Ignition switch locked up.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

I own a 2000 Ford Focus LX and I have had to replace the ignitions switch twice due to my ignition locking and making it impossible for me to start my car. On Saturday, novmeber 27,2004, I began to have this problem again, I had to have my car towed to my home that evening. I have been told by a locksmith, the tow guy and other people with the same complaint and even a person who works for Ford.

- Gary, IN, USA

I parked my car in the garage but I am unable to start it now. The ignition will not turn and it is locked into one position. I cannot operate the vehicle because the ignition is locked. I plan to call the locksmith and/or dealership about this on Monday.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

I recently encountered a problem with my ignition. When I attempted to insert my key into the ignition, the key would not insert entirely and would not turn to start the car. The steering wheel was completely locked while in park. Initially, I thought this was an "easy fix", so I tried to jerk the steering wheel to the extreme left or right, but it refused to cooperate. After over an hour of attempting to insert my key with failure, I called a locksmith. The locksmith told me "this is a common problem in Ford focuses". I'm curious as to why Ford has not issued a recall on this particular matter. I've read numerous statements online from other Ford Focus owners with the same problem (see www.automotiveforums.com/T158426.html and www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.Ford.Focus/messages/27215.html). the locksmith had to uninstall the old ingnition switch and recode and install a new ignition switch for $190. Since my purchase, Ford Focus has issued three recalls (upcoming fourth recall) and I'm surprised this problem is not one of them with the large number of complaints from others. Hopefully, further investigation will take place to repair this problem and not leave any future owners stranded when they attempt to start their car.

- Herndon, VA, USA

I own 2 Ford Focus cars. Each has had the iginition switch lock up. Ignition key could not be inserted without force and even then could not be turned to unlock steering wheel or provide power. Starting engine was not possible. Vehicle had to be towed using car jacks.... a towing surcharge. This defect is not considered a warranty item and cost was several hundered dollars to repair.

- San Rafael, CA, USA

I have a 2000 Ford Focus. Early this year there was an issue with the ignition, not that it wouldn't start, but that I could only get the key halfway into the locking mechanism in the ignition itself. I missed work that day because of not being able to start my own car. Called the locksmith and he told me that was his third case in two weeks--same car, about the same year. He fixed it but said that if it happened again, it would need replacing. Well it did happen again--Nov. 12th to be exact. Again, the key would not go in the mechanism, even after following the dealership's advice to tap it in with a hammer. Had to get the car towed. Tow truck driver said it was his fourth Focus being towed that week and guessed the problem before I even told him what it was! when we got to the dealership I asked how many cars had been affected. 20% was the answer--20% of the Focus models from 2000-2003. Would there be a recall I asked? no, he answered flatly. I had to pay nearly $300 in repairs from them having to drill in and replace ignition, lock, and keys, all for a defect that affects 20% of cars built in three years. Frankly I find that ridiculous that they won't recall these cars, and I want other Focus owners to be aware of the problem since Ford doesn't seem it necessary to tell them about this issue.

- Madison, WI, USA

Upon trying to start the vehilce the key sticks and will not turn either way. It is sometimes hard for the key to go into the ignition.

- Lakeside, CA, USA

The keys failed to turn in the ignition, and was unable to start vehicle. Dealership will be notified.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

My ignition suddenly jammed, not accepting my key without considerable playing. Even after getting the key in, it then wouldn't come out without jiggling and force. After lubricating the lock I can get the key in but the ignition will no longer turn, which left me stranded. I have since learned that this is a common problem on the 2000 Ford Focus due to poor design of the ignition. I have remove the tumblers from the lock so I can continue using the car. 8jb

- Folsom, CA, USA

I have a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 which I bought new. I have had to replace the ignition twice and this morning the ignition failed again. This vehicle is no longer under warranty and I last replaced the ignition nine monthes ago. The car has also started to stall when there is a quarter tank of gas or left in the tank. It runs rough at stop lights, then will start sputtering and then stall out. Just before it completely shuts off, the battery warning light will come on.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

The ignition lock cylinder failed in my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3, leading to inability to start the car. Apparently this is a widely known but unacknowledged issue with the Focus line. Events leading up to the failure: Normal use of the ignition to start and stop the car. Failure: The tumblers in the ignition switch broke or jammed such that I was unable to insert my ignition key more than 50% into the ignition switch, thereby making me unable to start the car or even unlock the steering wheel. I had to have the vehicle towed to my house in order to get it out of a shopping mall parking lot. Remediation of failure: I am either going to remove the tumblers in the ignition switch as detailed in www.automotiveforums.com/T158426.html or I will have to pay the ~$300 cost to get a new one from a dealer who won't acknowledge this as a problem.

- Seattle, WA, USA

Parked my 2000 Ford Focus, and went to a meeting. When I came back out, my key would only go half-way into the ignition. After talking with the aaa tow guy, and Ford service guy, this seems to be a rather common occurance with the Ford Focus. I understand that it has bad tumblers. Am currently researching to see what others have done to fix the problem, have had it towed to a garage.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

My 2000 Ford Focus has had the ignition switch replaced twice alredy because the key gets stuck in the switch and the car cannot be turned off. It happened again today, this is a problem that has been experienced by thousands of Focus pwners as evidenced by the many automotive forums that I have visited looking for info on this problem. Ford needs to recall these vehicles and correct this problem.

- Miami, FL, USA

Ignition cylinder failed and was replaced. This is the third replacement of the ignition cylinder for this vehicle in a 36 month period. Even after the second replacement the cylinder "catches" when attempting to start the vehicle. The dealership claimed to find no problem when returned for correction. This latest failure fortunately occurred in a parking lot and not on the street. Failures have now occurred at milages and dates of: 4 October 2001- 18990 miles, 6 January 2004- 48926 miles, and 15 October 2004- 61543 miles. Part was retained by dealership.

- Arnold, MO, USA

1st incident:steering wheel locked and the key would not turn, the car was towed. And the ignition switch was completely replaced. 6 months later (today), the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. After 3 hours of poking and prodding, my brother finally got it released. 2N incident: While driving on a busy road, the car seemed to stall while driving, it wa sort of sputtering, then it was going in and out, I had my foot pressed all the way to the floor and the car would not go over 35 mi per hour. We thought it could have been bad ga, so we bought a cleaner, and it seemed to work better, we eventually bought a new fuel filter, we weren't aware there was a recall on the fuel pump. 3rd incident : breaks, vibrating, screeching, grinding, had to have them replaced. $400 the car has too many problems, and with all the recalls, I am not sure why it hasn't been pulled off the market, when a baby toy is deemed dangerous, it is recalled all together, I would think that a defected @ $3000 pound vehicle traveling 65 mi per hour, would be more dangerous to not only the buyer, but innocent bystanders. They need to recall the whole car, I am so angry over the undue stress I have experienced with this vehicle!!!!

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

I have had my 2000 Ford Focus without many problems. I just arrived at my destination, turned off my car, and then tried to turn the car on again and could not get the key in the ignition. The wheel was also locked. I had the car towed to a Ford dealership. They said that they would have to replace the ignition switch and it would cost $375.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

2000 Ford Focus ignition key will not turn, steering column and ignition switch froze. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle due to faulty design. Reference: www.automotiveforums.com/T158426.html Ford should recall and replace ignition switches as I can no longer trust this vehicle to be reliable enough to Transport my wife and daughter safely.

- Santa Maria, CA, USA

2000 Ford Focus ZX3. I'm having a problem with the steering wheel locking up and the ignition key won't turn. Had to tow it to the dealer to change the ignition cylinder.

- Aurora, IL, USA

Ignition key cylinder. Keys either ware out or cylinder goes bad first.. time cylinder had to be replaced in March of 2004. This time October 4. 2004 dealer said key was worn out I have two keys the spare is almost new and that one would not work either dealer did not have answer to that one. Is this a common problem with 2000 Ford Focus if so I need some kind of proof to show dealer to get my money back. Please help me if you can or point me in the right direction. Thank you albert J. bernier.

- Brattleboro, VT, USA

Consumer was unable to insert the key inside the ignition. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that ignition switch needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

- Dumas, AR, USA