My son and I went out for BBQ and when we came out of the restaurant, the key wouldn't go into the ignition - at all. After trying various things for about 20 minutes I called our local Ford dealership to find out if it could be related to the anti-theft mechanism. The Ford adviser told me it's not related at all and they'd need to see the car. I'm a member of AAA and they dispatched a locksmith. After 45 minutes he arrives and works on it for 30 minutes only to say the springs have exploded inside and the whole cylinder needs to be replaced. He left and reported back to AAA so they would dispatch a tow truck. Ninety minutes later, in 89 degree heat, he shows up with a flat bed truck. He wants me to sign a waiver releasing him from any potential damage so he can DRAG my car onto the bed since it can't be taken out of park. I didn't do it! AAA dispatched the correct truck, two hours later, he shows up raised the front end and off to Cherokee Ford we go - 4 miles. They tow it right into a bay because all 4 of my windows were open @ 2 inches and now it was 7:30 at night. The next morning they call me to confirm that it would be $430 and because of the mileage Ford won't cover any of the repair. I called Ford's customer service and after 35 minutes, they wouldn't do anything either. I'll pay it this time, but I promise, my wife and I will NEVER buy another FORD. We've each driven one for almost 20 years and have had past issues. This is the icing on the cake.

Yesterday my key would not go in my ignition. I had a locksmith come out and remove the ignition to tell me the ignition is good, but the problem is in the lock housing driver gear. It is not moving properly to allow lock to function. I'll have to have my car towed to dealer and he informs be the cost will be anywhere from $300 to $500. This is way over my head financially. I have a vehicle with less than 48,000 miles and I'm looking at any expense like this. Locksmith knew exactly what the problem was said he's seen it often with the Ford Escape.

My wife has a 2003 Ford Escape which has just over 60,000 km on it and has had everything done as far as maintenance when it is supposed to. About 2 months ago I spent $1600 on brakes, tires, and 60k service. Now the ignition cylinder has to be replaced as the keys would not go in this morning. After several tries she left with my car and I got left holding the bag. What is the problem here. Stuff like this should last for the life of the vehicle. She doesn't drive it hard yet it seems like every time you turn around something is wrong with this vehicle. The list gets longer. Right now I'm just ticked about this ignition cylinder. Has anyone else had this or heard of a recall?