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
2000 FORD FOCUS; IGNITION CYLINDER FAILURE. *NM
ODI 10171881
Switch
(1) normal operation of vehicle - no indications of problems or issues (2) ignition cylinder failure causing inability to start vehicle and inability to operate steering mechanisms to direct vehicle to a location outside of traffic flow. Vehicle was left stranded and unable to start in a relatively safe location, however, if failure had occurred while vehicle was in right of way (if engine had been turned off to…
ODI 10171090
Switch
2000 ford focus se ignition switch failure. Key will not turn in ignition, becomes locked up and car will never start. I have to leave a key in ignition constantly so that i can drive it and not be stranded. Single mother of 2 children who would prefer to have a safe car. *nm
ODI 10170826
Switch
I purchased a 2000 ford focus se new in 2000. Since then i have been minimally satisfied with its performance despite a string of recalls. This week, i went to start my car and the ignition lock seized. I tried to turn it multiple times, bumping the steering wheel to release the lock, and eventually the key broke off in the ignition. I had to tow the car to a dealer, who could not get the lock cylinder removed…
ODI 10170837
Switch
I have had my 2000 ford focus for 1 year, purchased used from a dealer. It had 60,000 miles on it. Although i realize that it's an older car it's in great shape. I'm now having ignition lock-up problems, like so many other focus owners i know. It's sitting in my driveway, and i'm going to have to have it towed because there's no other recourse. The key won't go all the way in for any of my keys, and the steering…
ODI 10169911
Switch
2000 ford focus ignition switch problem (~48,000 miles). For the 2nd time since we purchased the car, the ignition switch has failed. The first time it failed, we could not turn the key to start the car and could not remove the key. This time when it failed, the switch froze in the on position, and we were not able to shut the car off. Since it is an automatic transmission, we were not even able to "kill" the…
ODI 10168667
Switch
My 2000 ford focus has repeated episodes of ignition key being unable to turn in the switch and occasionally not able to insert key into switch. I have had the tumbler assembly replaced and after eight months the new unit has failed. *jb
ODI 10168578
Switch
Hello, we have a 2000 ford focus, and have had the lock cylinder freeze up for the second time in two years. Ford says this is a defect, yet there is no recall. Looking on the internet, there are many, buyers who are experiencing the same problem. Shouldn't ford be forced to recall a defective product? I am not sure i have the correct agency, so please tell me who i would need to contact if not. If so, what can we…
ODI 10167275
Switch
My 2000 ford focus has less than 26,000 miles on the clock and the ignition lock has jammed and had to be replaced twice. Second time was after warranty expired. Aaa certified locksmith told me he replaces hundreds of these locks a year, because ford is still using the same defective oem lock made in germany by huf. Locksmith installed a strattec #707592 which he said is very reliable and in fact oem equipment on…
ODI 10175150
Switch
The ignition switch on my 2000 ford focus locked up this week, preventing me from turning the key. I could insert the key into the ignition, but it refused to turn. After trying for the better part of an hour, i had to have it towed to the ford dealership. Ford put in a new ignition the following day, which is a completely different mechanism from the previous one. This leads me to believe they found the original…
ODI 10165318
Switch
The ignition switch on my 2000 ford focus is periodically locking up. I've had it happen where you put the key in and it won't turn. Tonight, the key wouldn't even go in all the way, it would only take about 1/3 of the key and no more. It eventually took the key after about a half hour of trying. This seems to be a common complaint, but one that ford so far has refused to issue a recall on. *jb
ODI 10164871
Switch
Ignition switch on 2000 ford focus locked up, almost $600 to replace. *jb
ODI 10164605
Switch
Toward the end of july, 2006, i started having difficulty being able to turn my key in the ignition. I would have to jiggle it a little for it to turn. On august 1st my key would not turn at all and have not been able to drive my car since. *nm
ODI 10164512
Switch
2000 ford focus zts and the ignition cylinder has locked up 4 different times in the last 3 weeks. *jb
ODI 10164924
Column · Switch
Steering column locked, key will not turn in ignition. *jb
ODI 10164150
Switch
I have had to replace my ignition switch twice in the last year and a half. And now it has stopped working again. I think ford should resolve this issue at no cost to the consumer. The cost of repairs is approaching $900. *jb
ODI 10164179
Switch
My 2000 ford focus zx3 ignition has locked up, and i'm unable to turn my key at all to get it started. Another focus nightmare. My car has been giving me problems since day one. I have lord knows how many recalls, and i still have problems that should have been recalled and haven't been. I can't take this anymore. No one has money to waste on a new car that gives them problems. What's the purpose of the purchase?…
ODI 10162970
Switch
For the second time, we have had to replace the ignition switch in our 2000 ford focus. I was under the impression that ford made quality cars. Evidently this is not the case. *nm
ODI 10162978
Switch
My 2000 ford focus zx3 ignition is failing, as have many others from the research i've done. The same component is fitted into my wife's mazda tribute which also failed on her. Ford should issue a recall on this very poor quality item. *nm
1 injury
ODI 10162893
Switch
Ignition cylinder locked solid. Car could not be started. *nm
ODI 10162751
Switch
While placing the key in the ignition switch vehicle locked up. Consumer tried to restart the vehicle, but was not able to restart it. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. Consumer informed mechanic that ignition switch had been replaced twice. *ak the vehicle was involved in an accident, no other information was provided in the police report. Updated. *jb
Crash reported
ODI 10066836
Switch
The key will go into the ignition but will not turn. The steering wheel will not unlock itself. I've been trying for an hour and am getting really fed up. *jb
ODI 10161969
Switch
I have a 2000 ford focus which has needed the ignition switch changed three times in 60,000 miles. *jb
ODI 10161659
Switch
My car's ignition switch went on me first at a grocery store, stranding me. After walking across the busy street to the ford dealership, as soon as i told them the make of the car they knew exactly what the problem was. I got the car to start by tapping the key while in the ignition (only a temporary solution). Soon after my car ignition, luckily this time in the safety of my own driveway, went out completely. I had…
ODI 10161864
Switch
Dt*: the contact stated after parking the vehicle the ignition failed to release the key. There were no previous problems with the ignition. Upon inspection the dealership determined the ignition switch needed to be replaced.
ODI 10159936