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
I own 2 ford focus cars. Each has had the iginition switch lock up. Ignition key could not be inserted without force and even then could not be turned to unlock steering wheel or provide power. Starting engine was not possible. Vehicle had to be towed using car jacks .... A towing surcharge. This defect is not considered a warranty item and cost was several hundered dollars to repair.*ak
ODI 10100241
Switch
Consumer was concerned that the ignition switch had to be replaced twice within 19,000 miles. This caused the ignition switch to lock up and unable to turn the engine on. Both times the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.*ak
ODI 10106926
Switch
I have a 2000 ford focus. Early this year there was an issue with the ignition, not that it wouldn't start, but that i could only get the key halfway into the locking mechanism in the ignition itself. I missed work that day because of not being able to start my own car. Called the locksmith and he told me that was his third case in two weeks--same car, about the same year. He fixed it but said that if it happened…
ODI 10100144
Switch
On occasion for several months prior to the failure, the key was difficult to insert into the ignition switch. Then one night the key simply would not turn in the ignition and was difficult to remove. I was unable to start the car and had to have it towed to a repair shop. They replaced the entire ignition switch. They indicated that this is a problem they have seen frequently in these cars. I also have a friend…
ODI 10110086
Switch
The keys failed to turn in the ignition, and was unable to start vehicle. Dealership will be notified.*ak
ODI 10099764
Switch
My ignition suddenly jammed, not accepting my key without considerable playing. Even after getting the key in, it then wouldn't come out without jiggling and force. After lubricating the lock i can get the key in but the ignition will no longer turn, which left me stranded. I have since learned that this is a common problem on the 2000 ford focus due to poor design of the ignition. I have remove the tumblers from…
ODI 10098062
Switch
I have a 2000 ford focus zx3 which i bought new. I have had to replace the ignition twice and this morning the ignition failed again. This vehicle is no longer under warranty and i last replaced the ignition nine monthes ago. The car has also started to stall when there is a quarter tank of gas or left in the tank. It runs rough at stop lights, then will start sputtering and then stall out. Just before it completely…
ODI 10096343
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Switch
The ignition lock cylinder failed in my 2000 ford focus zx3, leading to inability to start the car. Apparently this is a widely known but unacknowledged issue with the focus line. *ak events leading up to the failure: normal use of the ignition to start and stop the car. Failure: the tumblers in the ignition switch broke or jammed such that i was unable to insert my ignition key more than 50% into the ignition…
ODI 10096232
Switch
My 2000 ford focus has had the ignition switch replaced twice alredy because the key gets stuck in the switch and the car cannot be turned off. It happened again today, this is a problem that has been experienced by thousands of focus pwners as evidenced by the many automotive forums that i have visited looking for info on this problem. Ford needs to recall these vehicles and correct this problem.*ak
ODI 10095945
Switch
I have had my 2000 ford focus without many problems. I just arrived at my destination, turned off my car, and then tried to turn the car on again and could not get the key in the ignition. The wheel was also locked. I had the car towed to a ford dealership. They said that they would have to replace the ignition switch and it would cost $375. *jb
ODI 10095864
Ignition · Switch
Parked my 2000 ford focus, and went to a meeting. When i came back out, my key would only go half-way into the ignition. After talking with the aaa tow guy, and ford service guy, this seems to be a rather common occurance with the ford focus. I understand that it has bad tumblers. Am currently researching to see what others have done to fix the problem, have had it towed to a garage. *ak
ODI 10095979
Control Module · Ignition · Switch
Ignition cylinder failed and was replaced. This is the third replacement of the ignition cylinder for this vehicle in a 36 month period. Even after the second replacement the cylinder "catches" when attempting to start the vehicle. The dealership claimed to find no problem when returned for correction. This latest failure fortunately occurred in a parking lot and not on the street. Failures have now occurred at…
ODI 10095943
Switch
1st incident:steering wheel locked and the key would not turn , the car was towed . And the ignition switch was completely replaced. 6 months later (today), the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. After 3 hours of poking and prodding , my brother finally got it released. 2n incident: while driving on a busy road , the car seemed to stall while driving , it wa sort of sputtering , then it was going in…
ODI 10095887
Switch
2000 ford focus ignition key will not turn, steering column and ignition switch froze. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle due to faulty design. Reference: http://www.automotiveforums.com/t158426.html ford should recall and replace ignition switches as i can no longer trust this vehicle to be reliable enough to transport my wife and daughter safely. *nm
ODI 10095585
Switch
The consumer is unable to take the key out of the ignition switch intermittently. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information. *nm
ODI 10108613
Switch
Vehicle was unable to start when the consumer put the key into the ignition switch. Consumer was concerned because this could be dangerous if there was an emergency , and vehicle was unable to start.*ak
ODI 10115731
Switch
2000 ford focus zx3. I'm having a problem with the steering wheel locking up and the ignition key won't turn. Had to tow it to the dealer to change the ignition cylinder.*ak
ODI 10093651
Switch
Ignition key cylinder. Keys either ware out or cylinder goes bad first.. Time cylinder had to be replaced in march of 2004. This time october 4. 2004 dealer said key was worn out i have two keys the spare is almost new and that one would not work either dealer did not have answer to that one. Is this a common problem with 2000 ford focus if so i need some kind of proof to show dealer to get my money back. Please…
ODI 10093589
Switch
Ignition locked up in june, 2003 and again september, 2004. Both times, the ignition had to be drilled out, a replacement ignition switched installed, the car had to be rekeyed. When ignition locked, unable to turn key. Car was in park both times incident occurred.*ak
ODI 10093301
Switch
Consumer stated ignition locked. As a result, consumer was not able to turn the vehicle off. *ak
ODI 10094691
Switch
Ignition assembly failed. The car was parked and left to sit for a couple of hours. Upon return, the key could not be fully inserted into the ignition. My 3-year-old son and i were stranded. Car had to be towed about 7 miles to the dealer. Dealer replaced the ignition assembly at a cost of about $348. The old part is not available. *tr
ODI 10199886
Switch
The consumer placed the key inside of the ignition switch, but the switch failed to turn. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the ignition switch needed replacement. Please fill in additional information. *jb
ODI 10092368
Switch
Ignition switch failure. Key would not turn in the ignition switch. *jb
ODI 10091104
Switch
The ingition cylinder of my 2000 ford focus completely locked up. Ford has done nothing to compensate for the cost incurred during repair. This is a highly documented defect and should be covered by a recall.
ODI 10090983
Switch
My ignition cylinder locks, i.e. I put the key in the ignition and it will not turn. I had the ignition cylinder replaced 9 months ago. Now the same problem has occurred. Cannot start my car.*ak
ODI 10090878