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.
I was at the store and got into the car and went to stick the key in the ignition and it would not turn. It would ding but would not allow me to do anything. I assumed it was maybe the fact that I needed a new key. I had it towed to a Ford dealership and then I was told that I needed a new ignition lock and cylinder. I had to get the car towed back to my house because I am a single mother and cannot afford to get the problem fixed. I live paycheck to paycheck and to find out about this problem is a bunch of '!@#$%. I bought this car because I assumed it was reliable. I was wrong. I talked talked to a lot of people recently that told me about the same problem with there Focus's. what is going to be done for people about these problems. I know this is not the first complaint or the last.
Ford Focus 2001 (1) key has been harder to remove from ignition, and more difficult to turn (2) key will not turn in ignition. I believe cylinder tumblers are worn out. (3) called Ford customer service. Was informed that they could not help me, and I needed to bring it to a dealer. My research has indicated that this is a very common problem with 00-02 Focus's.
The consumer's daughter drove to austin Texas, when she entered the vehicle the ignition would not turn. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the consumer's house due to the dealer being closed. The consumer heard of a recall on Ford Focus ZX3, which was having what consumer believed to be the same problem. The consumer contacted Ford who said that this vehicle was not part of the recall. The consumer stated that one week after he bought the vehicle the service engine light came on. The consumer had the erg valve replaced. The consumer believed that this may have been a false reading. The NHTSA recall campaign 02V288000 was directed towards the electrical system; battery/cables.
3 times in 1 week, my ignition key gets stuck. The key turns, the car starts, but will not come out. I have only had the car 1 month and it was purchased with 48K miles on it. After extensive internet research and speaking with several dealerships, I have found that this is a very common Focus problem.
- Marydel, DE, USA
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I don't think that the problem that I am having is life threatening. My problem is as folllows: I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 and for some reason this particular car has a problem that the steering wheel locks by its self. About 2 years ago it happend for the first time and I had to have tow truck take it to the service department since it was still under warranty. The problem is back again and I no longer have warranty on my car. I just think that there should be a recall for this particular problem that this car has. After reviewing other people that own a Ford fucus and that have the same problem I really believe that a recall is necessary because this is a manufacture defect. Anyways, I went to the service department to see if they could fix the problem without charging me since the car had the same problem before when it was under the warranty. But they said that since it happen about 2 years ago they couldn't do it under the warranty. I wanted to know if anyone in your deparment could have any information on warranty. I just think that why should I have to pay for something that is a manufactur defect and that this problem happen before and they should be able to fix it at no charge.
2001 Ford Focus ignition cylinder broke, problems with the tire equipment, engine light illuminated and the sway bar bushing needs to be replaced. The ignition cylinder had been replaced three times. The steel belts were showing through the front tires at 54000 miles. The sensor which caused the engine light to illuminated was replaced three times. The front brakes were replaced twice. The battery, radiator, thermostat and fuel pump also failed.
Ignition key hs been locking steering column and would not turn to unlock column. Stranded in downtown beloit, because key would not turn. Car had to be towed to local mechanic. Mechanic could not turn ignition key to unlock steering column. Called local Ford dealer. Dealer said that this is common problem with the Ford Focus, however there is currently no recall on this from Ford. Mechanic had to replace ignition cylinder and tumbler. Total cost: $246.40. Local mechanic: Ace auto sales, (608) 362-6600. Mechanic's name and owner of shop: Brad. Not happy in beloit.
Key began sticking in ignition of my Ford Focus. This past weekend key locked in ignition. Appointment made with my local dealer and I have just paid $252 for a new cylinder. I questioned my dealer on previous complaints and they advised me that they had none!! hard to believe when my local mechanic advised us of several individuals with this same problem. Quick fix was to take a hammer and gently tap on the key when in the ignition or here's the better one-leave a key in the ignition at all times. After dropping my vehicle this am I learned of this site to file complaint from www.automotivetalk.net where countless people have encountered this similar problem. I also plan to try Ford customer assistance but will that help resolve this problem with the Focus. I'm hoping this complaint will help. *
The ignition and steering wheel has locked up. I cannot get the key to turn in the ignition, so the car will not start-this is a major failure. I will need to take it to a mechanic to replace the lock cylinder within the ignition assembly.
Ignition cylinder failed and key would not turn to start the car. I had just gotten off of work and got it my car to go home and my key wouldn't not turn over. I had to sit in my car for almost an hour in freezing weather until someone could come and get me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Davenport, IA, USA