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
IGNITION LOCK WILL NOT TURN IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS
ODI 10195329
Switch
The ignition key failed to turn when inserted into the steering column. My son was stranded, alone with no way to get home except from my driving to get him. Fortunately, he was only five miles away from home, but he could have been stranded much further away and in a dangerous location. *tr
ODI 10192339
Switch
Ignition switch wore out on 2001 focus, happened at about 75,000 miles. Happened while ford mechanics were on strike. Had to have lock smith repair. Kept key in ignition at all times when started getting hard to use again. Just this week the 2000 focus wagon ignition would not allow key to go in all the way. Went on line to determine how to fix myself, saw hundreds of complaints about same problem. *ak
ODI 10191609
Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated that it is difficult to insert the key into the ignition. Once inserted, it is difficult to turn the ignition. The mechanic stated that the ignition switch locked due to a manufacturer's defect. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage is 86,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.
ODI 10191586
Switch
Ignition key will not turn, cannot start car and stranded. Second occurrence after previously repairing same problem with a new lock cylinder from ford. *ak
ODI 10190444
Switch
2000 ford focus ignition switch failure. When key is inserted in ignition switch it fails to turn and car will not start. *tr
ODI 10189752
Switch
I parked my car and took the key out as usual. When i got back in a few minutes later and tried to start it the ignition cylinder was inexplicably seized up. This left me stranded, in a snow storm, several miles from my home late at night. In researching the problem i'm seeing it's a common problem for my model of vehicle. If i had been made aware of the problem, as an owner, i could have been aware of the…
ODI 10182837
Switch
Failure of ignition key to turn in ignition lock. Left me stranded. Called locksmith to have whole ignition drilled out and replaced. Locksmith informed me that ford motor company has issued a technical service bulletin about the problem but has refused to recall the defective part. *jb
ODI 10181669
Switch
My 2000 ford focus ignition switch failed and from what i am reading on the internet the ford focus is known for this issue, and i am letting ricart ford know that i will not pay in anyway for this defected part. If i have to i will get my lawyer involved. *jb
ODI 10181554
Switch
The ignition switch on my 2000 ford focus, tend to stick and you cannot remove the key without jerking hard on the key to remove . Now the key is stuck in the switch and will not turn on. It stranded me 5 miles from home. *nm
ODI 10181379
Switch
Was stranded with baby when unable to insert key into ignition and start vehicle (2000 ford focus) which locksmith tells me is common defect in this make and model. Ignition switch replaced with cost of $180. *jb
ODI 10179529
Switch
Key locking up in ignition. Car only has 50,000 miles. $500 repair bill plus towing charge and left me stranded in snow storm. *nm
ODI 10178849
Switch
1) i parked in a redzone to let my friend out of the vehicle and then i loaded something into my car. 2) i went to restart my vehicle and the ignition mechanism failed- couldn't insert the key properly and was unable to start the car. So it was late at night and i was unable to move my car to a safer location. Luckily i had aaa in addition to two generous friends who were able to help me with the cost- $265!!!…
ODI 10178145
Switch
There has been an ongoing problem with my ignition switch in my 2000 ford focus. The steering column seems to lock up on me and the key wont turn to unlock it. This problem has been ongoing for a while now. I know i am not the first person this has happen to. I just hope something can be done about this. Ford wants almost 400.00 dollars to fix this problem and it isn't even a guaranteed fix. I don't think this is…
ODI 10215579
Switch
The ignition switch locked in my 2000 ford focus, first the key did not go in all the way and when it did, the switch did no turn. The repaid costs 400.00. *nm
ODI 10177884
Switch
Ignition switch failure. Key will not turn when fully inserted in ignition switch. *nm
ODI 10177269
Switch
Ford focus 2000 ignition broke causing my key not to go in right and not to turn. I was forced to call a lock smith and have the lock replaced.
ODI 10176691
Switch
On numerous occasions while attempting to start my 2000 ford focus the key will not turn. Initially thinking it was a key issue i researched the internet to find numerous issues surrounding the 2000 ford focus and poor quality of the tumbler assembly leaving people stranded and/or keys stuck in the ignition. Ford has also issued a service bulletin to their dealers in regard to this issue. I contacted my local…
ODI 10177969
Switch
The car has 32000 miles after 6 years. In december 2006 the ignition failed catastrophically and without warning. I could not insert the key. I called the dealer and was told that the car would have to be towed and that my extended warranty had expired. I was able the restart the car, but it failed again on december 11, 2006, stranding me. I had the car towed and the mechanic informed me that this problem is common…
ODI 10178979
Switch
I own a 2000 ford focus and i am experiencing the ignition key lock. This is the second time this happen to this car, but there are numerous cases logged on the internet. Ford denied the problem and does not make itself responsible for this defective part. Texas is a big state with miles of empty road and if this problem happen while driving on theses road on a winter or a very hot summer a person can die. *nm
ODI 10175415
Switch
2000 focus wagon key doesn't turn in ignition this is the second time this has happened, which cost me money in time loss from work and having a locksmith come and fix it until i can get it to a dealership to repair it again!*jb
ODI 10172722
Switch
Ford focus 2000 steering wheel locked, at any given time. I spent 4 hours five different people trying to get this thing unlocked. This is a major problem, it has locked up on me more than 50 times. This needs to be fixed!!!! Recalled by ford asap.*jb
ODI 10172717
Switch
Like many people, my 2000 ford focus is having a problem with the ignition cylinder locking up. It's happened many times before but corrected itself after many tries. However, it locked up again this past saturday and has yet to unlock. *jb
ODI 10172715
Switch
Without premonitory warning or observed marginal behavior, ignition lock failed and key could not be inserted fully or turned to start engine. Key finally turned after a few minutes of re-trying, banging on steering column, etc. Loss: time spent retrying, and intangible anxiety concerning having to leave key in ignition over a weekend while investigating options for replacement during regular business hours to…
ODI 10172744
Switch
The ignition switch cylinder locked and i was unable to turn the switch or remove the key. Switch cylinder had to be replaced. I understand this is a recurring problem and has not been addressed by a ford recall.*jb
ODI 10172201