10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 3
Average Mileage:
36,886 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #338

Nov 162004

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
1. went to start car and the key wouldn't turn 2. ignition cylinder which I have learned is a major problem with this car. Late for work 3. $411 for labor to drill out and replace and to purchase a new set of keys.

- Thurman , IA, USA

problem #337

Nov 152005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles
I purchased a used 2000 Ford Focus from a private owner, 2 days ago I was on my way home after work, I put the key in and it would not turn and the steering wheel in completly locked up. I looked it up on the net and have come to the conclusion that this happens regularly. I called the dealer at friendly Ford to ask him what was up and he said I was on my own. The cost is $400.I called the Ford company to file a complaint and they are well aware of the situation.why have you not filed a recall!!Ford told me that it is up to you to get that done. I think it is a safety issue if you cannot turn your car on at 10 at night, by yourself. Is anyone out there listening to the thousands of angry Focus owners"?I heard that the issue is now resolved in the new Focus but what does that do for us??"recall........recall...........recall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.

- N. Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #336

Sep 022002

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 15,000 miles
I own a 2000 Ford Focus le with less than 23,000 miles. I have had to have the ignition cylinder replaced twice, once in 2002 and once in 2005. This was not a problem with the key, but with the cylinder itself. Both times, the cylinder locked up and the key could not be turned.

- St. Paul, MN, USA

problem #335

Oct 282005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 60,000 miles
2000 Ford Focus ignition cylinder would not turn when key was inserted. I had to have the car towed to a dealer, who charged $350 to drill out the cylinder and replace it with a new one.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #334

Oct 302005

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles
Ignition switch failure in 2000 Ford Focus left me and my three children stranded in secluded area at dark. At this point nothing has been done to repair the problem although I have researched this issue and it is apparent that it seems to be a common problem for the Ford Focus.

- Washington Court House, OH, USA

problem #333

Oct 252005

Focus

  • miles
2000 Ford Focus ignition. Key starts to get stuck in ignition no warning ignition locks and car will not start. To fix the problem ignition gets drilled out and costs $175.31. This seems to be a national problem with the make, model and year of this car and should be recalled.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #332

Oct 072005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
Ignition sticks. Won't let me turn key or sometimes even put key in ignition.

- New Kensington, PA, USA

problem #331

Oct 082005

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,300 miles
The ignition on my 2000 Ford Focus locked up. With some wd-40 and a few taps with a hammer, we were able to get the key to turn again, but I didn't take the key out of the ignition again for 2 days until I could get it replaced -- for fear I would get stranded somewhere again. After doing some online research I learned this is a common problem for other Ford Focus owners and wanted to report it with hopes that a recall might occur someday.

- Waunakee, WI, USA

problem #330

Sep 152005

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2000 ignition issue - I can place the key in the ignition, however I can not turn the vehicle over. I have been told that my ignition switch would have to be replaced at an overwhelming $350. Ford has been aware of this issue and has not done anything about it.

- Plains, PA, USA

problem #329

Sep 092005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,451 miles
Within two weeks of purchasing the 2000 Ford Focus the air bag sensor broke, the brakes began to squeal and less than a month later the ignition locked. The car cannot be started or moved due to the locked ignition. Nothing was done about the brakes. The airbag light was replaced at a cost to me of $280.27. The ignition has not been repaired or addressed by the dealer.

- Pocatello, ID, USA

problem #328

Sep 152005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Daughter was attempting to start her car and could not get the key to turn. After trying different keys. We called the Ford dealer was informed that the key cylinder needed to be replaced. A little research into this shows this to be an ongoing problem with these cars. And at 400 a shot Ford should show a profit.

- Cordova , TN, USA

problem #327

Sep 092005

Focus

  • 60,000 miles
2000 Ford Focus ZX3. Unable to insert key into ignition. Stranded far from home at night. Had to have the car towed to dealership and the ignition replaced.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #326

Jul 102004

Focus

  • miles
Ford refuses to issue a recall or replace the ignition lock assembly which is faulty.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #325

Nov 212003

Focus

  • miles
Key stuck in the ignition and would not turn. I had a flat tire on the highway and I turned off the car to change the tire. When returning to the car to start the car the key would not turn. I had to pay for a tow truck and a Ford dealer bill of over $250 to replace the entire ignition.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #324

Aug 302005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a Ford Focus 2000, my complaint is I have put new parts on this car, a new engine, fuel pump, parts on the front end and a lot more. Plus making a car payment. When I take it to the Ford shop I don't like the way I am treaded. I still have all my receipts for my car I feel Ford should care about their cars and the buyers.

- Vineland, NJ, USA

problem #323

Aug 222005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 62,000 miles
Car was starting & running fine... stopped by my mother's house; came out, placed key into ignition, key refused to turn. Tried all the regular tricks (turnign the wheel to the stops, pressing brake, cluthc, accelerator, etc. To no effect) called towing service - they could not make the key turn either and commented that this was "common" in Ford Focus. Towed vehicle to balise Ford - agreed it's a common failure but thye have a redesigned part from Ford - that is not covered by Ford's extended warrantly. Over $300 to replace a part everyen admits to failing frequently!

- Wilbraham, MA, USA

problem #322

Aug 182005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,180 miles
My 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 ignition system will not turn. I tried everything to get it fixed. Aaa sent a locksmith out and her told me that this is the 10th Ford Focus this week with the exact same problem. He said he has to replace the entire ignition system. He said he has done over 150 in the last year. I searched online an found over 5000 people with the exact same problem. I called Ford and they acted as if they have never heard of this problem before. The Ford Focus is notorious for recalls but this problem is not on the list. I believe that it should be added. Ford Focus ignition system she be recalled.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #321

Aug 162005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
My car was not showing signs of any problems before the incident. My 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 was parked in a local restaurant parking lot for about 3 hours. When I returned to my car, the key would not go into the ignition. We played with it enough to get it in half way and then the whole way, but the key will not turn. I called for a ride at 12:00am because a cop informed me it was most likely my tumbler or ignition switch. My car was towed the next morning from the parking lot. This was a difficult process considering my steering wheel was locked up and they had to "drag" my car to get it on to the flat bed. My ignition switch is currently being worked on, but we are unable to find the "key code" to set my tumbler.

- Dubois, PA, USA

problem #320

Aug 162005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 54,627 miles
Ignition lock cylinder failure. I could not get the key to go in the ignition. After 1/2 hour of pushing, pulling, rocking, tilting, in out, back forth, I got the key in. Upon advice of my mechanic at woody sander Ford in cincinnati, oh, I was told to leave the key in the ignition until I could deliver it to them for replacement. They say the problem is very common but Ford won't recall because it isn't a safety issue. My web research supports that it is indeed very common and for many people a recurring problem. The car is 5 years old with 54,627 miles on it. The repair was just over $200.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #319

Aug 152005

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 2000 Ford Focus and my key would not turn in the ignition. Needless to say I was stranded with the two preschool children at night. I took it to get it fixed and it is costing my $510 to fix the problem.

- Fresno, CA, USA

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