Was stranded with baby when unable to insert key into ignition and start vehicle (2000 Ford Focus) which locksmith tells me is common defect in this make and model. Ignition switch replaced with cost of $180.

- Moses Lake, WA, USA

The car has 32000 miles after 6 years. In December 2006 the ignition failed catastrophically and without warning. I could not insert the key. I called the dealer and was told that the car would have to be towed and that my extended warranty had expired. I was able the restart the car, but it failed again on December 11, 2006, stranding me. I had the car towed and the mechanic informed me that this problem is common on this model, to the extend that Ford keeps the requisite parts in stock. He attributed it to a design fault. My concern is that if this problem indeed is common a driver could be stranded and helpless in a dangerous situation, with serious risk to safety and possibly life. If the mechanic's opinion that there is a design fault is correct, Ford should recall the car.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Key locking up in ignition. Car only has 50,000 miles. $500 repair bill plus towing charge and left me stranded in snow storm.

- Clio, MI, USA

1) I parked in a redzone to let my friend out of the vehicle and then I loaded something into my car. 2) I went to restart my vehicle and the ignition mechanism failed- couldn't insert the key properly and was unable to start the car. So it was late at night and I was unable to move my car to a safer location. Luckily I had aaa in addition to two generous friends who were able to help me with the cost- $265!!! because I didn't have the money to pay the man up front. Otherwise my car would've been ticketed and towed. 3) he drilled out the old ignition mechanism and replaced it. 2 hours of my life and $265 later!!

- North Hollywood, CA, USA

On numerous occasions while attempting to start my 2000 Ford Focus the key will not turn. Initially thinking it was a key issue I researched the internet to find numerous issues surrounding the 2000 Ford Focus and poor quality of the tumbler assembly leaving people stranded and/or keys stuck in the ignition. Ford has also issued a service bulletin to their dealers in regard to this issue. I contacted my local dealership and also dealt with Ford corporate looking for a solution. They say there isn't a safety issue even though they issued the service bulletin. At this time my only solution to have Ford replace to prevent my family from being stranded.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

The ignition switch locked in my 2000 Ford Focus, first the key did not go in all the way and when it did, the switch did no turn. The repaid costs $400.

- Paterson, NJ, USA

Ignition switch failure. Key will not turn when fully inserted in ignition switch.

- Saint George, UT, USA

Ford Focus 2000 ignition broke causing my key not to go in right and not to turn. I was forced to call a lock smith and have the lock replaced.

- Blaine, MN, USA

I own a 2000 Ford Focus and I am experiencing the ignition key lock. This is the second time this happen to this car, but there are numerous cases logged on the internet. Ford denied the problem and does not make itself responsible for this defective part. Texas is a big state with miles of empty road and if this problem happen while driving on theses road on a winter or a very hot summer a person can die.

- Big Lake, TX, USA

My 2000 Ford Focus has less than 26,000 miles on the clock and the ignition lock has jammed and had to be replaced twice. Second time was after warranty expired. Aaa certified locksmith told me he replaces hundreds of these locks a year, because Ford is still using the same defective oem lock made in germany by huf. Locksmith installed a strattec #707592 which he said is very reliable and in fact oem equipment on other Ford vehicles such as Explorer. He said Ford dealers are still installing the defective huf lock as a replacement.

- Portland, OR, USA

Ignition failed on 2000 Ford Focus also turn cancel signal 3 times under warranty and broken again out of warranty the ignition failed 3000 miles after warranty expired. The turn cancel during and after. I have 1 relative and 1 friend that has had the same thing happen.

- San Jose, CA, USA

2 times my ignition froze and the key would not turn to start the motor. And I had to have the ignition replaced both times; July 16,2002 and again on October 13, 2006.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

Without premonitory warning or observed marginal behavior, ignition lock failed and key could not be inserted fully or turned to start engine. Key finally turned after a few minutes of re-trying, banging on steering column, etc. Loss: Time spent retrying, and intangible anxiety concerning having to leave key in ignition over a weekend while investigating options for replacement during regular business hours to reduce cost relative to replacement in the field. Problem solved by purchasing non-oem aftermarket ignition lock cylinder at an independent automotive locksmith, after online literature search indicated that despite 4 related tsbs (14533,15421,02182,13968) and thousands of owner reports, Ford has not issued a recall - so full-cost service work done at a dealer would probably result in replacement with another instance of the faulty original part. I performed all labor except for setting new lock to existing key profile. Old part retained.

- Portland, OR, USA

2000 Focus wagon key doesn't turn in ignition this is the second time this has happened, which cost me money in time loss from work and having a locksmith come and fix it until I can get it to a dealership to repair it again!

- Mn, MN, USA

Ford Focus 2000 steering wheel locked, at any given time. I spent 4 hours five different people trying to get this thing unlocked. This is a major problem, it has locked up on me more than 50 times. This needs to be fixed!!!! recalled by Ford asap.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

Like many people, my 2000 Ford Focus is having a problem with the ignition cylinder locking up. It's happened many times before but corrected itself after many tries. However, it locked up again this past Saturday and has yet to unlock.

- Grovetown, GA, USA

The ignition switch cylinder locked and I was unable to turn the switch or remove the key. Switch cylinder had to be replaced. I understand this is a recurring problem and has not been addressed by a Ford recall.

- Suffolk, VA, USA

2000 Ford Focus; ignition cylinder failure.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

(1) normal operation of vehicle - no indications of problems or issues (2) ignition cylinder failure causing inability to start vehicle and inability to operate steering mechanisms to direct vehicle to a location outside of traffic flow. Vehicle was left stranded and unable to start in a relatively safe location, however, if failure had occurred while vehicle was in right of way (if engine had been turned off to save fuel during traffic jam - for instance ) could have presented safety issue. (3) repairs in progress - required drilling out ignition cylinder and complete replacement.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

I purchased a 2000 Ford Focus SE new in 2000. Since then I have been minimally satisfied with its performance despite a string of recalls. This week, I went to start my car and the ignition lock seized. I tried to turn it multiple times, bumping the steering wheel to release the lock, and eventually the key broke off in the ignition. I had to tow the car to a dealer, who could not get the lock cylinder removed without drilling it out. The dealer installed an aftermarket ignition as per Ford's service bulletin on this problem. The total repair, including tow, cost me $500. I am very upset that this problem happened to me despite NHTSA and Ford's knowledge of its prevalence (bulletins and complaints). I ask Ford to initiate a recall and reimburse me for my repair expense. In the least, I ask NHTSA to investigate this problem and force a mandatory recall. Thank you for your time. Tudor hampton Chicago, il. *

- Chicago, IL, USA