2000 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- 49
- 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 49 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- Column · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 8 |
| 60–100k mi | 7 |
| 30–60k mi | 6 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body · Engine · Steering
Key wont go into ignition, wheel locked up, have to get locksmith to fix...barely affordable. *tr
ODI 10638840
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning while driving on the highway. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 132,000.
ODI 10454676
Steering
Steering column locked up and will not allow key to turn in ignition, cannot get steering column to unlock no matter what is done. *tr
ODI 10436102
Steering
I was on my way to work when thankfully i decided to stop at the gas station and get gas. As i was getting out of my car i lightly tapped the steering wheel and it popped off. I freaked out and looked at was happened all my steering wheel was hanging by was the wires to my horn and airbag. I had to get it towed back to my house. I called ford headquarters and took it to the dealership and asked if they could fix it…
ODI 10436434
Electrical System · Steering
The ignition on my 2000 ford focus is defective in that the key does not go all the way into the ignition. This problem appears to be systemic with the focus. The car is stranded in the path of oncoming cars and presents a danger to the public. Systemic issues across a large span of vin numbers present a safety issue and a general public nuisance. Cars are stranded in intersections and places of business because of…
ODI 10432279
Electrical System · Steering
I have a 2000 ford focus. Without warning, the key could not be inserted into the ignition and rendered the vehicle useless this evening. It appears ford knows about this very common failure according to many owners (via online forums) with the same issue. Ford doesn't consider it a safety issue and hence not recall worthy. Consider this, when the failure occurred to my wife this evening after work, it was 6 degrees…
ODI 10374684
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the front end of the vehicle began shaking severely. The contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle as a tire blew and the contact barely missed crashing into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the tire and hub bearing. The repair did not correct the failure and the vehicle would continue to wobble…
ODI 10390063
Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. While stopped at a traffic light the contact noticed that the steering wheel had suddenly locked without warning and could not be moved in any direction, the contact also noticed that the key would not release from the ignition. Seconds later, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition and restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle the contact noticed that…
ODI 10349178
Steering
The key will not turn in the ignition for no reason, steering wheel is locked and unable to turn key on a 2000 ford focus. *tr
ODI 10281783
Steering
Key will not turn in ignition. Apparently, this is a known defect with ford focus models from the year 2000. There is nothing that precipitates the problem- it just doesn't work all of a sudden. Luckily, the car was parked at my office building- but it could have happened anywhere. I called a locksmith and he came and replaced the ignition. He said that there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. *tr
ODI 10266506
Electrical System · Steering
Faulty ignition switch. The same major problem everyone else is having with the ford focuses. Ignition cylinder locked up on me without warning. Stopped to get gas and when i went to put key back into ignition it wouldn't even go in at first. I though i was in the wrong car. Finally forced key in ignition. It took me a long time but i fortunately was able to finally jiggle it free and get engine started. First…
ODI 10258506
Steering
The steering column locked. Dealer says the tumbler lock fell apart so a new lock and keys are necessary. Mid 400 dollar cost. *tr
ODI 10257802
Equipment · Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Steering
2000 ford focus ignition cylinder failed twice in 4yrs. This last time i was stranded in the cold, by myself at 1am. Missing work, spending money on tows, parts and labor adds up. Not to mention the danger involved with being stranded, all because your key wont turn. *tr
ODI 10254360
Steering
This incident is not all too tragic, no injuries or deaths. My 2000 ford focus hatchback has a steering wheel lock problem. A horribly common problem. It's based on a design flaw that the ford motor company has done nothing to rectify and are now looking for a tax payer funded bailout from congress. This problem has become costly for many and in virtually all cases i've heard, repairs haven't worked. Please help us.…
ODI 10249609
Steering
Last night i drove my car to work just fine and this morning when i tried to start my car my ignition wouldn't turn and the break and shifter felt like it locked up! It was just fine until this morning and i hear it is a common thing! *tr
ODI 10246725
Steering
The ignition locked up on my wife's ford focus for the umpteenth time and had to be replaced due to the tumblers and other parts breaking. This is the second ignition that we have had to replace since we bought the car in 2000. *tr
ODI 10229820
Ignition · Steering
Ignition locks up and key will not turn. The steering column is locked. *tr
ODI 10225984
Ignition · Steering
I parked my car one night in a parking lot. The car was parked for less than 10 minutes. When i came back my steering wheel was locked and i could not turn the ignition to start the car. The lights and radio work so the battery is not dead. Two aaa roadside workers tried to turn the ignition and it did not work. *tr
ODI 10216824
Steering
When steering to the right the steering catches then suddenly releases resulting in temporary loss of control. I have spoken with the local ford service department about this issue and they told me it was nothing to worry about but may have something to do with the power steering. *jb
ODI 10145547
Steering
My key won't turn in the ignition. Therefore i had to pay $140 to tow my car back home. I researched the problem and i see that there are thousands of the same complaints all over the internet with the same make and model of my vehicle. 2000 ford focus. I haven't taken it to the dealership yet, because it is not under warranty anymore, and according to the stories that i have read, they will not do anything about…
ODI 10139227
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
Power Train · Steering
The vehicle's steering wheel came off twice while driving. *nm campaign id number : 02v289000. The consumer stated that she was almost killed three times while driving this vehicle. Transmission failed three times. The vehicle had been in an accident and the information was not given at time of purchase. *tc
ODI 10101449
Column · Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. While driving 35 mph, the contact could physically move the steering column up and down through the steering wheel. The steering wheel was loose and was tightened at an independent mechanic's shop. Most recently, the contact discovered that the steering column needed to be replaced. The ford dealer was unable to find any failures, but an independent auto shop performed a…
ODI 10225739
Steering
I have a 2000 ford focus and my steering column locked up in december of 2002. I took it to a ford dealership and they replaced the ignition. I have been having on and off problems with my steering wheel locking and the key not turning to unlock it. Luckily before february 16, 2004 i was able to keep trying and finally unlock it. It is now locked again and the same ford dealership is saying that i will have to pay…
ODI 10058315
Steering
THE VEHICLES STEERING FAILED. *NLM
ODI 10020083