My ignition cylinder locked up leaving me stranded 200 miles from home.
2001 Ford Focus electrical complaints
Page 15 of 18: complaints 401 to 430 of 496, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The ignition locks when the key is placed within the cylinder and the car is attempted to start. The ignition cylinder does not turn at all. I have attempted to turn the steering wheel and use another key, but this does not solve the issue.
The consumer was unable to start the vehicle because the key would not turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle had been sitting for a month. Please provide additional information.
I have had numerous problems with my focus. About 3mo after I bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. I took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. They didn't have a loaner car for me, so I made an an appointment for the following week. The next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. I called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. When I called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. They told me that the stutter I was feeling in my car was probably that. A few days later, the same problem. Took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. He said I was driving the car out of context. What he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. I have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but I won't lose engine power. My car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. At less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which I happily bought. The dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. I went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. There was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. My car has several other problems. The positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. The explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. But this problem occurred 3-4 mo after I bought it. The tires had not been taken off. I am to the point where I hate ford for selling me this car. I will ever buy ford again, but I love the concept of the car
Engine light on. Jerky gear engaging. Choppy acceleration. 8/02 replaced alternator 8/02 replaced v belt 10/02 blinkers out & electric windows broke 10/02 battery light on "corrosion on wires" 1/03 wouldn't start, battery light on, "wire fell off alternator" airbag light on then off
Ford focus 2001 ignition locked. Wasn't able to turn key and had to have ignition replaced for relatively new car.
The ignition switch locked without warning. As a result, the vehicle became inoperative. *ak several people tried to unjam the key but no success. A tow company was called and the tow company stated that many ford focuses were having the same problem. The tow advised tapping on the key with a hammer to see if the tumblers would realign. It worked and the vehicle was taken home and again the ignition jammed but after several attempts with the hammer the key turned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer they had to order the part and a special locksmith was required for the repair. *cb
The vehicle was parked, when all of a sudden, it caught fire, due to a battery cable wire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis.
The key won't turn in the ignition. The emergency roadside assistance locksmith told me that he sees it a lot in fords. He also told me that I would have to get the ignition replaced. My mother has the same make/model/year & she has had her ignition replaced twice! This is for a 2001.
While driving vehicle unexpectedly shut off. Consumer was able to restart vehicle and drive to the dealer, who indicated that computer failed.
I have had my 2001 ford focus ignition switch lock up on me a total of four times in the first 14 months I owed my focus. If you have this problem, look at the tip of your key -- is it being worn down at the tip? This is the source of the problem -- ford basically used inferior metal when designing their keys for the 2000-2001 ford focuses. They have supposedly fixed this problem in later models. After having my ignition cylinder replaced or rebuilt three times, finally after the fourth time, they gave me a new set of keys. But the problem still exists and it is just a matter of time before my current "new" key gets worn down enough to lock up the ignition switch when I insert it. I am in the midst of pursuing the lemon law on my car. I've asked ford to "repurchase" my car and they have countered my offer to "replace" my car with another focus -- fully acknowledging that the "ignition cylinder malfunction... Was a known concern in 2001 models, and was unfortunately unable to be repaired on your vehicle." this problem has the potential of being recall-worthy (in my opinion) but I have no idea of how to get that process rolling! All I do know is that all four separate tow truck operators(without being asked by myself) told me that they tow 12-15 ford focuses a month with this same problem! That's ridiculous! I was told by a kind ford service guy that if I ever do get in a dangerous situation where my ignition switch locks up and my key will not turn and start my car, that if I lightly tap the end of the key into the ignition switch with something hard -- it may work to allow it to turn. So if you are in a pickle, give this a try. If your car is still under warranty, be sure to keep a good record of every time this happens to you. Then look into the lemon law requirements in your state.
When trying to start the vehicle the key did not turn in the ignition. Dealer replaced the steering column four times, but the problem still occurs.
While driving at 45 MPH vehicle stalled without warning. Dealership indicated that this was caused by fuel pump failure. The fuel pump was replaced. Also, vehicle failed to start. Driver was unable to turn key in ignition, it was stuck in the lock position.
The ignition switch was locked in place and would not move. This caused the steering wheel to be locked. Also, exhaust sensor had to be replaced three times because it did not register properly.
On separate occasions when consumer attempted to start vehicle it failed to start. Vehicle has been towed to the dealer, and dealer replaced various computer components.
In the last past five months while driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle stalled due to corroded battery cables, causing consumer to pull off the road. Dealer notified.
While driving about 65 MPH on the highway vehicle stalled and shut down due to battery cable wire melting. Consumer was able to steer onto the side of the shoulder.
Rear wheel bearings are wearing out on vehicle.*mr the automatic transmission does not shift properly, the consumer discovered the wrong transmission fluid was in the vehicle. The front windshield cracked due to excessive heat. The rear seat latch, the seat fabric and the key ignition failed.*ts the windshield wipers wore out, which were only used about seven times and the rear brakes had to be replaced.
When attempting to start vehicle ignition locked without warning.
When the vehicles key is placed in the ignition sometimes the key will not turn, dealer has to replace the ignition switch.*ak
3 major complaints for 2001 ford focus zts 1.) front suspension needs a right arm replacement 2.) engine light turned on and was turned off when brought to ford dealer shop. 3.) on a separate occasion, car stalled while driving.
I purchased a 2001 ford focus in august 2001. In sept. 2001 with only 2240 miles on the car transmission seemed to be slipping and the car failed to accelerate properly. Had it towed to the dealership and they said there was a leak in transmission line. This was repaired. In oct. 2002 at 16416 miles headlights would not come on when I turned the switch. Switch was replaced. About this same time new brake pads were required. Nov. 2002 at 17871 miles the ignition cylinder locked up. Car was towed and ignition cylinder replaced. August 2003 at 26757 miles ignition cylinder locked up again. Once again the car was towed to the dealer and ignition cylinder was replaced. Now I have a bubble in one tire and my brakes are squealing. What's next? Not once have I picked my car up from the dealer and it been washed or vacuumed out. I bought a new car because I needed reliable transportation. Now I feel like taking it back to the dealer and letting them keep it. I wonder how many ford employees would buy a focus?.
Ignition tumbler will not turn on focus 2001 lx.
Ignition cylinder broke without any signs, and was stuck without a car for a week.
I purchased my 2001 ford focus on august 6 2002. In the last year I have had to replace all brakes and now my ignition is stuck. I took the car to my dealership (citrus ford in ontario california) and after spending an extra 1200 on an extrended warranty when I purchased the car, they told me the ignition cylinder was not covered under my warranty. Have they looked at the number of people that are having this problem. I am now spending about 595.00 for a new ignition cylinder. This is a very common problem for all focus owners. Why has there not been a recall or at least an amendment so the warranty will cover the cost.
My key was stuck in the ignition switch. It did not turn easily. Luckily I was able to start the car, and bring it to the dealer. They replaced ignition tumbler at 31500 miles.
While driving, vehicle caught on fire under the hood, eliminating visibility, and causing consumer to collide into side of mountain. Related recall 02v288000, consumer's vehicle not included due to VIN.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the ignition on the vehicle. Also stated that has contacted the dealer and the manufacture and the have stated that there is no problem with the vehicle. Consumer also stated that this has had the vehicle towed five times into the shop because the vehicle will not turn on which causes the owner to have the vehicle towed. *ak
While driving t at normal speed, vehicle caught on fire, causing brakes and steering to fail, resulting in a front collision. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that ignition switch broke. Dealer notified.
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