The device in the steering wheel housing that cancels the turn signal has failed for the third time since I bought the car. The part is obviously defecting in design. This failure results in my reluctance to use the turn signals since I must turn them off manually after completing the turn. And not using turn signals compromises driving safety.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. In an attempt to drive the vehicle with the key in the ignition, the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. The failure occurred twice. The dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 93,750.

- Greenville, SC, USA

My steering column locks up and will not allow me to turn the car on. I drove my car to work no problem when I came out I could not get the key to turn in the ignition. The steering wheel is locked and will not move thereby not allowing me to turn the car

- Binghamton, NY, USA

Common problem with steering column being locked and key will not turn after being inserted. Hundreds (perhaps more) of people have been writing about the problem on the net.

- Apex, NC, USA

I have had more repairs incidences with 2001 Ford Focus than is normal on any car. If most of the repairs had been in the first 18 months I could have easily declared a lemon. Unfortunatley they have been since that time. Most recently I have had the rear wheel bearings replaced for the second time on a 3 year old car and am in the process of having the steering column replaced for the second time. I went through over 3 full sets of tire in less than a year and a half. And less than a year ago I got pulled over by the police because I had absolutely no lights in the back of my vehicle. Ford dealer charged me to replace the rear light housing and some wire that had shorted out.

- Laura, OH, USA

I am the owner of a 2001 Ford Focus and have always had problems with it. On 10/28/2004 I stopped for gas with my two small children. After re-fueling, we all got back into the car to leave and the key wouldn't turn. My whole stering column had locked up-the steering wheel wouldn't budge, the shifter was locked as well as the brake pedel. Although many strangers tried to help me start my car, me adn my children were stuck at the gas pump for over an hour. After having my car towed the driver told me that this was his seond Focus that day with the same problem and his company tows several a month.

- Kingston, WA, USA

Steering wheel lock problem. I parked my vehicle in a parking space as normal, placing it into park, and turning off all electrical items. I then excited the vehicle. Upon return, I slid the key into the ingnition, and then it happened. At happened? absolutely nothing. The wheel was totally stiff, and the key would not move in either direction. I was stuck in this position for at least 3 hours, try after try, still no movement. This has caused a major inconvenience to me, and I now have to bring the car into a dealship to have the problem, whatever that may be repaired. There should be a recall of some sort or reimbursement for this procedure, for I have read many complaints regarding to the same nature. 2001 Ford Focus SE.

- Detroit, MI, USA

The entire steering column had to be replaced after it broke. (nar) the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of replacing the steering column and enclosed is a copy of the safety recall issued in regards to the steering column.

- Detroit, MI, USA

When trying to start the vehicle the key did not turn in the ignition. Dealer replaced the steering column four times, but the problem still occurs.

- Fort Smith, AR, USA