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.
My 2001 Ford Focus ignition locked up, I left work and could not get the key in to start it. After some research I have found out that it happens to a ton of Ford focuses, maybe you could get a recall on this because it is costly to fix and keeps going bad.
Ignition lock on 2001 Ford Focus has failed three times causing expensive repair bills. Ford calls this a "known malfunction" but will not recall the part.
Key got stuck in ignition and could not be removed unless consumer jiggled it around or took it to the dealer, who removed the key, but had not fixed the problem. Took vehicle to the dealer multiple times since being purchased for the same problem.
I have a 2001 Ford Focus, bought new from the dealership and within the last year I have had to replace the ignition cylinder three times. In each of these instances I have had to miss class because my key will not turn and start my car. At first, I thought the steering wheel was locked, but then I realized that the key does not turn at all. On each occasion I have had my car towed to the dealership and they replace the ignition lock cylinder. Fortunately, the second and third times it was taken care of under the warranty, but the first time I had to pay the deductible. The service employee said this was a common problem with the Ford Focus and it seems that the key is not long enough for the ignition cylinder. He said that in order to fix the problem, he would have give me new keys that fit the cylinder, and thus replace all locks (including the trunk). At first he offered to do the repairs free of charge, but since the mileage is over the manufacturer's warranty (still within the extended warranty), I would have to pay the deductible. I should not have to pay for the replacement which should have been prevented before the assembly line.
The driver placed the key inside of the ignition the steering wheel would not move on it on and the vehicle would not start. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the ignition switch needed replacement. Please provide additional information.
Became harder and harder to get ignition cylinder to work properly. It would lock and take half an hour or more to get it to start. Had to replace ignition switch and cylinder; required a locksmith, a mechanic and $222.
I have a 2001 Ford Focus and my ignition has locked up for the 3rd time. I have found numerous other owners of this exact type of vehicle who have experienced the exact same problem. This is absurd. If this problem is so common then Ford needs to take responsiblity for their poor manufacturing and issue a recall. I have spent $1000 since November 2004 in repairs to this car. I need to get rid of it, but I owe to much on it. I cannot afford to spend this type of money anymore. This car is my family car. I have two preschoolers whom I tote around daily in this car. I do not feel safe in this car and I am scared to take my children anywhere in this vehicle. It is not safe. I could easily get stranded in the middle of nowhere with my babies and Ford does not care that it is their problem nor about hte safety of thier customers. Please let Ford know that because of their scams, lies and poor craftmanship, they will continue to be last in auto sales!
Key will not turn in ignition. The tow-truck driver who towed my car said this is a major problem with this car and Ford has not issued a recall. He said he has done nine tows this week for this exact problem and had towed two this week to the dealership I took my car. Of course, my car is out of warranty = $300 fix.
The consumer is experiencing a problem with the ignition. The ignition cylinder was frozen. The key will not turn to start the vehicle. Provide further details.
About 3 months ago my key started to get stuck in the ignition. I drive a 2001 Ford Focus. It seems to do it every other day or so. I couldn't lock my doors, and was afraid that someone would steal something. Now every time I drive my car I bring two sets of keys with me, so that I can lock the doors. However, having keys stuck in the ignition is asking for someone to break into my car. I have looked into this problem, and it seems that many are having a similar problem with their 2001 Ford Focus. I will give you an estimate of the first incident date. Thank you.
Unsure of exact date- ignition switch has gone out three times car has to been towed away all three times. Prestige Ford mechanic says it is how the part is made wont cover after 36,000 miles because it is electrical. Dealership admits is recurring after warranty defect but Ford company will not take responsibilty for bad part.
My 2001 Ford Focus SE wagon had its ignition switch malfunction. Ford dealership said graphite and/or WD40 would not fix it, that it had to be replaced. It cost usd$440 and I lost a full day's pay. The tow truck driver said he's responded to 24 calls on Ford Focus ignition failures. I found a website call www.automotivetalk.net where 85 people have made complaints on the ignition switch this year. What do we have to do to start a recall. This is a new car and should not be having this problem. I am not alone, as I have read many postings on the same problem. I can be emailed at toladylu@hotmail.com. Thx, laura
Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. The ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. Vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.
The ignition has locked continuously on my 2001 Ford Focus. The key will not turn and the steering wheel is completely locked. I understand this is a persistent problem with many vehicles, there is a design problem, yet there has not been a recall. Something needs to be done!!!!!
I tried to start my car (2001 Ford Focus) and the key wouldn't turn at all in the iginition. I spent the better part of 2 hours trying to get it to turn and it didn't. I ended up having to have my car towed - and have been told that it is my lock cylinder that is shot and needs to be replaced. It can't be replaced without tearing half my dash/steering column apart.
Stranded in parking lot when key wouold not turn the ignition. Had to get toed to dealer to get fixed. Haven't got it fixed yet because it just happened today and I found all the other complaintes here. I am wondering why there is no recall because it is a serious failure. I was lucky and had a phone handy and if it had been my wife, something terrible could have happend and we may not had any way to get there.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- New Castle, IN, USA