This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
8.5
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$316.00
Average Mileage:
74,937 miles
Total Complaints:
179 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (47 reports)
- must go to dealership for high priced repair (27 reports)
- replaced the ignition (26 reports)
- insert the key and lightly tap the key with a hammer (21 reports)
- call a locksmith (19 reports)
- replace ignition lock cylinder (14 reports)
accessories - interior problem
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- Lock Fix For The Focus - This do it yourself / pay for part & have a garage fix item that will remove the issue due to a desigen change over the OEM item.
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2007Nov 28
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Had purchased the vehicle only two weeks prior to this incident - then stopped at a store on a Sunday evening in the middle of Alaska winter - returned to vehicle and was unable to turn key in ignition, unable to get engine to start... Called the dealership and was told this was a very common problem and that they would need to replace a $350 part after I had the vehicle towed in. In the process, the tow truck or the dealership managed to dent the hood of the vehicle as well. So, this was an expensive fix for a security device that is not necessary on a budget car, and this admittedly common part failure left me stranded in sub freezing temperatures. Ford needs to issue a recall on this part/problem.
2010Jul 07
Focus FX5
- Automatic transmission
- 45,360 miles
So I go to start the "coug" and my key won't turn in the ignition! WTF!! I have a mechanic, Gary from Wilkinson Automotive, close by and ran over for his advice - he said Focus can have these problems where the steering wheel locks and then it is to "tight" to engage when trying to start ... he said to reef on the wheel while turning the key in the ignition...did I mention it is 43degrees celsius outside...and NOPE it still wont start...Gary, runs over and tries ... even beats it with a small hammer .. no LUCK!! Let me tell you what I wanted to do with that hammer ... so my road side assistance has run out with FORD and it is their problem but they WONT come to get my car to fix it ... sweet :|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jul 05
Focus ZX5 2.3L
- Manual transmission
- 107,000 miles
When the locksmith came out to replace the ignition, he said that this was a common problem with the Ford Focus 2000 - 2004. Hopefully it will be on the recall list soon.
2010Jun 21
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
If you begin to have trouble getting the key to turn, IMMEDIATELY call a locksmith.
DO NOT call a mechanic or take it to the dealer. Mechanics don't know what they are doing and try to scam you. Dealers pretend they don't see this issue very often and then punch you in the face and steal your wallet.
The problem is the OEM Supplied ignition cylinder made by HUF. Ford has known about this issue forever and refuses to issue a recall. When the dealer replaces the ignition, they usually install the same stupid faulty ignition causing you to revisit this pain in the butt over and over again. They call it repeat business. Mechanics don't have the tools or parts to solve this quickly or correctly, and they try to fool you with silly ad ons like extra keys you don't need and re-programming, telling you it has something to do with your onboard security system. It's BS. Call a locksmith!
When you call, make sure they have the Strattec replacement cylinders without the side bar. The correct replacement cylinder is Strattec part number 707592.
If you try the WD-40 or mallet/hammer techniques, the most it will do is buy you time. This could be as little as one extra trip, and could make your ultimate repair more costly due to damage (you may have to pay extra to drill out the ignition rather than just sliding it out). It's not worth it. If you have any money at all, take this opportunity to get it fixed right away. Even if you don't have problems yet, if you have the dimpled/rough finish key-plate your ignition will fail 100% of the time. It's GOING to happen. Get it fixed now before you wind up stuck somewhere.
More details: If you have a spare key you don't use very often, get the locksmith to key your new cylinder to your spare (to avoid having new keys made) and use it from now on. Keys that have gotten a lot of use are not that great to use in a new lock.
Personal Rant: My mechanic charged me $94 to NOT fix the problem then had me stuck like chuck for three days while he "researched" the issue, then wanted me to pay him another $120 for an actual fix (he planned to use the same ignition that failed in the first place, not a Strattec) and he wanted me to wait a week or more for a part he needed to order. He also told me a bunch of nonsense about having to get new keys and my door key will have to be separate and a complete load of crap about transponders and anti-theft high tech gobbldygook and he could make a special trip (charging me of course) to spray some dry lubricant in the ignition because maybe that would help in the meantime...blah blah blah.
I didn't trust him so I called a locksmith (Cothrons Safe & Lock). They were out within 2 hours and fixed the problem in 45 minutes. They see it VERY often and are prepared to handle it. They charged me $100. So I wasted $94 and a week of my time when I could have just called a locksmith and been done with it. Don't be like me! CALL A LOCKSMITH FIRST! Demand a Strattec! You'll never have this problem again!
Of course I demanded my money back from the mechanic for misrepresenting his capabilities and charging me for NOT fixing my problem. He's only willing to give back $24. What a putz! If I was a dude, I would probably try to kick his ass.
Update from Jul 13, 2011: It's been over a year and my locksmith-installed Strattec is still going strong!
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2010Jun 25
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I just had $512.00 worth of car repair done yesterday, exhaust pipe, oil change, new battery and tail light replacement. So I thought I would take it to the car wash and vacuum out the dog hair, clean the dash and windows. Well when I got eady to leave the car wash, 2 blocks from home luckily, the key would not turn the ignition. I walked home and got my son and we proceeded to take off the steering wheel cover as some guy at Checkers said we could get to a pin to release the locked wheel. Of course this didn't work so I went to get a key made and fortunatley the guy at Ace talked me out of the $70.00 purchase. I then came home and looked on line for info and found all these complaints about the Focus. I heeded the advice to use oil and hit lightly with a hammer on the key. I was relieved when it started and drove home pronto.
I just wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to tell their story and possible solutions. I still have the ignition to repair and sounds like a locksmith is the best bet, but at least I got the car out of the car wash bay.
Thanks, Lynne G.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jun 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I called the dealer first and they said they see this often and that it's a $500 repair. Next I called the locksmith. They too were very familiar with the problem and said it will cost me $90-$100 for them to take care of it, parts, labor and all!! They say it is a about a one hour job. I was preparing to do it myself before calling the locksmith
(good info here: http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/fordfocus.html#JdCZNh1S7TWa ).
Now I'm having AAA tow it to my local locksmith and let them take care of it.
2010Apr 07
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 54,212 miles
Man, was I mad when my daughter came back in the house and told me the key wouldn't turn. So when I went out, assessed the problem, and I couldn't turn it ether. So came in, got on the computer, and found out how many of you folks were having the same problem. Then I was really mad. When I researched further found out there's no recall, I was pissed. But you know it really doesn't surprise me. Look how toyota has their tit in the ringer, and all of theirs deal with safety. Anyway, I bought my car used from JD Byrider about seven months ago, and I do have some what of a warranty on the car. So I called JD Byrider service and explained my problem. Josh told me to try an clean the ignition switch tumblers with brake cleaner then work the key in and out. I was pulling a lot of debris out with key and debris running out of key hole. (I used "Waul" hair clipper oil, that was my idea.) Because "Brake Clean" makes everything so dry and the key didn't turn as smooth as I thought it should. I put some on the key and inserted the key into the ignition. I was a diesel mechanic for 23 years and I have worked with all kinds of lubricants, grease, silicons & graphite, but I chose the very light "Waul" clipper oil just for a little lubricant without collecting a lot of debris. All I know is it turns as smooth as a babies butt now. But It's only been two day's. Hope it can work for y'all. I hope I've saved a few hundred dollars, and GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF US, we sure can't rely on ford motor company. The auto industry engineers try to get us just out of warranty before something goes wrong. You see, they have fixed something that was not broken. Back in the day I know I removed and sold ignition switches (if they still had keys) out of my uncles junk yard. I did find out I can replace the battery in my i pod myself and pretty cheap too. There are even videos out there that shows how it's done. OK I'm out of here I could go on all night.
2010May 04
Focus SVT ZX5
- Manual transmission
- 90,720 miles
Line up everyone!!! Yes, I as well had the key lock up in the ignition and was unable to turn it without feeling like a caveman and banging the end of the key a few times while in the car. ABSOLUTELY REDICULOUS!!! Trust me when I say I will be taking this to my local dealership and getting it fixed... ON THEIR DIME!!! I'll go all the way up to the Top if I need to, because this is completely irresponsible and uncalled for in todays service oriented world. I will post back on how it turns out. Wish me the best.
2010Apr 29
Focus ZX3 2.0L Zetec
- Manual transmission
- 85,000 miles
I've had this problem for quite a few months now, and by jiggling the key, most of the time it turns. Today, I went out for lunch and when I came back out to go back to work, my ignition won't turn. I've been jiggling the ignition for almost an hour before I decided to call a locksmith.
The locksmith came and said to me that it's a common problem in focuses. He also said that he recently replaced an ignition of an 08 focus. The locksmith explained to me that on these kinds of lock, there is a "side bar." The side bar goes down when the correct key is placed in the ignition. If it's not the correct key, the side bar will not go down, hence you wouldn't be able to turn the ignition. The side bar is also stronger than whatever you can put inside the ignition. This will prevent anybody from forcing the ignition with a screw driver or whatever. Probably because of poor design, the side bar gets stuck even if you put in the correct key, or that the side bar doesn't go all the way down. Now, the job can take 20 minutes or 3 hours. This depends on how experienced your locksmith is. Although my locksmith is experienced, he made a mistake on where he drilled the hole on the ignition. The reason why he needs to drill is because the key must be turned to at least the acc position before he can remove the whole ignition. He also said that if I had called him when my key was just sticking, (not stuck), the repair will be a lot cheaper.
ALERT: If you bring your car to the dealership, they will put in the same kind of ignition and it is guaranteed that this will happen again! My locksmith installed an ignition without a side bar. This will definitely guarantee that it will not happen again. It cost me an arm and a leg, and half a day's pay.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Mar 23
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
This happened one day after a cross county road trip. Had it happened then, I would have been stuck in a blizzard. I have a bumper to bumper warranty, but most people have complained about it not being covered, so wish me luck.
2010Apr 06
Focus LE
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
WTF can't anybody get the job done right. I kinda figured something was up when they told me the key had a chip in it and would cost 70 if lost. About a year into enjoying the gas mileage I was getting; The darn key gets catchy and in 2 days the key won't turn.
The one thing I thought I missed was when it starts to get catchy I could have sprayed it with something, maybe. However, my method of correcting the now worsened problem is calling a locksmith, derived from a general consensus given on this site. So far, hitting it fairly hard trying not to break it, I've hit it and that worked, will attempt the hammer method also. The ol' locksmith is the most logical approach. The whole ordeal was a real Pain ya know.
Update from May 22, 2010: OK since this whole thing started and after some investigation the problem still exist. I decided after reviewing the cost of various methods, I would leave the key in the car until I can afford to replace the ignition lock cylinder. I have mistakinly taken the key out a few time and got away with hitting the key hard which worked. Sooner of later though I have a notion that won't work. Best just replace it I figure...with a new one instead of cleaning or obtaining used. When I finally fix it I want to be assured it is really fixed
2004Jun 30
Focus SE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I have a Focus. And I love my car. The ignition did leave me stranded one time (luckily at home). I had the car towed to the Ford dealership and replaced the ignition. BUT I learned how to avoid the problem: when I park my car I make sure that the front tires are straight!! If the front tires are turned in either direction (such as a tight parking space) it messes up the lock in the ignition that prevents someone stealing your car! Its been 6 years since I replaced the ignition and I have had no more trouble with it. Instead of tapping the key, try turning the steering wheel in the direction the wheels are turned in. This will release the locking machicanism. And next time park with the steering wheel straight or in other words in a neutral position.
2010Jan 19
Focus LX 4
- Manual transmission
- 46,000 miles
the key quit turning at 30,000 miles, had a locksmith repair it, but now it's back to the same. I have resorted to using a hammer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Dec 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
When you put the key in the ignition it would not turn. If you hit it in really hard and then turn it as soon as you hit it it would turn, but you have to get it fixed before it completely breaks on the inside. The dealer wanted to charge me about 700 dollars. The labor was what cost the most, the part itself was a few hundred dollars and they told me only the dealership can do it, just like they told me only the dealership can make spare keys for my 2003 ford focus. I decided to check out other places and I ended up going to a locksmith. As soon as I mentioned what type of car I had he immediately knew what was the problem. He had a box full of ignitions that he has replaced just on ford focuses. He said that even Pepsi, that has a lot full of ford focuses as their 'on the road' cars, he has had to change the ignition at least once on every single one. I asked him how much he charges and all together it came up to be 110.00 and he made me a spare key for 60 dollars. plus tax i paid about 182. He also mentioned that it WILL happen again but it will be a while till it does happen again. So I'm hoping to get a new car before that happens. 182 is a hell of a lot better than over 700 dollars that the dealer was gonna charge me. And the dealer (the actual ford dealership) pretended not to even know what the problem was and that they've never seen it happen.I'm really shocked there isnt a recall on this. I was hoping there was so I didn't have to pay for the repair. But unfortunately there isn't one yet.
2009Dec 24
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 25,000 miles
I usually do not buy extended warranties, but in this case, it will pay for this repair. Like most other folks on this site, my key refused to turn in the ignition. Fortunately, tapping with a hammer ( I recommend a small piece of wood between the hammer and key) worked. Also fortunate was that this happened outside my house. I feel for those people left stranded by this problem and I'm reporting it here, not because it was such a hassle for me, but because I feel like more complaining might result in other people avoiding this situation. There are over 100 complaints on this site and I'm sure this is a small fraction of the real number. Ford? Are you listening?
2009Dec 14
Focus 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 67,108 miles
I went to start my car and the key wouldnt turn.I went to this forum to see if there were other complaints and to my non surprise there were.I have had a lot of problems with my Focus and if asked would say I will never buy another one.The vehicle caught on fire within 6 months of purchasing it.Then shortly after that the clutch went in it.And no I dont ride the clutch .I have had nothing but manual cars for the past 20 years and had nothing like the problems I have had with this one.I will hit the key with a screwdriver until it doesnt work and then it is gone
2009Dec 11
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 63,500 miles
So it's a cold and windy December night in Buffalo and I'm trying to leave my fiance's house to run some errands and the wheel is locked and the key won't turn over. I figure no big deal the wheel just needs to be unlocked, I pull and turn the wheel take the key in and out, jiggle the key and no luck! I sat in the car for about 20 minutes trying to get the key to turn trying everything I can think of to get the wheel unlocked. Then I remembered that I saw some recalls for the focus on my car insurers website. I went online and then I found this website, and I read all the complaints about the ignition. I looked at the average mileage and wouldn't you know it my car is only a few thousand away from the average. I decided I would take the other peoples advice and hit the key while its in the ignition with the end of a screwdriver. I hit the key a few times and nothing happened, then again a little harder, and the third time was the charm! The wheel was unlocked and the key turned over. Although it seemed fine I wasn't about to drive anywhere and get stuck with the same problem. So I drove into the parking lot across the street from his house, parked the car turned it off, and took the key out of the ignition. Hoping for the best I put the key back in and again it wouldn't turn over, this time the steering wheel wasn't locked up so it has nothing to do with that. I hit it with the screwdriver again and the key turned over. I pulled the car back in his driveway and there it sits. Luckily I have another vehicle here so I have a way to leave, but this has been a big pain in the butt! Also considering I'm getting married in 3 weeks and we don't really have the extra $300 to get fixed right now. It would be a lot worse if I didn't have another vehicle but it's still a very aggravating situation. This should be a recall!
2009Dec 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I can't turn the key in my Ford Focus. The steering wheel even locked up. I had to get my car towed from my home to local mechanic. When I called the mechanic he told me this was a common problem of Ford Focus's. When the tow truck driver arrived he also told me this was a common problem of this make and model. My question, why has nothing been done to prevent this?
My ignition locked up to the point it has to be drilled through to gain access. It is going to cost me more than $500 just for repairs. I am so angry that nothing has been done, such as recall for this problem. I put in a complaint with Ford yesterday. I think the number was 800-392-3673. If enough of us call, future Ford Focus owners will not have to go through what we did.
Jennie D.
2009Dec 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
I did the key trick but now I have to do it everytime i get in the car and put the key in the ignition....that really sux!!!!!!!!!
2005Dec 20
Focus ZX3 2.0L Zetec
- Manual transmission
- 25,000 miles
Apparently a pretty common problem. Had some problems for about a week where the key wouldn't turn unless I banged on it. One day it just wouldn't turn at all. Ended up having it towed to the dealership to be repaired. All covered under warranty, but still, a problem like this should never make it outside of the factory.
2009Nov 22
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
Running to video store to return movies. Returned movies get in car and key wont turn .. Locked up tight..Had ignition for about a hour . He takes a hammer and lightly taps ignition. Puts key in and my car starts right up..
What a pain..
2009Nov 17
Focus ZX3 2.3L Duratec
- Manual transmission
- 120,000 miles
I can't believe there are so many complaints about Focus's ignition problems. There is still no recall on it. I was one of the fortunate group because this problem happened at my friend's house. We could get the ignition key turn by tapping the top of the key with
a screw driver (a lubber-handle). But, as other people say, the same problem happens if I remove the key from the lock cylinder. I have to give $300 or more to the dealer soon.
2009Oct 28
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 92,500 miles
Upon leaving work on a cold night and 40 minutes away from home I put my key into the ignition and it wouldn't turn. I was with one other person from work, but since I just started this job I barely knew her or the area I was in. After she and I read my entire car manual, wiggled the steering wheel/gearshift, relocked and unlocked the car....still NOTHING! Since I just had my car towed last week for another issue, I was reluctant to tow it again but ended up having to anyway. (I tried the"hitting the key hard while in the ignition that was suggested on here-didn't work for me!) Two hours later, my car is being put onto the tow truck and the tower states that this is the most common ford focus problem he sees. So thank god my roommate was able to come get me as we follwed the tow truck to teh "mechanic" suggested by my roadside assistance which apparently is now a "Dunkin Donuts" and no longer exists. Thankfully the tower worked for a mechanic also and we followed him through some shady streets in Philly in order to get there. Four hours later, I finally got home with my roommate. Now, I had to call out of work and don't know how I will get back to retrieve my car. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!!! I used to love my focus, but after I paid it off, EVERYTHING went wrong!!
2009Oct 22
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
I was trying to go to class when this happened. I had a twenty-two page report due in one class and an exam in another. I missed one class, borrowed a friend's car, and had to leave early from the other one to return the car. My parents... who live two hours away (and thought I just wasn't trying hard enough to unlock the steering wheel).... came up, found no solution.
Thankfully I stumbled across this website and will try the screwdriver-hit-trick when I get back up in Indianapolis.
2009Sep 26
Focus ZX5
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
It's unimaginable and hard to explain even to a small child, but we have TWO Ford Focii. BOTH cars have had key ignition switch failures. My wife's 2002 ZTW had the ignition switch replaced last year when the key wouldn't turn. Today my 2003 ZX5 did the exact same thing, fortunately right in my garage. All of you who got stranded in the middle of nowhere, I feel your pain!
I got great information on this web site and "fixed" it myself! I tapped the key with a screwdriver handle and got the switch to turn on the first try. My solution? Customize my Focus! Leave the friggin' key in the ignition switch permanently, disable the obnoxious warning chime, and save $400 in repairs.
Ok, I took off the glove box door, reached up to the upper right and pulled out a plastic box that has wires plugged into it. I carefully opened the cover and found the enunciator. That's the thing that chimes obnoxiously when you open the door when your key is in the ignition. It is a cylindrical component about the size of a quarter that is part of the circuit board. (open your car door and let it ring... it's so loud you wont have any trouble locating it).
I carefully used a pair of slip jointed pliers and crushed the plastic body of the device and removed the silvery disc inside that makes all the noise... it almost fell out on its own. Be careful not to touch any of the solder joints on the circuit board with your pliers.
Next, I put everything back together. Now I can open the door with the key in the ignition without the obnoxious chime going off. I will use the keychain transmitter to lock and unlock the car, thus severely reducing the chances of locking my keys in the car since the transmitter is separate from the key!!
See, you can improve and customize the functionality of this crap Ford Focus all by yourself. By not standing behind their product and taking care of their customers and by refusing to fix this idiotic problem, Ford is really HELPING us to become more self sufficient Americans! You just have to look at the bright side of things... maybe from behind the wheel of a Honda or Toyota.
2009Sep 20
Focus ZX
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
SO MY WIFE WENT TO HER FRINDS THE OTHER DAY FOR HER FIRST DAUGHTERS 1ST BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTINING.SHE STAYS THE NIGHT , SO YESTERDAY WHILE IM AT WORK SHE CALL ME AND SAYS HONEY MY CAR WON'T START. IM ASKED WHAT, THEN SHE SAID THE KEY WONT TURN IN AT ALL. SO I GO OVER AFTER WORK AND SURE ENOUGH TH KEY WONT TURN. SO BECAUSE OF THIS THE BABY WAS LATE FOR HER CHRISTINING AND NOW WE ARE DOWN TO ONE CAR FOR A WHILE NOT TO MENTION I WORK 60MILES AWAY FROM WHERE SHE WAS AT. AND SHE ONLYGOT TO WORK BECAUSE I WAS OFF WORK TODAY.
FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM ITS NOT FAIR WE HAVE TO COME OUTTA POCKET TO FIX AN ISSUE THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS COULD BE A REAL SAFTEY HAZARD. SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO END UP LIKE GM BUT UNDER DIFFERENT CAUSE WE AS A PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF THIS AND WE ARE READY TO ACT ON IN. FORD AMERICAS CAR.HUM YOU BETTER TAKE CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE FORD CAUSE THESE IMPORTS ARE STARTING TO LOOK VERRY NICE IF THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH
2009Sep 01
Focus ZX3 Ztec
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Contacted Ford about re-occuring alternator / battery problems after JUST having those items repaired 1 week ago and now we have the key problem! The Ford response that is important to note was that they said to save ALL receipts for repairs because if a recall is eventually issued, we should be reimbursed by Ford. Can't add much more except to say "Ditto" to all the other postings! Thanks to those who posted the "remedy" about the tap with the hammer and WD-40 etc. Hopefully that will allow us to get to a locksmith in the morning. Had a '64 Ford Van with less problems than this - won't buy a Ford again unless they make this right.
2009Jul 13
Focus SE 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I hit 70,000 miles and the key wouldn't turn. Horrible, hot day, jacked-up everyone's schedule, a sick friend couldn't even get to the Dr., had to get an ambulance, what a mess!
We have to form a lawsuit. This is a safety issue. How does a group of bonehead-sucker, patriot Americans go about doing that? Those drones at the Ford dealership are worthless hacks, supporting a bunch of overpaid boobs at the plant that turn out money sieves for the rest of us to maintain until we bleed dry.
Stranded, I called two dealerships and the best answer was, 'Gosh, I dunno what you should do..., gotta look at it first'. Clowns! AAA shows up and says, 'Oh, thaaaat problem...'. Taps the key with a screwdriver handle and the key turns. It appears the tumblers fail to drop into place. He said 'leave the key in the ignition (hope someone steals it) and that should buy you some time, but get it fixed because pretty soon it freezes up forever'. Loons want $650.00 to repair, that's of course 'before they loooook at it...'.
2009Jul 11
Focus ZX3 Vtech
- Manual transmission
- 71,000 miles
Luckily we got the car towed to a dealership just before they closed at 5:00 PM on a Saturday, as we were out of state and no service would occur until Monday. The Ford mechanic knew about this problem and hit the key with a screwdriver and viola, the car was running. I didn't turn it off until we were in our driveway and then I didn't take the key out or turn it past the first off position. I drove it to my local Ford service station on Monday and they will have to replace the tumbler for over $550. This is shameful on Ford's part, clearly a manufacturing defect, a recall should be in the works.
2006Dec 15
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
I was driving home from college in the middle of nowhere Indiana for Winter Break and stopped to use the restroom at a sketchy gas station. Well as soon as I get back in my car it won't turn. I try and try for 15 minutes. Give my dad a call and start telling him the situation and he tries to give me some tips on how to get the key to turn. With me being a girl he assumed I must have my steering wheel locked and that's why it's not turning. I tell him that's not it and continue to try to turn it, he's about a two hour drive away so he decides to head my way to help. Two hours later he's in the middle of nowhere with me and begins to try and see if he can fix the problem himself, finally we give a locksmith a call, although it's too late for him to come out, we tell him the situation and he knows exactly what the problem was.
The locksmith tells us to buy some car lube and put it on the key and tap on the key with a hammer, finally it turns. The locksmith explained something about a plastic(I think) pin that will get bent on the inside and how it's happened on lots of Ford Focuses and basically it needs to be replaced.
So after spending 5 hours at a sketchy gas station late into the night on a cold winter night I finally head home. The next morning I take it to the Ford Dealership and they pretend they never heard of this before, I get the tumbler replaced and pay the bill to get the whole thing over with.
Worst part about it is that they expect me to believe they've never had this problem yet a locksmith in the middle of nowhere Indiana knew about this problem immediately after telling him it's a Ford Focus over the phone.
2009Jun 21
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 108,000 miles
I recently had a similar problem with my focus and had to have my ignition switch replaced, but I wanted to share how I fixed it. First if your ignition switch won't turn then you need to put the key in and hit it hard with a hammer or mallet. After that, the key should turn to start the car, but once you take the key out, you will have to hit it again to get it started. If you leave the key in the ignition, you can start it all the time. When it comes time to replace the part, remove the covers so that you can see the switch. There is a small round hole that you can see through the steering wheel. Turn the key slowly to the run position and a button will pop out from the hole. Press the button in and the ignition switch will come out. All you have to do is slide in the new one. The only problem is that the dealer will need your key to program your new part too. I just kept one key in the ignition and used my spare to have the dealer program my new one. Overall, it was a big hassle when it happened, but this is a cheaper solution to fixing it and very easy to do on your own.
2009Jun 25
Focus SE 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 171,000 miles
i just went and bought a new lock cylinder for 90.00$ which is easy to replace and got my key coded at ford for 20.00$ still ford should do a recall on this problem cause it seems to be happening to everyone!!!
2009May 27
Focus ZX5
- Automatic transmission
- 66,500 miles
I was trying to make it home late one night, and my key wouldn't turn. I had this problem for the week before, but I was able to fix it before by locking and unlocking the car with my remote. But Wednesday night it wasn't going to work. Now it is at the shop and they stopped working on it because they couldn't get the wheel to unlock. Now I have read that this is a common problem and am regretting still making payments on the car. My mechanic told me 180 to replace the tumbler on the lock. I might just have the whole ignition replaced, just for good measure. Maybe I will get a little more time out of it.
2009May 20
Focus SE 3.2L
- Manual transmission
- 104,000 miles
My husband was conducting some business at the high school prior to picking me up for work. When he left school the key would not turn in the ignition. He called my son to bring a second set of keys which didn't work either. Had to borrow a friend's car and have my son pick me up from work, My husband called the dealer who suggested we have the Focus towed in and they would make a new cylinder that would fit our existing keys. Cost approx. $250.00. School superintendent and a colleague who both drive a Focus said they had had similar problems but not as severe. Judging from other complaints posted, why no recall?
2009May 20
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
I encountered this problem while trying to get to work one morning! I tried everything & ended up calling a dealer. I was informed at that time that this problem was not uncommon for the 2003 Ford Focus. I checked around at several dealers & the bill for the repair of this problem would run from $300-$380 in addition to a towing bill. I opted to call a locksmith for an estimate as well. He too, was aware of the ongoing ignition problems & felt there should have been a recall on this part. I had him change out the ignition where the car was located to avoid the towing fee for $335 & tax etc... total bill $359.45. My question is, if Ford is aware of ignition problems (design), why haven't they recalled this part????
2009Apr 03
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
This actually started a few weeks ago, but it got to the point where my wife was stuck at an underground car park with my kids. So, I had to go locate them and make attempt after attempt to turn the key. After about an hour, it finally turned. Once we got home, we Googled the problem and found this website, and I couldn't believe the problem.
I took the car to a local (German) Ford dealer, and they told me that all they could do was clean out the cylinder and regrease it since they don't carry US specs parts. This worked for about a day, and it cost approx $150.00.
I had taken it to another local car center before, and the mechanic stated that it's an ongoing problem with Fords. I still haven't replaced the entire key cylinder, but was wondering if anyone knows if this is a recall?
I am very reluctant to buy any Fords.
2009Apr 12
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I was taking my wife and kids to the lake for fishing and picnicking. Two kids in the back seat. After filling up at a gas station and getting ice, beer and soft drinks etc I found that the key would not turn in the igintion. I had had the problem before and I was able to fix it by tapping on the end of the key with my knuckle and that would get it to turn. But not this time. After an hour of trying to get that key to turn while sitting at that gas pump in the heat I finally gave up and called a taxi to take us home. Taxi was $20. I drove my Chevy truck back to the focus with the spare key. It didn't work either. I Had the car towed to home. $60. What a pain. Other than the key problems it has been a good car but I will trade that car in ASAP. The drivers door wont lock either.
2008Nov 03
Focus 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
Their we were at the gas station, my family and i, just finished getting gas, went to start the car and the key would not turn, 3 people came over to help out and still it would not turn, i had to have the car towed away, later, we employed a locksmith to come and tear the column apart to see if he could fix the lock, after 1 hour of his work and a lot of wd-40 he got it to turn, now if it locks again i just move the steering column up and down and in and out HARD, that sometimes works, other times i turn the key over to the other side and that works.
2009Mar 25
Focus ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
I have had a problem with the key not turning or getting stuck inside the ignition. Most of time it would work after about a few minutes of trying. Tonight while getting ready to go home from work, the key wouldn't turn. After about 1 hour of trying I gave up and called my brother to pick me up. I give up on this car.
2009Mar 18
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
I get into my crappy ford focus to go out with some friends and go to turn the key and nothing happens. I try turning the steering wheel and shaking the car but nothing. I have someone else come and try to figure it out but they could not figure it out either. I am planning to have it towed in the morning and I decided to search the problem on the internet. I find out that hitting it rather hard with my hand does the trick and the car will now start. It was very inconvenient and I went and traded it in the next day. This is not the only complaint. I've had multiple problems with this car
2009Mar 06
Focus ZX5
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
In Dec 2008 I had the same problem with the key not turning in the ignition and had the tumblers replaced. Well not even 3 moths later, it just suddenly starts not turning again! So I call the locksmith back out and this time he just replaced the entire ignition. He started the car prior to leaving and it started fine. However, when I went to run errands about an hour later, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN!!
Back to square one!
Update from May 26, 2009: So after having the locksmith out the last time and having it freeze up again it hour later, I read everything people were saying here. The way I got it to start working again was by putting lots of WD-40 into the ignition and then tapping the key with a hammer. I have also had to leave the key in the ignition in order to keep it from freezing up again. This solution is not the best as I find it's hard to tell when the ignition is turned off all the way which has since lead to my battery being drained as a result.
2008Dec 01
Focus ZX5
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
The ignition initially was just difficult to turn and got to a point where I could not start it, but my husband could. So we solved the issue by trading cars. Then it came to a point where even he could not get the damn thing to start. When we finally were able to get a locksmith out the car, he replace the tumblers which did the trick.
2008Oct 14
Focus 2.0L Liter
- Automatic transmission
- 49,324 miles
This Focus has been a pain in the rear from day one, first the doors would not lock and the trunk would fly open when driving. Water started leaking in from the heater core etc. etc. They fixed some of those things some for free. Then after about six months after the last time they had worked on it, the trunk started acting up again and would not close. I did not even bother taking back as we had taken it around six times. I straightened the latch and if seems to be better now. We do have to keep an eye on it though. This thing seems to be made from aluminum cans. I can't believe we are bailing out these *#**## Now recently the ignition switch won't turn. It may work ten times and then suddenly not turn, My daughter got stranded at a gas station late at night. Fortunately it was not in some dark parking lot like the University. The car just sits in the drive way and nobody drives it but I get a call everymonth for the damn payment. I am seriously considering not paying on it and let them take it.
2009Mar 02
Focus 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
This car has had issues with the ignition from day one. Luckily I have never had to do any repair work to it. Eventually, it does turn. I have tapped it, pushed the brake, checked the shifter. Eventually it will turn, but I am unsure of what turns it.
2009Jan 10
Focus 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
What can I say? I had the car less than a month and already had to replace the ignition. The deal Carrillo Car Company wouldn't reimburse the money either. I currently have a complaint with BBB, like that's going to do anything. I hate this car after all the problems I have had and it's been a month now.
2008Dec 22
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
The dealer wanted $300-350 to replace the ignition. After seeing several complaints from people saying they have had the problem three or more times, I called a locksmith to remove the parts(tumblers?) that kept the cylinder from turning($75). The car will start now and still needs the transponder in the key to start. However, the key can fall out of the key slot during a hard turn.
Should not start with another key. Will test as I know someone who has a 2004 model that has had the same problem.
This is a personal security safety problem as my daughter sometimes works late at the mall and she doesn't need to get stranded in the parking lot late at night waiting for someone. Ford needs to step up, design a new cylinder that will not fail and fix all of these.
2008Dec 31
Focus ZXS 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
I have had this problem for about a week, key wont turn, so I wiggle the steering wheel, keep trying, finally it works. Today however, the key will not move. I have called local dealer where I purchased the car, and as in all complaints, 350-400 bucks to fix, with the same faulty parts!!! My car is in the driveway and will have to be towed...
NEVER will I buy a ford again. Too much trouble. This bail out money, could have given each family in america 1 million dollars, and we would have all bought a new car, what would that do for the ford dealership...hmmmm
2006Apr 11
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 45,000 miles
I had this happen just out of the blue, one day the key would not turn, no prior no warning, just got in the car put the key in and it was not going to turn.
Came in the house got on the comp and searched Starter/ Ignition switch Ford Focus, and found a blog of all the drivers with the same problem and one solution posted by a tow truck driver, put the key in and tap it, then there you are it works but you have to do it each time you want to start your car. To this day this is how I start my car.
Others posted the repairs of $200 - $500 each time they had the ignition switch replaced, one man had his daughters car repaired 3 times I believe, stating that the part was replaced with another part of the same quality each time and the re-occurring problem.
A rep or employee from Ford posted something to the effect it was the weight of the keys on the chain wearing the part .. I have only one house key, one car key on mine and still switch went out.
2008Nov 04
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
I run a driver education business so have ten Ford Focus LX. These range from 2003 - 2006. Five of the ten have had the ignition key lock cylinder replaced. Of course it was never at a convenient location and not professional from a business point of view. I think these cars are perfect to train teens with. However, it is frustrating that something so insignificant can be such a burden. I have a 2004 Focus at the locksmith right now (12/7/08) that needs the lock cylinder replaced. I may be replacing all these Focus over the next year with Honda Civics. This may be a significant investment in the front, but I will save face with having cars that reflect a quality program.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jul 15
Focus ES
this is the 2nd failure of the ignition since i've owned the car.
Darin J.
Parsonsfield, Maine, USA
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