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.
The contact stated the ignition switch failed three times within a year and a half. The first time, she went to start the car, the ignition would not turn over. The car was towed and repaired. The second failure was approximately one year later and the same thing happened. The car was towed and repaired for the second time. The third failure happened this week, went to start the car and it would not start again. It is being repaired now. The dealership stated it could possibly be the starter along with the ignition switch. In Dec 2001 the consumer was involved in an accident due to a problem with the tires and the rear axle. The transmission cooler lines were replaced. The brake lights and heater did not work. The egr tube was replaced. The wiper arm was broken. The engine light stayed on all time. The driver side mirror had to be replaced. Updated 01/11/06.
Ignition locks up. This is the second time I've had to replace this ignition. This time its costing me $397. Apparently many other Focus 2000 users have the same problem.
The ignition switch in my 2000 Ford Focus has repeatedly failed, leaving my family and myself stranded multiple times. The switch was replaced once at @ 20K miles, and is now beginning to fail in the exact same way. This is a very, very common problem with these cars, and the Ford mechanics confirm this fact. Unfortunately, the Ford service managers I have dealt with deny any problem exists. I consider this a safety issue, as we have been stranded at night in dangerous situations.
Having trouble inserting my key into the ignition. Also, ignition switch does not pop out when key is removed until I press it in with my finger. My brother, who also owns a 2000 Ford Focus has had his ignition switch replaced twice for the same problem. Expect to pay $250 at the dealer to have it fixed.
1) my ignition switch broke 2) would not turn when the key was inserted 3) had a dealer replace the ignition switch. The tech also made a comment that, on this model, they all broke, and Ford had made a better switch that was being used in the replacement.
I have an ignition problem. The key goes in but will not turn. Steering wheel is locked. When I checked the problem on the internet I realized that it is a common problem of all Ford Focus cars. When I went to the dealer they told me that ignition cylinder needs to be replaced, however a new key is not provided for the new ignition cylinder. As a result I have to take my old keys with the new cylinder to the locksmith to have him to recode it and that will be another expense for me. I read on the internet that this is only a temporary solution. Same problem occurs again according to those that complained on the internet forums. The web address is below and I put my complain to that forum as well. www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=1784 so it should be recall for this ignition problem by the Ford company.
Regarding my 2000 Ford Focus - have had most of the issues listed on your site. Recently, my trunk lid is not closing easily. It seems to be doing the same as my back door latch (rust issue?). also, my ignition key is regularly stuck going in or coming out of the ignition. This is even more frustrating...
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus station wagon. The contact stated while attempting to start vehicle the key would not turn to start the vehicle. It was as if the computer was not reading the key. The consumer contacted aaa, and they stated that this happened frequently with this type of vehicle. The consumer contacted the dealership this morning, and they were going to inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. The manufacturer stated this was not a safety defect in the vehicle and would not issue a recall. Updated 11/29/05.
2000 Ford Focus - ignition lock cylinder fails - ignition key will not turn. Hundreds of posts on the web complaining about this issue. No recourse except to replace the cylinder - after towing the vehicle.
Got back in my are after filling with gas and the ignition key would not turn in the ignition lock barrel. Had to have it towed home. Internet search revealed this to be very common problem with this car. $300-$500 to fix.
2000 Ford Focus. The ignition keeps locking up on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken it to the dealership. They stated they fixed it, but it continually happened. This happens before the vehicle is started, the last time it wouldn't release the key. The dealership states they are replacing the switch, when the vehicle was returned there was metal in the floor.
The ignition cylinder locked and will not let you turn the key. Contacted a Ford dealer, they said they have seen this problem widely, but there was no recall. This happened on August 20, 2005. Had vehicle towed to dealer because it would not start it.
I have a 2000 Ford Focus. The ignition switch has locked. Key will not turn. No warning to impending failure. Car had to be towed to a Ford service center for repair.
Caller had ignition switch replaced about a year ago and was now having the same problem again. It was hard to turn the key, and currently it wont turn at all. Dealer said there was nothing they could do. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.
Purchased a used 2000 Ford Focus from a reputable Lincoln-Mercury dealer for my son. (hiis first car). After driving the car approximately 100 miles, when trying to turn the engine off, the ignition key will not come out. The car has to sit for 20-30 minutes before you can take the key out. After researching the problem, Ford Motor Company has known for an extended period of time that they have manufactured faulty ignition cylinders on this make and model. While the dealer has offered to work out the problem, the fact remains that a recall needs to be issued to alleviate this problem on behalf of consumers.
Contact stated ignition locked and will not turn. This was the second time this happened. The first time it happened in 10-2000. Vehicle was towed, and a new ignition was put in, and had to order another set of keys. Contact continued to have the same trouble with it starting vehicle. Ignition failed again. Contact did not talk to a dealer, but planed to do so.. the dealer, where contact bought the vehicle had it towed for her in 2000. She is going to have to have it towed. There were no lights that came on prior to the ignition locking. A year after the vehicle was purchased the brakes and rotors had to be replaced.
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- Paradise, CA, USA