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.
Key will not turn in the ignition, steering locked. His is the second time this has happened. 1st time July 2002 - miles 14,500 - fixed under warranty. Ignition drilled, tumbler replaced, new keys 2nd time Jun 2004 - miles 24,000 (9500 since last time). Not fixed under warranty as it was over 1yr even though I have only put 9500 on the part for 2years. Ignition drilled, tumbler replaced, new keys - cost $300.
Ignition key fails to turn on my Ford Focus. The ignition has been drilled out and replaced 2 times already for this problem, this is the 3rd time it has haoppened.
Key will not turn in ignition, steering wheel locked, brake petal locked, gear shift locked. Car out of warrenty. Ford emergency road service won't help because of expired warrenty. Called nearest Ford dealershop (tom holzer), gave me the phone number of their "towing" person, tried 12 times, got voice mail, no call was ever returned. (I was "stuck" in a bank parking lot.. and they were ready to close) the bank personel were kind enough to let me use their phone and provided a phone book, besides every male in the building individually tried anything they could think of to get my car to start... with no luck. After calling @ 6 lock smiths with 24 hour emergency road servie, I finally found one that knew exactly what I was talking about... he informed me that he gets a call on the same problem approx. Once a week on Ford Focus's. even he can't understand why there hasn't been a "recall" on this defective part"? he also told me what the dealership would have charged me to replace it... @$550!! fortunately for me there are still honest and kind people around, Ford did "nothing" to help me!! I can't imagine I'm the "only" person that has complained about this problem, why hasn't anything been done about it" when this happens, you're definately stranded!!
I own a 2001 Ford Focus w/ 45,000 miles. I was left stranded memorial day weekend 2004 when the ignition in my automobile locked up. I place the key in the ignition (with some difficulty) and I am unable to turn the key. I have researched this problem and it appears that many other people have had this experience w/ 2000/2001 Ford Focus. My car remains immobile and I am unable to address the problem until after the holiday weekend. From what I have read, I can anticipate $350-500 to replace ignition.
Since August 2003, I have experienced ignition lock five (5) times with my 2001 Ford Focus. First two "repairs" (8/03 and 12/03) were covered under warranty, and supposedly replaced the ignition cylinder. I never saw the old part. However, when vehicle was taken in for subsequent repair to the same problem (2/04), I was told that a permanent repair would require replacement of the steering column and would cost me $500+, but that the ignition cylinder could be replaced under warranty. I got no response to my inquiry about why no permanent fix had been made while the vehicle was under warranty. I directed them to perform the repair I could afford - the cylinder. I never saw the old part that time either. The car was re-keyed as well. The ignition locked again on 5/20/04, and after I contacted Ford Motor Company, the service department notified me that they had replaced the tumblers and re-keyed the vehicle at no charge. They also informed me that any subsequent repairs would be at my expense, as they would not be covered by warranty. The ignition locked again on 5/25/04. The initial repair to this problem was made under warranty. It was not a permanent repair, although there were service bulletins and a significant record of complaints issued on this same problem from early 2001. At no point have I received a satisfactory answer, from the dealer or from Ford customer relations, to why the permanent repair was not performed in August 2003. I feel that the dealer made no attempt to effect a repair on this problem while it was warranted, but stalled with temporary fixes until the mileage/age of the vehicle would require me to pay, both for parts and labor. As it now stands, I will be taking my vehicle to another dealer for the repair and a second opinion, and hope I can get my money back. I refuse to pay even ten cents for a repair by a service department that has already failed to make the same repair four times!
- Savannah, GA, USA
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Consumer complained about steering problems. When he took vehicle to the dealer for repairs consumer was told that it was ignition cylinder. Consumer could not make any turns, steering locked, and could not get key out of ignition cylinder. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer twice in 8 months, but problem recurred.
Key will not turn. Called dealer and it appears this is a widespread problem affecting many Ford Focus'. after searching the web I see that is true. Dealer wanted $325 + tow to replace ignition. Not sure if that included rekeying. In any event, I found a locksmith who will come to my residence and replace the ignition with a better one than Ford is offering for substantially less money.
The ignition - the key won't go in, or goes in hard, but will not turn. I am told that it needs a new steering column, ignition and computerized key, and the warranty won't cover the $800+ charge. This is the 2nd time the key has been stuck in the ingition.
The ignition locks when the key is placed within the cylinder and the car is attempted to start. The ignition cylinder does not turn at all. I have attempted to turn the steering wheel and use another key, but this does not solve the issue.
The key won't turn in the ignition. The emergency roadside assistance locksmith told me that he sees it a lot in Ford. He also told me that I would have to get the ignition replaced. My mother has the same make/model/year & she has had her ignition replaced twice! this is for a 2001.
While driving at 45 mph vehicle stalled without warning. Dealership indicated that this was caused by fuel pump failure. The fuel pump was replaced. Also, vehicle failed to start. Driver was unable to turn key in ignition, it was stuck in the lock position.
Rear wheel bearings are wearing out on vehicle. The automatic transmission does not shift properly, the consumer discovered the wrong transmission fluid was in the vehicle. The front windshield cracked due to excessive heat. The rear seat latch, the seat fabric and the key ignition failed. The windshield wipers wore out, which were only used about seven times and the rear brakes had to be replaced.
3 major complaints for 2001 Ford Focus zts 1.) front suspension needs a right arm replacement 2.) engine light turned on and was turned off when brought to Ford dealer shop. 3.) on a separate occasion, car stalled while driving.
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and without warning vehicle will stall, and it will be hard to start up the vehicle again. Dealer notified.
2001 Ford Focus bucked severely several times then lost power at 65 mph on interstate in traffic. I was able to move to breakdown lane from passing lane and continued at a maximum of 30 mph off the interstate, car was still "bucking". the car then completely lost power, unable to accelerate on bridge. Coasted to side of road, car would not restart. Towed to dealership. Service dept advised they could not recreate the situation and no codes showed on computer. Mechanics best guess was it was a fuel pump failure. Car has 57000 miles, is still under extended warranty plan. Ford refuses to replace fuel pump. Car is being returned to me with instructions to return it if problem occurs again. I'm filing this complaint because this seems to be a very serious problem to leave "undiagnosed" and have seen a number of similar complaints on this website. Ford needs to do something to rectify this problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Newton, MA, USA