2004 Ford Focus: steering wheel locks up

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 Dec 20, 2010 · Engine · 90,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH the vehicle lost all electrical power and stalled. The steering wheel locked while the vehicle was in drive and moving forward. He engaged the brakes and the vehicle stopped in the median. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which indicated an improper key issue. The local mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that they are afraid to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that there was no recall for the failure or any other course of action. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 90,000.

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 Nov 7, 2007 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The vehicle failed to start because the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was towed to the ford dealer and is currently being repaired. The cause of the failure was the ignition switch. The contact discovered several complaints on this same defect, but no recalls were available. He considered this to be a manufacturer defect. The current and failure mileages were 48,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2006 · Electrical · 17,000 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated the key came out of the ignition while in the start position. The vehicle was parked and turned off when the incident occurred. The steering wheel locked up and could not be moved when the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the ignition cylinder and transceiver module needed to be replaced.

Filed May 12, 2006 · Electrical, Steering · 31,500 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated for the past four months, while attempting to start the vehicle, the key will not turn unless the steering wheel and the key are turned at the same time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the lock assembly, ignition switch, and steering lock mechanism were replaced. This corrected the problem. Updated 05/30/2006.

Filed Oct 24, 2004 · Electrical · 38,000 miles · FL

Steering wheel locked up, can't start car. Had to take a hammer and pound key to get started, as a tow truck operator told me all these ford focuss are doing this.