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
On two separate occasions the ignition switch would not turn, to allow the consumer to start the vehicle. Jb
ODI 10119071
Switch
My wife was driving the car and stopped to get a drink. When she got back into the car, the key would not go into the ignition. After i looked at it, the key went in a bit further, but was not enough to turn the ignition. The key still will not go in all the way or turn.*ak
ODI 10118132
Switch
Have a 2000 ford, focus se. Occasionally the cars ignition will lock up. Sometimes the ignition will turn and gauges, radio will work, but car will not start. It will not make any sounds, just does not start. Having difficulty even turning ignition switch. Been in shop several times, but dealer could not find any problems until 04-19-05 when the ignition tumbler needed to be replaced. Never have seen this before on…
ODI 10118122
Switch
Defective ignition switch cylinder, failed cylinders resulted from a sub standard manufactured cylinder which rapidly deteriorates with use and eventually fractures and jams. Ford is well aware that these fragile cylinders are made of sub standard materials and are breaking and jamming at an alarming rate. *ak
ODI 10118182
Switch
Ignition cylinder locked up. The keys won't turn in the ignition cylinder. Had to call the locksmith as per locksmith ,its a known issue with ford focus 2000/2001 models. Ignition cylinder replaced to fix the problem. Check this for similar issues: http://www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=1275
ODI 10116516
Switch
When starting the vehicle steering wheel would not unlock with the ignition key. Vehicle was towed. Dealership was notified. Consumer had the steering wheel lock repaired. *ak
ODI 10117605
Switch
When key is inserted in the ignition the key won't turn. Consumer took vehicle to dealer numerous times, and dealer fixed it, but problem recurred. *ak
ODI 10117476
Switch
Key won't full slide into the ignition lock cynlider. As a result can't start the car. It apears, one or more tumblers have fallen out of place. Auto has approximately 62,000 miles. When i had a lock smith look at the lock, i was informed that is was a fair common problem with the 2000-2002 ford focus model. *ak
ODI 10116313
Switch
After finishing work, i went out to my car and the key would not turn. I tried for an hour to get the key to turn but it never did. Since i am new to the area, and i do not know anyone, i ended up having the car towed to the ford dealership. They told me the ignition switch would have to be drilled out and replaced. I was billed $325. *nm
ODI 10154186
Switch
Ignition switch failure. Could not remove or turn key. Had to have cylinder replaced in both vehicles that we own. Quite costly and very inconvenient.
ODI 10127848
Switch
Ignition lock has failed for the second time, this time at approximately 65000 miles. I am without a car, and my wife is 36 weeks pregnant.*ak
ODI 10114267
Air Bags · Steering · Switch
Consumer would be unable to turn the key inside the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak consumer adds ignition is stuck when attempting to start vehicle. Both rear doors will not open due to vehicle not starting. Clock spring and steering lock assembly were replaced. *tt
ODI 10117817
Switch
Ignition key switch will sometimes fail to turn after the key is inserted. I have contacted the dealership and was informed that this is a problem with the focus. The service manager informed me that the problem will get progressively worse and that that he has had many people have to have their vehicle towed because of this. He also said that ford is aware of the issue but is not repairing them and that it is a…
ODI 10114213
Switch
Consumer is unable to remove key from ignition without excessive force being used, regardless of length of time vehicle is driven . Dealership removed the ignition chamber, inspected it, but found no problem. Also, they have lubricated it. The problem recurred. *ak
ODI 10117361
Electrical · Switch
Ignition switch failure 3 times at mileages 41097, 60405, 75504. Vehicle had to be towed each time. Ignition switch was drilled out and replaced each time. Ignition switch bound up and would not turn with key inserted. *ak
ODI 10114363
Switch
The failure accurred in the ignition switch, the key would not go into the ignition switch thus not allowing us to start the car it had to be towed home. *ak
ODI 10114046
Switch
The ignition tumbler failed. From what i have been able to ascertain, this is a common problem that ford has known about and has chosen not to issue a recall. The fact that vehicle has been recalled almost 12 times should indicate that there is massive engineering and design problems with this car.*ak
ODI 10113895
Switch
I have a 2000 ford focus zts. The ignition lock cylinder failed. After driving the car in the morning and parking it in a parking spot i came out and was unable to insert my key in the ignition. I was unable to insert the key into the ignition and the steering wheel was frozen in place. After trying repeatedly to get the key in or jiggle the steering wheel i had to have the car towed. I needed a new steering column,…
ODI 10112462
Switch
Turning the key became progressively harder, and finally the cylinder locked completely. This should be a recall, it cost me $450.
ODI 10112313
Switch
I could not insert my key more than half way into the ignition to start my 2000 ford focus zx3. I had it towed through ford to a dealership and expected the ignition problem to be fully covered under warranty (i had nothing to do with its failure).the dealership told me that it was not covered under my extended warranty and it would cost $585 to replace the ignition and re-key the car. This seems to be a very common…
ODI 10112066
Switch
I bought the a 2000 ford focus car in july 2004. It is today (feb 2005) the ignition has locked up on me. The key will go in but the key will no turn. The key ding signal works and every thing. I have read many consumer complaints from autotalk.com about the same exact problem and it is the igntion cylinder is the problem and the problem keeps reacurring every year. *ak
ODI 10110540
Switch
I stopped in at a local restaurant and got a bite to eat. When i returned to my car i proceeded to put the key into the ignition but it jammed. I flipped the key and tried again and no luck. I then gave the key a good push and got the key in but it would not turn over. I called a local locksmith and told me it was a common failure on ford focus. I then took the car to a local ford dealership and got charged $450 to…
ODI 10110528
Switch
Electrical system: ignition switch. My complaint is exactly the same as 10100616. A failed ignition switch that would not turn. Corrected by drilling out cylinder, and replacing. Certified lock smith price was $298.00. The local ford dealer quoted price was $400.00 lock smith said they have 1 - 2 of these with the focus every week.*jb
ODI 10110048
Switch
When attempting to start the vehicle the ignition locked. As a result, the vehicle was unable to start, and had to be towed to dealership for repair. *ak
ODI 10111040
Switch
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. *AK
ODI 10110241