ford who could not find the problem either and were satisfied that my car was running fine. They even charged me the diagnostic fee, which I still had to pay even though they did not find the problem. Yesterday my car left me stranded (for the umpteenth time), on a highway where MAC trucks whiz by. I was outside directing traffic, and had to get it towed, and once again no one can find a problem with it.

My ignition has locked up for the second time. I have to leave my key in my car at all times so I don't get stranded. I just cannot afford to keep replacing this part. It cost $200+ each time.

I bought a 2001 ford focus two years ago and I have had numerous problems with the ignition freezing up on me. I just spent $92 on the part to replace it myself and have not, thus far, had any luck. I have a two year old son, and I can't go anywhere when I need too. I find it to be downright discusting that even though consumers have been complaining about this for years, time and time again, nothing is done. I cannot afford to go to a dealer or a mechanic to have this problem fixed. It should be added to the recall list as NEGLEGENT MANUFATURING, and fixed free of charge. I want to see how the faulty focus's line up and stretch over the horizon.

My 2002 Ford Focus ignition locked and left me stranded. I had to pay $498.27 to have it replaced. I think that it is a manufacturer defect and Ford should have recalled the key ignition.

In 2000, my father leased a Ford Focus and within month the ignition locked up. Because he was on a lease, he could not return the car so Ford fixed it and it did not lock up again (at least not to my knowledge).

I own a 2003 Ford Focus. I have had a variety of strange problems with the car since purchasing starting with the rear window imploding on my passenger resulting in the entire window being blown into the passenger compartment showering my passenger with glass.

I have owned my ford focus zx3 for 2.5 years. I have had the ignition key lock on me for the first time and could not for the life of me turn it. I also have had trouble with the clutch pedal. Some mechanism in the pedal snapped and now the pedal hangs low and vibrates against the clutch switch. It can shut off my cruise control if I hit a bump. I also have replaced the driver's side window regulator because the window handle broke off inside the door frame. This is the oldest new car I have ever owned.

the ford focus i brought is like driving a tank it has been in the shop more times then out first was the stero next time was something to do with the wheels next time same thing and the doors do not close sometimes i just give up never going to buy ford again.