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2004 Ford Focus locks complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 28 of 28, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Ford Focus locks problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Locks · 120,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving at speeds of 25 MPH, the rear passenger door would release with the locks engaged. The manufacturer was contacted and although there was a recall for the exact failure (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v030000, latches/locks/ linkages, doors) her VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The contact felt unsafe with a vehicle occupant in the rear near the defective door. The failure mileage was 120,000. The current mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Electrical, Locks · 00

The issue I would like to report is in regard to ford focus automobiles from 2000 to current date 2010. There is a know defect with the ignition switch which is made with inferior metal parts in the ignition lock. What happens is that metal shavings are produced inside the lock and after time these metal shavings cause the lock to jam. Thousands of people have been affected by this problem and have been stranded because they cannot turn the ignition key. Ford denies this problem. Just go to any locksmith or tow truck driver or google ford focus ignition on the internet. Everybody knows about the problem. Everytime this happens it costs the owner between $500 and $800 to have this fixed at a ford dealership. My 2004 for focus currently has this problem. This should be a recall by ford and I think this is the biggest scam since bernie madoff. Please do something about this. Thanks frustrated ford owner.

Filed Dec 18, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 67,787 miles · CA

On a saturday evening I drove to grocery store. After I had finished shopping I tried to start vehicle. I could not turn key in ignition and the steering column remained in the locked position. The vehicle had 67787 miles. I had car towed to ford dealer and they drilled out lock cylinder and replaced with a new one at a cost of $385.34. Tow truck driver stated that he had towed the same model before with an identical problem. The service manager at dealer stated that he had several of the same model with identical problem. He also stated that the part had been updated a few times. I am 53 and have driven many vehicles, some with over 240,000 miles and have never before had this problem. I feel it was manufactured with a defect and it failed prematurely.

Filed Dec 12, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 99,000 miles · NY

I have a 2004 ford focus. The ignition locks whenever the car is turned off. It is impossible to start the car again without hitting on the key itself. This has resulted in the key breaking off in the lock. The ignition lock appears to be a common problem with this make and model, and poses a significant safety risk.. I have had this problem for the past 2 years, but it has become much worse recently. There was no accident or damage to the car prior to this issue. The local ford dealers told me it would cost between $400-500 to fix, and it seems that many times, the new parts are also defective and the problem returns. As this appears to be a widespread problem among focus owners, please consider issuing a safety recall for this make and model.

Filed Dec 10, 2009 · Locks, Steering · 140,000 miles · CT

No events pulled into parking lot left car for few minutes came back and the ignition was locked solid. From what I am told this is a common issue with the ford focus mine is a 2004. This is a safety hazard maybe not to me this time because I was in a parking lot and waited for over an hour for a tow truck however if I was broken down on the side of the road for a flat tire and this happened what then or is this not considered a safety hazard because no one has been killed this seems like something that should of been recalled years ago. Protect the consumer.

Filed Oct 12, 2009 · Locks · 68,000 miles · MD

Key will not turn on ignition will not go into gear nor will the steering wheel turn at all!!!, completely locked ignition car is only five years old and not driven very much w/ only 68k miles on it!, 2004 ford focus zx3.

Filed Jul 30, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 53,600 miles · CA

1. There was no warning sign 2. My key wouldn't turn the ignition, I was stuck at my job 11:00 pm. 3. I had the car towed to the nearest ford dealerships and had the ignition replaced costing me $382.00.

Filed Jun 23, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 31,000 miles · CA

Our 17 year old daughter stopped at a seven-eleven store and when she tried to return home the ignition key in our 2004 ford focus would not turn. This left our daughter stranded and required her to wait for a tow truck. Being a 17 year old girl stranded outside a seven-eleven was not a good feeling! I believe ford is aware of many complaints about their focus ignition locks.

Filed Feb 6, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · IN

For about a month now, the ignition and/or steering wheel locks up when I try to put the key in to start my 2004 ford focus. I initially spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to start the car. Now I realize I have to jiggle, turn, & finagle everything just right & I can get it the ignition to turn in a few minutes. It is ridiculous that I now think getting my car started in under 5 minutes is "good." this happens 9 out of 10 times that I try to start the car. I have seen many similar complaints. Seems like ford needs to fix this problem. I am not impressed.

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 Jan 25, 2009 · Locks · OH

Ignition lock up on 2004 ford focus. Steering wheel won't unlock and key won't turn. It seems this is a major problem and I think something needs to be done about it.

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Locks, Steering · 56,000 miles · OH

The ignition switch on my 2004 ford focus (manual trans) locked up the steering column. Luckily the car was not running and parked it still required the call of four tow trucks to get it into the dealer. Because the front wheels were locked in a slanted position when I parked the first flatbed truck wasn't able to load it. It required a second truck to tow it to my own mechanic. From there he required it to be towed to the dealer, same results with tow company's. The dealer wanted to charge $357 on top of the towing fee for ignition lock replacement.

Filed Jan 30, 2008 · Locks · NY

My husband and I purchased a 2004 ford focus used the rear passengers side door will currently not latch shut. I was advised that there was a recall on the rear latches of ford focus which I did find. The previous owner of this vehicle brought it in to the ford dealer and had the latched lubed 1/4/2006, at which time it met recall requirements. Now the door will not shut and the dealer has advised that this is due to the latch it should be covered under the recall. My husband and I both phoned ford motor company and were advised there is nothing that could be done. That because they lubed the latches that was all they were required to do. Which I find completely unsatisfactory. It is quite clear that there is a defect which is why ford has recalled the latches they should be covering this. The drivers side rear door is hard to open as well, however according to ford being that the latches have been lubed it should be fine. Now if the door that won't shut is fixed and my daughters fall out of the other door that ford has lubed being that is all ford says that is required, what will ford and the federal safety agency say then. This company should be held responsible for there recalls. The fact that they will not replace these latches that they are truly responsible for is not acceptable. Your investigation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Jun 19, 2006 · Locks · 42,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated the dog was placed in the rear of the vehicle through the hatch. The door ajar light illuminated, the hatch was checked and it was discovered that it would no longer latch. There was no warning prior to the problem. The manufacturer and dealer have been alerted. An appointment was made with the dealer for inspection.

Filed Mar 20, 2006 · Locks · 23,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated the rear passenger side door is difficult to close. When the problem first occurred there was 9,500 miles on the vehicle. The contact received a recall letter, the federal safety agency campaign # 05v030000 for the door latches. The dealership would not perform the repair work. The manufacturer was informed of the situation.

Filed Dec 22, 2005 · Locks · OH

2004 ford focus hood flew up shattering windshield. *ts the hood latch was defective.

Filed Nov 18, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 6,000 miles · NY

Brake problem. At about 2000 to 3000 miles breaks starts to squeal and grind. Took it in to service at dealer complaining about problem, as it got worse and was not normal in 6,000 miles. Was told no problem, routine break in. Then at 12,000 miles still a problem. Went to another dealer, said the same thing. Now with nearly 18,000 miles, rotors are grooved very bad. Evidence and warning was evident in the earlier miles as well. Ford has done nothing to help. I feel they owe me a new pair of rotors and pads. Also, complained of clutch noise problem. I have heard of a tsb claiming certain 2004 focus have a transaxle misalignment causing pre-mature clutch wear and noise. Wiper switch has been replaced by rc lacy ford, better service, but they won't service me anymore, since I did not buy it there, and ravena is so close. I need to contact crossroads about all future warranty issues and complaints. Doors in the rear also stick, and wear of door striker is evident. Tires have also been worn pretty bad pirelli 195/60 r15. Back pair are totally bald, and only have had like 18,000 miles, I think it was a alignment issue, which for a car 17 months old should not be an issue. I noticed wear at around 13,000 miles. During my second tire rotation. Have had too many problems with this new vehicle. Also issues with extreme chipping around the rear wheel well. Also have had a hesitation problem at about 25 MPH. #rd gear used to be difficult to engage. Please help me resolve these issues. I got nowhere with the dealers myself. The VIN is not the appropriate VIN. My car is a 2004 zx5 duratec 2.3e 5 spd. Almost all options included. Thank you.

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Locks · 75,000 miles · MI

Both rear doors intermittently opened while driving. Dealer was notified.

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