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
Ignition locked up in June, 2003 and again September, 2004. Both times, the ignition had to be drilled out, a replacement ignition switched installed, the car had to be rekeyed. When ignition locked, unable to turn key. Car was in park both times incident occurred.
- Deptford, NJ, USA
Ignition switch failure. Key would not turn in the ignition switch.
- Casa Grande, AZ, USA
The consumer placed the key inside of the ignition switch, but the switch failed to turn. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the ignition switch needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.
- Center Tuftonboro, NH, USA
The ingition cylinder of my 2000 Ford Focus completely locked up. Ford has done nothing to compensate for the cost incurred during repair. This is a highly documented defect and should be covered by a recall.
- Baton Rouge, LA, USA
My ignition cylinder locks, I.e. I put the key in the ignition and it will not turn. I had the ignition cylinder replaced 9 months ago. Now the same problem has occurred. Cannot start my car.
- Arlington, VA, USA
Key to my Ford Focus would not turn in the cylinder and was unable to start my car. Had to have car towed and a new ignition cylinder installed. Towing, parts and labor costs $400.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Consumer placed the key inside the ignition switch and key would not start the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that ignition switch needed to be replaced, and replaced it.
- Klamath Falls, OR, USA
Ignition lock broken. Steering wheel is locked and key cannot go all the way into the ignition. Cannot start car.
- Barnegat, NJ, USA
Went to start the car, and key would not go into the ignition all the way. Was eventually able to get the key in by wiggling and forcing, but will not turn now to start the car. Called the local Ford dealer, and was informed that this was a known issue with the 2000 Ford Focus, and that my ignition cylinder would need to be replaced. Was quoted $350.
- Tracy, CA, USA
While starting the vehicle key would not turn the ignition switch. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic had to replace the ignition switch cylinder. Dealer was not notified.
- East Sparta, OH, USA
I have several defects in my 2000 Ford Focus 4 door. First one is my left passinger door does not latch closed, 2nd is my cylinder lock in the ignition failed and I had to have it replaced, 3rd when it rains the front passinger floor fills to top with water, 4th the cd player turns off and blinks buy itself, 5th my check engine light stays on after repetedly taking it to machinic to see why and having it reset even though there is no reason it should be on and last the only way I have heat or ac is on level 4 -1, 2 and 3 do not work.
- East Stroudsburg , PA, USA
After having a difficult time of turning the ignition switch on consumer could not shift the vehicle into park. Every attempt would cause a grinding nose. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, who replaced the entire ignition cylinder.
- Sarasota, FL, USA
Ignition problem. Tried to start car with key but will not start. At first, the key would not go in but finally got key in but car didn't start. My key was damaged alittle from the ignition. Since mechanics are on strike in St. Louis, maybe hard to get fixed. Called suntrup Ford and they said not covered and not recalled so I would have to pay the cost to fix.
- Saint Louis, MO, USA
Consumer went out to start the vehicle and the key would not turn the ignition and locked in place. No matter how much consumer tried the key would not move. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and the technician replaced the cylinder at consumer's expense.
- Cookeville, TN, USA
Ignition locks on Focus are faulty. I have had mine replaced every 25 months since I have owned my vehicle. Ford refuses to cover the ignition lock even though the service managers all know about this being faulty. Ford claims ignorance, that they are unaware of this being a common problem, I have performed the most rudimentary research that shows otherwise and if I really spend time, I only imagine what I will find. <www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.Ford.Focus/messages/29566.html> <www.focaljet.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?cat=&number=635761&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&O=&fpart=1> <www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.Ford.Focus/messages/27215.html> thanks!
- Woodland Hills, CA, USA
Upon starting the vehicle key sticks in the ignition followed by the steering wheel locking up. If the consumer managed to remove the key, the steering wheel was still locked. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, who replaced the ignition assembly. The failure recurred, and the key broke in the ignition. The ignition assembly has to be replaced again.
- Sacramento, CA, USA
The consumer had ignition switch replaced and it went out again. Dealer replaced the ignition a second time without informing the consumer that the warranty had expired. The ignition switch was defective again.
- Granite City, IL, USA
Consumer complained about ignition switch failure to start the vehicle. Dealer was notified.
- Lahaina, HI, USA
Approximately 10 times now, I have tried to start my 2000 Ford Focus, and the key either will not insert completely or it will not turn in the switch.
- Alfred Station, NY, USA
- Houston, TX, USA