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 ignition on my 2001 Ford Focus broke. I'm still waiting for the dealership to pick it up. Upon researching this further, it seems as though this is a common problem. What's the deal"!"
We have read several articles concerning the Ford Focus 2000 and an apparent defective ignition switch cylinder. The internet is full of disgruntled Focus owners who have suffered the inconvenience associated with in some cases multiple failures of the ignition switch which often times left them stranded and facing large towing and repair charges. Since a family member had recently experienced the same problem I researched the internet, spoke with several dealers and locksmiths which led me to conclude that the failed cylinders resulted from a substandard manufactured cylinder which rapidly deteriorates with use and eventually fractures and jams. Ford is well aware that these fragile cylinders are made of substandard materials and are breaking and jamming at an alarming rate.
The ignition switch failed which caused my daughter to abandon her car in an unauthorized parking lot at her university campus for which she was ticketed. We had to have the car, a 2001 Ford Focus, towed to the dealership. Upon investigation, which was confirmed by the dealer, this issue is rampant with this car. The key will not turn and therefore the car is stuck in park and inoperable. The dealer suggested that Ford Motor Company may be issuing a recall and that we should keep our original receipt. This alone tells me that a recall should be issued as this is obviously a failure in engineering design or manufacturing.
The ignition is locked up in my 2001 Ford Focus. After searching online for possible remedies, I have found thousands of complaints regarding the ignition switches on my model car dating back for the last five years. The standard rate for these repairs seems to be in the neighborhood of $350 which to someone driving a low cost vehicle like the Focus is a lot of money. I would like to know why this admitted problem has not been the subject of a recall and instead is creating a boon industry for the dealers having to replace these parts" how many complaints does it take to get something done about this" I have owned Ford cars my entire life and I cannot see a reason to continue to buy them if this is the type of product and support they are going to start to produce.
Key started getting hard to insert into ignition switch. Key wouldn't turn over several times before, but always managed to wiggle it to get it started. It finally failed completely resulting in a missed doctor's appointment for my 69 year old mother. Matthews Ford in asheville, nc says that this happens often and they replace them all the time. Will cost at least $250 to get the ignition switch replaced and more for a tow.
- Weaverville, NC, USA
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Ignition switch cylinder in 2001 Ford Focus is completely frozen. The car is unable to be started with any keys. This has left me stranded. I have noted many instances, via research, of this happening with Focus', and am deeply disturbed that Ford has not done anything to rectify the situation.
The ignition switch does not permit the car to start. The switch (xs4Z-11582-ac cvr asy aux fl) has been replaced twice, once at 41,407 miles and again at 57,834 miles. The dealer and aaa provided a temporary remedy to the stranded driver, which is "with the key in the ignition, hit it hard with a hammer to engage the ignition assembly." Aaa keeps spare Ford Focus ignition switches in its emergency service support trucks.
The ignition switch locked and will not move. This problem has been occurring off and on since the vehicle was purchased. The problem first started on 12-23-04. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership they did nothing to change the vehicle. They told him that they were unable to find the cause of the problem.
The ignition switch will not turn with the key in. Caller said it was sticking but to it would not turn at all. Up until however, she could force it and it would work, this time she could not get the key to turn. She had the problem for about a month. It started without warning and kept getting worse until 08/26/2005. When she tried to start the vehicle it would not turn. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus LX. The ignition key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and when the contact got the bill it was $500, including towing. This incident happened twice in November 2003. Ignition switch was replaced under warranty, and again on August 8, 2005 ignition switch failed. The repair invoice for August 8, 2005 stated diagnostic key will not turn in ignition, necessary to remove steering bezels, remove ignition switc to drill lock cylinder, remove guts and housing. Also, it was necessary to code new lock cylinder and install it. This cost $257. The first time it was tthe dealership they replaced the ignition switch cylinder. The cost $103.66 and the towing was $85. The second time all this was out of pocket, but the first time it was replaced under warranty. The consumer was reimbursed $195, 50% of the parts and labor.
2001 Ford Focus sedan, 21,000 miles. Ignition switch completely failed around 1.5 years ago and was replaced under warranty. Now has completely failed again and will require complete replacement. Dangerous!!! this is my daughter's car, purchased new to provide her safe transportation, and cannot count on it even to start reliably for her.
I went out to my 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 and tried to start it up and the key wouldn't turn. The ignition switch would not unlock. In calling peffley Ford dealership they informed me that it would cost over three hundred dollars to fix. I have had other cars for years and never had such a problem, but on looking on the internet it seems to be a common and most frequent problem with Ford focuses. Could you please look into this and tell me if there is a recall on this problem? thank-you so very much!
The ignition has gone out on my 2001 Ford Focus. I would normally just replace it and move on but when searching for a new part on the internet I found numerous complaints about the exact same problem I am having. In all cases people have been told this is a known problem by Ford and they choose to ignore it. I am now scared to drive my car one it is fixed in case I encounter more problems.
Two nights ago, at a parking garage in a local mall, when trying to leave, I was unable to start my car. I could insert the key in the ignition, but it would not move. It was as if the steering wheel was locked up. I also noticed that my key was worn down a bit, so I figured maybe the key was not "clicking" properly with the ignition. I had my car towed to my apartment building and attempted to use my spare key to see if the key made a difference. It did not. The next day I had my car towed to the local Ford delearship. I was told that the ignition cyclinder needed to be replaced and my keys needed to be recoded. I was also told that my warranty didn't cover any of this. So I paid $650 to have this work done. Additionally, I was told that two recalls needed to be addressed at no cost to me. Both were addressed, however, they charged me $36.08 for "mechanical labor." I should not have been charged for any work done on recalls. This evening I logged onto a website called "automotivetalk.net." I was amazed at the number of people who had the exact same problem. Some of the postings dated back to 2003. I don't see how a problem like this is considered normal wear and tear, or why the owner (me) would have to bear the brunt of these outrageous service charges.
I have a 2001 Ford Focus and the ignition switched locked on me and costs $500 at the dealership to get it fixed. I also have a Ford Taurus and the same thing happened but a rep at the dealership recommended that instead of having them to fix it to buy the part (which was about 70.00) and have someone elso to put it in. This cost about $120 in total. Also I had a wreck in the Ford focos and it so happens that my rental car was a Ford Focus and I drove it for about 2 days and 1 day the ignition locked up. I called Ford and the rep laughed and said "oh yeah that happens all the time, we are aware of it but theres nothing we can do". I was stranded for 3 hours because I had to wait until a flatbed wrecker truck was available, because when the ignition switch locks so do the wheels and therefore the car cannot be rolled. But anyways 3 of the same cars all were lemons. They all produced the same exact problems, and it seems as if I am not the only person with this problems and it just so happens that thereis no recall from Ford for this issue. But as their rep confirmed they are aware of the situation.
Approx. On May 10th, when putting the key in the ignition of my car, it would not turn. It took many tries of wiggling the key back and forth, attempting to turn the locked steering wheel some small degree to get the key to actually turn over in the ignition switch and allow me to start my car. This problem became progressively worse to the point that I have had to leave my spare key in the ignition and cover my steering wheel in an attempt to hide the key. I have spoken to someone via phone at this Agency and was referred to this website, but did not have access to computer until now. And I have spoken to someone at the Ford company via phone who could offer no solutions unless I were to take my car to a dealership, have it inspected and repaired at my expense. I have ordered the part and am awaiting its shipping. Coincidently, while ordering the part, the young man waiting on me stated his girlfriend called him over the weekend with the same problem with her newer Ford Focus. I gave him your website address. He states he has met several people since with the same complaint and gave your website to them.
Contact stated: When the key was put in the ignition the key became stuck. The car was at the Ford dealer. And had not been repaired. Ford told the consumer that the steering column may have been damaged. In addition, Ford was replacing the fuel pump and seat belt.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Camillus, NY, USA