2004 Ford Focus: won't start

Filed Oct 7, 2022 · MA

2004 ford focus started bucking a few years ago, on occasions only. For months there was no problem and than it would buck. If I shut off the engine and waited a few minutes and started it, it would drive without bucking. Recently, it stalled while driving. Fortunately, I was on a country road and could pull over to safety. Now, on occasion, it wont start. Locks in park. After a while, I can get it out of park and start it. I do not drive it on highways since I am fearful of it shutting off. I have been to three garages for service and they cannot figure it out. I even wrote to the corporate office to ask them to let me know what the problem is. On line many people with 2004 ford focus have the same problem. It isnt just my car. Corporate office answered my letter requesting the vin number on which I gave them. After that, I did not hear from them again. I would think that they would have followed through on this since I told them that it has happened to others with the same vehicle. It stalled again a few days ago as I drove in my driveway. Everytime I try to start it, I hear the clicking sound. I go out once in a while to see if it will start. Sometimes, while in park, it wont start. Another time checking it our, it will start. But, I am not driving it anywhere. I am having it towed to another garage to see if they can figure it out. This car has less than 60,000 miles on it and everything else is good. I have spent a lot of money trying to get this resolved. It has been on diagnostic machines and it doesnt show anything. All I wanted from the corporate office was an engineer to let me know how to fix it. They must have heard the complaints since there are many. A recall wont do me any good since I will be having it looked at again this week. I am doing this for others who have the same problem. However, I would like to know exactly what has caused this.

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · Electrical · 122,000 miles · HI

When putting the key in the ignition the key will not turn and start the car. It will not start after pulling the key out of the ignition. I am pregnant expecting a baby. This is a safety hazard for me and my baby. If I go into labor and need to leave to the hospital I cannot risk the car will not start because the key won't turn the ignition on.

Filed Jan 6, 2017 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · IL

Shorted brake wires in trunk area blown fuse no start no brake lights would not shift into drive.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Electrical · 94,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start with the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the dealer advised that the ignition cylinder needed replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 94,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2010 · Electrical · PA

2004 for focus. Ignition occasionally won't start with the key. Got stranded a few times. It seems something is wrong either with the keys or the ignition area where you place the key.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Electrical · 43,205 miles · MA

First occurrence,without warning,(had never happened before) car shut off, ignition switch would not turn, resulting in vehicle no start condition. (original manufacturers key and ignition switch) contacted aaa auto club, tow truck dispatched, tow truck driver states garage has seen many 2003, 2004,2005 focus with this problem. Also should be noted numerous similar complaints on file with all model years of this vehicle. Ford dealer that sold me the car and extended warranty claims repair not covered by warranty. Feel this is a serious safety issue as car can stall and fail to restart !!!!!!. Also feel that I was sold an overpriced "warranty" which I am told will not cover repair !!! Will retain old part for investigation and possible class action. Note : vehicle mileage at failure 43,205.

Filed May 27, 2009 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · WI

I own a 2004 ford focus that the ignition went out on, I would put the key in and the key would not turn, locked steering wheel. For a while, I would wiggle the key and it would finally turn over, until 2 weeks ago( 5-2009) when I had to have it towed after I got in my car and it would not start. The ford dealership looked at it the next morning and told me it would be $450.00 to fix and that this problem has happened to alot of focus owners, I don't understand why ford would not want to correct this problem, starting your car is the most important thing needed to drive so without being able to count on your ignition your car is useless and without ford recognizing this problem and fixing it, I believe alot of ford owners may not be in the future. You need to be able to start a car!

Filed Jan 28, 2009 · Locks · 48,000 miles · TN

We have already filed a previous complaint for almost exactly the same defect which happened within approximately a year and a half of each other. It was recommended that we file a complaint with you, about 2 separate/similar events that have occurred during our ownership of this vehicle (2004 ford focus zx-3). It became difficult to insert/remove key from ignition for a couple of weeks. On the previous occasion the key became stuck and the car would not start. After the onset of the most recent incident, the key became completely stuck in the ignition, it will turn slightly either way, the key will not come out, but the car will start. On the first occurrence we had to have the car re-keyed, and bought a new lock cylinder and had it programmed and installed at the ford dealership. Luckily the first time it happened we were at a friends house in the neighborhood, so we were not stranded in the middle of nowhere, and this time fortunately the car will still start. However, the key remains stuck in the ignition so realistically someone could steal the car.

Filed Oct 30, 2008 · Electrical · 34,000 miles · IL

My ignition has locked multiple times leaving my 3 year old daughter and myself stranded where I had to call someone to come and help start my car as the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. Tonight the car would not start at all and I had to abandon it.

Filed Sep 1, 2008 · Electrical · 92,000 miles · TN

My ignition switch on my ford focus 2004 would not turn over. I was only in a fast food restaurant for 5 minutes and when I came back out, the ignition lock and steering wheel would not turn. Had to have car towed to local repair shop. Went on internet and have researched thousands of ford focus locked cylinder complaints. When will this become a recall? I do not know how much money I will be out of but this is ridiculous for ford to not pay for this problem.

Filed Aug 20, 2008 · Electrical · NC

Purchased 2004 ford focus on 8-5-08. On 8-19-08 the ignition locked in my drive way. Ignition will not turn over at all. Ford needs to fix this!

Filed Feb 8, 2008 · Electrical · NJ

2004 ford focus with ignition problems. Consumer states that the key got stuck in the ignition. Consumer also stated that the vehicle would not start. Consumer was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced.