10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 51,152 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
Ignition lock, could not turn key.
- Carmel, IN, USA
2001 Ford Focus, 6 yrs old, only 38K miles. Ignition cylinder locked up and I was unable to insert key more than halfway. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer ($75), who replaced cylinder for $350. Dealer reports they still see this repair about once a month on the 2000, 2001 models.
- Gorham, ME, USA
*this is a safety issue!* when leaving work my car would not start, the starter would not engage and accessories would not come on...I went inside for 10 min to try to arrange a ride home...when I came back to the car I decided to try one last time and the car started right up no problem. While driving home (at about 8.30pm local time...fully dark outside) at approx. 50 mph the car died including most accessories, most notably, the headlights. When I tried to steer the car to the side of the road, the steering wheel locked. This all happened very quickly, I was braking and there seemed to be some power assist to the brakes but not full braking power. I was headed straight at a large tree when the car suddenly came to life again and I managed to just miss it. I limped the car about a 1/4 (at 10 mph) to my brothers apartment and it died 2X again on the way. After several days trying to diagnose the problem I discovered that wiggling the key in the ignition induces the car to die. Upon researching this problem I found that this has been reported on a wide scale basis and it concerns me that a recall has not been issued. I was very lucky not to be injured or killed by this problem and many many people are unaware of this risk (as was I until only a few days ago). I have found no way to get the matter corrected via the manufacturer as the current replacement part is almost identical to the original and is noted for short lifetime and for failing in the same manner.
- St Charles, MO, USA
My ignition will not turn. I have tried everything. I guess the ignition cylinder needs to be replaced.
- Oklahoma City, OK, USA
I own a Ford Focus ZX3 (2001). I seem to have the same problem as everyone else with my car. My ignition key would not turn and I was left stranded. I have done some research about the issue, and it seems to me that every other Focus owner had to deal with this problem. The solution to the problem is purchasing a new ignition cylinder (~$400). Ford need to admit to a faulty part and low quality of materials. Please help this be an official recall. Thank you.
- Sacramento, CA, USA
: the contact stated the ignition cylinder locked completely, and would not move. The key was also not able to be inserted all the way in to the ignition. The vehicle was not able to be started, and no electrical components engaged. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, who drilled out the ignition cylinder, and replaced the cylinder and ignition switch. The dealer cited a faulty ignition switch as the cause of the problem.
- Mi Wuk Village, CA, USA
My ignition locks up and I am unable to turn the key. This has happened 4 times now and each time I have to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced costing me around $400 each time. The first time it happened at about 16,000 miles and now I have 85,000 miles on my car. There is no sign when and where it is going to happen, it just does and then it leaves you stranded and in need of a tow truck, which is more cost to the consumer.
- Auburndale, FL, USA
: the contact stated the vehicles ignition shuts down and the vehicle can not be shut off. The problem occurred one time and the dealer was unable to resolve.
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
When trying to put the key in the ignition the ignition locks up and will not allow the key to enter or while key is in the ignition the key will not turn. But after a while, trying to make it work the ignition gives in. I have reported this to the Ford dealership and there were no recalls on this. Now I am afraid to drive it anywhere because the key may not work. Both keys are doing the same thing.
- Fort Worth, TX, USA
Went out to start car parked in garage and ignition cylinder would not turn when the key was inserted. Vehicle was towed to the local dealer where he replaced the ignition cylinder. This is the second time the problem has occurred on this vehicle and the first time it was replaced free of charge but they have told me they only replace these types of parts once under recalls?
- Calgary, 00, USA
Inserted key in ignition and key refuses to turn. This has happened on several occasions. Car needed to be towed to the local Ford dealer for repairs.
- West Pittston, PA, USA
When we pulled up at the store the car was running fine; however, when we tried to leave the store the steering wheel was locked up and we could not start the car. We tried many different things (as it says in the manual) including the manual override on the base next to the gear shift and checking for blown fuses. We ended up having to have the car towed to our home where a locksmith came out and replaced the cylinder in the ignition. He also had to recode the keys so that they would work in the ignition. The worst part was that we had absolutely no warning that this would happen (no warning lights, no prior problems, etc.) and we were stuck out in 98 degree heat with our 2 small children!!
- Wichita, KS, USA
The ignition cylinder is a known failure in the 2000-01 Ford Focus. I have a 2001 Ford Focus and this is the second time I have had to replace this part. The steering wheel and ignition lock up and the vehicle is useless. The worn keys seem to worsen the problem. There is a 12-18 month life span on the part and that is unacceptable. If you would go to automotive talknet.com and choose the topic ignition cylinder on the Ford Focus you will see how much of a recall this should be and how we should be reimbursed for all the money we have spent.
- Long Beach, CA, USA
Ford Focus 2001 ignition switch jammed. Does not allow the car to be started. It has left me stranded several times. The internet is full of people who have complained of this problem with the Ford Focus and the local Ford dealer claims that there is no recall and it will cost $450 for the dealer to fix this very obvious manufacturing defect.
- Chico, CA, USA
: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle the ignition locked. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer replaced the steering and ignition lock assembly. The manufacturer has been alerted.
- Valley Village, CA, USA
Second time ignition cylinder in 2001 Ford Focus has locked up. First left me stranded and had to have car towed in. Today, ignition has locked up again. Dealership doesn't know if they will pay for it, but they'd better. Have seen thousands of post about this problem--why isn't Ford addressing this problem"?"
- Prairie Village, KS, USA
Key will not go back into the ignition cylinder.
- Fairfield, CA, USA
Ignition key difficult to insert then ignition mechanism and steering wheel locked.
- Pearl River, NY, USA
When I tried to start my Ford Focus 2001 ZX3 car after leaving the post office, the key would not turn in the ignition. I eventually found a locksmith who replaced the ignition lock key cylinder at a cost to me of $189. When I called Ford Motor Co. They had no record of recalls for this problem but after searching online I found that many people have had the same problem with the same response from Ford. I feel that an investigation should be opened into this with action along the lines of customer reimbursement for out of pocket expenses to us. This is and has been an ongoing problem with Ford Focus cars. Even the locksmith was aware of this problem. Ford's response is no response and not an acceptable one. Thank you.
- Yonkers, NY, USA
- Rochester, NY, USA