9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$400
Average Mileage:
57,850 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. check the plastic sleeve on your shift stick (1 reports)
  3. replace ignition cylinder (1 reports)
  4. to remove key slide up sleeve on shifter, it should release (1 reports)
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problem #8

Jan 012017

Focus ZX4 ST 2.3L

  • Manual transmission
  • 53,600 miles

The Ford Focus's most common problem, I have learned, is that the key won't turn in the ignition, or the key gets stuck in the ignition. Apparently, this has been a problem known to Ford for many years. At least once a day now, the key won't turn in the ignition in my '05 Focus.

- Jeff K., Tucson, AZ, US

problem #7

Nov 062011

Focus LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Ignition locked on car had to have it towed, no dealerships available where car was, towed the car home. Now will have to tow again to repair shop.

- Dawn H., Zion, IL, US

problem #6

Oct 012010

Focus LX

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

this is bullshit. a faulty problem that ford knows about and lets people get stranded. Never will I buy an american made car again

- Mary C., Pamplin, VA, US

problem #5

Jul 062009

Focus ZX4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

If you can not get the key out of your ignition, push up on the sleeve of your shifter, that should release it, see www. Autoforum.com

- Joe B., P.B.G, FL, US

problem #4

Jul 032009

Focus ZX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,234 miles

I called up my local Ford dealer yesterday and told him I was working on a 2005 ford focus. He said ignition switch won't turn? I said yup. He said switch was 135.00 + tax or 135.00 + tax and labor. I asked there had been a recall he said no, probably should be though. I have 2 other American made vehicles that also have problems and I have 1 German built vehicle that is 34 years old and it runs like a top. My solution is to ride myself of the domestic brands and buy imports. Import beer is also better, go figure.

- wvhunter62, Culloden, WV, US

problem #3

Mar 302009

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

When we called the dealership about this problem they said this was really common for Focus' and that the only thing that we could do was have it towed to the dealership for a repair. This should be a recall issue if it happens all the time.

- Rodney S., Chubbuck, ID, US

problem #2

Jul 162008

Focus ZXW 2.2L (I Think)

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,962 miles

After getting the dealer's mechanic estimate of $450 for the replacement of the "shift" (what is that?) I happened to notice that a piece of the plastic sleeve, at the bottom of the shift stick, broke off and the sleeve dropped about an inch.

I moved that little sleeve back up and shifted into "Park", and what do you know, the key comes out like it never got stuck!!!

So, before you pay the big bucks, have a quick look at that plastic sleeve and pull it back up. Make sure it stays there when you shift into "Park".

- Jacob R., Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #1

Jan 072008

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 57,000 miles

This should be a recall issue!!!!!!!!!!!! It was not covered under warranty!! After getting the car fixed I called around to a number of different shops who said that they could profom the work for less than what the dealership charged to fix it.. I will NEVER again buy another ford, unless I am giving a full refund!!!!!!! Ford makes horrible products but that's not the worst part as they costumer service is of an even lower standard of their product. They will even go as far as to rip you off for their mistakes! When I buy my next car I will take the time to drive to every dealership speak with every owner and manager in my area and tell them why they lost my biz!!

- Sam B., Novato, CA, US