10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 40,125 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
I own a Ford Focus 2000. After leaving the store late one evening, I placed my key in the ignitinon and it would not turn. I was very frustrated because this had happened a few years ago as well. After doing some research, it seems that this is a very common problem. This is a safety issue! who will be to blame when something happens to the person stranded in the dark parking lot? the best part is, my car like many others- is at the dealer getting repaired. There goes my bill money.
- Irving, TX, USA
The consumer is unable to take the key out of the ignition switch intermittently. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.
- Shiloh, NC, USA
Intermittently the consumer was unable to turn the key inside the ignition switch. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.
- Kipton, OH, USA
Ignition switch jammed and won't turn. Left me stranded. Appears to be a major problem with Ford Focus.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
Intermittently the consumer would be unable to turn the key in the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.
- Obetz, OH, USA
When vehicle is turned off then restarted it fails to start because the keys wouldn't turn the ignition. This is an ongoing problem. The manufacturer is aware of the problem, and has redesigned this part in the later model vehicles. The ignition switch has been replaced twice at$300.
- Irmo, SC, USA
Consumer was concerned that the ignition switch had to be replaced twice within 19,000 miles. This caused the ignition switch to lock up and unable to turn the engine on. Both times the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.
- Tullahoma, TN, USA
2000 Ford Focus -- ignition key assembly, he ignition core fell out of my daughters Focus for the second time. This assembly is being warrenty replaced this second time since it was done at local dealership, however the dealership says other adjacent components were damaged (costing ~ $650). Had the ignition assembly been fixed correctly the first time, there is no way the adjacent components could have failed. The dealership lithia Ford of tri-cities (509-735-2511), has refused to honor warrenty repair of the adjacent components, which is rather disturbing. I am writing this complaint so hopefully Ford will someday be pushed into recalling this defect in addition to the 11 other defects on this particular vehicle.
- Benton City, WA, USA
There was as ignition switch problem. When putting the key into the ignition it was very difficult. Once the key was in, it would not turn. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and currently the dealership was working on the defect. The ignition had to be replaced.
- Chicago, IL, USA
Vehicle did not start when the key was inserted in the ignition. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for the second time, and results showed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced again.
- Mechanicsville, MD, USA
After placing the key into the ignition gear locked and the key would not turn. Vehicle was towed, and the ignition switch had to be replaced for a third time.
- Panama City, FL, USA
Today, during a snowstorm, I tried to start the car and the key would not insert into the ignition - the wheel was locked and there was no way to start the car. I has two babies with me, and had to call aaa. I have checked on the web and this is a hige problem with this car, yet the Ford company will not issue a recall. It is incredibly unsafe. The car was inoperable. I was stranded.
- Peterborough, NH, USA
Consumer placed the key inside of the ignition and vehicle failed to start. Consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer, and mechanic determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle ignition failed twice.
- Clinton Township, MI, USA
I have been very patiently waiting for Ford to issue a recall on their ignition system. It is very pathetic. Both of my Ford Focus vehicles have these problems. I used the cars in a normal fashion for over 4 years. At the end of year 3 the keys in both my Focus cars stopped working correctly leaving stranded at work one time. I had to call a locksmith who told me that this is a common problem with the Focus and that the replacement cylinder will likely fail again as it is a problem with the overall design of the ignition system from Ford. I paid over $300 for this problem and now am experiencing this hell again in year 4.5. I am very dissatisfied with Ford now and have not heard of any recall. Both my cars continue to experience these key problems and are becoming almost unusable at this point.
- Arlington, TX, USA
Upon placing key into ignition, the chamber fails to turn to start and turn at all. Had to call aaa to get vehicle towed. Driver of tow truck was well aware of the problem specific to a Ford Focus. He was able to tap the steering collar and the lock unbound. This is not an issue with the wheel needing a slight turn. The cylinder apparently over time wears causing the ignition lock to bind. He said it might help putting some wd 40 on the key but the lock was a well know problem that will require replacement. Searching the internet, I have seen many instances of this problem, in the hundreds.
- Stoughton, MA, USA
Consumer put the key in the ignition to start the vehicle and key wouldn't turn. Consumer called Ford, and the dealer stated that the ignition tumbler was bad. Consumer had the vehicle towed to repair shop for repairs.
- Meadville, PA, USA
2000 Ford Focus. Ignition locks, put key in ignition but key will not turn, no matter what is done. This is the second time this has occurred with this same vehicle.
- Sedgwick, KS, USA
Ignition key fails to turn in lock cylinder. Steering wheel cannot be moved or unlocked when vehicle is parked. Vehicle has been stranded and towed to Ford dealer for repair 3 times ( at 22000, 37254 & 43000 miles) now. Inoperative lock cylinder was drilled out and replaced in each case. I was charged $287 for the second repair (plus towing) because it "was not covered under warranty".
- Rochester, MI, USA
Consumer was unable to start vehicle. The ignition switch would not turn on. Dealer was contacted.
- Denver, CO, USA
- Alamogordo, NM, USA