Consumer states that the ignition keeps locking up.

- Oxford, MI, USA

Consumer has hard time starting up vehicle.

- Hubbarston, MA, USA

Ignition tumbler breaks and steering wheel locks up. Can not start car. Happened around 29,000 miles first time and 60,000 miles the next time. I also have a problem with the car stalling. Going around corners and up hills it is like the car has run out of gas. You then slow down and it will return to normal. Also happens on the on and off ramps of highways. Very dangerous.

- Kutztown, PA, USA

The problem with my ignition happen twice a year apart. I was not compensated for the repair because my car was not under warrant; however the Ford relatioin departmetn and the dealership agreed that this is a defect. I was compensated the a year ago the first time it happen. I am requesting that I be refunded the amonut of $368.65. This was the fee for the repair. I also want for Ford to buy the car back because there are manny reported defects.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

When I get close to 1/4 of a tank of gasoline, my car begins to die or sputter. It has died several times and wont restart. The other day I was coming off an exit ramp from the highway and it died coming around the sharp turn. I was almost hit by several cars while trying to get the car started long enough to move it off the ramp. After about 20 or so times of turning the ignition and gunning the pedal, I got it moved into a safe area off the highway. It took about 45 minutes and a lot of conk outs to get it moved. I was stranded and very angry. I was even more angry when I got home and did a little research to find that this same complaint has been made to Ford/NHTSA and never reported to the public. I have had 6 recalls this year on this [xxx] car and I am very concerned for my safety now. I got the car because of its great ratings for safety- now I am afraid everytime I put my son in the car of it blowing up on me. I want to get rid of it but I cant because I owe more on the loan then I can get for trade in (my guess is the value of the car has totally fallen because of all these recalls). I am so angry with Ford and I am afraid for my safety while driving this car. Please do something about this! thank you. Oh and the gas gauge never reads correctly. I have to count my miles to make sure I am okay on gas between fill ups. The gauge will just drop to below E and the light comes on for no reason. Then after a bit of driving it will go back to normal. Very odd. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Marietta, GA, USA

Many, many problems and defects with this car...all problems have been replaced more than twice and still faulty. No safety defect listed.

- Wimauma, FL, USA

Consumer states the ignition lock cylinder was replaced.

- Steger , IL, USA

When key was inserted into ignition switch ignition it failed to turn. 0wner indicated that sometimes ignition would turn, but vehicle would not start. Owner was aware of other vehicles with same problem.

- Libert Blunt, SC, USA

Engine will cut out when accelerating and rpms reach approximately 3200. This problem ocurred after recent recall work to replace injector pressure sensor. I discovered that it is particulary dangerous when attempting to accelerate and pass another vehicle on two lane road only to have your engine quit providing power.

- Stafford, VA, USA

Vehicle constantly stalls. Sometimes she cannot take key out of ignition. Then, sometimes cannot put key in ignition. Also, fuel pump has been changed twice. When accelerating vehicle begins to vibrate.

- Houston, TX, USA

Vehicle would ntermittently not restart within 10 minutes or more after turning off vehicle. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

Since purchased. On four separate occasions my car has stopped while driving. Here is a brief rundown of additional physical problems Ive had with the car, which include but are not limited to:3 months: The emergency brake went out. The brakes had to be replaced (2 times). The gas gauge stuck on empty (twice). I felt a constant pulsating on the clutch. The dealer told me that all new cars have that for up to 3 months while they get used to new chemicals running through their system. Nearly 2 years later, the pulsating is still there. The car exploded. I parked my car on a hill, with the emergency brake up. Then I heard some clicking and a large boom. I turned around to see sparks and smoke pouring out of my hood, a horrible smell engulfed the neighborhood, and my car (with the emergency brake up) was rolling down a hill towards an intersection. The oil pressure united had to be replaced. There was a problem with the clutch. The car trunk would not open. 6 months: The brakes had to be replaced again. They still squeaked excessively. They still sounded like they were scrapping. I took it back in to a dealership and they told me the 2000 Ford Focus had a brake problem and there was nothing that could be done about it. Even after replaced, the brakes would take much pressure before coming to a stop and would squeak. The trunk would sometimes not shut. The emergency brake would not always work. The front tire kept going flat. Ford said it was my driving. I paid to have it replaced and the new tire kept going flat. They said the new tire was defective and replaced it and the stem. W/in the first 2 years: On at least 11 occasions the car would not start until turned over a couple of times. The car has low pick up. The check engine light was stuck on. Engine light was stuck on. The gas tank needed a new part. The stick will not always go into reverse. When the heat is on for over 15 or so minutes a heavy burning smell in car. Bearings/shock problem.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

Consumer experiencing many problems with ignition, key will not turn when inserted in ignition switch. Dealer replaced ignition.

- Prescott, AZ, USA

Brake pads and rotors had to be replaced two time already. I am very concerned with engine stalling and other troubling reports.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

Consumer states the ignition lock/switch mechanism failed, causing ignition key to get stuck and the steering wheel to lock.

- San Diego, CA, USA

While driving at high speeds all lights on the dash started blinking. Vehicle was shaking and engine died.

- Sumrall, MS, USA

This car has had 4 recalls so far. In addition to the recalls I have had it in for other problems like the gas light failed to to work, the igntion part after turning car off would act like the key was still in. The biggest complaint I have is the brakes at 9000 miles I had it in to check the brakes and then 8000 miles later my roters went bad. I do not feel safe in this car at all.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Ignition freezes after inserting key; after several attempts it turns over.

- Gary, IN, USA

On two ocasions the car stalled while stopped at intersection. Car then restarted and continued on. Both came within a week of each other. Reporting because of article I saw in usa today dated 6-7-2002.

- Lakeville, MN, USA

Car stalled. Towed to dealership (apple Ford), replaced fuse. Stalled again. This time entire fuel system replaced. Gas guage read inacurate. Another new fuel system. Still read inacurrate. A new console. Still reads inaccurate to this day. Just gave up trying to get it fixed.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA