2000 Ford Focus: steering wheel locks up

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Steering · 132,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning while driving on the highway. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 132,000.

Filed Nov 23, 2008 · Steering · 128,000 miles · MA

This incident is not all too tragic, no injuries or deaths. My 2000 ford focus hatchback has a steering wheel lock problem. A horribly common problem. It's based on a design flaw that the ford motor company has done nothing to rectify and are now looking for a tax payer funded bailout from congress. This problem has become costly for many and in virtually all cases I've heard, repairs haven't worked. Please help us.

Filed Jan 27, 2008 · Steering · IA

Anti-theft steering wheel locked and car won't start - 2nd time.

Filed Oct 1, 2007 · Electrical, Locks · 8,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. When the key was turned in the ignition, the vehicle would not start and the steering wheel locked. The key that is used to start the ignition is also used for the doors. The key stopped working for the passenger side door and the trunk. The vehicle does not have power locks. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced, however, they did not suggest a remedy for the doors. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 17,000. Update 01-15-08. *kb updated

Filed Aug 14, 2007 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · PA

Failed ignition cylinder lock. Upon entry into vehicle I proceeded to attempt to start vehicle. Key would not turn in ignition. Tried moving steering wheel slightly which sometimes allows ignition to turn. However this time, the steering wheel locked and key would still not turn. Spent about 30 minutes trying to get key to turn. Stranded, had to call for transportation and towing. Cylinder lock replaced by dealer. Expensive repair. No discount. Known issue with focus vehicles widely reported within the internet community.

Filed Feb 6, 2007 · Electrical · TX

Revised to fit web complaint form. Webform requires manufacturer of ignition cylinder from ford. Called ford at 1800-392-ford and shaun-central florida states proprietary information. Ford is not a choice in the drop down menu at https://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/ivoq/equipment.cfm?tostep=4&cfid=1748899&cftoken=17655993 guessed on info to turn in following complaint. Ignition locked up on ford focus. Steering wheel locked. Had to tow airline wrecker, dubs garage and locksmith told me extremely common for ford focus. Petition for ignition cylinder recall at http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?focusic even when the part is replaced, it happens again. I just pray next time it happens (and from what I've read it will) I am in a safe, well lit area where my cell phone can get service; and not the beach or somewhere that tow trucks charge over $500. But mostly I pray ford is forced to fix this known issue and stop creating a financial burden on people just so they can profit from their faulty ignition cylinders. Please do something about this issue. It's obvious that ford has no intentions to resolve their locking ignition since the part has to be ordered from them for at least $100 per incident and if the person has their vehicle fixed at ford it could cost up to $500. I have called ford locally and corporate, they state there is no recall for an ignition cylinder. What has happened to dealerships accountability that they are allowed to get away with such an action for 7 years? Is the accountability only when there is death? Is that why ford continues to install and sell the faulty ignition cylinder? What's to stop them from continuing if they profit from the problem? I think that personnel taking complaints should give the 800 number and/or exact website to register complaints to the federal safety agency and/or list this info on car dealers websites.

Filed Nov 6, 2006 · Electrical · MI

Ford focus 2000 steering wheel locked, at any given time. I spent 4 hours five different people trying to get this thing unlocked. This is a major problem, it has locked up on me more than 50 times. This needs to be fixed!!!! Recalled by ford asap.

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · NE

Steering wheel locked and key would not turn in ignition. Had to have the vehicle towed to repair shop. Cost to repair is $250. Not happy at all!

Filed Jul 5, 2005 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · VA

Dt: this morning when leaving for work consumer put key in ignition and ignition would not turning over and the engine would not start. The consumer tried to move steering wheel back and forth as this has worked twice before when this occurred. However, the steering wheel locked up along with the ignition. Consumer had to have vehicle towed to a local dealership. The dealer informed consumer that the entire ignition would have to be replaced, and offered no explanation as to why this occurred. Vehicle is currently at dealership awaiting repairs.

Filed Jun 29, 2005 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · CA

The ignition lock cylinder failed on my ford focus (2000 model). The steering wheel locked up and I was unable to turn the key to start the car. I had to have the car towed to the dealer where they replaced the defective part for an "improved ignition lock cylinder kit" for a cost of $456. Clearly, the original part was defective. I read dozens of other complaints about the same problem for other ford focus drivers. Many had to replace the ignition lock cylinder multiple times. Ford should pay for these repairs.

Filed Jun 24, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 125,000 miles · IL

Consumer would be unable to turn the key inside the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak consumer adds ignition is stuck when attempting to start vehicle. Both rear doors will not open due to vehicle not starting. Clock spring and steering lock assembly were replaced.

Filed Jun 14, 2005 · Steering · 24,000 miles · MI

Dt: consumer states that steering wheel locks up, which causes the key not to turn in the ignition. The consumer has to work with the steering wheel to get key to turn. Consumer has taken vehicle to service department, and the technician stated that vehicle has an anti-theft system, and that is why it is having steering problems.