Ignition switch locked up on start up of vehicle. Dealer replaced ignition switch. Consumer states the key has always been hard to fit and turn.

- Jackson, MS, USA

When removing key form ignition, it stuck. Even a locksmith could not remove key.contacted dealership. This was a common problem.

- Fords, NJ, USA

Consumer was unable to turn key in ignition, it had stuck.contacted dealer. Ignition switch cylinder had broken. Replaced part.but problem reoccurred.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Consumer unable to turn key in ignition switch as a result of key cylinder locking up. Contacted dealer.replaced parts 3 times; but problem reoccurred.

- Holly Springs, MS, USA

Ignition locked up, and consumer could not turn the key. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Maybank, TX, USA

While attempting to start vehicle ignition locked up key would not turn.

- Epping, NH, USA

I have had to many problems with this car for it to have been bought new in 2000. This problem with the ignition switch is unbelievable. When we talked to the dealership they referred us to a locksmith. The locksmith told us that he knew exactly what the problem was because he had done over 300 of these in the last year or so. When we had a tow truck to come and tow it to the dealer, he told us that he tows 2 or 3 of these cars a day for the same problem. I think it is absolutely upsurd and totally unfair that Ford hasn't recalled this part. Also, I had to replace the front rotors and pads on this car Dec. 2000, and I am being told that my brakes need to be done again. Something needs to be done about this car. Especially the 2000 model. I have been on the internet and have found a number of other people having the exact same problems and more with this car.

- Lithonia, GA, USA

Unable to start vehicle, couldn't turn key in ignition. Contacted dealer. Ignition switch was broken.

- Chehalis, WA, USA

Consumer was having problem with turning key in the ignition. Key will sometimes get stuck. Dealer notified.

- Red Oak, TX, USA

The key would not go into the switch, when it finally did I was unable to turn it- the tow truck driver said he'd seen seversl of these Focus' having this problem- vehicle was towed to dealer on Sunday- they worked on it Monday and until 2 pm Tuesday - charged full cost for labor and part- there is quite a history being built in your files of this problem. In the past there would almost never be a problem with keys not turning in ignition switches. I will also contact Ford about this but wanted to get this onto your list first.

- Manomet, MA, USA

While parked put key in and it would not turn. Tried another key, and would it not turn. Dealer notified, repaired.

- Glenn Height, TX, USA

Ignition switch locked up, unable to start vehicle, contacted dealer.

- Prince Freddrick, MD, USA

I cannot start my 2000 Ford Focus because the ignition key will not turn in the steering column - I called the dealer where I bought it - the service department gave me an estimate of $350 over the phone and said to save the receipt since this may become a recall - in the meantime I am unable to use the vehicle to drive to work until I can come up with at least $350.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

Key would not go all they way in ignition cylinder. Cylinder replaced.

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

Key would not go into ignition. When I finally got it in, it would not turn. Car had to be towed to dealer. Dealer tried to tell me it was because the locks had not been lubricated on a regular basis (car with 30K miles).

- Florissant, MO, USA

Sometimes key will not fit in ignition. Took to dealer, and they stated that ignition is off track.

- Stone Mountain, GA, USA

Key ignition would not start car.

- Marianna, FL, USA

While entering key into ignition switch the key would not enter all the way through. Had a locksmith fix the problem.

- Coral Gable, FL, USA

While trying to park ignition switch locked and prevented from turning the steering wheel.

- Windale, NY, USA

Ignition switch failure. Switch had to be replaced on vehicle for the second time. The first incident was during the 36,000 mile warranty period. This vehicle is one of four 2000 Ford Focus hatchbacks that our company owns. They have all had the ignition switch replaced at least once and there is another one that has been replaced twice. This was the first one that wasn't under 36,000 miles when it was replaced. After pointing this out to Ford they informed us that they are not having a problem with the ignition system. I checked the NHTSA site for complaints on the ignition system and there are many people having the same problems that we are having.

- Wampum, PA, USA