The consumer stated there were multiple problems with the vehicle. The brakes make noises and pulsated when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer where the brake light switch and ignition cylinder switches were replaced. The dealer also turned the drums, replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the front rotors. There was a vibration in the front end when braking. The lower ball joint, right wheel bearings, right front sway bar link, bone socket, steering rack column and tie rod ends were replaced in an attempt to remedy the problem. The tail light covers retained moisture and condensation built up. The dealer replaced the tail light covers and fuses that were blown due to the moisture. Lastly, the contact noticed the rear seat was loose and upon inspection the dealer discovered an anchor and hinge problem. The back hinge and pillar were replaced.

- Windsor , VT, USA

This particular problem has happened to way too many people. I firmly believe it is a safety concern.

- Sandia Park, NM, USA

The contact stated the ignition locked up while attempting to start the vehicle. After driving the vehicle to a designation the locksmith replaced the ignition switch. The dealership found on the internet several other year model vehicles with ignition switch problems..

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

The contact stated the key would not go into the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and they stated the ignition was worn out. They repaired the vehicle, but the contact has not taken possession of the vehicle.

- Dayton, OH, USA

Steering wheel locked and key would not turn in ignition. Had to have the vehicle towed to repair shop. Cost to repair is $250. Not happy at all!

- Lincoln, NE, USA

The ignition and column. I put the key in the ignition, it beeps, but the steering stays locked. I've tried to wiggle and jamming the key into the ignition because that's what a Ford dealership suggested me to do. He also gave me a quote over the phone $350. Now how often is that. I see that a lot of people own this type of vehicle are having the same exact problem I'm having and Ford doesn't consider it a recall or defect. I think they should since Ford is suppose to be a reputable car.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

Ignition cylinder is malfunctioning. Key will not insert all the way and will not turn ignition cylinder.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Steering wheel and ignition switch are locked up and I can not start my car.

- Gibsonville, NC, USA

I have a 2000 Ford Focus. Over the past month my key would not turn in my ignition but with some play it would turn. On Saturday Dec 17, 2005 I tried to start my car while on a family trip and my key wouldn't turn. I now have to spend $300 to get it fixed at my local Ford service shop. I also have to pay to get my car towed 40 miles to my hometown. The part that is failing is the ignition lock cylinder. My brother had his replaced last month for the same thing and I have to change my wife soon because her Focus is also doing the same thing.

- Marion, OH, USA

The ignition of my Ford Focus ZX3 once refused to accept the key, and had to be replaced, at my expense. That second tumbler is failing now also, and will need to be replaced again. I just found out from a website (www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=1275) that this is a huge, recurring problem. One person quoted a tow truck driver as saying that "this is the fourth one of these with this problem that I've towed to Ford this week!" one of the post writers suggested that we contact you at the NHTSA to report an obvious defect, with hopes of a much deserved manufacturer's recall. Thank you!

- Alsip, IL, USA

I bought a 2000 Ford Focus used in February 2005. On December 11, 2005 my ignition cylinder would not turn for the first time. The next day I had to be towed home because the car wouldn't start. I took it to a Ford dealership and had the ignition cylinder replaced for $283.

- Erie, PA, USA

My son took the car to lowe's and when he came out of the store the key would go in but would not turn. Upon my investigation the parts guy at mike bass Ford told me that they get 2-3 Focus's a week in for the same problem, the ignition tumbler is a whopping $86 and some change plus labor, plus tow. That is outrageous!

- Lorain, OH, USA

Key would not turn in the ignition switch. Dealership stated that the ignition lock cylinder was broken due to wear and tear and cold weather. Dealership removed broken cylinder and installed new ignition cylinder in March 2003. Problem has recurred November 2005.

- Frederick, MD, USA

My 2000 Ford Focus ignition switch has failed the 2nd time in a little over a year. When I insert the key in the ignition it will not turn regardless of what I do. With the first incident (10/15/2004) I had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealership and ended up paying $115.42 out of pocket--the remaining $155.09 was covered under the extended warranty. The dealership replaced the lock cylinder. Today, 11/24/05, my husband experienced the same problem. This time I am going to call a locksmith to do the work -- apparently this is a very common problem in the Focus (many fellow Focus owners on a website recommended a locksmith over going to a dealership to save both time and money). This problem has been costly, inconvenient and unsafe--as we have been left stranded. Please make this a recall!

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Upon trying to start my car, I found that the keys (both of them) would not fit into the ignition, thus preventing me from starting my car. This happened for the second time (the first time--2 days ago--I got it in after 3 or 4 tries), and now I can't drive my car. I have noticed that this is a recurrent problem with Ford Focus vehicles, and a recall needs to be issued. I will now have to take it to the shop to get the ignition switch fixed.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

Ignition switch would "stick", since day of purchase...two months later, broken!! all the tumbler springs went out....$300!! to fix and one hour late to work. Passenger outer tie rod boot is shot and the tie rod will not come off!!! $45 to replace!!! seat belt tensioner does not work properly at all!!!!

- Willard, OH, USA

I own a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3. The ignition keeps jamming and has finally completely failed, leaving me stranded miles from home. I've searched the internet and I've found that this is a known problem for the Ford Focus. I am thankful that it was me that was stranded and not my wife with the children. The ignition switches are defective. I would like to ask that a recall be put on this issue. I now have to have the car towed to the repair shop to be repaired because Ford used a defective part in manufacturing. Thank you, D. lish.

- Boise, ID, USA

I am a katrina evacuee working in dallas and I own a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3, and the notorious freezing ignition cylinder flaw (cannot turn key at all) left me stranded at 5:00 pm in front of an albertson's for 3 hours until a tow truck sent by geico came and got the car, brought it to the closest Ford dealer, and brought me home. Amidst all of the destruction I personally am dealing with, the last thing I need is to have a well known defect leave me stranded in another state...oh yeah, I have the flu to boot, so to say the least, I'm kind of cranky. Ford need to recall this part. As if I do not have enough to pay for (my house took 11 feet of water in nola), given this is not an official recall, the repair will cost me at least $250 out of pocket. Please initiate a recall. Boris palacios.

- Metairie, LA, USA

I went to a store and turned my car off, the same way that I always do. Once returning and trying to start the car, the ignition switch would not move at all. The key would go in all the way, but it would not turn. This has happened to me several times, but normally it will start after messing with it for a few minutes. This time I sat there for an hour trying to get it to work, to no avail. I called my roadside assistance, and had it towed home. I was told both by my insurance company, and the towing company, that it is a repeated issue with the Focus. The towing company said the only time he has had to ever tow a Focus is when it has been in an accident, or if the key will not turn. I have noticed many other complaints about this same issue through NHTSA, and feel something should be done about it. I have called several mechanics and lock smiths, and I am told by all that I have to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. I have no choice but to pay the high price to have a dealer fix an issue that should have been fixed a long time ago on all the car's made that year. It is obviously a defect if so many people are having this problem, and not just once but repeatedly.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

My daughter took the Ford Focus to college for a couple of weeks and was not able to get the key in the ignition. After speaking with several representatives at aaa (trying to get it towed from a parking garage), they all said that this is a known problem with the Ford Focus. They were sure that there had to be a recall or that Ford should pay for this to be fixed. I've contacted Ford and this was in their reply - 'Ford and the national highway traffic and safety administration (NHTSA) work together to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealer feedback.' This is why I'm filing a complaint with you. As for a safety issue, my daughter's safety is my main concern. Luckily this happened while she was still parked in the garage at school and not in a parking lot at a mall or a store. The tumblers collapsed and the ignition switch needed replaced and two new keys had to be made and programmed. (if oem is original equipment from manufacturer, then it is yes.)

- Weirton, WV, USA