Ignition cylinder has had to be replaced for the 3rd time in less than 3 years. The last 2 two the cylinder and steering wheel have locked up, not possible to turn ignition key or turn wheel.

- Waldwick, NJ, USA

I could not start the car while in a parking deck late at night! the car had to be towed to the dealership to have the ignition cylinder replaced. This is a problem Ford knows about (there are 177 complaints on this web site) and tsb reports have been filed for this part for the 2000 and 2001 foci.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

Ignition lock cylinder malfunction Ford Motor Company is aware of faulty part. Locks up, you can not start vehicle.

- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

When the keys are out of the ignition driver is able to shift gears. Sometimes the key gets stuck in the ignition.

- Mounds, OK, USA

Vehicle is in the shop after recently being purchased for ignition repairs.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

June 2003 & February 2004: Ignition key would not turn ignition cylinder nor would the steering wheel unlock. Ford dealer stated they have contacted the manufacturer numerous times due to this problem occuring alot and the dealer stated that the manufacturer was not concerned and would not be doing anything about this. Dealership is standing behind initial repair in 2003 as starting date of 1 year warranty even though they do acknowledge that the same thing happened again in 2004. If this problem occurs again outside of the 1 year warranty with the initial fix, we will have to pay for it again. We feel this needs to be addressed and some action taken.

- Omaha, NE, USA

While driving vehicle stalled. Driver was able to restart vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. However, mechanic was not able to resolve the problem.

- Eagle Pass, TX, USA

Other than the recalls and the brakes squeaking constantly, everything was fine with my 2000 Focus up until 1 month after the warranty expired. Almost one month to the day, the instrument cluster stopped working. Ford would replace it at a cost of at least $500, so I replaced it myself by ordering a part on line for a total of $45. A couple of months later, the ignition cylinder would not allow the key to fit all the way in and as a result the car was not able to start, resulting in a cost of around $300 to replace. I am beginning to see the stalling problem from the faulty fuel pump. Now my automatic door locks and trunk release just stopped working and the car is making a very odd grinding noise when you turn. It would be one thing if I was the only one with these problems, but the facts are out there and many, many, many people are all having the exact same problems! I have written to Ford main offices and my local Ford dealership serveral times on these matters and I have never heard anything back. I honestly am never buying a Ford vehicle again.

- Waynesboro, VA, USA

I was unable to insert the key into the ignition and therefore unable to start the vehicle. Neither of the two key I had would work. According to my limited web research, this is not an uncommon occurrence for Ford Focus owners. Unfortunately, no recall currently addresses this exceptionally inconvenient $400-$500 repair.

- Garland, TX, USA

I tried to start my car and the key would not turn. The ignition was locked. I tried several times and it would not turn. I read on a Ford Focus forum online that several other Focus owners have experienced this same problem and one tow truck driver hit the key in the ignition to get it started. I had to result to doing the same and it worked. The other problem now is that my key is now stuck in the ignition and will not come out. The dealer wants to charge $380+ and this is outrageous! there are thousands of complaints about this ignition lock problem. My concern is that this problem could have happened anywhere. Thank goodness it happened at home close to internet resources. Otherwise, I would have been stranded somewhere with 3 young children and no means of starting my car.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

Key had trouble going in to ignition switch, when key finally did go in, key will not turn. Car will not start. Car towed to dealer, tow truck driver said my car was 5 or 6th this week with same problem! dealer informed problem was not under warranty and there was no recall for the problem. Total cost was almost $600 including tow bill!

- Coos Bay, OR, USA

Ingition stuck. Key will not go in fully. Steering wheel locked. The rarely used spare key doesn't work either. Dealer expects to have to replace cylinder.

- Ansonia, CT, USA

Attempted to insert key in the ignition and wouldn't go in all the way. Even wiggling the key doesn't work. Saw on the newsgroups that this is a common problem. How come Ford hasn't acknowledge this problem? this is the most troublesome car I've ever owned!!! I used to be a royal Ford customer. *

- Honolulu, HI, USA

The consumer was unable to turn the key in the ignition switch, or turn the steering wheel. The dealership was notified. The ignition was replaced. Ford suggested that the ignition switch was covered not the ignition cylinder. The consumer stated that the key cylinder failed again. The consumer contacted Ford to get a refund from January and was told that it was not their problem and the refund was denied. The vehicle part was changed as a goodwill effort by Ford.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

Ford Focus 2000 ZX3 ignition lock cylinder became jammed unexpectedly. Key enters lock but lock will not release, and so car will not start. Results in stranded motorist with no warning signs beforehand, hence safety issue. Requires either tow to repair shop or site visit from locksmith. Many references to this problem on the web, and every dealer or locksmith I contacted had seen this problem multiple times.

- Berkeley, CA, USA

Upon placing key in ignition switch consumer was unable to turn switch on.

- Everett, MA, USA

Went to start my car but the key would not go into ignition. I tried every possible way to get the key in. I ended up calling two dealerships who both said it was a common problem with the 2000 Focus. When I spoke with the mechanic I asked if there was a recall he said he was very suprised that there hadn't been one. I also asked if the new cylinder would have the same problem he replied that it was an updated model but that didn't mean anything- they still had the same problem.

- Milton, WA, USA

While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. Driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic could not resolve the problem.

- Firebaugh, CA, USA

Vehicle had a starting problem. While driving hit a deer, and a few minutes later the vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled.

- Wayne, WV, USA

Recently had to have ignition replaced by a locksmith. I could not place the key into the ignition. Something was wrong with the tumbler, I believe. The locksmith said this happened on several Ford Focus vehicles.

- Chicago, IL, USA