10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 39,308 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
Have had an ignition freezing up problem and researched it online and noticed this has been an on going problem with Ford. I have a 2002 Ford Focus. First time I have had a car ignition freeze up.
- Copperas Cove, TX, USA
The ignition switch of the Ford Focus years 2000-2002 for sure may be other years become jammed which could lead to crashes. I am worried every time I drive my car. This item needs to be recalled by Ford Motor Company.
- Braidwood, IL, USA
Ignition does not turn on 2002 Ford Focus. I cannot turn the key. I have looked around on the internet and there were a lot of people who had this same problem. I fixed it by tapping the key with a hammer as I turned the key. The dealership wanted me to pay them $400 to fix this problem, but I thought Ford should just fix it before they make their worthless cars.
- Orem, UT, USA
I just bought a 2002 Ford Focus. My key wont turn and my steering wheel is locked up. On-line I have noticed this is a huge problem with focuses. I am going to get it fixed, but am concerned because it seems to be a big problem that will continue to re-occur. I have been without a car for sometime, and was stranded. Luckily it happened at my apartment and I did not have to have the car towed immediately.
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Ignition switch lock-up. No previous problems. Not covered by warranty. Vehicle only has 55,000 miles. Cost to repair approximately $300.
- Traverse City, MI, USA
The contact stated the ignition locked, and the key/steering wheel would not turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and they found the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, and there have been no problems since then.
- Chicago, IL, USA
Could not remove ignition key nor start the vehicle. Complete ignition key failure.
- Menifee, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when he inserted the key into the ignition, it locked and did not allow the consumer to start the vehicle. The consumer did have the cylinder lock replaced in the ignition. This did remedy the problem. The dealership was aware that there was a problem with the ignition on this type of vehicle. The manufacturer stated that this specific part was not covered under the warranty, and there was no recall. The consumer did have to cover the cost of the repair.
- Chicago, IL, USA
The consumer states that the 2002 Ford Focus ignition switch failed. Consumer cannot get the car to turn on. The switch will not turn. The car has been like this for two months. The car is in the shop now. The manufacturer has not been called.
- Aberdeen, NC, USA
The contact states at any time the ignition will not turn in his daughter's vehicle. If the key will not turn the ignition the vehicle will not start. The contact states he has had the vehicle repaired. The service dealer extracted and replaced the ignition lock cylinder. The service technician stated that this was a defective part in the Ford Focus and it was a common problem that happened all the time. The consumer asked if there was a recall, and the service technician said no, but he should call NHTSA and file a safety complaint. The consumer filed a complaint with the Ford Motor Company.
- Santa Rosa, CA, USA
The ignition switch will not turn, had it replaced in Jan. Of 04. An now it won't turn again. Aug of 05. The dealer said it needs to be replaced again.
- Mabelvale, AR, USA
I have had my car for 4 years. Just recenty the ignition switch failed. I can put the key in the ignition, but it won't turn. After just a few minutes on the internet, I found that this is a major problem with focii, but Ford refuses to address it. I am now without a car for the weekend. This is in addition to finding out this week that both the fuel pump and alternator are both also defective, but not covered.
- Stow, OH, USA
Runaway auto throttle body sticking caused car to become a runaway auto with no control to stop. Exiting highway 80 at prnryn rd. Ext. Cruise control shut off auto speeded up enjine roared appliing brakes didn't stop auto. Went off road and struck a large oak tree. Vehicle overturned down an embankmend. Landed on roof of auto. Auto had 450 miles on it and was totally destroyed.
- San Jose, CA, USA
My ignition locked up and I was stranded in a parking lot after purchasing a 2002 Ford, Focus less than a month ago. I had to hitch a ride home because I didn't have the money for a tow. The next day, I had my vehicle towed to a Ford dealer for repairs. Evidently this was a major problem, people getting stranded due to a faulty ignition switch. What is it going to take to get this problem fixed. Who is making the fortune on all these part replacements"??? is it Ford???? who makes these faulty ignitions???" they are probably still making a fortune and still making these bad parts. This could result in a very dangerous situation. Please get this problem fixed!
- North Pole, AK, USA
My ignition locked up and I was stranded in a parking lot after purchasing a 2002 Ford, Focus less than a month ago. I had to hitch a ride home because I didn't have the money for a tow. The next day, I had my vehicle towed to a Ford dealer for repairs. Evidently this is a major problem, people getting stranded due to a faulty iqnition switch. What is it going to take to get this problem fixed. Who is making the fortune on all these part replacements"??? is it Ford???? who makes these faulty ignitions???" they are probably still making a fortune and still making tthese bad parts. This could result in a very dangerous situation. Please get this problem fixed!
- North Pole, AK, USA
Consumer complained about an ignition. Problem. Owner had parked vehicle and went inside of a building for an hour. Upon returning, owner put the key in the ignition and the key would not turn. Owner had the vehicle towed to dealer where it was being serviced.
- Quincy, FL, USA
While inserting the key into the ignition it locked. Driver was unable to turn the key. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced.
- Dallas, TX, USA
The key won't turn in the ignition. Unable to move vehicle. Had to have it towed to Ford dealership. Crow- moddie burlington ks. Not fixed yet.
- Westphalia, KS, USA
2002 Ford Focus ignition switch locks and will not start the car.
- Allen, TX, USA
- Oceanside, CA, USA