10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 7 / 4
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 3
- Average Mileage:
- 36,886 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
While driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will shut off, causing consumer to pull over and it will be hard to get the vehicle back started.dealer notified.
- Moreno Valley, CA, USA
Ignition switch would not turn when placing key into starter switch had broken. Dealer had repaired vehicle twice.
- Lafayette, LA, USA
Key will go into the ignition but ignition will not turn, second time.
- Houston, TX, USA
On both February 11, 2003 and April 21, 2003, my car had to be towed to the dealer for replacement of the ignition cylinder in my Ford Focus 2000. I was told by the mechanic that the ignition design made the ignition cylinders prone to breaking, I believe because it does not require the key to be inserted fully. I have no complaints with the dealer who performed both repairs at no change, but from the mechanics comments, it appears that a design defect could exist.
- Framingham, MA, USA
The key would not go into ignition. The dealer indicated that the cylinder had to be replaced.
- Groton, CT, USA
Key won't turn in the ignition, steering wheel is locked also. Was told we would have to tow it to nearest dealership and pay for repairs.
- Dallas, TX, USA
Ignition cylinder locked up, car towed to dealer. They drilled it out and replaced under warranty. Problem recurred after 18 months and 12000 miles. Out of pocket $606 plus the tow. Car has only 25000 miles, but is 4 months out of warranty. Should be recalled!
- West Chester, PA, USA
When the key was placed inside of the ignition, the key became stuck.
- Selma, AL, USA
The ignition did not turn off when the key was removed from the ignition. The consumer suggested that wihout any warning, she was not able to insert the ignition switch. At least four dealerships said that this was a common problem with this make/model. The consumer experienced stalling and acceleration problems.
- California, MD, USA
Key would not go into ignition. Called emergency road service. They could not help. They told me this was a common problem and that they were considering a recall. With all of the complaints registered and the number of issues on the internet, I am surprised it has not been done. Ignition already replaced once. This is starting to get to be ridiculous. Finally tapped the key in the car starts but the key will not come out of the ignition switch resulting in a security problem.
- Stewartstown, PA, USA
Key would not go all the way into the ignition. I had to call a locksmith and was told this is a common problem with the Ford Focus.
- Blythewood, SC, USA
Key hard to insert into ignition and will not turn. Can not start the car. Only 37,000 miles. If car stalls on a rail road track or a busy intersection will be doomed. This is unsafe.
- Sparks, NV, USA
Consumer was unable to turn the key in the ignition to start the vehicle. Cause was unknown.
- Honolulu, HI, USA
Ford ignition cylinder defect. Key will not insert all the way, it takes numerous tries, once inserted will not rotate to start position.
- Lino Lakes, MN, USA
I own a 2000 Ford Focus. I had my ignition cylinder replaced in June 2002. Then on March 2, 2003 it happened again. I have spent nearly $600 on this part in the last 9 months and I am still paying for my car. An ignition should usually out last the life of the car. I am very dissatisfied with the service I am receiving from Ford and I know this will be a re-occurring problem. They also had to shave my key a little to make it work but it does not feel the way it used to and it really bothers me because I know it will happen again.
- Margate, FL, USA
Replaced ignition lock and cylinder twice on a 2000 Ford Focus. Had to have the car towed. The steering wheel occasionally locks. Have around 46338 miles on the automobile. The bill was $215.52. Purchased the automobile from team Ford in tarboro, North Carolina.
- Rocky Mount, NC, USA
The vehicle did not start, when consumer inserted the key in the ignition there was a clicking noise.
- Morgan Town, PA, USA
The ignition was replaced twice, it took numerous tries before the vehicle started.
- Brandon, FL, USA
2000 Focus with ignition switch failure. Car is just out of warranty (39000 miles). Ford will not cover repair. Also front sway bars loose.
- Lino Lakes, MN, USA
- Miami, FL, USA