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
I have had my 2000 Ford Focus for 1 year, purchased used from a dealer. It had 60,000 miles on it. Although I realize that it's an older car it's in great shape. I'm now having ignition lock-up problems, like so many other Focus owners I know. It's sitting in my driveway, and I'm going to have to have it towed because there's no other recourse. The key won't go all the way in for any of my keys, and the steering wheel is locked.
- Edgewater, MD, USA
2000 Ford Focus ignition switch problem (~48,000 miles). For the 2nd time since we purchased the car, the ignition switch has failed. The first time it failed, we could not turn the key to start the car and could not remove the key. This time when it failed, the switch froze in the on position, and we were not able to shut the car off. Since it is an automatic transmission, we were not even able to "kill" the engine. It happened at night, but fortunately, we were able to find an open service station... they were able stop the engine by pulling spark plug wires. Not being able to shut off the engine sure seems a safety issue to me. I understand many other people are having repeated problems with ignition switches on Ford Focus models. This switch is currently being replaced again for a cost of ~$300. Can anything be done to force Ford to rectify this problem?
- Eau Claire, WI, USA
My 2000 Ford Focus has repeated episodes of ignition key being unable to turn in the switch and occasionally not able to insert key into switch. I have had the tumbler assembly replaced and after eight months the new unit has failed.
- Othello, WA, USA
Hello, we have a 2000 Ford Focus, and have had the lock cylinder freeze up for the second time in two years. Ford says this is a defect, yet there is no recall. Looking on the internet, there are many, buyers who are experiencing the same problem. Shouldn't Ford be forced to recall a defective product" I am not sure I have the correct Agency, so please tell me who I would need to contact if not. If so, what can we do about this" sincerely, .
- St. Petersburg, FL, USA
The ignition switch on my 2000 Ford Focus locked up this week, preventing me from turning the key. I could insert the key into the ignition, but it refused to turn. After trying for the better part of an hour, I had to have it towed to the Ford dealership. Ford put in a new ignition the following day, which is a completely different mechanism from the previous one. This leads me to believe they found the original part was flawed, and are now using an upgraded ignition switch to replace the ones that fail. It cost me $403.38 to have the new one put in. So far, Ford has refused to issue a recall or extended warranty on the part.
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
2000 Ford Focus zts and the ignition cylinder has locked up 4 different times in the last 3 weeks.
- Bellbrook, OH, USA
The ignition switch on my 2000 Ford Focus is periodically locking up. I've had it happen where you put the key in and it won't turn. Tonight, the key wouldn't even go in all the way, it would only take about 1/3 of the key and no more. It eventually took the key after about a half hour of trying. This seems to be a common complaint, but one that Ford so far has refused to issue a recall on.
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
Ignition switch on 2000 Ford Focus locked up, almost $600 to replace.
- Waupun, WI, USA
Toward the end of July, 2006, I started having difficulty being able to turn my key in the ignition. I would have to jiggle it a little for it to turn. On August 1st my key would not turn at all and have not been able to drive my car since.
- St. Petersburg, FL, USA
I have had to replace my ignition switch twice in the last year and a half. And now it has stopped working again. I think Ford should resolve this issue at no cost to the consumer. The cost of repairs is approaching $900.
- Pass Christian, MS, USA
Steering column locked, key will not turn in ignition.
- Waukegan, IL, USA
For the second time, we have had to replace the ignition switch in our 2000 Ford Focus. I was under the impression that Ford made quality cars. Evidently this is not the case.
- Boise, ID, USA
My 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 ignition has locked up, and I'm unable to turn my key at all to get it started. Another Focus nightmare. My car has been giving me problems since day one. I have lord knows how many recalls, and I still have problems that should have been recalled and haven't been. I can't take this anymore. No one has money to waste on a new car that gives them problems. What's the purpose of the purchase? you lose out as a customer, dealing with Ford vehicles.
- Carson, CA, USA
My 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 ignition is failing, as have many others from the research I've done. The same component is fitted into my wife's Mazda tribute which also failed on her. Ford should issue a recall on this very poor quality item.
- Durham, NC, USA
Ignition cylinder locked solid. Car could not be started.
- Washington, DC, USA
The key will go into the ignition but will not turn. The steering wheel will not unlock itself. I've been trying for an hour and am getting really fed up.
- Ft. Worth, TX, USA
My car's ignition switch went on me first at a grocery store, stranding me. After walking across the busy street to the Ford dealership, as soon as I told them the make of the car they knew exactly what the problem was. I got the car to start by tapping the key while in the ignition (only a temporary solution). Soon after my car ignition, luckily this time in the safety of my own driveway, went out completely. I had to get the car towed and am now facing a $500-800 cost to get the problem fixed. I am a student who is now saving up so I can get my car fixed and get back to life as usual.
- Enfield, CT, USA
I have a 2000 Ford Focus which has needed the ignition switch changed three times in 60,000 miles.
- Aurora, CO, USA
Sticky key. Ignition locks up and cannot turn key. Key locks up.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Durham, NC, USA