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
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- 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.
2012Feb 14
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 76,084 miles
One morning, ON MY WAY TO WORK, I got in my car tried to start it, and the key would not turn. This is the first time this has ever happened. I freaked out called my dad he told me to wiggle the steering wheel, turn the key, hit the key in the ignition a little etc etc. After about ten minutes it turned. I thought it was just a fluke, but it happened again today ON MY WAY TO WORK!!! I was pissed. I sat there for 30 minutes trying to do anything possible to get it to turn, and nothing worked! I had read on this forum that people called a locksmith so I did. They said it would cost around $250. I said no thanks I will call elsewhere. I ended up calling AAA and they sent roadside assistance, who did nothing but tell me to tow it to a Ford dealer and have them fix it. Yeah so I can spend $500 dollars for the same part that failed, no thanks! I called AAA back and told them to send me a locksmith. One came an hour later, I had to call work and tell them I couldn't come! Pop-A-Lock who replaced the ignition was very nice and professional, unlike FORD, and it only cost me $112 with the AAA discount. The people from Pop-A-Lock told me that they have replaced FOUR ford focus ignitions in the past TWO days. That has to tell you something----ummmm recall???? In the process of calling around I called Ford to check for a recall, there is none, but she said I could file a complaint, I did. She also asked me how many miles my car had on it, I said I could tell her if I could turn my car on!!!! Idiot!
DO NOT take it to a Ford dealer unless it is under warranty! A locksmith can fix it for you and you do not have to deal with towing it etc!
2007Oct 20
Focus 5 Door 2.3L I-4
- Manual transmission
- 55,187 miles
When I called AAA for tow and told them the ignition key will not turn the phone operator already knew it was FORD Focus !!! Apparently a very very common problem, and not covered even by the extended warraty (ESP).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 23
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
All I have to say is Ford can you please recall this,you can"t see there's an issue here!Damn key won't turn in the ignition. It was 6;30a.m had to be at work for 7a.m tired for 40 min. nothing. Called a cab,cab driver wouldn't come down my road,was too icy,had to walk to the highway,in the rain to get to work late. Thankfully I work for a company that really does the best product and at the end of the day feel like Ive done the best job that I can to please our customers! Customer Service really means a lot! Tammy Lavigueur
2011Mar 08
Focus SE 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
We are senior citizens and this on off (now currently off...can't start car) can be a serious safety problem. The dealership sold me the car this way, but we didn't know enough to insist on them fixing it til after the 30 warranty was up. We can't afford to pay what they charge to fix it. Can anyone suggest some help for us. The dealer was Steve Baldo Ford in N. Falls, NY. My email is pauleklein@hotmail.com Thanks in advance if you can help us.
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2011Aug 01
Focus ZX3 2.0L Zetec
- Manual transmission
- 120,000 miles
I bought my 03 ZX3 used with 110k on the odometer, I love this car, fuel economy is great. Suddenly key will not turn in ignition, wiggled it around and it turned. Lubricated ignition and it worked fine for about a month or so. Now here we are in Nov. of 2011 and it happens again, have to hit the key each time i want to start it. What a pain in the ass!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jun 14
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
so i bought this 03 focus in 07, and it seemed great, once i hit 48,000 miles the car started falling apart first the power steering pump, then the break system, then the alternator, now its the ignition. i have to have it drilled out, replaced and my keys reprogrammed. at this point i have shelled out 2 grand to fix the damn thing. i have decided the next time the car has an issue i'm gutting and junking it and getting a new car. this is bull crap. i have never ever had this many issues out of ANY vehicle i've owned.
this is the third ford i've owned and the other 2 were good. i know every car has issues, especially used cars but seriously im doing A LOT of research on the next car i decide on because this is bull crap. i've barely had the car 4 years and have already put more work into it than what it's worth. upon research via the internet i found that this is a "common" problem w/the focus. not only that but ford won't do a recall because not enough complaints have come in. well let me tell you this, after i'm done here i'm going to find a way to get a hold of ford and let them know exactly how much i think their car sucks!! oh and watch out for the rims, they suck as well.
2011Jun 03
Focus ZTW 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
At an awards dinner in Staten Island (NYC) 35 miles from my house in Queens (NYC). Got a ride home and then found out about the Ford Focus ignition problem that Ford ignores. And they wonder why their cars don't sell! Had to go back to Staten Island the next day and have a locksmith put in a Strattec ignition lock for $225. For mor info see:
http://www.fordproblems.com/Focus/key-wont-turn-in-the-iginition.shtml
2011Jun 04
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 75,186 miles
apparently this is a common problem, whacking it with a hammer proves to be the best solution, sprayed the ignition with wd40 but this did not work, also sprayed a bit of inside the column thru a small opening I found, hope that works, seems to be dependent on where the steering wheel is positioned, best solution seems to be to carry a hammer with you so you can hit the key, releasing the locking pin (careful not to break the key in the ignition although this may actually provide a temporary fix)
2011May 29
Focus ZX5
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I had to replace the ignition cylinder and tumbler for $220. Why isn't ford taking responsibility and why did this problem not show up on consumer reports when I searched for cars?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011May 31
Focus SE 2.0L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 98,441 miles
Noticed the key wouldn't turn a few times and then it wouldn't turn at all. Just lucky I had gotten home and the car was parked in the garage. Called ford service and the guy told me they have had problems with this model and I would have to bring it in and they would drill out the old ignition and install a new one. Didn't qoute me a price yet but I seen on the internet that it would run $400 to $500. I explained to him that I couldn't bring it in because the key won't turn and I can't start it. He advised me I might try putting the key into the ignition and smack it with a rubber mallot and that might make it turn. I did that and it did turn. I pulled the key out again and reinserted it and it wouldn't turn again. Had to hit it again.
I did some reading up on this on the internet and this is a known problem by ford but they refuse to recall. I consider this a safety problem and can leave you stranded without notice. This should really be worthy of a recall. I am getting ready to drive to Mertle Beach this Saturday and I guess I'll just leave the key in the ignition until I figure out what to do about it. If I take it to Ford for repair and pay the big price to fix it they will just install another faulty one that will also go bad in the future.
2011Oct 11
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Key locking in ignition for about a week. Juggle it and wd40 it and it moves. Now won't move at all.
2011Sep 07
Focus SE 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I went to start my car tonight and the ignition is locked up! The key goes in but the ignition won't turn at all. After reading all of the complaints on here I can't believe that Ford would turn their heads at the problem.
Need some numbers to call and make a complaint?
National Highway Traffic Safety 888-327-4236
There have been safety complaints filed with them already. There's no reason why we as consumers that are counting on this "brand" of car to be reliable should be subjected to being stranded. I didn't spend the last 4 years paying for a car I can't even drive. They should be held responsible for not taking action and fixing this. Clearly I'm not the only one who it's happened to.
2011Oct 08
Focus 4D SE
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
Got stuck in a Meier parking lot at 2 AM. Had to get the car towed and cost to fix approximately $500. Tried hitting the key, turning the wheel, etc., but nothing worked and I didn't want to risk getting stuck again. Since the key wouldn't turn, they said they have to drill out the cylinder and the cost, because of labor, would be $500.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jun 19
Focus LX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 82,506 miles
i TRIED to start my car at 1:30am after coming from a bar and the key just wouldn't move. Thank God I had a friend there with me, or I would have been stranded alone. I'm hoping that the car with start tomorrow morning. I had to leave it for the night where it was.
2011Sep 07
Focus ZTS 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 111,000 miles
Key would not turn in the ignition on my 2003 Ford Focus. Found hundreds of complaints on the internet about this. Ford says there is no recall in progress. They said in order for a recall to happen, the hundreds that complain about it need to call them. If enough people call to complain, they will send out a recall. Please, if you are finding this post because you searched for the same problem, call Ford and let them know. If they recall the problem, those of us that have already paid to have it fixed will get their money back.
2011Jun 02
Focus SE 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 86,392 miles
purchased 2003 ford focus in December 2010. Dealer told me this was a great car, no problems. Well about a month later started having problems with the ignition. had to bang key to get it to turn. This worked, so was waiting for an open day to take to shop. I was not too concerned since i purchased a very expensive extened warranty and was told everything was covered, if a problem should occur. 4 months went by banging on the key worked until 1 day in june. i was in a hurry coming from work, going to pick up my kids (including 1 baby) from bowling in order to coach my little girls t-ball team. Got all kids in the HOT car, ready to go and to my surprize, the key would not turn. I tried everything, even called a mechanic. This thing was not budging.
long story short, everyone I spoke to concerning my focus said this was a very common thing to happen to this vehicle, i even looked it up on net. No surprize, This was not recalled. Got towed to dealer and guess what, ignition needed replacement and wouldn't you know its not covered under my expensive 0 deductible piece of crap warranty. Bill for this ignition lock, should have been recalled, class action suit warranted, junk-cost me $423.00. i want everyone to know this rip off. please if you have this problem call 1800-392-3673.. i was told that ford is aware of this issue, they just do not have enough people calling in the complaint. So if you are one of us who paid this ungodly bill call the number and save your receipt.. when the recall comes out we will get paid......so i'm told.....
2011Jun 30
Focus ZX3 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Last week I got a call at 1am from my boyfriend, saying he was unable to get my car to started because the key would not turn over. Having had issues with the key being a bit testy , I assumed it was a similar problem and, in his frustration to get the car to start, had accidentally locked the wheel and made the situation worse. Thinking I knew the solution, I jumped on my bike to save the day. However, halfway there he somehow got the thing to start and I never got a chance to see that it was a far bigger issue than I was chalking it up to be.
Fast forward to yesterday (five days later). I parked in a loading zone, luckily after hours, ran to do some errands and when I returned to my car the the key would not start the car. I could take the key in and out and the car beeped whenever I opened the door, so it was nothing like a dead battery. The key would just not turn far enough to actually start the car. Now seeing the key-issue in action, I realized that it was a far bigger problem then I realized five days earlier. Instead of sitting there for an hour -- growing more and more frustrated. I ditched my car and walked to my house to see if there were any quick fixes online.
After reading a number of posts I realized that my problem sounded identical to the ignition problem posted by hundreds of other focus owners. Thanks for the posts! I walked back to my car, forcefully pounded the key while turning it and alas, the car started. I recognized this was a temporary solution and hoped the thing would last until the weekend when I had the time to call a locksmith and take care of it for good. Unfortunately, this morning I tried to start my car and the exact thing happened. I slammed my palm and turned the key, as I did last night, but this time no luck. Instead of continuing to use this method and probably doing untold damage to my the ignition, I threw in the towel and called a locksmith.
He immediately knew what I was talking about and had actually just helped someone with the same problem yesterday. Now I am just waiting, hoping he can solve the issue without it costing me an arm and a leg. Fingers crossed!
I feel fortunate to have had this happen when it did and not when I was on a cross-country road trip or in the middle of nowhere. The online posts I read were extremely helpful and will hopefully save me from spending thousands instead of a few hundred to fix the problem. However, shame on Ford for not addressing this issue and ordering an immediate recall. Why should thousands of people have to pay to replace a product that ford knows is faulty? What if I had been stranded in subzero temperatures in the middle of nowhere? Why would a company want to risk putting someone's life in danger? Shame on ford!
2011May 12
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
The last couple days, my key has not wanted to turn in the ignition of my '03 Ford Focus. With wiggling the steering wheel and reinserting the key multiple times, I have so far managed to start the car eventually. But it has made me late and I worry that I won't get it started next time. I searched online for suggestions and to my surprise I found out that this problem has happened many times before. FORD KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT AND YET THEY DO NOTHING!!! If customers go to the dealer for repair, they report that it is expensive and the problem often recurs.There should be a recall and it should be replaced for free-- with an ignition that does not have that defect.
2011Feb 27
Focus ZX3
- Automatic transmission
- 103,578 miles
On a four hour trip to see my family who I only see once a year (my cousin was home from the Army) I needed to fill up my gas tank. I pulled off of Route 70 in Ohio and turned the car off like most people do when they are pumping gas. After pumping gas and sitting back in the driver seat I attempted to turn the car back on. Not only was the key not turning the steering wheel was also locked up. I have 24 hour road side assistance through Geico insurance so I did not waste any time I called them and they got a tow service to come to me. The guy who shows up in his fancy tow truck with a AAA on the front of the tow truck has a broken hand.
So I'm thinking I'm screwed and he isn't even going to try and fix it. Sure enough he sits in the car turns the key a few times and asks me where I want him to tow my car. I said I live 2 hours from here I don't know where I am, you have to fix this!!! So he goes back to his truck calls his boss and brings a hammer back with him this time. At this point I was ready to take the hammer and go to town on my car. He then takes the hammer and pounds the key into the ignition and after about an hour of trying he gets the key to turn! Off I went on the journey 2 hours away from my home. Monday morning comes and same thing happens so I get the hammer and begin to hammer my key into the ignition and what do you know it starts! Now I'm at work for the day and I decided to leave my key in the ignition and thankfully have manual doors so I am able to leave the key in the car and use the spare to unlock the doors.
So how do you fix this problem? Ford suggests that you take your car to a dealer and pay the outrageous amount they charge just for them to put the EXACT SAME switch in the car. Ford has not fixed this problem in 11 YEARS. That's right, there are numerous complaints out there and still no solutions. I officially hate my ford focus for leaving me stuck at a scary truck stop in the middle of no where.
2011Mar 17
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 178,000 miles
Car left me standed, had to have car towed. We are going to call Ford customer service tomorrow to see if they can help us with this problem.
2009Jan 20
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Every time I attempt to start my car, I first have to insert the key and tap it HARD with my hand several times to get the key to turn in the ignition. This is a HUGE pain, especially considering how common this is in this year of Focuses! I am truly shocked that Ford refuses to admit to fouling up and issue a recall to fix this problem. I should not have to pay $500 for an identical faulty ignition as a replacement, and I am very concerned that I will end up stranded somewhere the day the key no longer turns at all.
2011Apr 21
Focus LX 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,800 miles
This is the second time that I unable to turn the key in the ignition and, of course, I cannot get the car started.
2008Sep 20
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
Just one of many problems with this Ford. I will never but another one.
I just leave the key in and hope no one steals it.
I bought this car to save money, but its costing me my ass.
2010Aug 03
Focus SE 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,560 miles
i don't understand why ford wont just recall the focus for having this ignition problem, where the damn key gets stuck and we are always late for work because we have to spend half of our morning trying to get the stupid thing to turn over. i figure that there are so many complaints about it that there would be a law stating they have to do a recall on the car and fix the problem. i am going to look more into this issue and hope more ppl do as well and maybe, just maybe we can all find a solution, since ford doesn't want to take responsibility for the mistake they have made. maybe we can help ford notice the problem a little more by standing out and stepping up. lets see if ford will tell my lawyer that they cant find a solution. thanx for letting me be heard... nick
2011Apr 02
Focus Sedan 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 29,600 miles
There should be a recall on the lock in this car,Ford should pay to have it replaced, as many times as necessary.
2011Mar 19
Focus SE/SE CM 4S ?
- Automatic transmission
- 82,063 miles
This has obviously been a problem for quite some time. Ford should have done a recall.
2008May 18
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
For 2 1/2 years, I have been using the "hammer" technique I found online to get the key to engage in the ignition cylinder. On 11/30/10, I was picking my son up from school. The key refused to turn, and we were stranded in the cold for 10-15 minutes. After trying several keys and hammering profusely, I was able to get the key to turn. I now have to leave a key in the ignition and be careful not to turn the cylinder all of the way to the off position, preventing me from being able to lock my wheels when the car is parked. If the key is turned all the way to the off position, the cylinder hangs up and I have the same problems as on 11/30 again.
2011Mar 02
Focus ZTW
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Like other posts, the key worked without any warning of a problem until it would not turn. Learned a lot from posts on this site and others. Called a locksmith for a fix. He came. Lube and hammer trick to get the key to turn so that cylinder didn't have to be drilled; then removed as seen on YouTube (search Ford Focus Key). After inspecting the cylinder, he filed down the side bar some. This allowed free turning of the key in the cylinder. But then it got stuck again. He then inspected the wafers, found one that was sticky, and replaced the spring on that one with a stronger one. Didn't work. He then removed the wafer. The key consistently turned. $35 service charge, $220 for labor. Seemed steep to me, but I didn't have to replace the key. I learned a lot. If it breaks again, I'll do the work to replace the cylinder myself perhaps.
2011Jan 01
Focus SE 4cy
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
The car was towed to a garage and in the process the tow truck side swiped a tree with the car. The drivers door had to be replaced and body work done,
2011Feb 13
Focus X3 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Second time this has happened. Have hammer at the ready in car. This is the largest problem with the Focus. Ford should look into this and supply at least a fix that Dealers can install at little cost.
2011Feb 08
Focus SE 2.6L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
The ignition won't let me put a key in to turn the ignition to start it. It was stuck and I tried everything. I called Ford Customer Service. I had a Service Warranty that I never used and they still wouldn't fix it for free.
It's a common problem that occurs with the 2003 Ford Focus.
2008Feb 15
Focus ZX5 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 155,000 miles
It is quite irritating having to leave a key in the ignition. If key is turned completely off then key will not turn so we leave a key in ignition at all times. God forbid someone else drive it and forget and turn the key too far then they are screwed. If Ford knows this is a problem then maybe they should to something to fix it.
2010Mar 17
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 93,206 miles
This was brutal!!!i couldn't start my car at all after the problem started!!! just worsened!! they told me i had to many things on my key ring-i had 3 keys n some little plastic tags.it was not from the weight.thats for sure.bullshit
2009Aug 12
Focus SE 2.0 sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
just one more f'ing thing wrong with this piece of crap. already had to replace transmission, now engine! F you ford- i'm done with you!
2010Nov 24
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
I was out, the day before Thanksgiving when I encountered this problem... FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS!!!!
It was a cold night, around 8pm and pouring rain when my key decided it was no longer going to turn in the ignition. I do a lot of charity events and I had just got done with some last minute shopping for an event I would be involved in at the end of the week. When I got back to my car and put the key in the ignition, it simply wouldn't work. No warning, no hints that something might be going wrong. It worked perfectly on the way there, and then when it was time to leave, it simply didn't work anymore.
After about 30 minutes of wiggling and tapping near the ignition, I finally gave up. This wasn't the first time this had happened to me with this car, so I knew there was no use in trying to fix it myself. I gathered up all of my expensive belongings, put them into my already full shopping bags, and locked up the car to begin WALKING HOME IN THE RAIN! Thank god I had an umbrella in my trunk. Luckily I was only a 15 minute walk from my house, but unfortunately the walk takes me straight through a not so great neighborhood.
This has become such an inconvenience for me over the past week. My Thanksgiving Day travel plans had to be completely altered because of this issue. I was unable to do ANY of my Black Friday shopping, and I've been walking to and from work in the cold for the past week (while waiting for pay day to get here to fix this expensive problem).
To top it all off, when my mother (who owned this car before me) and I contacted the nearest Ford dealer, the representative admitted they were aware of issues that were causing these problems, informed us that Ford had no plans for a recall, and told us we would have to pay full price to have the ignition replaced... AGAIN, even though we had done just that less than 3 or 4 years ago.
I contacted a locksmith instead, like the suggestions I had seen online. After standing in the cold for 5 HOURS while the locksmith worked on my car, he finally was able to tell me that yes, the ignition needed to be replaced, but because of the model, it would need to be taken back to the dealer to have the keys reprogrammed anyways. Well I'm having it towed today, and then I'm making calls to the Ford Customer Service department, followed by a letter/email to the Ford Corporate office. I suggest you do the same if you're having this issue!
I'm 25 years old and was perfectly capable of making it home safely after experiencing this issue... but I would hate to see what would happen if an elderly person, or a single mother with small children, had to go through this. If you ask me, this issue is just as dangerous as a faulty airbag or bad brakes!
2010Nov 13
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
I was left stranded in freezing weather unable to get my key to turn. It took a locksmith 5 hours and almost $300 to replace the ignition and program a new key. From what the locksmith said and based on numerous complaints online, not only is the ignition failure a common problem with the 2001-2003 Focus, but so is programming new or old keys. I am very disappointed that Ford has not recalled these models knowing this is a common issue due to faulty parts they've installed.
2010Nov 13
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I can not believe how many people have had this same problem. I am severely disappointed.
2010Nov 12
Focus ZTW 2 Ltr
- Automatic transmission
- 96,934 miles
Stopped to pick up merchandise outside a store and in a loading zone. When tried to restart - no go. Had to have it towed and have not yet had repaired or gotten the end bill.
Should be fixed by Ford as this is definitely a design defect.
2010Nov 05
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
it is now monday and this happened this past friday.
i was outside my girlfriend's physical therapy office waiting for her to get out. it was one of the last nice days of fall, so the windows were down, the radio was on, i was enjoying the weather. it started to get nippy so i put the key in the ignition to roll the windows back up. the key wouldn't budge. i had only owned the car a couple months, and this had happened a couple other times, but the key always turned after fiddling around with it a bit.
this time, no such luck. it was getting colder and i knew my girlfriend would be getting out soon. the whole reason i was there was to be her ride so she didn't have to wait out in the cold for the bus. now it was beginning to look like both of us were going to do some waiting. i put my jacket back on and kept trying to turn the key.
after about ten minutes of this, i called my mom (like a good son) and asked her to google this problem. she did and quickly came to this website, and read that lots of people were having this problem (and that ford was not taking any responsibility for it). no one seemed to have a conclusive answer. for my part, i just kept wiggling the key around, putting it in and out and trying to turn it, tugging on the steering wheel in different directions, making sure my foot was on the brake, anything i could think of. my mom spoke to a mechanic who suggested pushing up on the shifter while trying to turn the key, but that didn't work either.
this went on for quite some time. finally i accepted the fact that i would not be going home in that car. it was friday and close to the end of the business day, and the windows on the car were down. i needed to figure out what the hell i was gonna do.
i eventually got the car towed ($85). the mechanic put the car inside, so the windows being down weren't an issue. he called me today. he said it's the ignition cylinder. he said he talked to "the guy" at ford, who said this is common. he went into a pretty lengthy description of exactly what the issue is, something about contacts not meeting. he said when you wiggle it around it eventually turns because those contacts meet, but doing that also eventually wears them out so it doesn't work at all anymore. i'm not mechanically inclined, but when i go to pick up the car i will try and get a further explanation of the problem and update it here.
either way, replacing the ignition cylinder and having the guy from ford program new keys will cost $255. looking at some of the other complaints and the average cost of this repair, it looks like i'm getting a decent price. still, it's not like i have the money to throw away on something that is not my fault and which ford should be taking care of.
i don't have any particular allegiance to any brand of automobile. i just use them to get from point A to point B and i don't form any kind of romantic attachment to my transportation. on the other hand, my last four cars have been fords, and i've been pretty happy with them. this is the first time i've been so thoroughly disappointed, not just because of this one instance, but overall, with the ford focus. i've had other problems (i'll file those separately), and just in general, the car seems kind of cheaply made and poorly constructed, kind of like a toy or a go-cart.
i don't know if other car brands are any better. it would take a whole lot of time and energy to do the research necessary to know the answer to that, but if i can't get my money back from ford for this repair (and i have no reason to think i will), this whole experience will definitely sour me on ford permanently.
2009Sep 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Its stupid that this problem occurs often and they refuse to do something about it
2010Apr 22
Focus SE Basic 4
- Automatic transmission
- 131,467 miles
Well . . . got a call from the wife - can't get the key to turn in the Focus. I drive my Chevy pickup over - thinking "she just can't jiggle the steering wheel enough to unlock the steering column." I was wrong. After jiggling everything that could jiggle, adding a few expletives, and driving home in disgust, I looked up '"Key won't turn in Ford Focus." Sure enough, I see where most folks temporarily gave the ignition key slot a shot of WD40, and then gave it a couple of light whacks with a small hammer. Voila! Worked like a charm. Of course, I still have to take the *&^%$#-thing to a locksmith, but at least I didn't have to leave the car in a parking lot overnight, and I was able to dodge a hefty towing charge.
Thanks to all who posted this solution!
2010Oct 21
Focus ZX3
- 70,000 miles
My turn! Stranded at work after a long day. The key had been giving me issues for a while, but taking it out and putting in back in quickly (that's what she said) seemed to work. However, tonight - no joy. It just won't budge one inch. Totally annoyed and not at all surprised that Ford won't stand behind their error and order a recall. At least I get some comfort in knowing that I will NEVER buy another Ford and will tell everyone I know to do the same.
2010Oct 20
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 102,500 miles
I left work at around 5:30. I got in the car and proceeded to put the key in the ignition and tried to turn the key. It would not turn! I tried everything, jiggling the steering wheel, pressing anything I could and nothing worked. I tried this for an hour. I finally had it towed to dealership to be repaired but it was closed. Now I am waiting to hear what the next step is. I am driving another car now in the meantime. So annoying!
2010Sep 18
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 154,721 miles
I took the car in for an oil change at the local garage and they came out to ask me if there was a trick to turning the key. Never had a problem before. Walked a half hour to get the spare key from my wife at the work and came back and still couldn't turn the key. It's Saturday and the car is stuck at the shop until Monday for them to see about fixing it (and tying up a shop bay till then). I have to use the wife's car to get work an hour away tomorrow and probably Monday which means she'll have to get a ride or walk.
I'd already decided not to buy a ford again due to the paint flaking off and now that I see how common the key problem is and Ford not standing behind their product definitely not near the top of my list. I guess I'm a lucky one who wasn't stranded out somewhere when this know problem occurred.
2009Nov 02
Focus ZX3 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
I recently had this problem with my 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 2.3L. The key wouldn't turn in the ignition switch. The good thing is that my extended warranty from CARMAX hadn't expired yet and they took care of it. The sad part is that "FORD" has not issued a recall for this defect. All I know is that when I get rid of this car I won't be buying a ford again! I also want to thank all the people that posted their complaints, it really helps.
2010Aug 10
Focus SE 1.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
This is the third time the key got stuck and the second time I had to remove the negative battery cable to shut the car off.
2010Aug 07
Focus V6
- Manual transmission
- 100,000 miles
From what I've read online and from what the AAA locksmith said, this is a recurrent problem with Ford Focus and specifically 2003 Ford Focus-so why is there nothing done about it by Ford? Why do I have to pay 200-300$ on a mechanical problem that is their fault? I believe Ford should pay for this since they are the ones who built the car wrong!
2010Jul 29
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
I left work at 1130pm tired and in need of sleep. I decided to stop for gas so I wouldn't have to wake up extra early before work in the morning. After I filled the tank I went to start my car and the key wouldn't turn. Twenty frustrating minutes later, I surrendered to the idea that I was stranded. I found some emergency numbers for locksmiths but since it was so late they charge a $300 fee just to make a visit. I decided to call AAA to have my car towed to a local mechanic and I got a lift home at 2am. The next day I was driving home with a new ignition and $371 poorer. FML + Ford for not making a recall on this obviously very common and serious issue - who knows what could have happened to me stranded that late at night. I'm just grateful it happened in an area I'm familiar with.
2010Jul 26
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 132,567 miles
i think its real terrible when ford knows about the ignition prolem for 2000-2003 focus.but doesn't do anything about it.they don't even offer to fix the problem for free
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Feb 14
Focus
Found out that if you own a 2003 Ford Focus, more than likely you will have this problem! Ford is aware of the problem but refuses to do a recall! What most people don't know is that a locksmith can repair this at a fraction of the cost that a dealer will charge you! We were quoted a price of between $400 TO $500 from a dealer! A locksmith repaired for $160!
Larrie W.
Campbell, NY, USA
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