Upon starting the vehicle, the keys failed to turn in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that the ignition switch locked up. The dealership will have to drill the ignition switch out, to replace it. *jb this was a widespread problem that ford will not respond to. *sc
2001 Ford Focus electrical complaints
Page 14 of 18: complaints 371 to 400 of 496, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer looked at the internet and saw that there were recalls on the ford focus ignition key switch. His vehicle had one of those defective switches. The switch would not accept the key, so he had it repaired. Dealer claimed he had to reassemble the lock, and that cost him $286.00.
While exiting the highway, the vehicle stalled and caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and determined the fire started in the engine. *ak the inspector determined that the cause of the fire was related to a faulty cable/battery connector. This was a known problem in the 200-2001 ford focus model. *sc
The vehicle was experiencing the same failure as described in the battery cable recall 02v288000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Key will not turn in the ignition, steering locked. His is the second time this has happened. 1st time july 2002 - miles 14,500 - fixed under warranty. Ignition drilled, tumbler replaced, new keys 2nd time jun 2004 - miles 24,000 (9500 since last time). Not fixed under warranty as it was over 1yr even though I have only put 9500 on the part for 2years. Ignition drilled, tumbler replaced, new keys - cost $300.
Ignition key fails to turn on my ford focus. The ignition has been drilled out and replaced 2 times already for this problem, this is the 3rd time it has haoppened.
Key will not turn in ignition, steering wheel locked, brake petal locked, gear shift locked. Car out of warrenty. Ford emergency road service won't help because of expired warrenty. Called nearest ford dealershop (tom holzer), gave me the phone number of their "towing" person, tried 12 times, got voice mail, no call was ever returned. (I was "stuck" in a bank parking lot.. And they were ready to close) the bank personel were kind enough to let me use their phone and provided a phone book, besides every male in the building individually tried anything they could think of to get my car to start... With no luck. After calling @ 6 lock smiths with 24 hour emergency road servie, I finally found one that knew exactly what I was talking about... He informed me that he gets a call on the same problem approx. Once a week on ford focus's. Even he can't understand why there hasn't been a "recall" on this defective part?? He also told me what the dealership would have charged me to replace it... @$550.00!! Fortunately for me there are still honest and kind people around, ford did "nothing" to help me!! I can't imagine I'm the "only" person that has complained about this problem, why hasn't anything been done about it? When this happens, you're definately stranded!!
2001 ford focus ignition locks. Unable to start vehicle.
Gauges in dash along with the rest of the electrical system cuts in & out while driving. Now, car will not start but displays same problems while attempting to start vehicle.
I own a 2001 ford focus w/ 45,000 miles. I was left stranded memorial day weekend 2004 when the ignition in my automobile locked up. I place the key in the ignition (with some difficulty) and I am unable to turn the key. I have researched this problem and it appears that many other people have had this experience w/ 2000/2001 ford focus. My car remains immobile and I am unable to address the problem until after the holiday weekend. From what I have read, I can anticipate $350-500 to replace ignition.
Since august 2003, I have experienced ignition lock five (5) times with my 2001 ford focus. First two "repairs" (8/03 and 12/03) were covered under warranty, and supposedly replaced the ignition cylinder. I never saw the old part. However, when vehicle was taken in for subsequent repair to the same problem (2/04), I was told that a permanent repair would require replacement of the steering column and would cost me $500+, but that the ignition cylinder could be replaced under warranty. I got no response to my inquiry about why no permanent fix had been made while the vehicle was under warranty. I directed them to perform the repair I could afford - the cylinder. I never saw the old part that time either. The car was re-keyed as well. The ignition locked again on 5/20/04, and after I contacted ford motor company, the service department notified me that they had replaced the tumblers and re-keyed the vehicle at no charge. They also informed me that any subsequent repairs would be at my expense, as they would not be covered by warranty. The ignition locked again on 5/25/04. *la the initial repair to this problem was made under warranty. It was not a permanent repair, although there were service bulletins and a significant record of complaints issued on this same problem from early 2001. At no point have I received a satisfactory answer, from the dealer or from ford customer relations, to why the permanent repair was not performed in august 2003. I feel that the dealer made no attempt to effect a repair on this problem while it was warranted, but stalled with temporary fixes until the mileage/age of the vehicle would require me to pay, both for parts and labor. As it now stands, I will be taking my vehicle to another dealer for the repair and a second opinion, and hope I can get my money back. I refuse to pay even ten cents for a repair by a service department that has already failed to make the same repair four times!
Consumer complained about steering problems. When he took vehicle to the dealer for repairs consumer was told that it was ignition cylinder. Consumer could not make any turns, steering locked, and could not get key out of ignition cylinder. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer twice in 8 months, but problem recurred.
While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the mechanic could not determine the problem. *mr *sc
Ignition cylinder is locked. Key wont turn it, but the key will unlock the door. Have heard of this happening oftent other people as well.
I just bought a used 2001 ford focus and had to pay to replace the ignition cylinder. The car only has 40,000 miles and I think that a part this expensive should last longer. I searched for other people with the same problem and found many frustrated focus owners who are having the same problem. I think this part should have a longer warranty.
My 2001 ford focus started having problems when I would put my key in the ignition and it wouldn't turn , it would take several minutes for my car to turn on. Eventually after several attempts to turn the key it never did, and I was forced to tow my car home. I will have to pay out of my own pocket to tow it to the dealers and they said that the cost to fix will range from $350-600. I am a single mother with two kids on a limited income, there is no way I will be able to afford this.
Key will not turn. Called dealer and it appears this is a widespread problem affecting many ford focus'. After searching the web I see that is true. Dealer wanted $325 + tow to replace ignition. Not sure if that included rekeying. In any event, I found a locksmith who will come to my residence and replace the ignition with a better one than ford is offering for substantially less money.
The ignition - the key won't go in, or goes in hard, but will not turn. I am told that it needs a new steering column, ignition and computerized key, and the warranty won't cover the $800+ charge. This is the 2nd time the key has been stuck in the ingition.
While driving 55 MPH consumer smelled a burnt odor coming from the steering column. Vehicle caught on fire due to exposed wires. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Passenger extinguished the fire and disconnected the fuel box. Vehicle was towed.
My steering wheel locked. The key will go into the ignition (and the dinging sound starts), but the key will not turn.
While driving from a parking lot doors locked. Doors were inoperative, except driver's side door. Also, horn started to blow and the driver was not able to stop it.
Consumer complained about ignition switch problem. Consumer had vehicle towed, and was told that the tumbler fell out of the ignition module.
I'm having a problem with the steering wheel locking up and the ignition key won't turn. I tried jilting the wheel to try to get it to unlock.
Ignition cylinder on my 2001 ford focus has failed twice and left me stranded . Total cost of repairs is over $700. Ford will not stand behind product. Recall is in order.
Ignition cylinder failed, resulting in a $250.00 repair.
While driving vehicle stalled, and the engine check light illuminated. Vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the mechanic did an inspection and found no problem.
2001 ford focus key will not turn in ignition and steering locks. Dealer wants $410 or more to fix. Just off warranty.
When I tried to start my car the steering wheel and the ingnition switch cylinder both were locked up. I had to have it towed to the dealership and then found out that my extended warranty did not cover all of the expenses so I was out $350. Now why do you by an extended warranty if it doesn't cover something like this that is apparently a flaw in the design of the car?? I would like to receive any information about this matter.
Alternator is over charging without warning. Consumer is concerned that it will burn out the electrical system.
Ignitioin switch freezes. When key is inserted the switch will not turn. A locksmith showed me how to free it up by tapping on the switch with a screwdriver...!
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