8.5
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$338.00
Average Mileage:
81,803 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace ignition switch (5 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
- replace starter (2 reports)
electrical problem
Helpful Websites About 2000 Ford Focus won't start
2009Feb 20
Focus LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
This car ran beautifully for one whole year then the piece of sh*t started to fall apart first the exhaust fell off, had it repaired 475.00, and after pulling off the lot headed to work to work a couple of double shift to pay for the piece of sh*t the ignition locks up. "UP YOURS FORD" who said American made was the best. Going back to foreign made cars.
2008May 16
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 70,321 miles
My Ford Focus was purchased used in 2002. This car was the model car for six years and truly I have had no trouble. However, two weeks ago, my key wouldn't turn the ignition. This problem was fixed and it turned out that I needed a new cylinder. This was not an electrical or a battery problem. I knew this to be true because my lights and radio were working. This incident happened again in the parking lot of my job. Auto mechanics have troubleshooted this problem to a problem tumbler.
Several mechanics and locksmiths have told me that the 2000 Ford Focus has a design flaw in the steering column. 50 - 60% of these cars have this problem, or will have this problem in the future. .
The next problem, I am buying a new car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 01
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Every time it rains or gets cold out my door locks lock themselves or when you hit the door lock button once on your keys the horn beeps doesn't do this when it is hot out or normal weather...also get shocked all the time getting in and out of the car...also had short in driver's tail light but ford says my VIN# isn't under recall so $180 to fix it and then half of dash lights blew $125 from Ford to replace light bulb...list of way to many things with this car Ford should pay me for driving it...
2007Nov 28
Focus ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Went to the garage to head to my company paid training class out of town, and could not get the key to go into the ignition. I tried and tried, for almost 15 minutes. Desperate, and starting to stress over being late for my class. I finally was able to get the key in the ignition, and unable to get the key to budge at that point. I called the ford dealership, and they stated that aside from towing, it will cost $350.00 just to replace, and if the ignition cylinder has to be tapped out, could possibly cost upwardly of up to $600.00! I am a working mom of three, and this is an expense, that is kind of ridiculous. I have owned many cars, and NEVER had this problem. Even for a vehicle I have owned from over 10 years. NO IGNITION PROBLEMS! Until this car, a 2000 Ford Focus
2007Jun 30
(reported on)Focus ZX3 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 79,000 miles
Last night, 6/29/07, My wife and my 12 and 10 year old daughters were stuck in a dark rest area on New York HWY 81 when they needed to take a toilet break on a state rest area. It was close to midnight and when it was time to go, She was unable to get the key into the ignition. Needless to say, she was extremely anxious being stuck about 100 miles from nowhere when this problem occurred.
Fortunately we have roadside emergency insurance, however after a 90 minute wait for the tow truck to arrive, she began to get pretty scared as the time got later, and the people got stranger. The driver said "I sees these problems all of the time on the focuses." He simply squirted liquid graphite in the ignition and the key went right in. Soon my wife and daughter were on their way home. Today, (6/30/07) I still have the same problem as I have to jiggle the key when I need to drive. So for the rest of the day I just left the key in the ignition and parked in the garage.
Bottom line, if it takes ford to wait until someone is raped or killed as a result of a stuck ignition, shame on them.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jul 06
(reported on)Focus SL 2.4L
- Manual transmission
- 68,000 miles
The car apparently ran out of gas in the driveway upon returning home. Gas (it is "good" gas, just recently purchased) was put in and it will not start. The battery is strong, turns over, but won't start. This car has had electrical problems, and we replaced the starter recently (now THAT was an almost impossible task due to the tight spaces). The car has been nothing but a problem since driven off the dealership lot brand new in 2001. Replaced engine (under warranty), transmission (which is going out again... no reverse), can't get an ignition key made, as we are off the road system and it costs $2000 to have the car flown to the nearest dealer. Can't replace the ignition system, as that requires the fuel line work at the dealership. The key turning problem is the same as others complain about. It has had all kinds of other work done, that I cannot even remember the details of. It's "theft prevention" features are such a farce.... as WHO would want to steal a Ford Focus???? Locking hub nuts that if you lose the key, as we did, you have a terrible problem getting the right tool and "know how" to get them off and replace with regular ones. A necessity where we have to put studded tires on in winter and take them off in spring.
If anyone has heard of problem with it starting after running out of gas and knows what to look for to get it to start... please let us know. We've heard that these cars that have electronic ignition and a ton of "stuff" jammed in the engine area under the hood, are notorious for not being able to get them started after running out of gas.
Any ideas or suggestions?
NatalieB
2006Oct 19
(reported on)Focus STS Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have the same problem.
1st time: replaced starter relay, ignition relay, security key relay, battery. then replaced starter and starter - battery wiring harnesses & it worked fine for 2 months. Then had vacuum leak melted battery wiring harness, replaced harness and starter again and still won't start....... HELP, DEALER HAS NO CLUE.
2007Feb 07
(reported on)Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
My car stalled mid-turn, all interior warning lights illuminated. Won't crank, making clicking noise under dash. After I stopped, my car wouldn't even attempt to start. All lights worked, radio, horn, door locks, but no windows or fans; and the shifter was locked in Park and would not move, even with brake applied. (there is a release button so you can push your car out of where ever it is you stopped)
2006May 09
(reported on)Focus ZTS
- 79,000 miles
Car stalled while cruising. Had to be towed to mechanic. Fuses blown, second time to replace ignition switch. Have complained to Ford, hope there will be investigation and recall.
2003Nov 17
(reported on)Focus SE
- 44,513 miles
This happened twice, and had to be towed twice. I griped long enough that they paid $86.87 of the cost. THEY SHOULD OF FIXED IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME IT HAD TO BE TOWED :)
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 23
Focus
When I turn the key, the ignition system doesn't seem to be even connected to the engine-- zero response, no matter what I try. The first time, I let it sit awhile and it settled itself out. Three times this has happened, and now nothing works... getting a new battery on the advice of the repair shop, but unsure that is the problem.
schleiffer
Beltsville, MD, USA
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