Was getting ready to drive home. Put my key in the ignition, and the key would not turn. Tried for two hours to turn the key, but no luck. I had to wait an additional 2 hours to get a ride home, with my car still in the parking lot. Called Ford dealership. Told them my problem, and they knew without me telling them, the make and model of my car. They then referred me to a lock smith, who had to come out and replace it.

- Thornton, CO, USA

Transmission would not kick into gear. The key ignition is always getting stuck. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer numerous times and was told it was only her imagination. Finally, the transmission died and the warranty had ran out. The doors both front and back come open while driving. There is a recall on the rear doors but is also having problem with the front doors as well. Vehicle was taken to dealer 3 times for the ignition key alone. Car is currently in shop.

- Cornwall, NY, USA

2000 Ford Focus ignition switch is jammed. Key will go in but will not turn. Found many complaints about this problem on other internet sites. Cost to repair 200 to 400 dollars according to these reports. Found a web article published in 2002 on how to fix the problem - www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestandard/motorage/472002/38913/article.pdf my car is still in the driveway where the problem occured. Emailed Ford as I have been a long time Ford buyer and have never had problem with an ignition switch - no response as of this date.

- Mogadore, OH, USA

Ignition switch has seized three times each time replaced by dealerships. Never warrantied. Please not the quantity of these failures. Due to the pats system, most mechanics will not touch it.

- Commerce, TX, USA

There was no prior problems with the key and the ignition, then on 5/4/05 the key went into the ignition and would not turn or start the car, I tried my second key and that also would not turn. I had to have the car towed to local dealer, total cost for repair and tow was a wooping $350.the dealer did not seem surprised that my Ford Focus had this defect, the tow driver said it is common to have this problem with Focus and I spoke to a few local locksmiths and they also say it is common for Focus. I see on the internet that hundreds of people also endured this high expense for the same repair. It does not seem fair that there is a defect and Ford does not have a recall for this issue, plese help all us owners and push for a recall.. thank you

- Yonkers, NY, USA

Replaced the ignition swith twice key gets stuck and some cases steering locks.

- N. Easton, MA, USA

When key is put in ignition the key will not turn to allow the vehicle to start. Also once the key is in it will not come out.

- League City, TX, USA

On two separate occasions the ignition switch would not turn, to allow the consumer to start the vehicle.

- Atlantic Beach, FL, USA

Defective ignition switch cylinder, failed cylinders resulted from a sub standard manufactured cylinder which rapidly deteriorates with use and eventually fractures and jams. Ford is well aware that these fragile cylinders are made of sub standard materials and are breaking and jamming at an alarming rate.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

My wife was driving the car and stopped to get a drink. When she got back into the car, the key would not go into the ignition. After I looked at it, the key went in a bit further, but was not enough to turn the ignition. The key still will not go in all the way or turn.

- Ft Knox, KY, USA

Have a 2000 Ford, Focus SE. Occasionally the cars ignition will lock up. Sometimes the ignition will turn and gauges, radio will work, but car will not start. It will not make any sounds, just does not start. Having difficulty even turning ignition switch. Been in shop several times, but dealer could not find any problems until 04-19-05 when the ignition tumbler needed to be replaced. Never have seen this before on a 4-5 year old car. Not covered under any warranty. This failure very often has left me and my 3 year old sitting in the car in extreme temperatures unable to start vehicle. Currently, I am stuck with a $250 bill, that the Ford mechanic stated probably had nothing E to do with the vehicle not starting!!!

- Lake View, NY, USA

Consumer would be unable to turn the key inside the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Consumer adds ignition is stuck when attempting to start vehicle. Both rear doors will not open due to vehicle not starting. Clock spring and steering lock assembly were replaced.

- Grand Chain, IL, USA

When starting the vehicle steering wheel would not unlock with the ignition key. Vehicle was towed. Dealership was notified. Consumer had the steering wheel lock repaired.

- Jacksonville, AR, USA

Ignition cylinder locked up. The keys won't turn in the ignition cylinder. Had to call the locksmith as per locksmith, its a known issue with Ford Focus 2000/2001 models. Ignition cylinder replaced to fix the problem. Check this for similar issues: www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=1275

- Cary, NC, USA

When key is inserted in the ignition the key won't turn. Consumer took vehicle to dealer numerous times, and dealer fixed it, but problem recurred.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Consumer is unable to remove key from ignition without excessive force being used, regardless of length of time vehicle is driven. Dealership removed the ignition chamber, inspected it, but found no problem. Also, they have lubricated it. The problem recurred.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

Key won't full slide into the ignition lock cynlider. As a result can't start the car. It apears, one or more tumblers have fallen out of place. Auto has approximately 62,000 miles. When I had a lock smith look at the lock, I was informed that is was a fair common problem with the 2000-2002 Ford Focus model.

- Upper Arlingotn, OH, USA

Ignition cylinder seized and needed to be replaced, car has 78,000 miles and I feel that this is a poor design. Cost of repairs was $185 and I had to replace the ignition key as well. I have old part for inspection if needed.

- Rome, NY, USA

I went shopping at wal-mart and when I came out, my ignition was locked up. I was unable to do anything and called the Ford dealership to tow it in and fix it. I was charged for all parts, labor, and tow bill. When I reasearched this online, I found several others had the same problem and based on their experiences this happens over and over. Ford would accept no responsibility and would not look into a recall. My car is a 2000 Ford Focus. Incidinte date is a guess.

- Vanceburg, KY, USA

Vehicle was unable to start when the consumer put the key into the ignition switch. Consumer was concerned because this could be dangerous if there was an emergency, and vehicle was unable to start.

- Summit Hill, PA, USA