The ignition tumbler in my 2000 Focus SE has failed to the point that now it won't turn unless I spend 10-15 minutes jiggling it and playing with it. This is a known problem that many Focus enthusiast sites have report. Ford has even redesigned the tumbler in newer versions in order to fix the problem, so they know the problem exists, but haven't issued a recall. The dealership wants $160-220 to fix the problem. A key tumbler should have a lifespan of much more than 9 years. That is shameful, Ford. I wish I could've convinced my wife to get the civic instead.

- Imlay City, MI, USA

The key gets stuck in the ignition and will not turn and can not be removed. Car must be towed and ignition replaced. This is not normal wear and tear, 110000miles I have had to make this repair 6 times at $200 each time. Typically, this sort of problem should have come up only once if at all with my mileage. If Ford is going to get my tax dollars, they should not build a low quality car. This car is one of the main reasons I will never buy an american car again.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

I was stranded unable to put the key into the ignition of my 2000 Ford Focus. I S/w a Ford service rep who stated ignition cylinders wear out. My car only has 86K miles and is maintained and garage kept. This is a hazard to be unable to start your car!

- Long Valley, NJ, USA

Key ignition will not turn.

- Starkville, MS, USA

For the second time in the past two weeks the key will not turn in the ignition in my Ford Focus. The first time it happened it took me about 5 minutes of consistently jiggling the key and steering wheel simultaneously to get the key to turn. Since this has occurred the second time I have had no success in being able to get the ignition to budge and my car is now unable to start. I have attempted many of the suggestions found online and nothing has worked. I am reporting this per the suggestion of a discussion board.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

2000 Ford Focus ignition cylinder failed twice in 4yrs. This last time I was stranded in the cold, by myself at 1am. Missing work, spending money on tows, parts and labor adds up. Not to mention the danger involved with being stranded, all because your key wont turn.

- Sycamore, IL, USA

Ignition switch locked up. The key would not turn in the lock. Required tow in and dealership to replace the ignition switch @ $600.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

Car key won't turn ignition switch. Tried both keys. Each one is able to be put in the switch but the switch stays locked.

- Lynbrook, NY, USA

On the Ford Focus, the key won't turn in the ignition. The ignition lock needs totally replaced.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Never had any issues with the ignition but then all of a sudden my key wont turn and the wheel locks up when trying to start the car. Have not fixed it yet.

- Watsonville, CA, USA

I have had issues with the key sticking in my ignition, but last night my key refused to start the car at all. Leaving me stranded miles from home. The tow truck driver told me that he had towed 3 Ford focuses in the last 2 days with the same problem.

- Bothell, WA, USA

In our 2000 Ford Focus ZX3, the key will not turn in the ignition about 50% of the time, which has the potential to leave my wife or I stranded out in the cold. So far, struggling/wrestling with the key will eventually work. In reading on the web, this is a very common problem on Ford Focus cars, but no recall has been issued.

- Waterbury, VT, USA

I went to the gas station to buy gas. After filling the tank I got in and when I tried to start the car it would not turn. Not even to the acc position. I called for a tow truck and they came and got it. I called my local Ford dealer and asked them about it and they told me its becoming very common for this type of car and to repair it I would have to replace the ignition cylinder and have it programmed...

- Lorain, OH, USA

Ignition barrel and steering column locking mechanism.

- Tampa, FL, USA

My key will not turn in the ignition, I have never had any problems before then all of a sudden it won't turn. My warranty has expired on my car, so I am left now with finding someone to fix it. This caused a huge problem for since I was stranded with my two small children 3year old and 4 month old! I am not a happy consumer right now!

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Approximately 4 years ago, I had to have the key port, tumbler and the entire key system replaced on my 2000 Ford Focus because the key would no longer work. The tumbler, apparently, became jammed somehow. The replacement cost was $350. The exact same malfunction occurred yesterday. This time around, the cost to fix the problem was $450. After a long discussion with Ford customer service representatives they basically told me that there is nothing they can do for me because it is out of warranty. This is the second time this has occurred to me, with the same car. A little research reveled that this is common problem with this mode, just search the internet under, "2000 Ford Focus, key goes in ignition, but won't turn", and you will see many instances of the exact same problem other Focus owners have been having. At this point, I am simply seeking reimbursement of the $450 that I had to spend, again, to correct a problem Ford is clearly denying is a recall issue.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

For the first time (at 100K miles), my wife's 2000 Ford Focus' ignition lock has failed. Luckily, it happens at home, but I have read many horror stories of others who were not so fortunate. Evidently, this is another common problem with this vehicle but one that Ford refuses to address. NHTSA should surely initiate a recall on this problem.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

2000 Ford Focus wagon. Complaint: Key won't turn in ignition. Had it repaired by sv. Station couple of weeks ago (still giving me problems) my son brought a Focus at the same time I did and had the same problem not too long after he purchased his. My daughter called me today and said "guess what. Her father in law went to start my grandsons car and the key won't turn" you guessed it, a 2000 Focus. I started researching on the internet and couldn't believe all the complaints related to this problem. Everybody that brought it to the Ford dealers for repair were shelling out $500. Outraged, that is what prompted me to register this complaint as far as I'm concerned this is as close to a scam as you can get. What a grand design for an easy profit! there are alot of people out there screaming recall and Ford sits back and does nothing! thank you for your time.

- Oakland, NJ, USA

Ignition problem, key would not turn in ignition at all, replacing and will need to drill to pull out old ignition. Shoddy parts quality is likely to blame.

- Renton, WA, USA

Had to replace the ignition on my 2000 Ford Focus wagon, and found out it is a common complaint and problem which will continue. I just don't understand why Ford doesn't recall the part and have it fixed for their loyal customers. What a shame! this problem left my wife stranded over 25 miles from home.

- Vancouver, WA, USA