8.2
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$296.00
Average Mileage:
78,082 miles
Total Complaints:
49 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (16 reports)
- hammer to key while turning it (9 reports)
- replace ignition (9 reports)
- drill out and replace lock cylinder (7 reports)
- buy a new keylock (2 reports)
- 3-n-1 oil on key and a tap worked! (1 reports)
accessories - interior problem
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2011Dec 31
Focus ZX3 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
Daughter's ZX3. Parked in WalMart pking lot in not so good section of town. Got in car to leave. Absolutely could not turn key over in ignition. This is the second ZX3 we have had this to occur on. Knew fix cost to be approx $300.00. was determined not to pay that again. Left car on lot overnight. Worried. Read these posts for a second time. Decided to try one more time b4 calling locksmith. Took 3-N-1 oil and a screwdriver. Put a good amt of 3-n-1 on key. Put in ignition. Jiggled, attempted to turn, etc. No luck. Waited a min (for oil to lube tumbler) then gave a firm tap to end of key (while in ignition). Turned key, Holy crap! It worked. This process didn't work w/ our first ZX3. Major headache and cost on that one (locksmith screwed up steering wheel).
2011Aug 23
Focus ZX 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
My wife attempted to start her car but the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. She called the dealer who advised it probably was the "tumbler". on advice of a tow truck driver who didn't want to move the vehicle she called a locksmith. Meanwhile I ruled out the fuse. Locksmith arrived fully aware of the problem. He quickly removed the ignition switch (tumbler), removed the "bar" which has two tiny springs that push it up. The springs fail, bar stays up, switch will not turn. Removing the bar does not affect security as the key has a chip which is the only key that can start the car. Locksmith showed that a flat blade screw driver would not work as well as a Ford key from another vehicle. Repair took barely a half hour. Definite malfunctioning part but removing the bar is a better repair than installing a new ignition switch with the same inherent problem. use a locksmith (mobile) though. They know what to do with the right tools.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jun 29
Focus ZTS 2.3L
- Manual transmission
- 89,623 miles
Drove all over the county the night before - no problems, no hint of what was to come...
Next morning, climbed into my car and spent the next 15 minutes beating on the steering wheel, jiggling the keys until my fingers just plain hurt, etc... Gave up, went back inside and stole my husbands car for the day. (Thank God he was out of town on business, right?!) Came home later and continued the good fight in anticipation of my brother (who's a mechanic) stopping by and putting me to shame in 15 seconds of climbing in to my car and starting it right up. HA! Never happened. He tried and tried and tried. I asked him to climb out and let me try something. I climbed back in and smacked the key, HARD. It worked. Fired right up. Every time we take the key out of the ignition, we have to slap it really hard again to get it to work (else it just wont' turn). Brother took it home to his shop to tear it apart and see what can be done. Everything on the internet suggests that a ignition replacement is in order. Not looking forward to paying 4-500$ for this repair. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE!!
2011May 08
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
Thanks so much to the guy who said to coat the key in oil and tap with a hammer. My 20 year old son "tapped" and bent the key more than it was..so I laid it on the driveway and gave it a good bash. ( it is Mothers' Day and I am a mom..so I hit it good ;-))
He gave me a dismissive look...;-(( and tried again! IT WORKED. So I said "Here is your AAA card, a hammer and a small bottle of oil. ) We love this car. It has been great. No complaints.
Sometimes we just have to kick the Coke machine. Marian in Vermont
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2011Feb 22
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 46,000 miles
What the crap!! 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
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Mar 08
Focus SE 2.3L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 40,918 miles
The ignition had been difficult for about 2 weeks in turning over. I would have to jiggle the key a few times but after five minutes it would start. I tried powdered graphite as was suggested. But finally, one day at home for lunch it wouldn't turn no matter what I tried. I called Quirk Ford in Quincy, MA and they said to have it towed to them. I asked if this was an ongoing problem with the Focus and they had no idea. I felt this was a Ford defect as the car has low mileage and this should not be happening. It cost me $446.92 which I could not afford but needed the car. Quirk Ford said there was nothing they could do about but did offer a 10% goodwill off of parts and labor. They suggested I take it up Ford Consumer Service 1-800-392-3673. Before I called Ford Consumer Service, I checked on-line to see if I was the only one with this problem.
Much to my surprise, there are a lot of us. When I spoke with Virgil? he knew nothing of this problem and said there were no recalls but he would note my problem on my record should a recall occur I would be notified. It was a kind of "so sad, too bad" type of thing. Said there weren't enough complaints for Ford to do (care) anything about. I would like to see this problem exposed.
2010Dec 24
Focus ZTS
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I guess this happen frequently. I had problems with this car since day 1. I will be selling this car and never buy a Ford again.
2011Mar 08
Focus SE 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 117,838 miles
I thought I would never have to replace this ignition again. Went to Sacramento in February with this Focus. Car was wonderful on the trip. Came home and 2 weeks after we got home, replaced the 2 year old ford battery. Now I am looking at replacing the ignition again. Will call a local locksmith from the yellow pages. Want to get ride of this car, but what else is out there?
I'll never listen to the advisers at Ford and will not buy another one.
2011Jan 10
Focus 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
The problem that I have is: When I put the key in the ignition the steering wheel is locked. The key will not turn! This has happened about three or four times in the past two years. I was able to rock the car back in forth those other three or four times and the steering would unlock and the car would start. I really don't know if that solved the problem or not because the car is having the same problem and all the rocking back in forth has been unsuccessful! It looks like that a couple of other people have had the same problem. What was your solution to fix this problem. Thanks EdY
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Dec 18
Focus LX
- Manual transmission
- 81,000 miles
This is my 18 yr. old dtrs. car and we have loved it since we bought it 2 yrs. ago used. Perfect car in every way until Sat. and the key started sticking w/out warning. We were able to jiggle it 3 different occasions and took out on our 350 mile trip not sure what was wrong w/ it. Halfway on our trip for Christmas w/ one of my other dtrs w/ us, ( I have 4), we stopped to go potty and when we came back out it was completely frozen and could not be budged. Since it was a Sat. no Ford parts/service places were open period, couldn't get a rental since it was a Sat. and we waited 30' for a tow truck. We then, all 6 of us, had to pile into my husband's 1996 B2300 Mazda truck w/ over 170,000 miles on it & only seats 5 legally and drive for another 3 hours that way. I did have it towed to the nearest Ford dealer and found out today they want to charge me $631.75 for a new ignition and key!!!!! Ridiculous! This is so unfair it's not even funny. Something has got to be done by Ford to fix this problem. I am soooo sick over all of this and now have to drive 3 hours one way again to go pick it up and bring it home myself b/c I can't afford to have it fixed this close to Christmas.
2010Dec 24
Focus ZX3 2.3L
- Manual transmission
- 80,000 miles
This was absolutely ridiculous! Such an inconvenience on Christmas Eve none the less. It took me over two hours to get any type of turn with the key. The worst part about it is I know a hammer isn't always going to work and I am going to have to pay out of my own pocket to replace this stupid obviously faulty part. Who has money to be wasting especially in this economy. I can honestly say I will NEVER buy a Ford again! Worst cars EVER. Ford needs to stop denying that there is any type of problem and issue a recall because it is obviously faulty and dangerous for the consumer to be stranded in possibly a bad area because they can't get their car to start.
2010Nov 08
Focus Z3
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
This has been going on for 2 years. This is a 2004, with 35,000 miles on it. I already ruined one key, now today after not happening for months, it was so locked up it took my mechanic 20 minutes to "ROCK" it out. I am disabled in my hands, so once its locked I cannot do anything about it. I am tired of FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!this car has cost me major money. The Auto repair that replaced my Transmission at 24,000, gave me the number of a guy that comes to your home. He replaces the ENTIRE ignition, so you DO NOT have to get the keys re-chipped. Cost is 190.00, which is better then the 500.00 the dealer wanted, however the FORD service guy told me that INDEED replacing the entire ignition DOES NOT require re-keying the car, and 190$ is a great price. How I hate FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2010Sep 30
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 38,500 miles
I tried to go get lunch during my break at work and was unable to start my car. The key would not turn in the ignition for the life of me. I spent about 10-15 minutes trying to turn the key before I gave up and came back to my desk. I looked the issue up online and saw someone suggest tapping the key while it was in the engine at: http://www.fordproblems.com/Focus/key-wont-turn-in-the-ignition.shtml . I tried this, and after the second attempt, I was able to turn my key again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Sep 09
Focus
- Manual transmission
- 80,000 miles
I would not be so upset if I knew this was going to be a one time deal but from what I have read on posts this will be a continuous problem and one that ford should do a recall on!
2010Sep 10
Focus SE 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,758 miles
This key problem happened out side the vets office. I am so glad I had read about the problem on Auto Beef from others so I knew not to panic. I finally got the key to turn and was on my way to the dealer.
2010Aug 31
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
This is the first problem I have ever had with my Ford Focus. There was no warning. I parked the car for several minutes, returned and was unable to turn the key. Several of us tried turning the wheel and pumping the brakes. I had to get a AAA tow and tomorrow I will learn what is required to fix my car. If it is a poorly-designed and constructed ignition, as is reported in many online blogs, Ford should do a recall and/or a goodwill repair.
2010Apr 11
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
The ignition lock froze up without warning leaving us stranded across town. Thankfully we were in a safe part of town with access to tools so we got the problem resolved temporarily. The ignition can be un frozen by taking apart the steering column and removing all electrical components from the lock. Then put a drip pan under the lock and blow all the metal shavings out of the lock with a liquid lubercant. DO NOT USE WD40. we used a firearm lubercant which will not clump the new shavings and it has worked rather well so far (BreakFree). As a percaution we leave the key in the lock which is risky to do in bad parts of town. To circumvent this we remove the key RFID sensor from the car which prevents the engine from starting at all no matter what the lock is doing. This has started to create problems with the immoblizer in the car and now we are looking at needing that to be reset every so often.
The best place to get this fixed is NOT at the dealership as they will use the same crappy parts that got you into this mess to start. Go to a lock smith and have them use NON ford parts. We are waiting on a aftermarket lock to arrive from http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com which has considerable experiance on this issue (along with most lock smiths worth their salt). IF this happens to you and you live in california go here: http://www.fazmiclaw.com/ , send them a message and attach yourself to the now pending lawsuit (08-15-2010).
2010Aug 05
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 79,500 miles
This problem left me stranded 20 miles from home. I was car pooling with a co-worker so it left her stranded 20 miles from home also. Where the car was parked was another huge problem as access by a tow truck would have been a very expensive dilemma. After thorough research by my boyfriend of this continuous problem with Ford Focus, he found a possible fix of tapping the key in the ignition with a hammer while turning it and the car finally started. Now I have to leave my key in the ignition ALL the time to hope it will continually run.
2010Jul 28
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 65,244 miles
I am livid!!!!! I was stuck in the parking lot of the dentist office with 3 kids and could not start my car!!!! I bought this car second hand just 6 months ago. Here I was with the children and could not get anywhere! Not to mention it was a hot day. The key would go in the ignition, but it would not turn. No matter how hard I tried, or how hard I jiggled the wheel it would not turn. I ended up having to get my Mother to drive out to get us and left the car on the parking lot. Then after my husband got home he went up (after google) and he used a little oil on the key, a tapped the key with a crow bar (no hammer close by) and sure enough it worked. The question is how long will it work for? When will it happen again? I cannot be worrying that my car is not going to start when I leave the grocery store, or the doctors office, or the bank, whatever! My kids are always with me, and they are 10, 5, and 2! What am I supposed to do with them while my car is deciding it doesn't want to work today??? I was really in love with this car until today! Now it's a huge safety issue for me and my children. Why the hell hasn't Ford stepped up to the plate and fixed this issue? Sorry to say my opinion of Ford and especially my Ford Focus is seriously tainted!
2010Jul 02
Focus ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
My daughter was driving the car, stopped to pick up a prescription and couldn't start the car. The key wouldn't turn and we tried everything. Finally took it to Pep Boys (big mistake), and they replaced the system. I was told it would cost around $400. After they completed this, they informed me that the keys needed to be re-programmed and only a Ford dealer could do that. The reprogramming cost $207 -- what a rip off. We've heard that the fix is likely only temporary, so I'm looking to get rid of this piece of junk and buy a foreign make like I should have in the first place.
2010Mar 29
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 180,000 miles
I got out rather cheap, I did the work myself. the main thing is it happened away from home and I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. I had to go into work that night
and I had to borrow a vehicle from my dad to get to work. I ended up using my dads vehicle all week until I finished the repairs myself. It cost me $40 dollars to have my car towed home and $104 for the part. If I had not been able to do the work myself it would probably have cost up to $500. If you are having trouble turning your key but still can, then I suggest having your tumbler changed out before you can't turn it at all.
2010Feb 25
Focus ZTS 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
This as been a very good car but!! I have had trouble turning the ignition for a while and after reading on this web site it seems Ford needs to address this problems considering what Toyota is going thru
2010Jan 07
Focus ZX5 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
The car will not shut off because the key wont turn back. weve tried wiggling the key, moving the shifter and still nothing. the ignition locked up for some reason & we've had to disconnect the battery for now.... dont know what to do.
2009Nov 17
Focus ZX3
- Automatic transmission
- 112,592 miles
click to see larger images
I've owned 2 Ford vehichles.1 was a 1995 Ford Mustang.Just so happen the f*cking motor blew up on me.Not once but,twice.Thanks to a bit of spare money I was able to purchase the extended warranty.I sold it after the second motor was installed.That was not the case with this SORRY ASS FORD FOCUS ZX3.I'm a single parent and I live paycheck to paycheck.Not to mention that we are in a ression,that the president refuses to and or is blind to admit is not getting better!!!!! I contacted my local Ford dealership and all i got was BULLSHIT and an expensive quote when I told them my ignition switch was locked.
I have read countless complaints lately about Ford vehicles.I purchased the car for the gas mileage and convience of owning a compact vehicle.But i'll never do it again.NOT A F*CKING FORD ANYWAY!!!!!....People take all Ford owners advice.DON'T DO IT.....Educate yourself on the vehicle you purchase,learn about the Lemmon Law.Take the car to a reputable automachanic to have them check the vehicle before you purchase it........
2009Sep 28
Focus ZTS 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I was about 35 miles from home when the key wouldn't turn in the lock....UGH!
I finally got it to turn after jiggle and trying after about 10 minutes. My friend has the same car and has replaced her ignition 2 x and my brother in law also replaced his ignition in his focus. I was aware of the problem but never expected it to happen as I have 80000 miles and haven't had an issue. I was also under the impression it was more prevalent in 2000-2003. I called the Ford dealer and told them that this is a serious defect that needs to be dealt with...I told him that I was aware of the class action lawsuit in California and I am currently inquiring on how to attach myself to it. I find it insane that these dealers don't stand behind the garbage they sell. They should at least honor a good will repair since they sold us garbage. This isn't an item that should wear out...it is defective mfg. in my opinion.
2009Sep 14
Focus 2.3L
- Manual transmission
- 66,000 miles
This is my second, and last, Ford. My Mustang GT had numerous problems, we sold it. Now the Focus, which gets crap gas mileage for an economy car, won't start, and neither will half the Foci out there, judging from the internet. All suffer from cheap locks which Ford will not fix. Most folks end up paying for a $200 tow to the dealer who then charges $300-500 to replace a cheap $10 lock. Every few months, too, apparently. This is the kind of expensive nuisance problem that drives away customers, and I am one. I bought the shop manuals on ebay for $58, and the replacement keylock on ebay for another $52, and that's that, except the problem should have been fixed by Ford in 2000 when it first started, and the 2004's are still breaking and stranding folks to this day!!!! Outrageous!!!
2009Jul 25
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 62,137 miles
Like many others we too had a problem with a key that would not run in the ignition in our Ford Focus. Talk about a really major pain. My husband and I were at a movie, got out at 11:00pm and the key just would not turn. After 30 minutes of trying, we gave up, figured there was was something really wrong and would fix it in the morning. We tried to walk the apporx 5 km home but I had recently hurt my ankle and couldn't do it. Finally called my daughter and her boyfriend and they had to come from the other side of town to get us. The next day (Sunday) we again got my daughter and her boyfriend to pick us and replaced the battery thinking this would solve the problem. Didn't work. My husband went on line to see if there was anything and found all these complaints about similar problems with Fords. The company should do something about this. This is the first Ford I have ever owned and will probably be the last. This car is a lemon.
2009Jul 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Wow! After having this problem tonight for the zillionth time, i decided to look online and "Voila!" I cannot believe ford will not recall these cars!! It is insane and maddening to think we are all spending money on the same problem. :(
2009Jun 02
Focus ZX3
- Manual transmission
- 84,000 miles
Actually we really enjoy this little car and this is the first problem we've had with it since we've owned it the last two years. After finding this site and reading the complaints I went on E-Bay and found an ignition switch to fit my car. Doc_Locksmith had me send a spare key to him which he used to key the new switch with. I received the new switch within a week of purchase and he also e-mailed simple instructions on how to replace the old switch. It took me an hour this morning to get the job done. Half that time was spent getting the right tool to remove the seven screws. Took 10 minutes to put it all back together and crank her up. Total cost about $55.00 which included shipping.
2009Jun 21
Focus SE 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Well First off I would like to thank all who posted on this site about these Ford Focus Problems, Really saved me cash I did not have.
It all started about a week ago, My wife is in medical school and at school one night I get this call saying "Baby the steering wheel is locked and wont turn. I cant start the car!" So naturally I just assume its just that the wheel was locked to far when she parked.
So I said just go ahead and the the pressure of the steering column lock and turn the key, It should work. She says " You don't understand Its totally locked up and I tried that!"
So I'm like hmm, ok that's strange. Just fiddle with it a bit. As this is our only car I couldn't go check it out, So I waited for her to call me back. She did after about 10 mins and said a guy who has had that happen to him on his Ford truck helped her out. So that was a sigh of relief.
Come now yesterday that damn thing did it again!! Thank god she was at home, On top of that she just got home from work, So this thing is very unpredictable.
So the car has been outside sitting there locked up, Me not knowing WTF to do, So I decide to google it and this is the 1st site I go to and poof all these complaints. So now I'm like Just great! This is gonna be costly.
So I read for a bit and see this Hammer Tapping trick, So I'm game better than having a useless car, But I think my luck is horrible tho. I said to hell with it I'll try it, wont kill me. I go out there and start tapping away and at 1st it didn't seem like it was gonna work, "Figures" is what goes through my head. But hell I need a car so I try some more and low and behold it worked!!
So The Hammer Tapping trick is confirmed to have worked "success times may vary lol" But Thanks again to all who posted, Saved my butt that's for sure.
FORD IS TRASH NEVER WANTED ONE DUNNO WHY I BOUGHT IT, DON'T GET A FORD....EVER EVER EVER!!!!
THANKS AGAIN ALL!
2009May 18
Focus ZX3 2.3L Pzev
- Manual transmission
- 60,000 miles
I signed up for the class action lawsuit. My key won't turn in the ignition. Bad Ford BAD!!!!
2009Mar 23
Focus 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 20,505 miles
Extended coverage my a- - fix it at Ford and pay. I must have done something to it they said, I'm not the only one with this problem I see. 3 battery's replaced on top of this; recall the crap! Don't get the rust inhibitor, it killed the battery once and has not worked again. Ford was a good make with a backbone at one time!!!
2009Mar 30
Focus 2.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
Went to have my tires rotated and the mechanic couldn't get my car started. My ignition totally locked up. Had to call a tow truck to have my car towed to a shop. Real pain in the ass. I called Ford and asked them if they would cover the problem. They declined. My next option is small claims court or try to attach myself to the California Class Action suit. What a bunch of bull.
2009Mar 17
Focus LX 2.0L
- Manual transmission
- 64,000 miles
Like many other Focus owners, I was leaving work, and voila, my key won't budge. I have it towed, and it costs 450 bucks to fix. I've already replace brakes twice, new transmission, and clutch. Never buying ford again.
2008Dec 19
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
The first time I had issues with my ignition was about a month ago.. I went to start the car and the key wouldn't turn. So I turned the key and the wheel at the same time and eventually it turned. That went on for about a day and a half, after that I had no problems at all, I got in and the key turned with no problems. I went to leave work today which is Friday and guess what, I got in the car and tried to turn the key and nothing. I tried getting it started for 45min and I finally gave up and someone came and got me. This is ridiculous.. How many people have to complain before Ford looks at this as a real issue..This should have been made a recall after the first few complaints and everyone that has had this issue and had to pay out of pocket should have been reimbursed, and then some. This problem is an inconvenience to anyone that has had to deal with it. And if this is how Ford treats there customers and handle there complaints, I will never buy Ford again. I will invest my money with a company that actually takes care of there customers instead of ignoring them..
2008Dec 13
Focus LX
- Manual transmission
- 95,000 miles
An ignition problem as well. The key just wouldn't turn. I had my 4 year old with me and it was about 15 degrees outside. Had to wait for a tow truck, repair cost about $360. Of course, the mechanics at the Ford dealership were not willing to admit that this is a MAJOR problem with the Focus.
2008Oct 23
Focus 2L
- Manual transmission
- 39,000 miles
Just adding my complaint to the long list of Focus ignition key problems. The key goes in but does not turn. Problem has been appearing on and off for 6 months, but yesterday when I was leaving for work, the sucker just would not turn. After reading on the internet , I hit the key with a hammer and that worked. But It's obviously getting worse and I'll get it repaired tomorrow for 400 bucks and 3.5 hours of waiting.
This should be a recall. Some people say that it has happened to them 3 times on the same car--with a $400 replacement each time. I only have 38K on the car, so that does not bode well for my chances to have this happen again. I bought American for once and look where it got me. Next time, it's back to a foreign car.
2008Oct 07
Focus SE ?
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
This is the second time this has happened. The first time, it resolved miraculously. The car sits in the driveway while we hope for the same.
2008Aug 24
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 86,650 miles
I just had this problem. Nothing happened to make me think this would happen. Got in the car, put the key in the ignition and it would not turn. As others have mentioned I thought I was crazy but after 30 minutes and being ate to church I knew I would have to pay for another car repair issue. A mechanic friend took everything apart and I still have to jam a screw driver in the key hole then put my key in and turn. I will not get this fixed until Ford agrees to pay for it. I went to a local news station website to find out how to move forward with making Ford take responsibility. Through the website I filed a complaint with the government complaint website requesting they hold Ford accountable. I also filed a complaint on Ford.com. If everyone who has had this problem files complaints at these 2 sites as well as sites like this I think Ford will be forced to do something. Please don't just get mad and put no action behind it.
2008Apr 19
Focus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 102,550 miles
I am an 18 year old still in high school whose mother moved out of town right after Christmas, so i am basically on my own. I was leaving a restaurant with some friends when this problem occurred. I have no relatives that live here in town with me, and there is nothing i can do about this problem for another two days. I am most likely going to have to pay to fix this problem myself with money i don't have. It would be nice, seeing as how this is a reoccurring problem for many, if this was a recall. I don't think i can do this on my own.
2008Mar 29
Focus LX
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
You can put the darn key in the ignition but you can't make it go!..My kids are stuck at the store while I am at work because the key won't turn and the steering wheel is froze. Not to mention the cost of the tow so it thing can be replaced
2008Jan 08
Focus SE 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
This problem leaves you stranded wherever you are when it happens. I performed the repair on my own. Had to drill out the old cylinder and replace it with a new cylinder purchased from a local locksmith. The new cylinder had been "keyed" to fit the original "chipped" key.
2008Jan 03
Focus LX 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
leaving after a long day of work get in my car and it don't start, not to mention its about 10 degrees out side how would u feel....
2007Dec 14
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 51,194 miles
I walked out of work for lunch got into my car put my key in the ignition and nothing. It wouldn't turn forward it wouldn't turn back! WTF! That had never happened before! I took the key out and tried turning the wheel and then turning the key....nothing! I called my local Ford dealership and asked them about the problem. They told me that it sounded like my ignition had gone out. I told them what are you talking about? I'v never had any problems before and now all of a sudden this?? He told me that some times this happens. I asked him how much it was going to cost me. He let me know that I had an extended warranty on my vehicle and that I only had a $100 deductible. But he assured me that if I didn't have the warranty then it would cost me alot more to fix. He told me to call a local towing service to have the car towed the 4 miles to the dealership. I called the tow company and it cost $65 to tow my small car 4 miles down the road!! OMG I am so pissed!!! Thankfully the dealership could order the part and have it in the same day. But I'm still just not understanding all of this. After getting on the internet and researching this problem I'v come to find out that this is happening alot and all over! This is a problem and there needs to be a recall!! I've had no other problems on this vehicle except for something with an air vent that had to be replaced. This was a terrible unconvince for me and this all happened on a Friday afternoon. Great start to the weekend hu??
2006Dec 01
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
It's not a small, "a couple of people have this issue" problem. It's massive and nationwide. Just search "Ford Focus Ignition Problems" on Google.
I felt my ignition starting to go bad and took care of it before it could. Got the CORRECT ignition brand and model replacement via mail order, and honestly? The process was VERY easy. Took 15 minutes total. This only works if the ignition hasn't totally frozen yet tho'. BTW, people are saying that locksmiths or whoever had to program new keys for their Focus... NOT true. My old keys worked just fine. If the locksmith you're getting the correct ignition from does it right, your old keys work fine.
Here's the site with comprehensive info and the mail order replacement service:
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/fordfocus.html
They use the proper ignition part for the vehicle, and explain the problem very well. I have to say I was pretty glad I took care of this before it froze completely. Easy install, no problems since.
Hope this helps someone...
Mark
2007Aug 02
(reported on)Focus ES 1.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Key doesn't turn in ignition.
Need to push (kick) hard to turn it
2007Nov 28
Focus
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Looking around on the net it looks like others have had this issue and it cost them $500 to $600 bucks to fix it.
2007Sep 08
(reported on)Focus SE 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
This Appears To Be A Common Problem With The Focus, You Put Ignition Key In, Does Not Turn, The Only Solution Is To Have Repaired, This Repair Requires A Slide Hammer To Pull Out The Tumbler, Takes Some Know How, If Its Not Done Right You Will Need A New Steering Colum. How Much Did It Cost 592.00 !! At A Ford Dealer In Netcong NJ, Thats Right 592.00, What A Ripoff. I Bought A Ford Thinking I Was A Good American, You Know BUY American. Had A Honda Accord Before This, 90,000 Miles Never had A Problem, Looks Like My Next Car Will Be A Honda Or Toyota.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Feb 01
Focus SE 2.0L
this should be a recall item, too many focus owners have the same problem
David S.
Ft. Laudrdale, FLORIDA, USA
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