Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The ignition switch locked up constantly and the contact can no longer drive the vehicle because the steering cannot be unlocked. The dealer stated that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced at the cost of $375. The part is not under warranty and there is no recall. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.
2003 Ford Focus electrical complaints
Page 12 of 19: complaints 311 to 340 of 522, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The ignition lock has locked itself and as a result we have not been able to turn the vehicle on. From what I've gathered on the internet it was not an isolated incident. I talked to one of the local repair shops and was told it was cost around $500 to have the part replaced.
My 2003 ford focus, left me sitting on a friday evening because the ignition key cylinder would not allow me to turn the key. Not only was the ignition key cylinder locked, but so was the gear shift and the steering wheel. I couldn't move the vehicle at all. It was dark and I was left sitting with one of my two children. I had to call for a ride, get the car towed and then pay to get it fixed. All along, ford knew that this was, as they stated on their website, "a defect". Obviously this is an ongoing problem for the ford focus. I have a friend who also had this problem. It's a issue that needs to be faced and probably be considered for recall, in my opinion. I feel that paying for this "defect" is unacceptable. I believe that ford should have this on recall and take care of replacing the ignition lock cylinder for it's customers!
Key gets stuck in ignition.
Ignition key would not turn. I was stranded away form home, had to call a tow truck and have the care towed to the dealer. Internet research shows that this is a common problem with the 2000-2003 ford focus cars and ford has not issued a re-call, although they have issue a tsb 05-21-17 in reference to the ignition switch problems.
I have had a few prior problems getting my key to turn in my ignition, which I was eventually able to fix myself. Last night however, I was unable to get my key to turn in the ignition. I was left stranded in a less than ideal neighborhood after 30 minutes of trying to start my car. This ignition lock problem has happened the eve before thanksgiving which leaves me without a car on a holiday weekend.
When I put my key into my car it will not turn. While this may not be an "obvious" safety risk, it can lead to serious problems if you are stranded somewhere. Ford knows about this problem with focus, yet has done nothing to correct it. I ended up stranded for over an hour as I waited for someone to pick me up, finally I banged the key out of frustration and I was able to turn it. This is a serious safety matter to me, as I am a single woman. Ford needs to take responsibility and recall their defective ignition cylinders. I will now have to spend at least $400 to fix this, and it's something that there is no guarantee won't happen in the future, as it will be replaced with the same defective mechanism.
I am currently leasing a ford focus zx5, I've been driving this car without any problems for just over 6 months. After stopping at the grocery store with my 17 month old daughter, my key doesn't turn in the ignition!! Not only is this frustrating it is dangerous. My daughter was crying from the cold that night and I had to walk home with her in my arms!! So in conclusion I feel that the fact that the ignition cylinder can go at any time without warning is a definite and unnecessary risk to safety. My daughter is now sick because of this!
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. When attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch failed. It took the contact approximately 20 attempts to start the vehicle. The ignition cylinder is currently being repaired by a local mechanic. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 59,000. Updated 03/14/08.
2003 ford focus.
After fueling, my daughter tried to start the car (2003 ford focus wagon), but the key would not turn. We got the car to the dealership where we purchased it, and the key cylinder had to be replaced by a locksmith. The total cost of the repair, plus the towing, cost over $200.00. Meanwhile my daughter's car was stuck at the gas pump, where other customers wanted to fuel, but could not do so. I'm glad my daughter had not run over a nail, like I did the other day, having to pull over to the side of a busy interstate highway, and then have this problem occur. Depending on where this kind of thing happens, this could be a very serious safety concern. Not only with the vehicle, but with the place the vehicle is stranded when it occurs. I have found out that ford has known for quite some time about this problem, but they refuse to recall cars to fix this problem, and continue to use this defective part in their ford focus vehicles. The extended warranty I bought was the most expensive one, and yet it covers everything but the ignition switch, it seems. Unless ford decides to reimburse me, I will never purchase another ford product. This is the fourth ford focus we have purchased. If I don't find satisfaction with this problem, it will certainly be the last. On top of all of that, my focus has had squealing brakes since the day I bought it, and ford has refused to repair this, as well, saying that it's "normal." no way this noise is normal. I'm fed up with ford at the moment.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the key would not turn when it was inserted in the ignition. He had to shake the steering wheel and move it for 15 - 30 minutes before the vehicle would start. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the ignition cylinder switch needed to be replaced at the cost of $512. The current mileage was 93,000 and failure mileage was 92,500.
In july 2007 the ignition key locked up and could not be turned to start the engine. I managed to get it to turn (no, it was because the steering wheel was holding) and drove it to the ford dealership. They had to replace the key cylinder for nearly $400. Despite numerous complaints and a 100,000-mile warranty, this service was not covered. The mechanic suggested that the keys were worn out and that I needed to make a new key to prevent future failure. I did so and only use the new key to start the car. Now, only 3 months later, the ignition periodically sticks as if it is about to start locking up again. If I push the key in firmly, it will turn normally. This is a poor quality mechanism and ford should recall this before it happens to someone on a 40-below winter night. I will never buy another ford because of this issue.
While in dangerous situation my ford focus again had a key fail in the ignition. I had taken it to ford, while still under warranty, and asked for it to be replaced and they said, "oh, it's ok, just jiggle it." that does not work. Eventually it will come free, usually, but now it seems to be permanently stuck. No, there is no tension on the steering wheel from a partly turned front wheel. If this happened to my wife or daughters in a dangerous neighborhood, I would just go berserk.
The ignition on my ford focus 2003 has locked up for the second time in 75,000 miles, and this is getting to be a huge problem to have replaced. Ford actually has the balls to charge me for this defect in their craftsmanship, using substandard parts in their ignition switches, and making me pay to cover up their faulty workmanship when getting it repaired.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the ignition would not turn when she inserted the key. As of september 28, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.
Without warning, and with no prior occurrence, the key would not turn in the ignition of my 2003 focus. A friend rescued me and drove me back to work the next morning. I contacted my local ford dealer, where I had purchased this car brand new - along with a 7 year extended warranty. First, the service department rep tried to play "dumb' when I stated that I'm having the "ignition problem" and he later told me that it's not covered by my warranty. I have pulled out and read the warranty. Ignition switch is covered by my basecare policy. (I will bring it in hand when I have the car serviced in 2 days.) meanwhile, another person at the service desk hinted that I may be able to tap it with a hammer so that it will turn and could drive to the dealer and not have to be towed. Sure enough, a tap of the hammer allowed me to turn the key. I will leave the key in the ignition through the weekend and am struggling with the thought that a replacement from ford will be another defective part. Whether my warranty covers it or not, I don't want another bad ignition switch! From all that I have read, it seems that a locksmith would replace it with a better quality device than ford dealers service departments are using.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While attempting to shut off the vehicle in the parking lot, the ignition locked up and prevented the contact from turning or pushing the steering wheel. He took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and they informed him that the repair would cost $400. The current and failure mileages were 58,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the ignition locked, which prevented the key from being turned. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 01-14-08. *kb the dealer stated the cylinder needed to be replaced. Updated 12/12/07.
2003 ford focus/ ignition won't turn it looks like this is a huge problem by all the different websites and blogs about it. This defect should absolutely be a recall and when I called the dealer to find out the fix and price they laughed and said $600 to $700 dollars. This is outrageous and I am appalled.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the steering wheel has to be unlocked for the vehicle to start. On september 09, 2007, after many attempts, she was finally able to place the key in the ignition and unlock the steering column. On september 14, 2007, the contact had to leave the vehicle at her job because the steering column failed to unlock. The vehicle was towed to her residence. She scheduled an appointment with the dealer for september 22, 2007. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 24,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated the igniton module was repalced. Updated 12/12/07
At approximately 5:00 p.m., my ignition locked up on me, with my car parked in a parking lot close to my home (thank goodness). I have just learned that this has been a major widespread issue, and that I am definitely not alone.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when he turned the ignition. She called her insurance company and they advised her to strike the ignition with something, however, the vehicle was able to start moments later. The failure began in 2005 and has occurred six times. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic and they stated that the ignition switch needed replacing. The current mileage was approximately 60,000 and failure mileage was 40,000.
(1) not sure (2) steering wheel and ignition are locked and can not be moved anymore (3) new lock
Ignition cylinder total failure. Key would not turn at all. Search term "ignition cylinder""ford focus" on the net and you will be amazed how big of a problem this. Why a safety issue. Well, what would happen if I stopped the car somewhere and was stuck in the desert in the 112 degree heat, which by the way is the temperature that existed when it happened in mesa az. I was lucky the car was home. *tr updated 12/12/07
Over the past few months, the ignition/lock mechanism has been failing. The wheel will not release and the key will not turn to the on position. Sometimes if forced, the key will turn, but the lock has broken completely now.
My car was running fine then suddenly the ignition switch won't turn. Tumbler broke $350 at dealership. Common problem with these cars, yet dealer won't warranty.
The weekend of july 28th I had family in town. We were doing the attractions. The car started everytime we were going or leaving anywhere. Went to go home and the car wouldn't start. We had the battery jumped and it wouldn't hold a charge. Purchased a new battery and made it home. The next day replaced the alternator. Car ran fine for 1 week. Went to leave work on the 6th of august and it wouldn't start at all. The battery was completely dead. Took the car to have the new battery and alternator tested. Nothing wrong w/either one. Took the car to ford dealership they spent 1 1/2 hours on it and said they couldn't find the problem. Something is pulling on my battery causing it to die. Took it back home and now it maybe the computer. Have 110,000 miles on it. I wouldn't think this would start happening already.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. Approximately two minutes after parking the vehicle, the contact was unable to turn the key to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The dealer made the replacement. There have not been any other failures. The current mileage was 55,000 and failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the key will not turn in the ignition. She has had to strike the key while it was in the ignition for it to turn and start the vehicle. Currently, the key does not work at all while in the ignition. She has notified the dealer and the manufacturer and they stated that it would cost approximately $800 for the repair. The vehicle is not under a recall. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 52,000.
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