CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 Ford Focus 2.0L SOHC engine has a defect where the intake valve seat fails. The valve then falls into the cylinder, destroying the engine & most owner relationships with Ford in the process.
8.3
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$260
Average Mileage:
102,300 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (29 reports)
replace the ignition (8 reports)
new tumbler (4 reports)
complain to the federal trade commission (1 reports)
hold down on shifter and turn key (1 reports)
inject 'PB blaster' into ignition cylinder (1 reports)
This started out as a minor complaint, now it is a big problem. I just hit it on the key and it turns. I shouldn't have to start the car that way. It is now in the shop, since it is almost time for the oil change anyway. The Ford Dealer is going to be calling me to tell me the damages (price tag). I had called a tow truck driver out on Thursday, after about 15 minutes of trying to turn the damn thing over. When he showed up, he told opened the door, and what do you know it turned right away for him. He told me that it is a common problem in Focus. He also said that hitting the key makes it turn over. He recommended I get it fixed, and said that it is probably an ignition switch. The tow truck drivers know what they are talking about, so I drove it over last night, and am awaiting a phone call from my local Ford Dealer!
steering wheel locks and can't start the car the usual way. Key won't release the locked wheel. Very common problem but Ford is not recalling the cars. Had car towed away to the dealer for ignition replacement. No doubt the new ignition is another piece of crap that will leave stranded when I least expect. I'm done with FORDs and other american made cars. I'll go back to Honda, Toyota or Nissan.
The ignition key gets stuck. My passenger's rear window came off track yesterday, 3 months ago the rear drivers passenger window came off track too. The back door has locking issues along with the trunk. The radio comes off and on. FORD is living up to it's name "FIXED ON ROAD DAILY"!
This is ridiculous!! Why is this problem not being taken care of by Ford? I have defended Ford the whole time I have owned this car, but I don't think I can do it any more. This need to be recalled, no questions asked!
- Ivan M.,
Wilmington, NC, US
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I loved this car. Wanted to drive it constantly as does my son. The issue is, it sits in my yard with the ignition locked... IT started a little at a time in August just not working then in a few minutes it did. So it is now October and my husband is driving his sons truck. It is estimated to cost $95 for parts and $100-$400 for labor.. The thing is this little car is great on gas and is quiet as all get out. But this has burnt us on Fords. The other issue is no one is turning this in so that we can get a recall going. Save your receipts so that you can get reimbursed for it when and if they do recall it....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I see I'm not alone in this. I just don't know if I am willing to spend 300 bucks on this.
- Tim W., Bridgewater, MA, US