The vehicle ignition starter fails to start the vehicle. You must hit the key into the ignition in order to actually start the car. This occurs every time that I attempt to start the car. This is a common issue that recurs even after you replace the parts. This is a mechanical error that will constantly break down.

- Dallas, TX, USA

The key will not turn the ignition. This has happened several times. Usually I can get it to work after about an hour or two of repeatedly putting the key in & out, but today I cannot get it working. I have been stranded in the dead of winter with my daughter out at midnight, on the side of a major busy highway (rt 94 West to Chicago), and several other locations. It's usually late at night and freezing cold out when this happens to me. It is definitely a safety hazard for me as well as when I have my daughter with me.

- Granger, IN, USA

Ignition system failed for 2004 Ford Focus 2 dr coupe. Car now needs a new system which Ford estimates at $450. Google "Ford Focus ignition" and see hundreds of exact same complaint. Ford will not recall since not "safety" issue, how about integrity. They know of the problem but will not fix it. California has a class action law suit, but what about me?? Ford should be held accountable for this problem that they know exists for older models, especially in this time of need. No confidence left in Ford, I will buy foreign cars from now on. Please help!!!

- Wellford, SC, USA

My ignition lock froze up and I was unable to drive my car. Key wouldn't turn and the steering wheel was locked. I had to have my car towed to a shop for repairs. I called Ford and asked them to correct the problem and they declined. I own a 2004 Ford Focus ZX5. I checked the internet and this is a common problem.

- Warrenton, OR, USA

2004 Ford Focus key gets stuck in the ignition and will not turn. It occurs frequently.

- Hampton Cove, AL, USA

2004 Ford Focus - ignition problems. Came to find out this is a well known, documented problem. "the Ford Focus' most common problem, according complaints from Focus owners, is the key won't turn in the ignition, or the key gets stuck in the ignition."

- Eugene, OR, USA

The ignition lock and the key would not come out. Had to be towed at midnight from the hospital in 18 degree weather. Dealership said manufacture part at a cost of $455. Brake noise no one can find. Replaced the windshield wiper arm twice. Will never buy Ford again!!!

- Barrackville, WV, USA

I have a 2004 Ford Focus whose ignition switch went out and had to be replaced. This cost me a couple hundred dollars.

- Hampton, GA, USA

2004 Ford Focus - locked ignition switch-low miles. Unable to drive or unlock steering wheel. Hundreds of complaints on this situation. Class action filed in ca.

- Reno, NV, USA

The key will not turn in the ignition. This it turns out is a known issue for the Ford Focus yet so far Ford has not recalled the faulty ignition.

- Moundsview, MN, USA

My 2004 Ford Focus's ignition has failed. It just stopped working one day leaving me stranded at work for 2 hours.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

My ignition has locked multiple times leaving my 3 year old daughter and myself stranded where I had to call someone to come and help start my car as the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. Tonight the car would not start at all and I had to abandon it.

- Oak Park, IL, USA

I have a 2004 Ford Focus zts. The car is only 4 years old and the locking cylinder won't turn anymore when the key is in the ignition. This car is far too new to be having a problem like this.

- Arlington, VA, USA

I'm a manager of a fleet of vehicles for the american red cross. I have had three (3) 2004 Ford Focus ignition lock up to were I could not turn the steering wheel. I had to get them towed and new ignitions put in. This has cost me close to $700 per vehicle.

- Baltimore , MD, USA

I bought a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 a year ago in August 2007. The car had never given me any problems until yesterday, September 22, 2008. I got out of school and went to lunch with a friend, I had to go to work so I decided to leave. When I went outside to turn my car on I couldn't turn the key in the ignition, I tried moving the stirring wheel while I turned the key in the ignition but it wouldn't budge. I called my friend and she came out to try to see if she could turn it on, it didn't work for her either. I then proceeded to call the dealership from where I got my car, they told my that I did still had warranty for my car so the told me that I had to tow it to them. They gave me a number so that I could call customer service for the warranty, they let me know that I did have insurance for a tow truck. They gave me the number of a tow truck and I had to call them so that they could pick-up my car and take it to the dealership. The tow truck came and got my car to take to the dealership. I called the dealership after my car got there the guy told me that they where not going to be able to check my car until tomorrow when the service guys got in. They called bck today and told me that they were able to fix my car and I had to pay a 50 dollar deductible to pick up my car. I have read some more statements from people that have had the same problem with their focuses but the most report have been with the 2000-20003 like I said my car is a 2004 so Ford really needs to try to better there ignition locks because even after replacing the ignition lock it sometimes happens again. I didn't make it to work yesterday and if my friend wasn't with me I would have been stranded with out a car, hopefully I this doesn't happen again and Ford does something about it soon!

- Nuevo, CA, USA

Ford Focus 2004 key ignition problems. The key wont turn in the ignition. I understand that this is in Focus 2000-2003, but mine is a 2004 and I just spent $400 in repairs. I went to the dealer to get it repaired hoping Ford would finally issue a recall, and I can get my money back. The one I have will probably break again in a few years, for another $400. This is terrible. I had the card towed.

- Rochester, NY, USA

My ignition switch on my Ford Focus 2004 would not turn over. I was only in a fast food restaurant for 5 minutes and when I came back out, the ignition lock and steering wheel would not turn. Had to have car towed to local repair shop. Went on internet and have researched thousands of Ford Focus locked cylinder complaints. When will this become a recall? I do not know how much money I will be out of but this is ridiculous for Ford to not pay for this problem.

- Aubrey, TN, USA

Ignition on my 2004 Ford Focus would not turn. This has happen before and I was able to get the car running. The latest I had to drill out the ignition to get the car home.

- Peabody, MA, USA

There were no difficulties leading up to the failure of my ignition. I put the key in the ignition of my 2004 Ford Focus and it would not turn. I had a mechanic look at it and he said it was the cylinder ignition switch. He checked online after seeing my car and found that this has been happening in Focus' since 2000. I then did some research on my own and found the same thing. I called the Ford company and they suggested I take my car to the dealership. I called another mechanic and he told me alot of Focus' have this problem and that the dealership would have to fix it because they would have to make a new key and no one else could do that. I have not totally fixed the problem yet. The mechanic who saw my car put wd-40 in the ignition and banged a screw driver in it and then it turns on. I still have to do this.

- North Brunswick, NJ, USA

1. nothing led up to the failure. 2. failure occurs each time key is inserted into the ignition 3. parts need to be replaced. I drive a 2004 Ford Focus. My ignition cylinder has gone out. I spent 1/2 hour late at night trying to get home from work. The key wont turn. I fear for my safety. There are thousands of people that have this problem. This is scary!

- Issaquah, WA, USA