Ignition switch failure 3 times at mileages 41097, 60405, 75504. Vehicle had to be towed each time. Ignition switch was drilled out and replaced each time. Ignition switch bound up and would not turn with key inserted.

- Lake Villa, IL, USA

Ignition lock has failed for the second time, this time at approximately 65000 miles. I am without a car, and my wife is 36 weeks pregnant.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Ignition key switch will sometimes fail to turn after the key is inserted. I have contacted the dealership and was informed that this is a problem with the Focus. The service manager informed me that the problem will get progressively worse and that that he has had many people have to have their vehicle towed because of this. He also said that Ford is aware of the issue but is not repairing them and that it is a $250 repair. He stated it could happen when the car is running and the key will not come out, or could cause the ignition not to work at all. I've owned many cars. I've never had the igition key cylinder "wear out".

- Durham, NC, USA

1/25/04 parked at meter in stamford ct, key wouldn't come out of ignition. Got it out, then wouldn't go back in. 20 minutes of sweating/swearing, got key back in. Had to leave it in the ignition (dangerous) until 2/12/04. Car to dillon Ford, who replaced key cylinder for $210. Mileage 76,489. I saved broken ignition switch, if you want it. Replacement was a Ford motorcraftco. Ignition switch sw-5997 xs4Z-11582-aa. January 2005 broke again! broadway auto replaced key ignition lock cylinder again for $250. Mileage 96,000. They gave me a copy of "ignition switch lock cylinder: All technical service bulletins, interior- ignition lock cylinder hard to turn. Posted 09/16/02. Article no. 02-18-2 2000 Ford Focus L4-121 2.0L SOHC VIN P sfi copyright 2004 alldata 8.30 "use lock cylinder repair kit (xs4Z-11582-aa)" this is the same cylinder that broke in my first replacement. I saved broken cylinder. Both cylinders have the code S 38 kb on barrel. Ford's aware of the problem, I.e., technical bulletin. Ford's using the same inferior part to replace the defective key cylinder, making over $200 each time. Nhts complaint site has 291 complaints electrical system: Ignition switch; 277 complaints electrical system, ignition; 4 complaints electrical system anti-theft controller; 2 complaints electrical system: Starter assemby. Numerous complaints "automotive talk.net" 114 complaints topic: 2000 Ford Focus ignition lock cylinder. This is dangerous, highly proiftable for Ford Motor Company. Ford should reimburse for the over $500 spent so far on this problem.

- Colchester, CT, USA

The failure accurred in the ignition switch, the key would not go into the ignition switch thus not allowing us to start the car it had to be towed home.

- Fox River Grove, IL, USA

The ignition tumbler failed. From what I have been able to ascertain, this is a common problem that Ford has known about and has chosen not to issue a recall. The fact that vehicle has been recalled almost 12 times should indicate that there is massive engineering and design problems with this car.

- Wantagh, NY, USA

I have a 2000 Ford Focus zts. The ignition lock cylinder failed. After driving the car in the morning and parking it in a parking spot I came out and was unable to insert my key in the ignition. I was unable to insert the key into the ignition and the steering wheel was frozen in place. After trying repeatedly to get the key in or jiggle the steering wheel I had to have the car towed. I needed a new steering column, ignition, lock cy, and rekey lock cylinder. There has been a vehicle: All technical service bulletin issued on this problem but no recall. Ford is aware of the problem which is a plastic switch in the ignition that breaks and then causes the problems. I hope there is no car fire or deaths as a result of Ford not fixing this problem.

- Santa Fe, NM, USA

Turning the key became progressively harder, and finally the cylinder locked completely. This should be a recall, it cost me $450.

- Hoyt, KS, USA

I could not insert my key more than half way into the ignition to start my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3. I had it towed through Ford to a dealership and expected the ignition problem to be fully covered under warranty (I had nothing to do with its failure).the dealership told me that it was not covered under my extended warranty and it would cost $585 to replace the ignition and re-key the car. This seems to be a very common problem with my model/year.

- Bowie, MD, USA

Intermittenly consumer would not be able to stick the key inside the ignition. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Northampton, PA, USA

I bought the a 2000 Ford Focus car in July 2004. It is today (Feb 2005) the ignition has locked up on me. The key will go in but the key will no turn. The key ding signal works and every thing. I have read many consumer complaints from autotalk.com about the same exact problem and it is the igntion cylinder is the problem and the problem keeps reacurring every year.

- Declo, ID, USA

I stopped in at a local restaurant and got a bite to eat. When I returned to my car I proceeded to put the key into the ignition but it jammed. I flipped the key and tried again and no luck. I then gave the key a good push and got the key in but it would not turn over. I called a local locksmith and told me it was a common failure on Ford Focus. I then took the car to a local Ford dealership and got charged $450 to replace the whole ignition cylinder. I looked up other Ford Focus complaints and notice that this is a common problem nationwide.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

Ignition switch failure.

- Ashton, IL, USA

Since 2002 I have experienced many problems with the ignition, key will not turn when inserted in ignition switch. I have replaced that part twice, $500 dollars each time. It's been only one year since the last time that I got it fixed and again I'm having problems everytime that I try to start the ignition.

- Nashville, TN, USA

Vehicle experienced problems with the ignition switch. Owner was unable to put the key in the ignition and turn the vehicle on. Owner had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership, and had the repairs done. The consumer stated that he feels there should be a recall and he should be reimbursed for the cost of the repair.

- Palmyra, VA, USA

On occasion for several months prior to the failure, the key was difficult to insert into the ignition switch. Then one night the key simply would not turn in the ignition and was difficult to remove. I was unable to start the car and had to have it towed to a repair shop. They replaced the entire ignition switch. They indicated that this is a problem they have seen frequently in these cars. I also have a friend with the same year, make and model vehicle and she had the same problem.

- Milford, PA, USA

When attempting to start the vehicle the ignition locked. As a result, the vehicle was unable to start, and had to be towed to dealership for repair.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

Electrical system: Ignition switch. My complaint is exactly the same as 10100616. A failed ignition switch that would not turn. Corrected by drilling out cylinder, and replacing. Certified lock smith price was $298. The local Ford dealer quoted price was $400 lock smith said they have 1 - 2 of these with the Focus every week.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

2000 Ford Focus ignition switch is stuck. Cannot start car. This is a huge problem for hundreds of consumers: See(www.autowhiz.com/messageboards/message.php?id=1784&page=12), due in my opinion to poor manufacturing. It is a potential safety issue. Apparently Ford denies the problem, but there are hundreds of complaints on bulletin boards to document this situation. Please help us fix this situation. I believe it should/could come under a recall notice at no cost to the consumer. Thank you, bob lambert

- Waynesville, MO, USA

Steering wheel ignition locks and will not allow the key to turn and start the car.

- Medina, OH, USA