8.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$319.00
Average Mileage:
66,786 miles
Total Complaints:
107 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (24 reports)
- must go to dealership for high priced repair (22 reports)
- replaced the ignition (18 reports)
- insert the key and lightly tap the key with a hammer (14 reports)
- replace ignition lock cylinder (6 reports)
- called a locksmith to unlock ignition (5 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Focus key won't turn in the ignition
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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????
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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 Silver 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
- 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.
2008Dec 02
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
When I put the key in the ignition and it would not turn, I thought I was some kind of idiot with terrible luck--because that usually is me, especially with cars. I am so sorry this has happened to all of you (well, US). I had no idea this same unfortunate has befallen so many others. Anyway, here is my story... I got in my car to go to work and BAM! Nothing happened; key wouldn't turn or anything. I got it after waking my husband up and making him come outside in what seemed like sub-zero temperatures. It's happened a few times since then, but not much of an issue after a few minutes. Then this wonderful morning happened, and I was outside trying to turn the key without steaming up the windows yelling every profane word in existence for 20 minutes. Between my husband and I, this is our only car for right now, and we are screwed because we both have to hitch rides with others to get to and from work, creating inconvenience for EVERYONE. Not to mention we have a two-year-old daughter that is now stranded at home because we can't go anywhere.
And thanks to the wonderful folks at Ford, not only are we going to have to pay out the ass to get the car fixed, but we have to pay $100 to get the car towed there--and it is less than 3 miles from our house. WTF?!
This is just super. Here it is, Christmas time, with my daughter's birthday party next weekend (at her grandmother's house, far far away) and we can't even leave our house AND we have to pay oodles to fix this damn car.
Anyone who reads this... try complaining to Ford. Probably won't work since the assholes there are getting what they deserve by going bankrupt, but it is worth a shot. And file a complaint with the FTC. Lots of them.
2008Nov 17
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
So I too belong to the Ford Focus Pissed Off Customers Group. To be quite honest, I love my Focus. (well not if it does this to me again!) My ignition has been locking for about 2-3 months now and was getting progressively worse. The apex came earlier this week (a Monday) and I was unable to "unlock" it . Like I said this was the worse it had ever been and as a result I was late for work. Not a big deal right? Wrong! For those of you who have families and kids, etc. one needs all the sick days and late days they can get! A pain in the ass yes. We survived relatively unscathed. However, now being Saturday, I've got a locksmith tell me that 90% of all Focus' have this problem! So I tell him I'd like to shop around and I'll call him back. I immediately go online a low and behold, google spits out like 50 complaint sites!! So I call the guy back and say do it. Now I'm posting this fickle complaint on this site like Ford and their stock worth $1.80 a share is gonna do anything about it!!!
Well I'll tell you what. As soon as the holiday season passes, I'm gonna drive my Focus to a Honda dealer and trade it in!
I'd probably be less inclined to, but I have a feeling Ford has a more pressing need (bankruptcy) on their minds right now.
I have always been a proponent of "American" cars and was a great endorser of the Ford Focus. It's just a damn shame how some of the great American companies are at best a shell of their formal selves.
Well, good luck to all and see you at the nearest dealership not named Ford, GM or Chrysler.
pissed in Sunny California.
2008Nov 11
Focus ZX3 2.3L Pzev
- Manual transmission
- 105,000 miles
UGH.
I'm a nursing student, I work a stressful hospital job and really was not happy when my car was stuck in a parking lot in 30-degree weather after making a quick stop before work and had to walk a few miles to get there on time because the ignition locked and the frigging key wouldn't turn. So, after a massive headache getting rides to and from work and school (I had 18-20 hour days already, guess how long they are now), I discovered you can hammer-tap the key and bypass the lock that way temporarily until you can replace the tumblers in the ignition cylinder.
Well, I picked the part up before work this afternoon, the dealership parts guy was a real schmuck about it being that I'm a young female planning on doing this myself.. I frigging asked him this morning to make me another key because this one is worn and my other went missing. He gave me a hard time and said that he couldn't without the other one and it would cost over $300 and hours of labor.. BS ARTIST extraordinaire. So I'm thinking, screw it, I have four hours tomorrow (Wednesday) so I'll just get to work tonight and class tomorrow morning and then fix it tomorrow night when I'm finally free for a few...
Yeah the key snapped tonight. So now I have no key, no ignition, no car. I'm not vengeful, actually I'm usually very pleasant, patient, and caring, far moreso than your av-er-age bear. But the way I feel now man.. I pray the assholes that wouldn't pass this as a recall situation end up in the care of a frazzled vengeful nurse some day. Not necessarily myself... just sayin'.
2008Nov 07
Focus ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 31,069 miles
This is a problem that ford should have recalled. I would not tell anyone to buy this car, as this problem is going to keep happening, as when ford gets your money they no longer care.
2008Nov 06
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
It's kinda hard to drive to work when the key won't turn. It's especially fun when the guys at the Ford dealership who was supposed to fix it doesn't show up for work so you have to wait two more days. Inconvenience? Huge understatement.
2008Oct 27
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
This effing sucks. I've had dozens of people try to turn this key, thinking I was out of my mind. I've had a mechanical friend of my husband try and figure out what it is. "It couldn't be the ignition, not on a car this new," he says. So I come home, finally, after waiting in the freezing cold for my husband to come rescue me, and lo and behold (!) it seems this is a reoccurring issue with the Focus. WTF! Why hasn't this been recalled? I mean, I realize that Ford is hemorrhaging money already, but really, are they going to simply ignore so many people? I guess I'll take an effing hammer with me tomorrow, and see if I can get the effing thing started, so I can take it to the effing dealership. Not another Ford, never ever, not in a million years. Grrrrr!
2008Oct 06
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
i turned the key into the ignition and it completely locked up on me. the steering wheel was locked and the gear shift was locked. i had to have it towed and i needed to have a new steering column put in.
2008Sep 12
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
my key will not turn on my car, I called service department and asked if it was a recall, they said no, I would have to change,rebuilt key coil cylinder $350.00! ford does not value customers. I don't have that kind of money. I will be forced to trade in the stupid car, and to every one out there please do not buy a ford focus cause you will also have to replace your alternator 4 times in the first 2 years!! thats another complaint!!!!!
2008Aug 20
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
Steering locked and key would not turn, Filled Key hole w/ liquid lube and inserted key, tapped on end of key w/ light hammer. Keyed turned but then would would not turn if removed key. Worked key and lock and tapping many times (100+) till key moved every time as it should. But then next week it would not turn again. Tap key routine showed to other drivers.
2008Jul 01
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
we need recalls on ford focus ignition switch its not fair that myself or other ford focus owners have to keep spending money on the same problem that has been reported to ford somebody need to do something about this and soon I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEMS OR COMPLAINTS I REALLY DONT KNOW WHAT'S THE POINT OF THIS ! I WOULD NOT SUGGEST TO A FRIEND TO PURCHASE A FORD OF ANY MODEL
2008Aug 15
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 120,500 miles
After sitting in a parking lot for about 30 minutes waiting for roadside assistance, I broke down and called my ex-husband who works for AAA as a tow truck driver. I told him I couldn't turn my key. He told me to tap the key with a hammer or something and once it turns, just leave the key in the ignition until I could get it fixed. It worked.
2008Aug 18
Focus ZX3
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Same problem, different person. I was absolutely dumbfounded to find out how common a problem this is after stumbling across this site. Thank goodness I was at home when it happened and tried searching the internet for a solution before calling the tow truck and taking it to a mechanic.
The hammer trick worked for me, at least for now. Who knows how long it will hold up. I'm too afraid of getting my car jacked to leave the key in the ignition. I am going to carry a hammer/wd-40 in my car for now. Thanks to all who previously posted and good luck to the rest of you who have the unfortunate luck of looking for this site.
Enough is enough. Ford needs to do a recall or they are going to lose a lot of customers. They already lost another...
2008Aug 15
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
My husband and I are stationed in Germany and our warranty seemed to have traveled over here with us (Thank God!). Well, being the first and only owners of this vehicle, the past five months w/ the car have been nothing but a pain. I will stat that if you ever buy ANY vehicle, it is worth it to shell out the extra dough for the extended (as extended as you can get!) warranty.
On Friday, Aug 15, he was coming home from work and went to start the car. The key would go in, however it would not turn He tried jamming it in teh ignition cylinder many a times and after fifteen minutes, it finally worked. I called our local Ford Dealership at 8am on Saturday, they told me to bring it in Monday first thing.
Yesterday (Monday), I took the car in, they took a quick look at it and they too, decided it was the cylinder and the locking mechanism. I am looking all over and in my Ford ESP Warranty Plan to be sure that I am covered b/c paying Euros instead of dollars is MUCH pricier than the previous posters have been complaining about. They ordered the part yesterday and it shall arrive by 11am. I have to call then. If it's here, then I drop my car off at 1pm to have it fixed.
It has more or less been a PITA due to having a fifteen month old son and now I'm expecting our second. Last thing I want to do is get stranded somewhere (especially since we live OFF base).
I will say, the dealership allowed me to take my vehicle home and both them and I figured out that if you leave your key in the ignition and it turns to start, then when you turn the key off, LEAVE IT THERE! Take all the other keys off of your key ring b/c if it turns, it WILL turn again w/ no problem. Just make sure to lock your doors w/ the keyless entry and do NOT turn the key to accessory (for obvious reasons of running your battery dead). You will still hear the "dinging" noise like you would if you left your lights on, don't worry about it though, you're good to go until it's fixed.
I don't know how much it will cost me yet. Here's to hoping it's only the $100 deductible
2008Aug 08
Focus LX5 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
One Solution to Ford Focus Ignition Problem
We purchased a used 2003 Focus in June 2008. It replaced my wife�s dead van.
In August, the dreaded �key won�t turn� problem arrived after work, at 11:30 PM.
Since this was the first time it happened to us, a small tap on the key got the car running.
I had previously searched for problems with this model, so when it happened, I knew somewhat how to get the car going.
The next morning, I removed the cylinder lock from the car using this information:
http://www.mbremerart.com/misc/Focus%20Manual/2003%20Focus%20Ignition%20Lock%20Cylinder.htm
I checked to see if the problem was still there. It was. Holding the outside of the cylinder assembly, I could not turn the key. Tapping on it did allow the key to turn.
I then removed the steel clip on the end of the lock assembly and removed the actual lock mechanism.
I then inserted the key to see if the locking bar would drop down like it was supposed to.
Only part of the bar went down. Taping on the key and working with it, made the rest of the bar drop down. After working with it about an hour, the lock would work 100% of the time. I at least then I knew nothing was broke, just things sticking inside.
The bar would stick up where the deepest part of the key was. I suppose any of the tumblers will stick, mine just happened to be one of those.
This gave me a clue as to what was sticking. The tumblers and connecting linkage to the bar was the problem. I did not attempt to disassemble the lock any further. Major lack of knowledge and scared I would not be able to get it back together. As it turned out, I did not need to do any other disassembly.
With locks, the use of oil is not a good idea. Oil collects dust over time. So I decided to use spray silicone. This would allow the silicone to seep in and around any moving parts. The liquid part of the spray would then evaporate and leave dry, very slippery, surfaces.
I sprayed the silicone into where the key goes in and around the bar. That was the only places I thought where anything that moved would be. I worked the lock for about an hour and sprayed about 4 times. I do not know if less spraying is needed, that is just what I did. I could no longer get the lock to fail to turn.
The major problem with the lock assembly is lubrication and weak springs. The springs work good at first, but weaken over time. That is very normal. These are marginal at first and then get worse. I imagine eventually the springs will have to be replaced. This just delayed it for a while. The lubrication type that is needed would keep the linkage working longer. That is something I know very little about. Silicone works for me.
In talking to the wife, the key worked OK at first, then, started to catch when she turned it. But it would turn. Looking back, it would have been a good idea to find this earlier. I had read many web pages and had just assumed the lock would fail and I would just need to shell out big bucks to the local Ford dealer. Maybe someday I will, but I am hoping I delayed that a few years.
I think I will do this on a preventative schedule. I am thinking once a year, but if the key starts to stick, then more often. The whole job would take less than 3 hours when you know what to do.
2008Aug 04
Focus SE 4cyc
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I have had this issue for awhile, but usually if I just push on the ignition, the key will turn. Not this time. I come out from the store and the key will not turn. To make a long story short, I had to call a tow truck driver who came out and tapped it with a heavy metal wrench while turning it and it came right on. There goes $55 down the drain.
2008Apr 17
Focus ZX5 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 186,000 miles
I got to be one of the lucky ones my car went farther than the average mileage before this happened. I first thought that maybe the key i was using was bad so I had the spare brought to me well I found out other wise. I got mad and hit the key with a book I had in my car and there you go it turned I thought I was golden until the next morning when I went to go to work and damn if it wouldn't turn again. So I called Ford they said it had to br replace and it would cost me $365. Well I then did some researches and found out that you can buy an after market one and put in yourself (just make sure to do it in front of the dealership) and have them just reprogram the key a much cheaper solution. The part cost about $80 and the Chevy dealer ship only wanted $65 to reprogram the new key. Thank God for Chevy( I will NEVER buy another piece of sh*t FORD)
2008Jul 01
Focus ZX3 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 82,397 miles
Same story, with a twist (har).
I was stranded by the faulty key/ignition mechanism at a gas station. After about 15 minutes struggling to get the key to turn, I called my brother to see if he had any insight into the situation. He typed "ford focus ignition key" into Google, and was linked to this very page. He read a few entries, then advised me to give the key a few taps ... and it worked.
So, BIG thanks to the people who've taken the time post complaints here.
The problem gets progressively worse. The "tapping" method is becoming less reliable, and I know I need a permanent fix/solution lest I be *really* stranded when it completely gives out. Leaving the key in the ignition is not a solution. Replacing the part with the same badly designed part is not a solution.
So yes, Ford, you need to do a safety recall on this shoddy part. Leaving Focus owners stranded god-knows-where when this thing fails is a serious safety issue.
2008Jul 18
Focus SE 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I am glad I am not the only one. About two months ago my ignition locked on me, thank god I was at a tire place getting a knew tire, but the tech tried for almost an hour trying to turn my key over. He used wd40 and hitting it with a hammer and neither worked. So he got some kind of screwdriver or something and took the panel off underneath the steering wheel and some how got it to turn over. Now today July 18th it did it again at a gas station and my boyfriend and I tried to get it to turn and we did not have any luck. I had called ford dealership and the tech had told me that he has had in the past year alot of cars to come in to get that particular problem fixed on ford focus and it cost around $300 to $400 dollars. So right now I am trying to decide what to do with this car because I have other issues with this ford and I don't want to put anymore money in this piece of junk. If there is a petition sign me up.
2008Jul 10
Focus ES
- Automatic transmission
- 59,622 miles
2 things...
1st: WTF!!!
Yesterday my wife and baby got stranded at the Stop & Shop in the middle of a scorching hot day because the bloody key has suddenly stopped turning in the lock... She calls me from the parking lot thinking she is losing her mind. So I leave work early, head to where she is, tool around with the goddamed thing, give it up as a lost cause and bring her the 10 miles to home rather than listen to my poor baby girl bawl anymore - sweaty and miserable from the heat. Wasting no time I jump right back into my truck to trudge back to the supermarket where I called AAA who mercifully showed up in less than 15 minutes later (GOD I love those guys - you don't need them often but when you do MAN nothing compares) and have the nice man tell me that he has seen 6 or 7 of these problems in the past 3 or 4 months... Awesome. Thanks Ford, thanks a lot.
The 2nd thing I wanted to say was: Thank God for this site...
Allow me to explain ~ I spoke to the "charming" operator from the local dealership who told me between the smacking of her gum over the phone, that A) she wouldn't be able to get us in "until next Wednesday" which was over 5 days away and that B) it would be $87 just to have someone look into the problem... I asked her if she was sure there was no recall on this serious malfunction and she assured me there was not. >:(
Sooo, in the mean time my wife starts doing some research and one of the first things she finds is this site. We both blanched when we saw the likely cost of $400 bucks it would take to replace the whole mechanism. That was when we also saw the suggested fix of tapping the key with a hammer... Well, with little hope or expectation of success, I resolved to give it a try. I made my way out to car (in the middle of the night I might add) inserted the key and... LOW AND BEHOLD with 3 taps of the hammer the key turned!! We were relieved I can tell you. However, the other thing that we read is that many people resolve to just leave the key in the ignition rather than risk another episode which can apparently happen quite frequently according the folks here that have been through a similar circumstance. I guess we are going to follow suit for now. Personally I think that it is unconscionable for Ford to allow this to go on uncorrected. I guess it goes to show that the Pinto mentality hasn't fully left their old modus operendi of "acceptable loss" over there at Ford HQ.
In conclusion allow me to say that reading through the 60 odd complaints about this it has set my resolve to contact the local news channels and the Providence Journal Newspaper... This is just the sort of thing they LOVE to get a hold of... In the end it may not amount to much but by God I will be heard!!! Thanks for reading me this far!
-Joel
2008Jul 02
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
my wife was in an accident in her ford focus the insurance will not cover this problem of the key not turning over , the problem is that it did not do this before the accident but it does now , it was a front collision not her fault , ford says that this happens to 9 out of 10 focuses , now can somebody tell me that if thats true where is the god dammed recall . somebody has to be accountable for the 90 percent of sh*tty fords out there . we as consumers need to rise up and not take this sh*t anymore . so ford f*ck you and deal with sh*t . no wonder your nearly bankrupt you cant make a car that turns on.
2008Apr 09
Focus 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 65,000 miles
I'm another member of the club. I felt like I was totally crazy. Get up in the morning to go to work and suddenly, my key won't turn. Did I take the wrong set of keys? Am I in the wrong car? How do I get to work now?
After fiddling with it for almost an hour, I called a friend to give me a ride. When I got home, my father-in-law and wife had both tried it without success, and I got back in the car and tried to push it with my finger, to get it to turn without the key, and the inside part pushed in and must have loosened something because magically the key worked. I continue to have the problem every couple of weeks, but so far, the magic finger is working. I just thought I'd add my voice to the many complaints here.
2008May 26
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 30,000 miles
Yesterday my wife parked our Focus on the driveway apron. Later, when I went to move it into the garage, the key wouldn't turn. I tried hitting it with my hand, with a hammer, I tried WD-40. Nothing. I called AAA and they came out. Of course, this is such a common problem, the driver also tried hitting it with a hammer. He couldn't get the tow truck up my driveway, so I was stranded in my own driveway. Today, I called a locksmith, who, of course, knew all about this problem. He said this probably happens to every Focus eventually. He installed a new ignition in the car in the driveway. Luckily, because I have AAA, I got $50 off, but it still cost $350 for something Ford should be taking care of. The tow truck driver said tapping the key with a hammer usually works about 60% of the time. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I took some comfort in reading the on-line discussions. When it happens, you think you're crazy at first--the key just worked five minutes ago--what happened? You don't want to break the key, but you keep trying it over and over, desperate that you're doing something wrong or that the tumblers will magically click into place. You'd think having it happen in your own driveway would be an advantage. No such luck. The tow truck driver apologized. He said, "It's my job to tow cars, when I can't do my job, I feel bad." See, Ford's even causing grief for the tow truck drivers. I can't believe they won't step up and take care of the problem. I am a former Ford employee and the son of a Ford retiree. Buy Ford has been ingrained in my head since I was a kid. Next time, I don't know. This is ridiculous!
Read the next 50 complaints »
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your accessories - interior problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 17
Focus ZX3 2.3L Duratec
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.
paperwhite
Alamo, CA, USA
SEND A COMMENT »