Ford Focus Reviews

2002 Ford Focus. Ignition cylinder locked at 40K miles. Towing and replacement covered under extended warranty. Total bill was about $500. Ignition cylinder locked again at 95K miles. I drilled it out and replaced it - was not going to pay the outrageous mechanic charges. Now it's acting up again. Fed up.

I am beyond sick of the problems with my 2000 Ford Focus! I am one of the many people who have experienced the wonderful (hah!) locking ignition barrel. In May 2007 I couldn't get my key to turn in my car until literally pounding it in. The problem continued over two days, so I ended up leaving my key in the ignition and locking the car with my spare key, so as to stop the poundings. I had to take my Focus into the dealer for a different repair & was told that although this problem is common, I would have to pay at least $500 to get it fixed- with no guarantee that it wouldn't cost more if additional labor time was required. UGH!!! I decided to leave the key in. That lasted until a couple weeks ago when the spare key broke off in my door & I had to take the key from the ignition for the first time in months. Now I can either pay $500 or more for a new ignition barrel, etc. or I can get a new spare key at the dealer(because if you only have 1 key, a locksmith can't make a copy-UGH again!!!)- $65 for a spare at the dealer- Really!!! This was the first ever New car that I ever bought and I was so excited back in January 2001 when I bought it. Now, I look back at all of the $$ I've shelled out over the years & all of the recalls & can't believe it.

I, along with what seems like ten thousand other customers, was stranded in the freezing cold when my Ford Focus ignition cylinder locked up. I'm sure all of the lawyers who review these complaints have heard this one thousands of times, so I will hold the details. Suffice it to say, it is absolutely absurd -an absurd failure of justice- that Ford continues to deny this is an issue and is aided by the unwillingness of anyone to prosecute via class-action suit. I am not excited about being a part of any litigation, but this is ridiculous and this company should be held accountable. What if someone were to get stranded and be injured or killed as a result? When my cylinder locked up it was below 20 degrees outside, and without being able to turn the key you cannnot turn on your heater. What if some poor mother got stuck somewhere with children in the car? It's unreal. Someone please have the courage to file suit on our behalf, and you will have a ready support network of tens of thousands.

Wow all the same complaints about the ignition in focus's. Christmas day I was leaving a Christmas party when I went to start my car to my surprise the key wouldn't turn. I tried giggling the key to get it to work, turning the steering wheel, nothing worked. I had to get it towed the next day which cost me 65 bucks to go about 5 minutes away. Took it to a ford dealer and they told me it was the ignition that had to be replaced and it would cost me 500 bucks. I was surprised to hear that a car that is only 4 years old would have such a major problem. i kept up with regular maintenance and things like that so such a major problem came very unexpected. Luckily when my dad bought me the car from a dealer he got an extended warranty for 1,000 extra which covered the repair for the ignition so it only cost me 55 dollars to get it replaced. I warn anyone who is going to by a ford focus to either pick something else or get an extended warranty, it will come in handy when you least expect it!

I had the ignition of my Ford Focus lock me out last night. I came here simply looking for info on the problem, I never expected this! This is beyond ridiculous! This isn't just some annoying problem, it dangerous and it's happening to a car that is extremely common. I will continue to warn everyone I know about this lack of quality, safety, and most of all integrity exhibited by Ford.

I along with several other people, have a bad ignition switch in my focus. I just hit 60K miles and was told that is about a $300 repair.

The ignition key locks up, doesn't allow the key to turn.

I was at the local Wal-mart parking lot when my ignition wouldn't turn. My husband went on the internet to search if there have been others with this problem and see if they had any suggestion as to how to fix it. He found pages of people with the same complaint. The fix will probably be a new ignition but the temporary fix was to hammer the key in with a rubber mallet while turning the key. Again, it won't fix the problem but at least it'll get you home. I've also had problems with the car stalling or not being able to go above 50. It happened once on a major freeway near rush hour in Austin. This wasn't the first time it had happened. Ford wasn't any help then and it happened so infrequent and random. We pulled off & the next day it seemed to do fine. Again, I've searched the net for solutions. Found that the problem was the same for the 2000 & 2001 Focuses but they were supposed to have had it fixed by the newer models. It's has something to do with the fuel system pluggin up. Since, I've kept a good supply of fuel injection/system cleaner and gas treatments on hand and I haven't had a problem since.

Looks like I am the lastest victim of a defective ignition lock cylinder. My daughter's 2001 Ford Focus(less than 28,000 miles on it) locked up on her at a grocery store parking lot. After checking online for any info about what could be the problem, I was dismayed to read about so many others who have had the same problem. I ended up locating an automotive locksmith who was able to give me a ride to the stranded Ford. The locksmith said that she sees this problem all the time w/ Fords and Chryslers. I did not understand all of the technicalities of locking cylinders but she basically said that she could replace the defective cylinder w/ a less expensive one ($300) which she would only guarantee for the standard 3 months. She stated that they often need to be replaced (something to do w/ sidebars.) She said that she would guarantee the more expensive replacement for 1 year and stated that I shouldn't have to replace again it at all. After reading online about all the people who have had to have their cylinders replaced over and over, I decided to have the cylinder replaced w/ the more expensive one. To the tune of $480. I also asked the locksmith about hitting the key w/ a hammer as some desperate Ford Focus owners have done; she said it should be done w/ extreme caution. She stated that it can damage a pin. She stated that if the cylinder is replaced, the key will turn in the ignition but the car will not start w/ a damaged pin. I got the impression that this would require a trip to a mechanic. (Coincidentally, I also have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced as well.) Due to what appears to be Ford's lack of accountability and unresponsiveness to this obvious problem, I will not be buying a Ford in my lifetime and I doubt my daughter will either. I will also be sure to relay to my friends and co-workers the numerous problems that people on this website have had w/ the ignition lock malfunctioning.

I bought my Ford Focus ZX3 5 speed new in May 2003. It currently has 108865 miles on it. Until last week, I felt I knew the car pretty well, warts and all. I've had three problems of significance: front wheel bearings degraded, the thermostat failed and the hatchback lock latch wouldn't catch. Ford corrected these problems at their expense since the car was still under warranty at the time. Last week, 1/3/08, after completing an errand I returned to my car only to find the ignition bound tight. I twisted the wheel a few times and nothing. Baffled, I tried it again and the key turned, the car started and off we went. It had been wicked cold, so I put it off to that. The next morning, however, the ignition was locked up tight. I had never encountered this sort of problem in a car before - ever - had never even heard about it. A mystery.

My reason for writing is not a complaint but an answer for the ignition switch problem on the Ford Focus 2001. A Locksmith came to my rescue and fixed the problem. He removed a pin or part in the ignition and said that he has seen this problem a couple of times a week on his routes. Easy solution that Ford doesnt want you to know about. I havent had problems again. This was probably almost a year ago that he fixed it and my daughter never has problems starting her car anymore.

2004 Ford Focus. Week before Christmas the ignition locked, just like everyone else's story here. Friend at work has a 2000 and he has had it happen three times. This week, the altenator failed. Total bill for December 07 and January 08= 1500.00. If it keeps up like this all year, I will spend what I paid for the car in ten months. I am really sick of it, and I too hope that an attorney gets on this case and gets me back the money for the ignition at the least. You should not have to pay for a part like that. Ridiculous

I bought an '03 Ford Focus ZTS in '06-26000 miles for less than 10k, I thought i was getting a good deal! My lights die every 5 months. My key turns (so far) but recently my car starts for a few seconds then dies. When I force it (I put my foot on the gas), it starts ok but then it shakes. My car shakes for as long as I go under 50mph and pulls as if my engine was goin' to die. Everything I read online is telling me that Ford has been having issues with ignition switches & locks! I just found an article saying that people in CA have sued Ford for this issue in '06.

We are among the growing number of consumers suckered into purchasing a Ford Focus. What a waste; we originally thought this an ideal first car for a teenager. Not so big they have trouble learning to drive in it, easy to maneuver, four doors with roomy interior. Alas, that is where the compliments stop. When I bought the car from an individual, I told him my teenager would be driving it, often late at night and alone, and would he be honest about its reliability and anything wrong with it. He could stand there with a straight face and tell me it was a great car. I have learned different! We got the call like so many others that she was stranded because the ignition locked up; we have replaced the alternator twice in a year and now our mechanic who is getting rich off our little jewel tells the next thing to go will be the motor mounts.

Ignition switch locked up on my 2004 Ford Focus.

I cant turn my ket in the ignation to start my can the part looks cheep. I went online and read more than 50 complaints how many does it take for Ford to recall this Im 72 yrs old on a fixed income and cant afford this 320.00 to fix it I have had the car a couple of months and have drien it very little and now Im stuck hear at home and cant get out. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought my son a 2004 Ford Focus last year. He came home the other night and told us that the key would not turn on the ignition. I went to Ford to ask if this is a common problem and if there is a recall, they said it's very rare. Upon further investigation, I am finding it's VERY COMMON. We had to have the car towed and fixed at our own expense. Ford knows this is a problem and will not adress it. THey told me they'd fix it for 400 to 500 dollars. Luckily, I found an honest mechanic who fixed it in 10 minutes for 150.00.

My Ignition Cylinder gave out on 01/02/08 at 100,000 miles. Cost of towing and replacement estimated at $335.... we'll see. It was a fun little present Ford's Flawed Focus gave me as it was my birthday. It must've known. Current temperature while diagnosing problem.... 5 degrees.

Got a Ford Foucus. Stering wheel locked up and the key woud not turn. This was in 2004. got the lock cylander replaced. Now on New Years Day 2008 I go out to start my car up for work and the same thing happens again. This part needs to be recalled or fixed for free. There is obviously a flaw in the part & I understand this is a common problem in the ford focus.

Two weeks before Christmas I went to pick up my teenage daughter from a school dance. When I came back outside and tried to start the car, it wouldn't start. It wouldnt start because I couldnt even get the key to turn in the ignition. The steering wheel was locked, the gear shift was locked, the key was locked in place (although I could pull it back out). Nothing would move or start. So, I left it sit and had it towed the next day to the dealership. The dealership said that the Key Ignition Lock needed replaced. Come to find out, this is a common issue with the Ford Focus. That was $260 right before Christmas. Now, 2 weeks after Christmas, I have a creaking noise coming from the front of the car. I take it back to the dealership and they say the lower left control arm is broken and once they replace that, they can check to see if anything else needs repaired on the suspension. That will be another $360 please. I am a single mom of two; one teenager and one 4 year old. This is just not in my budget, obviously!! A 2003 Ford Focus with only 32,500 miles on it should not be having these kinds of problems!

My daughter has a 2001 Ford Focus.The key will not turn in the ignition. This is the third time that this has happen. Yes just like the rest of the people that own a Focus she will have to pay a fortune to get it fix again! I hope a attorney gets going on this problem real soon. I think this is a real hazard besides being costly.

I have an '03 Ford Focus with about 90k miles. Haven't had many problems but just two days ago the ignition lock cylinder locked up. I spent $15 for one of those on-line shell answer men and he told me it was the ignition lock cylinder. I spent two days on-line looking for solutions with no success. At last I realized I was stuck with a minimum $120 towing bill on top of a $375 repair bill, all this only several days after Xmas (no sympathy expected but cash flow reality). Fortuitous as it was, my original tow schedule was canceled because the locked up ignition also locked up the transmission and steering column. Unexpected consequences, the dispatcher of the tow truck told me they stick the key in the locked up ignition cylinder, tap it lightly with a hammer or something else, turn it back then forward and the key should rotate out of the locked position. I did this and it worked the first time. Saved me a $495 bill.

Have a '04 Ford Focus with 66k miles. stopped to fill up the gas tank on my way into work. got back in the car and couldn't get the key to turn. had to have car towed to shop, looks like it's going to cost about $425 including the tow. Was 3 hours late to work. I had never heard of this issue with the ignition switch until today...I though i had bought a good economy car...guess i was wrong. Hearing that people are having to replace this part multiple times is encourging me to trade in my car. i had been looking at the Ford Edge but after my experience today and reading about other experiences i'll be shopping someplace else!!!

well i was in the middle of noware in last summer i was taking my kids to swim that day,got there ok windows were down and like i said i was five miles from a main rd,turned car off,after done swimming with the kids went to get back into car to start it and it was locked up i had to replace the ignition swicth but worce of all i had to walk five miles to a phone to call tripple aaa,the guy on the phone from tripple aaa told me he had alot of calls from people with ford focus,he told me to call for to check if it is a recall,wicth should be on the warrenty it says it covers all electricall parts up to 100,000 thousend miles and my car only had 40thousand miles on it,plus the rear lacth for the trunk is broke,took it back to get it fixed three times door handels break like crazy and ford does not want to stand by there car because it is junk i dont recomend anybody to buy a ford focus at all

I can put the key into my ignition but it will not turn. I'm surprised this has happened to soo many people and Ford has not announced a recall or offered to fix the problem.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus that the ignition switch has locked up on. My daughter drove it to a friends house and when she came out to leave the ignition was locked, you can't turn the steering wheel or move the transmission. I went and talked to the local Ford dealer. The service manager told me that was a common problem on the Focus. After a fifty dollar tow bill the dealer tells me it will cost three to four hundred dollars to fix. I see numerous complaints on the Ford Focus ignition locking up, seems to be a serious problem but apparently Ford is unwilling to fix the problem. Count me in if there is a class action suit!

I own a 2001 ford focus and it has been a peice of junk ever since we bought it now with a little over 100000 miles on it the engine has had a comeapart and we can,t find a used engine because it seems to be happening to a lot of focuses.The bad thing is my wife traded a perfectly good Toyoto for it.how stupid

I Own a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS with 100k, It's been a reliable car up until now, I've been experiencing engine sputtering,stalling, The gauges go erratic with the yellow exclamation point ! lighting up, causing me to pull over & dieing on the side of the road, I go to start it up again, & it just dies. Now my transmission is slipping in every gear because of this problem. I have all the receipts & the transmission has been properly serviced all it's life. I checked the fluid last oil change & It was bright red, now it is burnt (black) with clutch material. Now I have to shell out $$$ for a new tranny, thanks ford

I am the owner of a 2003 Ford Focus. On December 14, 2007, I was preparing to leave town on a trip to see a friend for an early Christmas get-together. I had several days worth of clothing and the holiday gifts packed in the car. My last stop before leaving on the 2 1/2 hour drive was to gas up. Much to my dismay, after filling up the tank, I discovered that the key would not turn in my ignition. To make a long story short, I had to have the car towed, rent a vehicle for the trip, and have a new ignition cylinder installed. The entire episode cost me $600.00. The tow truck driver told me that this is a common defect with the Focus, as I have subsequently discovered by reading online complaints.

Yesterday we arrived at the sence of my 17 year old car accident. While attempting to shift down to slow down on a sharp curve my sons, ford focus 2002 se 4dr lost power as the engine died. The music turned off and came on but the engine refused to turn over not only did he lose his power steering but he also lost his brakes. As for the car it was totaled as he slammed in to the embank at 50 miles an hour. Luckly for us All 4 kids are not hurt just mild whip lash and bump and brusing. We were told by the police officer to make a complaint to the ford focus company.

I returned home from work on 12/16/07 and had to go out again to find the steering wheel of my 2004 Ford Focus locked. I tried repeatedly to unlock the steering wheel but the ignition key would not turn.

I was preparing to leave work when I discovered I could not turn the key in the lock. The key would insert, but the steering wheel would not turn. I called my insurance company and Ford service for advice, but nothing worked. I am preparing to have my vehicle towed and to spend nearly $500 dollars to repair the same thing that many of you online have reported-- a vehicle with approx. 30,000 miles, inoperable due to a defective part. I was hoping to walk out to the car the next day and find that it was just a bad dream, but no luck on that!! I, too, believe Ford should listen to its customers and stand behind its product.

My daughter who is 17-years-old wanted a newer car. I let her shop and find a car that she could afford the payments on and would be reliable for a few years (at least until she pays it off). She found this Ford Focus and was very excited. I was a fool and trusted that Ford would make a good product. WRONG!!! BIG MISTAKE!!! I helped my daughter through the paperwork and opted not to buy the extended (very expensive) warranty. The warranty was $3000 extra for only a year. Who would imagine that one could have that many problems in a year. It has now been three months and I will never buy another Ford product as long as I live and neither will my family and most of my friends. The first problem was the rear passanger window. It will not roll up. She uses a pencil to keep it up. Great for the security system. I guess that is not a big deal because we can just have the window put up permanently for a minimal charge. The big trouble started on a Sunday night when my daughter closed the restraunt she works at and went out to the parking lot alone at 10:30 at night. The key would not go into the ignition. Luckily she had a cell phone because she works on the outskirts of town. She had to leave her car there. I wish someone would have stolen it that night. (Remember the window doesn't roll up and is only held up by a pencil.) Her boyfriend brought her home and she was in tears. I looked up Ford Focus ignition on Google and discovered that this is a very common problem with these cars and that Ford won't do a thing about it because it is not a safety issue. This is a safety issue. For example if my daughter did not have access to a phone that night, or if someone was stranded with a small child in the middle of nowhere in the dead of summer. I think that when a vehicle has a recurring problem no matter what it is the manufacturer should fix it. I will tell everyone I know this story and post it everywhere I can on the internet. DON'T BUY FORD, they DO NOT back their products.

Like most other owners, my 2003 Ford Focus had the ignition locke up on it. I just had it towed to a repairman to get it fixed.

The ignition cylindar on my 2000 Ford Focus, which has only 51,000 miles on it, had to be replaced about a week ago. Two days later the air bag light turned on all the time. Two days after that, as I was driving, I heard a loud pop in the steering wheel--I'm guessing the air bag partially deployed. It is currently at the repair shop.

I purchased a 2004 Ford Focus for my daughter with my tax return money to help her get a car since she is a student and is very limited in her income. But this car is a piece of crap! The ignition locked up and we had to have it fixed twice. Ford better request a recall, because if anything happens to my daughter because she is left stranded due to faulty parts and something as stupid as a locked ignition. I will sue them. I don't want my daughter stranded and become a target for crime because Ford refuses to acknowledge a locked ignition problem, after we see numberous, hundreds of people complaining about the same thing. This is not coincidence! Oh, and not to mention the other problems with the car with multiple trips to the mechanics.

Ford Focus ignition problem, same case as other people

The ignition on my 2003 Ford Focus locked up and cost me $304.78 to replace. There goes the rest of my Christmas shopping!

My 2000 Ford Focus started having problems with the key. It would stick and I could not get it out. I finally sprayed it with WD 40 and it helped. Also my ignition started failing. Sometimes I would have to turn the key 10 times to get the engine to turn on. Seems like this is a common problem for all 2000 Ford Focus. Question, is this problem related just to the 2000 model or does it continue into the later models?

My 2003 Ford Focus is a Lemon! I am having transimission problems that will not go away after several repairs, I am having some sort of electrical problem with the lights and the locks and most recently my ignition is locked and my car won't start.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus SE and today my ignition locked itself out of nowhere. I never had a problem with my steering wheel locking before. I was leaving the gym with my boyfriend when my car wouldn't let my car key turn on the ignition. I had to call AAA to get my car towed on a Saturday near my car repair shop which was closed and I have to wait until Monday to get my mechanic to look at it. I am a full-time student that doesn't have much money to begin with and need my car to work and commute from city to city. I am worried that I may have problems going to and from the very distant places that I need to get to with the ignition locking. I am on financial aid and student loans and cannot afford to put money into this defect. Ford should no doubt take responsibility for this very common problem. If I can't rely on my car, I can't work therefore cannot generate income. Please, please, please consider a class action suit against the Ford Motor Company and I will gladly contribute. I do have class action attorneys that I know and have worked with that I will contact about this very problem.

My 2001 Ford Focus ignition locked up today...Praises that I was at home and didn't have to be anywhere, however, paying to get it fixed along with a tow doesn't sit well with me. Ford is quite aware of this problem and refuses to issue a recall. They will get an earfull from me Monday morning. Hey, I'll make sure bad publicity costs them just as much as a recall would. Make sure you post everywhere you can and let Ford know that we will not stand for this. We thought we did a good thing by buying American to support our economy but got the cheapest parts and most expensive labor. I say God Bless America, but I'm buying a Honda next time!

I along with many other customers have been held liable for a faulty part provided by Ford Motor Company. The ignition tumbler/module was admittedly faulty and was replaced by a better part that Ford currently invests in for its Focus modules. I called Ford corporate office and was told that Ford will not take responsibility for its actions to its customer base. I was told that the part is considered a usual wear and tear item and is not covered under warranty. I have yet to find any other auto manufacturer that has this problem with its vehicles. I have also read numerous complaints filled with consumer affairs and other websites concerning the same issue.The tumbler ignition /module is poorly documented in repair manuals, hard to obtain, and extremely expensive relative to its original production cost. I researched a life expectancy of ignition parts and found that there is no set life expectancy. I did, however, find a blog that stated electronic ignition parts should last up to 100,000 miles as a minimum standard. How is the consumer supposed to hedge themselves against property damage that is not considered an industry standard defect? Ford's number one argument is that the part has not been recalled because it posses no immediate safety issue. Is it not a safety issue of the customer if the vehicle is rendered acutely un-operable in a life threatening situation? I'm sure business insurance companies would be afraid of liability and damage claims as a result of Ford's negligence to hold the original whole sales parts manufacturer at fault to its customers dissatisfaction. Would you buy a vehicle from a company that practices unethical business behavior?

The Ford Focus Ignition switch problem will not go away. Today is Dec 7 and this will be the 3rd Ignition switch installed in my 2001 Ford Focus.

I have a 2004 Ford Focus with 67,000 miles on it. My ignition switch has locked down. It looks like this has been an ongoing problem with the focus line for years.

The Ignition Lock Failed was not able to unlock the Steering Lock. Happened at car wash ! When I calles AAA - I was told that the FORD FOCUS is famous for this !! Also hundreds of other people have same experience, yet FORD will not do anything about it -

The 2003 Ford Focus I own has a problem with the ignition. My wife was stranded at the store on one time & was unable to make it to work another. I had to stay home from work to get her car fixed.

The night before Thanksgiving I stopped at a store before going home. When I came out to start my 2003 Ford Focus (30,000 miles), the ignition was locked up. Couldn' start the car, move the steering wheel or change gears. The manager of the store told me the car would be fine overnight. The next morning I showed up to find my car had been towed. It cost 120.00 to get it back, another 50.00 to tow to dealership and 400.00 to fix the ignition cylinder. I googled and discovered that this is a defective part and that Ford is very aware of the problem. I would like to be part of any class action suit to try and recover the money I spent on Ford's mistake. As a single mom with limited resources, this feels like being cheated by a company that I had trusted.

I have a 2004 Ford Focus with 31,000 miles on it. My ignition switch has locked down. It looks like this has been an ongoing problem with the focus line for years.

Ford Focus ZX3 2001. Ignition won't turn. Day before thanksgiving stopped to get gas in an area that I have been told is bad (muggings, robbery etc) went to start car and the key wont turn. Locksmith said it is the Ignition Lock Cylinder. Had to replace. Thousands of complaints on this and no resolution from Ford. I am original owner. Is there a class action in NY I can join?

My 2003 Ford Focus 2003 hasn't caused me too many expenses, yet, knock on wood. I did replace 2nd alternator at 30,000 miles for $500. Luckily, first one was still under warranty. I came to this site to read about the ignition switch sticking. My did so today, but I put my foot out the door and gently rocked the car forward and backword. This unlocked the ignition switch. Thank Goodness!!! In the meantime, I'm going to spray WD-40 and hope that fixes it. I'm really concerned after reading all of these messages. Paid $8500 cash for car in December of 2004. Have spent $500 total thus far so I guess I've been lucky. Transmission sometimes sticks but the car is only driven by my wife to work, church, or her mom's for 4,500/miles total per year. Hopefully will last another 2-3 years and then were getting a Hybrid.

Like everyone else, I got in my Focus, put the key in the ignition and it would not turn. This was on a Sunday and I was starting a new job the next morning. I ended up paying $89.79 for a rental car in addition to $155 to a locksmith who installed a new ignition switch. The locksmith says that thanks to Ford, he's been keeping very busy and cannot believe that there has not been a recall.

The ignition switch on my 2003 Ford Focus failed when the car is only 5 years old.

I had to pay $200.00 to have my ignition replaced on my Ford Focus 2003. I really think if there are so many people having the same problem Ford should stand by it.

My 2005 Ford Focus has had issues with the door latches becoming rusted out and making it so the doors do not latch properly. I had the first door fixed on 10/1/07 and was charged $155 for the repair. At the time I questioned that it should be covered by the company because in a 2 year old vehicle, it is obviously a defective part. I was told that it is not covered and that it is a common problem with this vehicle but there was nothing that could be done about the charge.

Key ignition barrel replaced twice due to locking up. Fuel pump replaced because car was stalling on turns. Trunk lock replaced because truck wouldn't close. Radiator housing replaced due to coolant leaks causing overheating. Front ball bearings replaced after causing problems with the elbow joint which would result in the wheel falling off. Now driving home my A/C quit, headlamps shut off and the heat stopped simultaneously while I was driving in the dark, wipers came on and power returned to all components briefly before shutting off permanently.

I have a 2002 Ford Focus and the ignition has locked up twice in 3 years. The key will not turn and we have been stranded and towed both times. It has been almost $400 to fix each time. Ford needs to start taking responsibility for their substandard product. We should ALL come together for a class action law suit and show them that this is unacceptable.

I have a 2000 Ford Focus that has 116,000 mi. on it and its had its share of problems since i have. I bought it used with 30,000 mi. on it. I since have had problems with the engine idling rough which it still does because i don't have the money to get it fixed at a garage and from the sound of some other people this is a pretty common problem.

Bad ignition switch; key won't turn to start. Repairman to my garage twice to try and remove the switch with no luck. So far I don't have a cost yet, but I'm sure it won't be cheap

Purchased a pre-owned 2002 Ford Focus in Feb 2005. The vehicle was supposed to be a Certified Used Vehicle. Took the vehicle back in to dealership less than one month after owning vehicle and service adviser told us that we needed to have new tires and brakes. We finally got them to fix this at their expense, seeing as how the vehicle was supposed to meet certain criteria to be certified used. Since we have owned this vehicle we have had to have this car in the shop repeatedly for various problems with the car(bad sway bar links, egr tube and various noises that the car made while driving it).

I had a problem with my ignition switch. I towed my car to the dealership on Friday at 12 pm,the car was done partially after i yelled at the manager at 3pm in Saturday!!!. They only started doing my car Saturday Morning!!!

2000 ford focus we bought new, all problems: o2 sensor, front axle engine dies, stereo shuts off by itself, engine dies in street traffic and on highway ignition switch stuck. Ford Focus is a Death Trap and American Garbage why is there not a class action lawsuit against Ford.

I purchased a Ford Focus about 10 weeks ago. The car was a 2005 and it had about 50,000 miles when I bought it. The day after purchase I noticed that there was a drip inside the car over the gas peddle. While checking that out I discovered that the gear shift was black taped together.

I own a 2000 Ford Focus LE with 80,000 miles approx. My wife drives the car, one morning she simply placed the key into the ingnition and it would not turn. I have never heard of such a problem with any car. I searched the internet and found just not this site reporting the problem. But, many others with the same issue. I called Ford and they refuse to acknowledged this as a recall issue. I refuse to pay $500 for a defective part from the manufacturer.

I am also having continuing problems with my 2001 Ford Focus. It started back in 09-21-2004. While leaving work one day,I tried to turn my key it wouldn't give in any direction. I have been stranded several times with this same problem. I had the ignition replaced which costed $430.00 plus towing fees of $35.00 dollars. I learned my key would get worn out to the point that it would cause my ignition to break. If you catch this problem before your key breaks the ignition you wont have to get it replaced (so I think). So that was about 80.00 dollars to reprogram my key every time. (walmart doesn't have the ability to copy it) I have now replaced my key about three times now. It's a very inconvenient problem to have and very expensive for the years that I have owned the car. It is now 10-29-07. Now here I am about to replace the ignition again and all I wanted was not have to pay out of pocket again. I know it's not a guarantee it wont break again.

The ignition on my 2001 Ford Focus locked up and will NOT turn. I went to a Wal-Mart today (10/28/07) that's about 7 miles from my house and when I came out, I went into my car, put the key into the ignition and the ignition just would not turn. I tried moving the wheel from side to side while attempting to turn the ignition key but it did not work.

my daughter took her 2000 ford focus to ford for a battery problem. they installed a new alternator and with labor charged her $502.16. I checked at our local ford dealer. Labor should have been 1/2 and they should have use a rebuilt alternator. Total cost, 302.72.

Both my 2001 Chrysler Sebring LXi Converetible and my 2001 Ford Focus have had ignition switches that locked up/broke after I shut the car off and the key would not turn. Both had to be towed and repaired to the cost of approximately $300.

Have a 2003 Ford Focus. Ignition is frozen. Cannot believe what a common problem this is. No wonder everyone's buying foreign these days.

I recently purchased a used 2001 Ford Focus and have experienced difficultly in getting the ignition key to insert. After reading all the complaints here, I wish I had not bought this car. All Focus owners should send a complaint to the National Highway Transportation Adm. and report this as av ehicle defect (http//www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/)

2000 Focus Wagon (115,000) 10/25/07 Replaced the ignition switch (368.00). I knew it was coming. This summer while picking up my oldest child at camp I couldn't get the key to even go in to the ignition. Luckily I had rolled the windows down in the car. I had my three year old as well as my new born with me. I called the dealership (which I try to avoid at all costs) and the man in the repair center told me get a hammer or something and just bang your key in the ignition. I did what he said and was able to get all of us home and out of the heat.

I bought my 2003 Ford Focus Wagon brand new in October 2003. Within less then a year after I bought it, the brakes started squealing really bad. Every time I take the car in to the Ford dealership to get the oil changed, I ask them to check the brakes because they make such a terrible noise of squealing and gringing. Each time I am told that is normal due to the type of brakes on the car.

I have 5 Ford Focus's for a small business range from 2003 -2005. With in the last week 3 of them - the ignition key froze up. it would not turn. I had the Ford Dealer fix the problem. I asked them if this has been a problem with the Focus, they said no, yeh......

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Bought a new Focus in April 2006. Car has right at 21,000 miles and it needs it's THIRD alternator. First one was changed at 5,000 miles, problem solved? Nope, now it needs another one. Took it in for service for a readily available part. Two hours later I was notified Ted to come pick up car that the alternator could not be located from Miami to Tampa, no dealers or parts supply houses had this readily available. Two hours of my time wasted. Part was special ordered on 10/01/07. That was over two weeks ago. Car is still awaiting part, car runs but I'm afraid to drive it in fear of the alternator totally going out completely. It just has a high pitched bearing whine right now.

I bought a 2002 ford escape NEW in 2002, it has been a lemon since day 3, the windshield has been replaced 3 times (it splits where the defroster blows on it), the exhaust manifold back has been replaced 4 times, the pto 4 wheel drive unit poured fluid needed rebuilt, the front brakes & rotors are junk, been replaced, the sun roof movement parts exploded & fell onto me (needed replaced) , the engine BLEW up @ 68,000 miles, replaced with a bad engine, replaced after 300 miles, replaced with another engine that left me stranded in Oregon (I live in Ca), waiting for extended warranty to replace it AGAIN, been into Ford for several recalls, I used to be a ford Guy, NEVER AGAIN! WHAT A HUNK OF JUNK!

On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, My vehicle, a 2002 Ford Focus, V.I.N. 1FAFP38372W147007, became disabled on a major state parkway during operation. I was en route to work accelerating at a speed of 48-50 miles per hour. There was a sudden, piercing, grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. As I attempted to slow down, the rear of the vehicle began to sway out of control. Just as I managed to slow down and pull over to the curb driving at a speed of 5-10 miles per hour, the rear passenger's side wheel and drum actually broke off the spindle and spun onto oncoming traffic. The rear suspension actually dropped to the street. Luckily, no one was injured and there was no further property damage.

I bought my 2000 ford focus used in 2003. Since I've had it I have had 2 recalls on it and 2 other problems that I have had to fix that are not recalls but should be. I had to have things replaced in which the mechanic and ford dealership has told me several other ford focuses have had the same problem, but there's no recall. I have put way too much money into this car than it is worth. And, now, it has overheated on me twice and this last time it will not start. I am never buying a ford again.

Product: Ford Focus 2003 The ignition cylinder has stopped working, so now the key cannot even turn to start the car. The key can be inserted, but not turned. It has become progressively worse over the past week or two, and now it seems permanently stuck. This is a terrible situation, and luckily I'm at home, and not stranded someplace. I tried to get it to turn for nearly 2 hours now with no luck. I've read that thousands of Ford Focus customers are having similar problems with their ignition cylinders (key cannot turn), and that Ford has done nothing. Ford should do something about the substandard ignition cylinder parts they've used in these cars. They owe Ford Focus owners new, and better made, ignition cylinders so we don't get stranded someday!

Wow I cannot believe how many people have had the same problem I have had with our 2000 focus. My ignition failed to start on my way to the airport for our summer vacation. Thanks to some awesome friends we made our 5am flight with just seconds to spare. Had the ignition fixed upon our return (85k miles on car). Then 80 days later my ignition went out again! This time I could not turn the car off! Again this was after picking up my Mom in law at the airport! I think i will stay away from the airport with this car from now on! Thankfully the first repair still had ten days left on its warranty and Midas fixed it for free :) Love you Midas! Needless to say I am extremely unhappy and will never in my life buy another ford again! We are trading this in before the ignition goes out again.

I've had numerous problems with my 2001 Ford Focus SE Wagon (85k miles). For a very long time I had problems with it stalling out while driving on the highway-a very dangerous situation to be in on the beltway around Washington DC. My wife was returning from the dealership after they had worked on the car for this issue and it stalled out on a multi-lane highway.

Like many Ford Focus owners, I'm fed up with the many known problems with the ford focus from the coolant system to the ac/heater issues. I've had to replace the transmission, thermostat housing, coolant system, radio knob (actually melted) on my 2001 Ford Focus and now I have to add a key ignition switch to the list.

2003 Ford Focus - Ignition Lock problem. Totally locked up on me. $300 plus later, dealer gave me the sucker grin as I walked out with an empty wallet. Ford customer service people were no help at all and actually hung up on me when I suggested a recall for the ignition switch problem. The first girl told me they had no control over what their dealers charge. MY only recourse was to let Ford know that I WAS considering a Fusion for the wife but after this problem with the Focus, no way am I looking at another FORD product. I wonder how they can afford to ignore their field problems and keep any kind of customer base. This conspiracy with their dealers is just WRONG!

For the third time since I had my 2001 Ford Focus, I had to have the ignition cylinder replaced again. This is a part that should never break. The first time this happened was on 2/21/03. Luckily it was under warranty. The second time, September 12, 2005 I was stranded at a grocery store. I had to get someone else to drive my son to school. I paid $328.28 for this repair. On August 23, 2007, this happened again. I was out of town on business and my mother had to take my car in for repair. The charged her $445.95 for this repair. g

2001 Ford focus 61000 miles. ignition switch locked up, i'm stranded, cant pick up my kids in time at daycare

I have had my 2001 Ford Focus for less than 2 and 1/2 years, and up until now it has been a pretty good car, with the exception of the brakes wearing extremely quickly. Yesterday, while getting on the interstate, with no prior warning, the car just turned off. It doesn't even have 60,000 miles on it. My husband and I were stranded on the interstate in rural South Carolina, 50 miles from home. Luckily this situation did not occur in heavy traffic. The consequences may have been deadly. We are new to the state, so we don't know anyone to help us out. We had to wait an hour and a half for a tow truck, pay $200 to get it towed to a repair shop, and found out today that they can't figure out what's wrong. This resulted in a $60 tow to a dealership, where it is going to cost $90 for the car to be looked at. Including the $20 to have it looked at by the repair shop, we have spent nearly $400, and still do not have a working vehicle. Originally from metro Detroit, and with relatives working in the auto industry, I had bought into the Buy American thing. I can honestly say that my next car will be Japanese.

My 2000 Ford focus has had many problems, 1st is the fuel pump died on a trip to Massachusetts, it died in Morgantown, WV. No dealers around the area could get it in for a week, so we ended up having family tow the car to Mass. from WV because the dealer there could do it, and luckily this WAS a recall, that we never knew about though.

I own a 2003 Ford Focus SE Wagon. It has 45,000 miles on it, and so far I have had to replace the ignition, all four tires, brakes, and now the alternator. Obviously this has cost me a large chunk of money, and the car isn't even paid off! SOMEONE NEEDS TO START A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD--it looks like the ignition problem would be a good place to start!

same problem as many other consumers. my ignition key goes in but will not turn. take it in and out several time and in will turn on like nothing is wrong with it. i have a small child and i worry where i will be stuck when it finally goes out; if i don't find a solution first. hey ford; how about a recall. or should we be complaining about the bbb for not having a recall! i don't think ford is the blame for the recall; just the junk switch. has anyone tried bypassing the key with some type of switch

We live in Georgia and purchased a 2006 Pre-owned Ford Focus a month ago for our daughter to take to school with her in Louisiana. We got a call from her saying that she could not get her key out of the ignition. The key is able to turn and the car still runs, and can turn off and on. We immediately searched online for a solution to her problem only to find that this is a common and recurring problem with the Ford Focus and it is not covered under warranty. The only comfort we have being so far away from her with this problem is that it happened while she was on campus. What can we do to have a recall of the Focus for this ignition problem?

2000 ford focus ignition key will not turn.

I owned a 2005 Ford Focus Station Wagon and had a rear end collision while stopped at a light. As a result of the poor seat construction, my lumbar spine was wedged in the gap between the seat cushion and the back cushion during the impact. At the time, I had the seat lowered for comfort. Unfortunately, as you lower the seat, you also create a gap between the seat cushion and the back cushion, exposing the lumbar spine to that gap. This is where my lower spine was wedged as a result of the rear-end collision.

I have a 2005 ford focus with 46000 miles on it. this morning 09/27/2007 when park the car at work, i could not take out the key. went to google and saw soo many people have similar problem that unheard of from other cars.

2004 Ford Focus ignition. Steering wheel locked solid,you could insert the key, but it wouldn't unlock the st/wheel. Went home and picked up my spare key to try it,but it didn't work either.If this is a recurring problem, then Ford should paying for our costs.

We have purchased several Ford Focus vehicles to sell at our used car lot. Every one of them has the ignition problem that over 500 people have already complained about on this site. The key gets stuck and/or will not turn. There should definately be a recall on this. The cars are generally great, other than this and the stock radios that NEVER work!

the ignition for our ford focus has locked up. we have had our car half way in the garage and half out for a week or more we havent had the money to fix it so we have to live in fear ever night that some one mite still our things out of our garage this is not a new problem i have always went with ford and have a f-150 and after i pay it of i am thinking of chevy right about know.

Key and the ignition was giving us problems for several months and had a new key made but made no differance. Finally had to have a new ignition that they had to drill out old one to repair. Total repair cost was $ 397.55. My car salesman said to keep an eye out because this was about the 20th Ford Focus customer that has had that problem. thank you.

My key won't turn once placed in the ignition. I was stranded at a gas station at night, and a mentally ill man came up to me asking for a ride. I struggled with the key and steering wheel for 20 minutes scared for my life.

My 2001 Ford Focus was towed to this dealership with a faulty ignition lock. Mahwah Ford gave me an estimate of $860 which I felt was suspicious. I had checked on the internet and found this to be a rather common problem for which Ford had issued a service bulletin and repair kit. I called another Ford dealer who was familiar with the problem and quoted me $250--less than one third the price quoted by Mahwah Ford. I called Mahwah Ford and talked to a service supervisor who said that they could 'try' to repair it for less--leaving me with the impression that the bill would likely still be very high. I paid to have the towed to the other dealer who quoted $250. The car was repaired correctly and on time. To add insult to my towing expense, Mahwah Ford charged me $40, admitting that they did not touch the car. The $40 was apparently the standard charge when a car is brought in, regardless of whether or not any work is done on it. So, I paid $40 for an estimate that was more than 3 times the going rate and a tow charge to boot. I would not recommend patronizing Mahwah Ford under any circumstance.

One day the key would not turn in the ignition of my 2003 Ford Focus. I have read several examples of this exact same problem and believe Ford should initiate a recall and offer reimbursement to those of use who have had to pay several hundred dollars to correct a problem that is very rare in other types of cars.

i was going to bojangles about 4 weeks ago i get in my car and tried to start my ignition up, but my key wouldn't turn,the brakes,and my steering wheel had locked up. I was so upset.I called the ford place and they say they cant send anyone out to fix until a week or. So i called again and their office was closed.My car has just been sitting at the end of my three car drive way, and i have been stuck in the house. What should i do?

i have a 2003 focus and my ignition switch is sticking. i guess i'm lucky. replacement at our local ford dealer is only around $230. and mine hasn't completly gone out yet. you can fool with it for 10-15 min and it finally turns. my bigger problem will be when i go to replace it. i had a viper alarm/remote start installed and i don't know how that will affect me with the new switch.

Ford Focus wagon first model year 2000. This past January the wheel bearings failed while my husband was driving on a major highway. He managed to get off the road safely but others have not been so lucky. This should have been a recall. Cost us thousands to repair and tow the car.

Brought my 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 to my local dealer due to allot of valve ticking from #1 or #2 cylinder. They had my car for 1 month total, when I went to pick it up it had been damaged. They initially tried to blame the damage on me, but eventually fixed the damage. After having my car back for 3 days, it was clear something was VERY wrong. The valve ticking was still there but now there was all kinds of spark knock (detonation)as if there was a timing issue. The service manager said this is normal for this car, I insist it's not normal at all, he promptly threatens to have me removed from the property ! Wanting to avoid conflict, I call Ford Customer Service, they tell me that some detonation and valve ticking is normal for this car according to the technical hotline. Still in a state of disbelief, I decide to take the car to a different Ford Dealer. They tell me,and I quote their service manager :Ford is telling us that if the customer can't hear the noise with the hood shut and the windows shut it's not an issue, end quote. Woody Anderson had my car for an additional week and claim that based on the previous quote there is nothing we can do for you. Keep in mind these dealers have had my car for 5 weeks, my wife and I were without our car, we had to shell out money for a rental, I lost LOTS of time from work, and it's still not right ! Unbelievable !

Ford Focus product was definitely a falling apart junk. Ford Focus 2000 had major mechanical repairs done transmission blew up, EGR valve broke off engine, ignition went out twice and rubber mounts on engine mounts rotten off.

We purchased our daughter a 2001 Ford Focus LX in 2005. A few months ago she started having trouble with the key not turning the ignition on. There seems to be a lot of people experiencing the same problem. How do we go about getting a recall for this problem?

The ignition stopped working for the second time. As it is not under their 12 month warranty, the told me I was out of luck. I explained to the rep as it has happen previously (which they verified with the car vin #), that it was obviously a defect in their product. I asked, how can they expect me to repurchase the same defective product again. They said I had no other alternative. The quote I got from Ford Service was $375.00 plus labor and towing. (No ignition, no starting the car.) So.., I called the So Cal Auto Club. They stated that I could have a automotive locksmith over in an hour and fix it on sight. According to the tech, he fixed one just yesterday, and has fixed quite a few previously. Oh, it cost me a total of $232.00 (no tow and no wait). In reviewing the internet for recalls, I saw numerous complaints about the same problem. This was our third and final purchase of a Ford vehicle. They lost a customer because they were unable to take responsibility and accountability for selling and replacing a defective product. Thanks for listening.

I am another Ford Focus owner that is having problems with the ignition not turning. I had the EGR tube (which is a common problem with the Focus) replaced for $150 on Thursday and then on Saturday I came out of a house where I was dropping something off and the key wouldn't turn. The husband of the house (a stranger) spent an hour trying to figure it out. I think he got mad and just hit it, and it started. So now I am driving my hitting my key every time I need to start the car. I am sure this won't work for long, and plan to try the WD-40 trick. I sent a nasty-gram to Ford a few minutes ago, so maybe that will help. I have always like Fords and hate that it has to be this way.

My girlfriend bought a 'new' Ford Focus in 2002, it has gone through 4 different 4 wheel alignments and still eats tires a 60,000 mile treadwear tire last about 20 to 25,000 no matter how often we rotate. The starter went out at 50,000 miles so new a parts store didn't even have out yet had to go through a dealer over $300.00, and it was not covered by warranty. The transmission went out at 36,500, you got it 500 over warranty not covered $2500.00. Now it is in the shop at this moment the alternator shorted out and fried the battery let myself, girlfriend and 2 of her daughters stranded on a country road 2 miles front home in the middle of the night.

I own a 2001 Ford Focus. I have replaced the ignition twice because my key did not turn. It was VERY costly since there is a computer chip, or so i was told. It now seems that my car did not need a tune up but something is wrong with it because it sputters and dies. I was told there is a recall on the fuel pump which I am now researching.

I own a 2001 Ford Focus. I have replaced the ignition twice because my key did not turn. It was VERY costly since there is a computer chip, or so i was told. It now seems that my car did not need a tune up but something is wrong with it because it sputters and dies. I was told there is a recall on the fuel pump which I am now researching.

I have had numerous problems with my ford focus 2001. From the wiring to numerous flat tires due to the alignment being out of balance and now my engine is out. Have they had a recall on this model yet? I had the car worked on in May, June, and now having to replace a engine is truly hardship on my life.

The ignition would not work this morning. I went to put in the key, and it just wouldn't move forward or backward. I tried gently jiggling it but that didn't work, nothing worked. I went online and see that I'm not alone but that there aren't very many options for me. I can't afford to pay for a new ignition.

I was suppose to make a fast trip to the Dollar Store to get laundry soap and dish soap then back home to do my work. I got in my car and couldn't get the car to turn over. I called the Ford garage where we had just bough it one month ago. It was towed there and fixed for $300.00. Why has Ford not recalled this. I called and they told me to have other people who are having this problem call them, they said they didn't know it was a problem!

The transmission on my 2003 Ford Focus suddenly quit working on August 14, 2007. I took it to a transmission shop and the technicians there told me that it was skipping 2nd and 3rd gear and the overdrive was gone also (it's an automatic transmission). The car only had 53,000 miles on it at the time, which seems to be too soon for a transmission to go out. I've owned other cars that I've driven for more than 100,000 miles without replacing the transmission. The guy at the transmission shop said that there seems to be a problem with Focuses losing their transmissions too soon -- it has happened to a friend of mine also who has a 2002 Focus with about 60,000 miles on it. When I asked a dealer about a recall or technical bulletin, they said there are no known problems with Focus transmissions. I find that hard to believe.

My fianc bought a 2007 Ford Focus SES September 2006. Things were fine till the weather started getting warmer. We noticed that the dash was very sticky after being in the sun, along with most of the plastic parts in the passenger compartment. We took it into the service dept and they couldnt find anything wrong. My fianc tried to complain to a manager, and was told that she would receive a call. She never did. She called the sales person that sold us the car and she contacted the service dept for us. My fianc took the car in yesterday and was given another Focus to drive. The dash was just as sticky after sitting in the sun on the loaner car as hers would get. She asked the service man to come look at it and compare the two, and he said that there was definitely something wrong. Today, my fiance was told that this is a problem that Ford knows about, but nothing will be done. Also, they have made the 2008 dashboards the same way.

My 2000 Ford Focus ignition lock is jammed. I had to call a tow truck and the driver used a hammer and struck the key a few times and the key finally went into the lock. When i got home i tried to do the same to start the car and it didn't work. I called the dealer and he said it would cost between 2 and 3 hundred to repair the lock. I noticed that a lot of complaints were filed on line for this problem.

I have a 2003 Ford focus bought new and have muliple issues. Priority wise,the ignition key gets stuck and won't allow rotatation thereby not being able to power up or start engine. It is as though the wrong key is being used to start vehicle. The dealer said not covered by extended warrenty, also at time of sale said to cover bumper to bumper! The cost of replacment tumbler is close to $300.00. I have owned many cars, but this is the first time I had to replace the ignition tumbler! Also the fenders have all loosened due to the plastic fasteners. The vehicle rattles terribly! The fasteners do not tighted, and need to replace. There is also the smell of anti-freese when the air conditioner is on!

I bought a 2000 Ford Focus in 2000. Within the first few years the ignition went. I couldn't get the key to turn. It happened in my driveway, Ford paid for half of it the first time. Then just this week it happened again. This time I had to pay for towing and $290.00 to get it fixed. This is crazy twice in seven years the ignition goes. Is this a normal thing.

I bought a used 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 last July. It only had 17,000 miles on it when I bought it. I began to have problems with my ignition about 6 months later. The key wouldn't turn at all. I would sit for an hour or so continuously trying to turn it and it would eventually click and turn. I called the dealer and spoke to the service department and he said he hadn't heard of any recalls or issues but a new ignition would cost $360.00 or so. A few more months went by and the problem occured again and no matter what I tried it wouldn't work. I called the dealer again and this time the service guy said try hitting the key with the palm of your hand while it's in the ignition. It worked everytime......until yesterday. I got stuck in a bad neighborhood with the hot sun blazing down on me for over an hour. I got so angry that I hit the key with all the frustration I had and it clicked and turned. Now I am afraid to take the key out in fear I will never get it to work again. I think Ford played dumb about the ignition as I have read all these complaints. I have had cars for 15 years without ever having to replace an ignition. Obviously there is a problem and Ford should step up and replace the faulty ignitions. Or is it our punishment for buying american???

My daughter just called me she went to start her car, 2005 Ford Focus and the key will not turn. She is stuck in a parking lot. She is away at college and in no way can afford to repair this problem. From what I read it seems that Ford needs to do a recall on this ignition cylinder and get these fixed. This is not the first problem she has had with this car. She called me once while going down the road at 50 mph saying that her car just dies out. This has happened several times to her.We helped her buy this car to go away to college, but now I feel like it is not a safe car. I am so mad about this ignition problem right now. Another costly repair to fix this car and Ford does not seem to care about these problems. I just spoke with her again and she is waiting on a tow truck once again to tow this piece of junk to the repair shop again!!!

I purchased my 2006 Ford Focus and thought I had a decent vehicle. Since I purchased this vehicle it has been at the dealership more than it is on the road. Within 1 month the brakes were not functioning. The master cylinder had to be replaced. The brake pads have been replaced. Since then it is in and out of the shop every 2 weeks to a month for noisy brakes. I have not received any recall or information in the mail regarding any recalls or issues.

Another Ford Focus consumer with a faulty ignition switch. Same as all the others, one day the key just won't turn in the ignition. Rattling the key, turning the steering wheel etc...no luck. I read about the other Focus owners taking their cars to the dealer (which the dealer will replace the broken faulty ignition switch for another faulty ignition switch) and decided that a locksmith will build one for me for the same price.

Like everyone else, my ignition cylinder froze this weekend. I pulled into a driveway and when I tried to start the car about a half hour later, the key would not turn. There were no symptoms leading up to the incident and until now I've only had minor problems with the car. My family likes the Focus so much that my two sisters drive the same car. I even have the extended 100,000 mile warranty. Well, after finding out from the internet, the tow truck driver, and the DEALERSHIP that this was more than a common problem with the Focus, it was not even covered under the warranty. It costs $211.44 if you have the dealer fix it. Needless to say, I'm ******.

Just after my speedometer passed 125,560 my ignition froze and would not unlock. The dealership noted that there have been a lot of problems and that Ford knows about them all...nice...they refuse to do the right thing and expect customers to return?? I was a loyal Focus owner until today.

Key got stuck, it cost me 400.00 I WANT a refund, Ford is a rip off I wish I would of known of the w-40 but nobody told me I hope this helps the next victim, now my car shakes when on reverse or above 60 mph I was told transmission by a mechanic and now I was told engine mounts by ford and of course not cover under any warranty and if it does not get fixed will cause engine problems, Thanks FORD we save on gas we pay on repairs......

Ford Focus Ignition Frozen in place

2003 Ford Focus! I parked my car for approximately 1 1/2 hours outside a friend's home. My attempt to start it was unsuccessful. Not only did this inconvenience another friend and his wife who had to take me home, but it also put a lot of stress on my wife. She had to return to the car with me as I tried to figure out why I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN!!!! I did all I knew to do but all failed. I returned the next day after teaching all day with the assistance of a family friend. NO PROGRES!! The headlights would not come on. My wife called two different Ford dealers and spoke with a mechanic at each. One said it was the ignition cable, the other said it could be the transmission, shifter, ignition or the transmission cable. This car shakes when I drive it which is mostly to work and home. I teach and have NO money for repairs that should be recalled by the company. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had several problems with our 2001 Ford Focus SVT. First it was the recurrent sluggishness. Recurrently I hit the pedal and it nearly turns off! This has really been scary when entering traffic or passing.

I leased a ford focus 2001, and before the first year was up I had about 7 recalls, new a frame, new axle x 2 new fuel pump, and tank due to debris, my ac constantly whistled( which they said nothing could be done it was normal, by brakes squeeked so loud and they told me those were the new brakes, which sometimes didn't work, there was not even 8000 miles by the time all this happened, Then one day I was driving down the road at about 45 miles per hr and the car just shut off, I had no control except for my brakes, when I had it towed to the dealership, which I had to pay for, thet told me it was probably my key ring was too heavy, all I had on it was the ford dealership key holder and the car key. HMMMM!!.

I was stranded at the mall with my 2001 ford focus because my key would not go into the ignition. Then when I got it in, the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. I had to have the car towed home. What is the problem with these ignition switches?? The car only has 40,000 miles.

Car Ford Focus 2004 Ignition known problem. Key doesn't turns.

I own a 2003 Ford Focus with just under 53,000 miles on it. I have been diligent in getting oil changes, rotating the tires, checking fluids, etc. since I bought it. Recently, I've started to have transmission problems: when shifting from Park to Drive, the car sits in Neutral for a few seconds as I accelerate, and then catches. It has always shifted hard around 35 mph, which I was told was normal. I called a mechanic, who told me that if the transmission fluid levels are not low and it is behaving this way, it means the transmission is shot and needs to be replaced. I urge everyone with this problem to call their dealership and/or Ford's customer service line to complain.

I'm here to say the Focus is not a bad car! All cars have problems like that and you know what yes it's going to cost money to fix, but it's the same in all cars. What you think you're going to buy car and not keep it up. I'm a focus owner myself and that car has not given me any trouble what so ever. So why don't you people get a life, and fyi you're going to have to spend a little money on your car to up keep it.

the ignition key gets stuck and i cannot get it out. i have been forced to leave the key in the ignition. leaving late from work one evening i tried to unlock the car with the key pad and it would not open. i called the lock smith, 3 seconds and $60 later I was in my car. the locksmith told me that this is a very common problem in all ford focus's and he would never recommend this car to anyone for this very reason. this is the third time this has happen in the past year. the dealership tells me it will be about $500 to have it fixed with no gaurantee that it will not happen again. i don't have the money to fix this. WILL SOMEBODY OUT THERE HELP US AND GET THIS PROBLEM RECALLED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY!!!

I have a 2002 Ford Focus. After about three years the transmission died. No big deal, even though it probably shouldn't have. Fast forward to now. My check engine light has come on. I changed the spark plugs since it was starting to run pretty rough. That sort of helped. The car doesn't shake as violently as it did. It still has something wrong in the engine. And to top all that off, the ignition and steering wheel have locked up for good. I'm going to try some WD 40 or something, but it is definitely upsetting.

I bought a brand new Ford Focus in 2003 along with the extended warranty (lucky me). I have brought it in multiple time for the same reasons. Reason 1. The transmission out right fails. at 20, 30, 50, and 60 MPH i have had the transmission go out.(2004-2007) I would try to accelerate but nothing. I could hear the engine go, i would look down and still be in drive but there would be no power. When I am traveling at 60 MPH on a freeway with semi's behind me it is a little scary. I have also had experiences where it feels like mt transmission/engine falls right out from underneath me.(2004-2007) I would be traveling about 20 MPH and the car would jolt and shake VIOLENTLY, almost like you just got rear ended hard.

I bought a 2003 Ford Focus SE one and a half years ago and about 9 months ago I was almost stuck in the middle of town because my ignition key would not turn. A friend and myself eventually fixed it by manually turning the steering by the tires. After a few days of getting used to it, I found that shoving the key in as hard as possible and then turning it worked. Until 2 days ago when I actually had to hit the key into the ignition with a claw-hammer. I had questioned the local Ford dealership about the procedure of fixing the problem and they said it'd run around $400. And seeing as there are several hundred claims, this is a problem that should be solved through a recall.

At I bought my 2000 Focus used with 45,000 miles on it. Just two miles from the dealership the check engine light came on and the car dies. I was able to start it again and drive back to the dealership they then had it for a week to fix a speed sensor which five years later I would have to replace once again. Six months later in December 2002 the clutch spring snaps and my clutch pedal does not rise to proper position, I take it to the dealer and I had to pay $250.00 to replace a part that costs $4.99 needless to say it was not honored in the extended warranty. In March 2003, due to engine stalling and hesitation I had to replace all the plugs and cables. Three months after that I had to replace brake drums, shoes, and pads. UGH by this time I was paying for a car that I trully hated. In 2007, I had to once again replace speed sensor, clutch spring, water pump, ignition cylander, front axle, motor mounts, and the friver seat as they are so cheaply made the cusining had flattened so much I had a steel bar in my back every time I drove the piece. As anyone who pays for a car we look forward to the last payment on the loan so we can own the car. I didnt, I drove that piece of FORD garbage to the local NISSAN dealer and traded it in for a 2007 SENTRA and I am in love with that car. The Focus was the first american car I owned and it will be the last.

My ignition lock froze on me 2000 Ford Focus. The key would not turn.

Ford Focus 2001. Haven't been getting our recalls. Car stalling, door not opening, battery wires fried. All recalls. Ford didn't fix properly and refuse to fix right, Said we did the recall won't do again. That means they get paid to do a recall, don't properly fix the recall and won't fix. Ford cahrged more than what the car is worth and has been broke down most of the time.

There is a CHRONIC issue with the Ford Focus ignition, yet no recall. What's going on?

I want to back up the others who have reported keys locking up. This morning my wheel was locked, key won't turn, now I have to have it towed. I have also experienced belts wearing out before they should. (shredded was the term the mechanic used). Oh, and my breaks went out completely as I was driving home one day. That was nice. Luckly I was at a red light a block from home when I noticed there was no pressure at all in the break line.

I'm so sick of having an unreliable car. I have a 2003 Ford Focus ZX5, and it's the most unreliable piece of crap ever. After about a year of use, the ignition started giving me crap, freezing and not turning, locking up. I brought it in, and sure enough i had to spend over 350 dollars to have the ignition replaced. Now that I have a new ignition, it's STILL giving me crap. The first time it happened, they gave me a load of crap about a battery signal not tapping into the ignition or some crap. They claimed to have fixed it, but for some mysterious reason decided that I didn't need to be charged.

When trying to pick my husband up at work, i turned off the ignition of my 2003 Ford Focus... when I went to restart the car, the ignition key would not turn. I jiggled the wheel, the flipped the key over, I stepped on the clutch and the brake, everything trick in the book... nothing. I had my three year old daughter with me. We ended up having to take a cab home. I find out from reading that it is probably the ignition cylinder. We were able to get the car home by lightly tapping the key in with a hammer, while it was in the ignition (found that on the internet) This is a really common with all years of the Ford Focus'! Why has there not been a recall of the ignition cylinder?

I own a 2000 Ford Focus with around 85,000 miles. I bought it from a Ford dealer 9/2003. I started having trouble when decelerating a couple months ago. It would act like it was going to die when I would stop at an intersection. I also received vibrating and performance problems when attempting to drive it above 40mph. I would put the car in neutral or park, the engine would act better and then I would get this strange odor. The engine light came on so I knew I had to have it looked at sooner than later.

We purchased a Ford Focus ZTS in 2004 for my son. He called last night from the freeway, and I could hear the LOUD rumbling. Yes, it's his tires again.I'm sure it'll be the same reason -- uneven wear. This will be the third set of tires for this car at 32,000 miles. My daughter has the 2005 Focus and has the original tires on her car -- no problems, knock on wood! I've looked through recalls on tires and Focus and have found nothing. The first two sets of tires (the originaland the latest) are Michelin. Has anyone else had this problem? We've had many Ford vehicles, but only had a tire problem with a van in the 80's.

We need to replace the ignition in our 2003 Ford Focus because the key will not turn in the lock. This replacement is going to cost us over $300! Fortunately this happened when we were at home and I was able to drive my husband to work, but I hate to think what would have happened if we were far from home. After looking online, I have found that there are other Ford owners who have had this same problem. Why there has been no recall, I don't know, but there should be a lawsuit!

I have 2 friends with Focus cars and a taurus with the exact problem. Its so easy to fix too. Go to Autozone. Get WD-40. Spray key and lock inside very good the grease gets hard and the tumblers stick. Wait 1 min turn key works fine. This repair lasts forever why Ford and the stupid people here didnt use WD-40 totaly blows my head off. Why do you think they sell it. Replacing the lock is very stupid too. Greg

It's that dang ignition again, and everybody I know that has a Ford Focus has the same problem. I just got the radiator fixed and the ignition is locked, again. This is crap Ford knows that there is a problem, and they refuse to acknowledge it. It's sad that you spend so much money on a car because you think its of superb quality and it's American made, then something as simple as the ignition locks up on you. It is the safest car out there because it will never start. Next car, HONDA.