This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
When key was inserted in the ignition key would not go all the way into the ignition switch. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership. Mechanic replaced ignition switch.
The key ignition cylinder was replaced on three separate occasions. Ford was not willing to assist in the repairs of this problem. The warranty expired three months ago.
Upon attempting to start vehicle key would not turn. The ignition switch was locked, and it would not be moved. Vehicle was towed to independent mechanic, who replaced the inside cylinder.
Upon leaving work, entered car and inserted key into ignition. Key would not turn. Spent about 45 minutes jiggling and tapping key in attempts to start car. This was is my first encounter with this problem. The aaa tow truck driver made mention of the "famous Ford ignition system" upon arrival at my request. When asked what that meant, he stated that a number of Ford products are having similar problems. I paid for the car to be towed home as it was late at night. The next day, a co-worker informed me that his wife had the same problem with her Focus too. I have endured recalls with this car, and am shocked that an ignition system may not have issues sorted out. If this is a trend that merits an investigation. I hope consumers can be relieved of most of their repair costs. Meanwhile I probably have quite a repair bill to look forward to.
- Randolph, MA, USA
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Put key in ignition and it will not turn at all. Steering wheel and shift lever are locked and vehicle had to be towed to dealer with wheels off ground. Dealer say no recall or service bulletins have been issued but this is not true as I found several service bulletin on this web site.
Ignition cylinder locked at 36,800 miles. It is my understanding that this is a common occurrence. I have owned several cars and driven hundreds of thousands of miles and never has an ignition cylinder lock. Ford should recall these things and repair them without charge.
Key ignition and steering wheel is locked, cannot turn key to start car. When I called the Ford help line, I was told that this was new, nothing they've heard of before. However, when I called the dealership they referred me to the mechanic asked me what I drove. I said Ford Focus. He asked what year, I said 2000. Then he said that key ignition is a common problem with the 2000 Focus and that they've had to fix several Focus' for that specific reason alone. Ford needs to do a census of how many of their dealership have logged in this problem because the complaints are all over the internet, too many to ignore!!! this needs to be a recall issue.
Ignition lock fails to turn when key is inserted. Steering remains locked and car will not start. First time this occurred was June 2001 while car was under warranty. Lock was drilled out and replaced. Ignition has locked up for the second time today with no warning. Will have to have the car towed 30 miles to dealer.
The ignition switch on our 2000 Ford Focus locked up. The key would not turn in the ignition and stranded my wife and children. The ignition switch had to be replaced by the Ford dealership. The car is 4 months out of warranty and only has 22,000 miles. After complaining to the dealer, they reduced the repair price to ~1/2 of estimate and told me to hold the receipt in case there is a recall.
When placing the key in side the ignition vehicle failed to engage. Key didn't turn left or right. Vehicle had been in repair shop multiply times. Cause of failure was undetermined. Manufacturer was aware of the incident.
Has been to shop for 26 days in the past 4 months. Repeated failure of clutch (manual transmission), failure of brake pads, resulting in minor crash. Have had to had ball joints replaced. Cruise control was disconnected from accerator/brake. Key would not go into ignition and resulted in key ignition switch having to be replaced. Numerous recalls and trips to shop since bought brand new in August 2003
Went to church on Sunday, came out to go home, put key in ignition, went half way, thought it was alarm, did everything to move the key, nothing. Had it towed to dealer. Advised by service dept, this problem is not covered under the extra care, and not covered under factory warranty over 36K miles. Vehicle about 36K miles. Estimate $500. This is the 2nd time vehicle in shop. Called out to Ford, and they said everything is just fine with their cars, and that they are not aware of any complaints on this issue. Ford dealership, so quick to devour customers, and when trouble happens, can't find anyone who can help. My car is now sitting at the dealer, waiting for my authorization to pay $500. To fix it. I am without a car. What a nightmare, I'm just grateful, this incident did not happen far away from home with my kids in the car. Any advice on getting rid of this lemon without being a negative on my credit? would sure appreciate it. I don't know who else to further this complaint, it seems like I'm stuck with it. Please help.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Houston, TX, USA