Without any warning, my the key will not go in the ignition. Consequently, I cannot start my car. Because I have seen entirely too many posts about this, I contacted Ford at the 800 number. All I got was apologies and if I get it repaired to keep the receipt for reimbursement in the event there is a recall. I wonder why there hasn't been one already when it is listed as one of the top two problems with the Ford Focus.

- Winston, GA, USA

Consumer attempted to start vehicle but key would not turn. Ignition was locked in place, it would not move, and the steering wheel was locked. Dealership replaced less than three months ago the switch, but problem recurred.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

It was hard for the consumer to get the ignition key released from the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Lock/ignition core failed to respont to key and the consumer was stranded at night. The key would not turn in the ignition eventually the key would not even go in the ignition. The consumer could not start the vehicle nor turn on the power to roll up the power windows. The consumer stated that online resources have shown this to be common to Ford Focus.

- Mckinleyville, CA, USA

No sign of anything wrong at all - then the key will go into the ignition - but the key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked up.

- Edmond, OK, USA

While placing key inside the ignition switch, the vehicle would neither start nor move. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced the cylinder switch inside of the ignition. Please fill in additional information.

- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA

My wife went to the the store and when leaving started to put the key into the ignition switch. The key only went half way in, she could not get it to go any further. As a result we had to have the car towed to the local dealer for repairs.the dealer informed us that the switch will have to be drilled out and replaced and rekeyed to our keys. I will ask for the parts back. The estimate is $400. I have since done some research and found that this is a very common complaint.

- Lemoore, CA, USA

Consumer stated intermittently ignition key locked up in the ignition switch, and would not turn left or right when starting the vehicle or turning the vehicle off. Dealer was notified.

- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

In July, 2002, I had warranty work on my 2000 Ford Focus to replace the ignition switch. At the time, key would not go into the lock, or would not turn at all. Dealer made warranty repair. Fewer than 2 years later, the ignition switch is going out again. This time, the key can be removed in any position. I think that this is both a safety and a security problem. Ford will not honor the original warranty work past 12 mos./12,000 miles. The car came with a 36/36,000 warranty. Does this mean the parts they put for repairs are 1/3 the quality of the original?

- Nasvhille, TN, USA

When placing the key inside the ignition switch consumer is unable to turn the key. This causes the steering wheel to lock, and consumer is unable to start the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was informed that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced, and dealer replaced it. However, problem recurred.

- Denver, CO, USA

The consumer noticed that it was difficult to insert the key into the ignition switch to start the vehicle. The dealer has been contacted.

- New York, NY, USA

While having the key inside the ignition switch it would not turn. Consumer was not able to start the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced.

- Bartlett, TN, USA

Ignition switch won't allow key in all the way.

- Trinity, FL, USA

The ignition switch locks up and you can't get the key in. This happened in 2001 and now this month. The first time it happened it was covered under warraty. I have talked to many people as well as the dealersip and they say this is a common problem. If this is a common problem it should be a recall. I wanted someone to look into this problem as I have also found many people complaining about the same problem on the internet. When they fixed it the first time it must have been with the same manufacture part because it happened again. I have never had a car have this problem and to have this problem twice is just strange.

- Pa, PA, USA

Once the key is in the ignition switch it fails to turn. This would be the third time in two years that the ignition cylinder had to be replaced.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Car was driving fine, went shopping and when I came out of the store, the key would not go completely into the ignition. My husband jiggled the key around hard and finally got it in, but key would not turn at all. I just found out thiat this is a very common problem.

- Wampum, PA, USA

Ford Focus ZX3 2000 - like hundreds of other Focus owners, I have had to have my Focus towed because the key will not fit all the way into the ignition - cost to me is $225 +$75 towing on a flat bed. There were no events leading up to this - the car just will not start. Ford refuses to cover or lower any costs, despite the fact that this is a known problem happening to numerous Focus owners. I had a Volkswagen golf for 11 years before I sold it to buy a Focus. I won't make that mistake again. Also, the fuel pump psuedo recall is another great rip off. I received a notice about possible faulty fuel pump in the 2000 Focus. When I inquired about having this problem fixed (my car is sputtering) they told me it would cost me $75 to check it out and if I can't prove it's the fuel pump that is causing the problem, I will have to pay for repairs. My car is less than 4 years old and has 16,500 miles on it. Too many recalls to even remember. Great product, customer service, Ford!

- Ferndale, MI, USA

While placing the key inside of the steering wheel vehicle did not start. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

Ignition switch failed, had to have car towed to dealership and replaced for $300. I've seen that many people have had this problem and I want to be included in that number with the hope that Ford will recall and reimburse me.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

I own a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3. Today when I went to start my car to drive home my key would not go all the way into the ignition. I played with it and got it to go in but then the key would not turn and I could not start my car. I did some research on this problem and it seems it is a common one among Focus owners. Ford needs to recall the ignition switch cylinder for these cars considering the amount of problems they have caused.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Driver is not able to turn the key in the ignition.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA