7.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- No data
- Average Mileage:
- 86,300 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (6 reports)
- pull up on sleeve of shifter - key will release (2 reports)
This has happened before. I looked up on the internet that this is a KNOWN issue that Ford is not handling responsibly. I fixed the issue by sliding my hand down below the gear knob and pulling up the sleeve. I found the solution at http://www.fordproblems.com/Focus/key-wont-turn-in-the-ignition.shtml
- Robin F., Roswell, GA, US
Key will not come out of ignition. Not sure how to get it fixed. AAA covers a locksmith up to $100.00 but he won't guarantee that his fix will solve the problem. Ford dealer will only give me a ball park figure. $400-$600. Why has there not been a recall on this problem? I see it dates back to at least 2000. Get on the ball NSTB! Make ford recall for this problem.
- Bernard H., Fairfax, VA, US
On vacation with my children almost 400 miles from home when my key is stuck in the ignition. Upon taking it to a home town mechanic, he stated it was the ignition switch because Ford Focuses have "that problem." Believing it to be the sensor that tells the car it's in park, I take it to the Ford dealership who tells me it is the sensor, but in order to replace the sensor, they must replace the whole shifting assembly which will cost close to $400. I'm a single mother. I don't have $400 to just pull out of thin air to pay for that. Currently, because it still runs properly, my key is still stuck in my ignition. After doing research, it seems this problem is widespread as the 1st mechanic said and that Ford knows about it, but refuses to recall it. This will certainly be my last Ford which is sad being that it's an American made car. Doesn't sound like too much American pride exists in Ford any more.
- skinimini, Asheboro, NC, US
I have a 2005 Ford Focus that I recently purchased and the key gets stuck in the ignition. I have paid $165 to get a new key made and it got stuck, I have spent $288 to get a locksmith to repair the issue and the key still gets stuck. All of these repairs have been done through
Classic Ford Lincoln Mercury of Columbia, Inc.
177 Greystone Boulevard
Columbia SC 29210
(803) 779-3673
and the problem still exists. I hope that they will develop a recall for this problem.
- Billie L., Columbia, SC, US
I am so annoyed with this problem. I turned the car off and now I cannot remove the key from the ignition. Even if you live in the best neighborhood you wouldn't want to leave the key in the ignition. I went online to see if there is a solution because the dealer I got the car from had no owner's manual and is closed because today is Sunday. I went online and discovered I am not the only one with this problem. Had I known I would have chosen another vehicle I only had this car for a little over 2 weeks!!
- rgbutler, Chesapeake, VA, US
Ford Focus 2000-2007 I just found out has this problem, key gets stuck in ignition and can not be taken out. Thanks to another site, Auto Forum, Barry found how to get the key out by sliding up the shifter sleeve, Hope it helps folks out there.
- Joe B., P.B.G, FL, US
My wife came home and said that the key would not come out of the ignition. I tried and tried to remove it. It will start the car, it just won't come out. Finally I disconnected the battery and then the key came out. I then tried my key too in the car, and still had the same problem. Can anybody tell me what is the deal with this??????
- Damion T., Ft Worth, TX, US
I just purchased this vehicle for my daughter. About one week after the purchase, and while on vacation, the key is stuck in the ignition. We had to just leave it, finally came out, and then again 2 weeks later, same issue, of course, while out on an errand. I am sure the previous owner had this issue, but never disclosed it. Now, we ar stuck with this problem. AND, we live in New Orleans, which is a huge problem with auto theft. How in the hell is the issue fixed, without paying an arm and a leg. And, the the pull up on the shift is not working. Please any help would be appreciated.
- Kim K., New Orleans, LA, US