CarComplaints.com Notes: Even though the first model year of a major redesign should typically be avoided, Ford did a good job & the 2008 Ford Focus doesn't appear to have any major defects.
That said, the following model years of this 2nd generation Focus (2009-2011) do appear to be slightly better.
This issue started a few months ago. When I put the key in the ignition and turned it, it would not start the vehicle. After several attempts of "rocking" the key back and forth, I finally pushed in on the key while turning to start and it started up. This went on for a few months without fail I could get it started with just applying some pressure. Until, yesterday no matter how much pressure I use, the car with not start. I unhooked the battery for 15 minutes and re-attached, thinking maybe it would "reset" it. Just trying! NOTHING. On the way to purchase a new ignition switch.... I have read so much online that this is a VERY COMMON issue. Why would Ford not do a recall???? Oh wait... $$$$ that's why.
Faulty tumblers in an 08 Ford Focus SES model. Apparently this problem is even happening in brand new Focus's. I have talked to people who have needed the tumblers replaced 4 times in a new Focus. Mine is only an 08 with 61000 under the hood. Needs new tumblers bad. This problem is a huge pain in the ass.
Have been having this problem for about a year. Was told it would not get any worse. Had to keep the key pushed in while turning to get it to start as well as make sure the steering wheel was turned straight. Finally took it to a dealer and the mechanic kept changing what was wrong with it. He finally found the problem.
Apparently someone missed a screw in the housing when assembling it. I was told there was no way that could have fallen out, so it had to be in the factory! It was in an area where it was basically crimped and enclosed. That one screw kept the housing from moving. Thanks to the astute mechanic, I did not have to replace the cylinder, get new expensive keys with the chips, or replace the housing. BUT that one screw cost me with the labor $344. It was a real pain because if my car stalled in traffic, I wasn't sure if I could get it started. Sometimes it took me 10 times to get it started.
This is a factory defect with the assembly process - It should be reimbursed for those who had that problem!!! I am sure there are more out there with the same problem. I want my money back!!! from the sloppy work that was done in the factory!
Update from May 26, 2016: We were tired of trying to get it fixed with no results we went over the border to Mexico where an electronic specialist told us it was a simple problem. We had to order a housing part in the US - Less than $60. He told us the housing gets worn and the part shifts so the key can't reach the "button" to make the connection to get it started. Until we got the part, he put in a bypass switch. We turned the key and hit a button and the car started. Only a temporary fix. We were told that wasn't allowed in the US. Cost to us with labor $8. Got the part - the housing and had it installed in Mexico. About $30 labor. Cost us less than $100 and it works perfectly. So the main problem was a worn housing. We were also told to use a pliars to hold the key and then hit it with a hammer to start it. Great mechanics in the US in Texas....Meant that scarcastically.
Ignition switch faulty, must push key into column very hard to get it to start, if then. Had it fixed by the Ford dealer, then 6 months later doing it again. Pain in wallet and the aaaa.
My 2008 Ford Focus has only 53000 miles on it and now I am told by a dealer that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced along with the harness that holds the complete thing together: lock cylinder, rod going to the ignition switch, and the strap with the screw that has the head broken off.
Someone tell me why Ford recalled these cars up until 2005. Yet, still use the same ignition in the 2008; and why the consumer has to pay over $750.00 for the repair at a Ford Dealer
- Robin T.,
Wise, VA, US
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I had to have the ignition on my Focus replaced last year because it had stopped cranking my car. As I have since learned this is an ongoing issue with these cars. Well now I'm having a problem with the ignition again. The replacement cost me almost $600. I can't keep paying out money to replace an ignition that Ford should be fixing with a recall.
The issue first occurred earlier in the year in April. The ford dealership replaced the ignition cylinder under the extended warranty. Now in October I have the same problem the dealership says that its the ignition housing and switch and the repair is not warrantied.
I when to Napelton Ford on yesterday 10/15/2012 and I pay 59.90 for them to lie to me and tell me my module is going out and it would cost me 520.00 to be fix I as the the guy how did it go out he told do to the whether from hot to cold
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This issue started a few months ago. When I put the key in the ignition and turned it, it would not start the vehicle. After several attempts of "rocking" the key back and forth, I finally pushed in on the key while turning to start and it started up. This went on for a few months without fail I could get it started with just applying some pressure. Until, yesterday no matter how much pressure I use, the car with not start. I unhooked the battery for 15 minutes and re-attached, thinking maybe it would "reset" it. Just trying! NOTHING. On the way to purchase a new ignition switch.... I have read so much online that this is a VERY COMMON issue. Why would Ford not do a recall???? Oh wait... $$$$ that's why.
- Jennifer J., Seminole, FL, US