2000 Ford Focus Switch Problems
- 476
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 476 stored complaint records:
- 5 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- ignition switch · 59 records
- ignition lock · 20 records
- ignition cylinder · 17 records
- turn ignition · 16 records
- steering wheel · 15 records
- lock cylinder · 13 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 116 |
| 60–100k mi | 109 |
| 1–30k mi | 28 |
| 100–150k mi | 26 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Switch
Consumer placed the key inside the ignition switch and key would not start the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that ignition switch needed to be replaced, and replaced it. *ak
ODI 10091857
Switch
Ignition lock broken. Steering wheel is locked and key cannot go all the way into the ignition. Cannot start car. *ak
ODI 10090584
Switch
While starting the vehicle key would not turn the ignition switch. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic had to replace the ignition switch cylinder. Dealer was not notified. *ak
ODI 10090212
Switch
Ignition problem. Tried to start car with key but will not start. At first, the key would not go in but finally got key in but car didn't start. My key was damaged alittle from the ignition. Since mechanics are on strike in st. Louis, maybe hard to get fixed. Called suntrup ford and they said not covered and not recalled so i would have to pay the cost to fix.*ak
ODI 10088383
Switch
Consumer went out to start the vehicle and the key would not turn the ignition and locked in place. No matter how much consumer tried the key would not move. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and the technician replaced the cylinder at consumer's expense. *ak
ODI 10088022
Switch
I went shopping at wal-mart and when i came out, my ignition was locked up. I was unable to do anything and called the ford dealership to tow it in and fix it. I was charged for all parts, labor, and tow bill. When i reasearched this online, i found several others had the same problem and based on their experiences this happens over and over. Ford would accept no responsibility and would not look into a recall. My…
ODI 10114609
Switch
Ignition locks on focus are faulty. I have had mine replaced every 25 months since i have owned my vehicle. Ford refuses to cover the ignition lock even though the service managers all know about this being faulty. Ford claims ignorance, that they are unaware of this being a common problem, i have performed the most rudimentary research that shows otherwise and if i really spend time, i only imagine what i will…
ODI 10086967
Switch
Consumer complained about ignition switch failure to start the vehicle. Dealer was notified. *ak
ODI 10087153
Switch
Approximately 10 times now, i have tried to start my 2000 ford focus, and the key either will not insert completely or it will not turn in the switch.*ak
ODI 10083170
Switch
I have 46,000 miles on my focus and the ignition switch will let me insert the key but will not let turn the ignition on, i have personally read hundreds of forums posts with this problem occuring..... I should not have to pay $300+ to have this repaired. The extremly bad part is that my wife was trying to start the car up at the time.... She had noticed someone following her to the car and when she got in the car…
ODI 10082979
Switch
The consumer had ignition switch replaced and it went out again. Dealer replaced the ignition a second time without informing the consumer that the warranty had expired. The ignition switch was defective again.*ak
ODI 10087288
Anti-Theft Device · Switch
The ignition was locked in place and it would not move at all. Also, steering wheel was locked. Dealerships replaced twice the ignition switch at consumer's expense. *ak
ODI 10083650
Switch
After having a difficult time of turning the ignition switch on consumer could not shift the vehicle into park. Every attempt would cause a grinding nose. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, who replaced the entire ignition cylinder. *ak
ODI 10089774
Switch
I own a 2000 ford focus coupe with 119000 miles. Although this is high mileage, my normal drive is 30-60 miles. On 7-27-04 i attempted to start the car and was unable to get the key to turn in the ignition. The tow driver from aaa was also initially unsuccessful, but after consulting with a locksmith he said that the lock tumblers were stuck; he got it to turn by hitting the butt of the key. This was obviously not…
ODI 10082962
Switch
Ignition cylinder failed. Had to have replaced. Have two such vehicles and experienced failure on both. Quite costly.
ODI 10127849
Switch
Ford focus ignition will not accept key. Known manufacturer issue. Manufacturer will not cover expense of repair.*ak
ODI 10082619
Switch
The ignition switch was defective. The consumer inserted the key in the ignition and the ignition key failed to turn. Provide further details. *jb
ODI 10083527
Switch
At first could not get key into ignition, then after wiggling it in, ignition will not turn with key in it. This is on a 2000 ford focus. Had to have vehicle towed. I understand now that this is a common problem with focus now by hearing from the tow truck driver and others with focus'. This should definitely be a recall issue as so many others have had this happen. *jb
ODI 10082207
Switch
At 6 months, the ignition switch (and all door locks, tailgate lock) was replaced due to the inability to remove the key from the ignition. 10/29/03 - igntion switch replaced due to broken tumbler assy - cost almost $300 07/16/04 - unable to turn key in ignition - again - same as problem on 10/29/03. *jb
ODI 10081327
Switch
Consumer placed key inside of the ignition switch and key would not insert properly inside the switch, and vehicle failed to start. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic stated that this warranty expired. *ak
ODI 10081742
Switch
Consumer went out to start the vehicle and key would not turn. The ignition was locked in place, it would not move at all, and the steering wheel was locked. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, technician replaced the ignition switch.*ak
ODI 10081661
Switch
It was hard for the consumer to turn the key in the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
ODI 10083994
Switch
Ignition lock failure. Yet another person with a bad ignion, tumblers fell inside lock could'nt get the key back into ignion. We had the car towed.*ak
ODI 10080796
Switch
2000 ford focus, second incident involving the faulty ignition tumbler, stranded on vacation. Have replaced the ignition/linkage once already, now car disabled by same situation. Sitting in car trying to get ignition to turn over while 80 mile an hour winds rocking the car side to side. Had no choice but to sit there and fret. Car works fine if you can start it. *nm
Fire reported
ODI 10080398
Switch
Initially, the key would not go into the ignition switch all the way. When the key finally did go in, the switch would not turn. In the process the steering wheel locked. Tow truck was called, and vehicle towed to nearest dealership, olympic ford in marysville, wa. Tow truck driver stated that they had 4 ford focus' with the identical ignition issues to tow that week alone. Reported that this was a rampant failure…
ODI 10079261