2000 Ford Focus Ignition Problems
- 536
- 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 536 stored complaint records:
- 7 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 4 indicate fire
- 2 indicate a death
What owners report
- Switch · 8 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 108 |
| 60–100k mi | 107 |
| 100–150k mi | 33 |
| 1–30k mi | 27 |
| 150–400k mi | 4 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Ignition
The ignition lock cylinder (where the key inserts/turns on the steering column) locked up on me without warning, stranding me where i last parked the car. No amount of lubrication or quick fixes helped. From what i have read, this seems to be a very common issue with the ford focus in that year range. I'm getting quotes from locksmiths in the $250 range. Luckily i wasn't stranded in a bad place! *tr
ODI 10706227
Electrical System · Ignition · Latch
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. While parked, the contact placed the key in the ignition and was unable to turn the key. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The technician stated that the ignition would have to be replaced. The contact also noticed the front driver?s door handle was loose and about to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.…
ODI 10463117
Ignition
I have been researching the issue and while it doesn't fit within the traditional constraints of a safety complaint, it is indeed a safety hazard. The ignition column of the 2000 ford focus will "lock" as i was told by the service representative at a ford dealership. Luckily, this happened to me in my driveway. However, if this were to happen to someone in a remote area, they would be stranded by a problem that they…
ODI 10435168
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated that while trying to start his vehicle the key would become stuck in the ignition and he would be unable to release the key. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the tumblers had collapsed and the ignition needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages…
ODI 10398139
Ignition
Oem ignition / tumbler mechanism locked up... Preventing me from starting vehicle. *tr
ODI 10356210
Equipment · Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
The key has gotten stuck in the ignition three time now. The first time we could not get the car started in a rough neighborhood, and had to leave it over night. The second time i had to remove the battery cable in order to shut the car off. This last time i also had to remove the battery cable to shut the car off. *tr
ODI 10348626
Ignition
Driving home from family vacation. Ignition key/lock failed not letting us start out car after stopping for a rest. Leaving us stranded three hours from home on a sunday night. Massive reports of this happening to the ford focus 2000-2003 but why haven't they recalled it? *tr
ODI 10342621
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
My year 2000 ford focus zx3 had been experiencing some ignition issues. I could put the key into the ignition, but it would not turn at all. This was especially the case if the wheel was locked. Usually after some jiggling of the key it would turn and i could start the car. The first time this happened was in august of 2004. It began to happen about twice a month. The dealership claims they are the only ones who can…
ODI 10340001
Anti-Theft Devices · Ignition
There are no indicators that the problem is about to occur. Key stuck in ignition of 2000 ford focus. Repaired once already. Problem occurring again. Ignition switch was replaced the first time after being stranded when the key would not turn in any direction. Initial repair bill was around $400. *tr
ODI 10332361
Ignition
I have a 2000 ford focus. In 2003 when it was still under warranty the ignition locked up and i couldn't turn the key. That happened at the ford dealership while getting other recalled parts replaced. Yesterday 5-25-10 at 9:00pm i returned to my car and the ignition was locked up and i couldn't turn the key. Ford refuses to cover it as defect even though there are numerous complaints and it left me stranded at night…
ODI 10332301
Ignition
I have owned a 2000 ford focus for over 9 years. I have had 3 ignitions installed in this vehicle and it is currently sitting at the mechanics awaiting a 4th. As a single woman, i feel this is a safety issue as i don't know where or when this ignition will lock up and leave me stranded. The key will not turn after inserted in the ignition. The steering wheel will lock if turned and towtruck must be called to move…
ODI 10328695
Ignition
2000 ford focus se wagon key gets stuck in the ignition switch and does not turn leaving the driver and/or passengers stranded. *tr
ODI 10327360
Ignition
The ignition key won't turn in the ignition. To start the car. Ford focus 2000. *tr
ODI 10317166
Ignition
I drive a 2000 ford focus. I was about to leave work after my shift and i was unable to turn the key to start my ford focus. I have heard that this issue is common with the focus and that ford has still not issued a recall or fixed the issue. As we speak, a locksmith is having to remove the ignition and replace it. It is going to cost me close to $300. I am fortunate that i was somewhere safe with cell phone…
ODI 10312731
Ignition
I am the owner of a 2000 ford focus zx3 my issue was that the key will not turn in car ignition and therefore i cannot start car. After researching this problem apparently it happens very often to owners of a ford focus and i'm lodging a complaint in the hopes that a recall will be made. *tr
ODI 10300411
Ignition · Latches/Locks/Linkages
I have a ford focus 2000 wagon with only 60,000 miles on it. Within the past three weeks i have had to have it towed because i can not turn the key in the ignition. I am now waiting for it to be towed to my mechanic to fix the ignition. Looking online i have seen numerous complaints about this problem and wonder why there has not been a recall for this ignition. *tr
ODI 10299819
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. He stated that upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn. The vehicle would not cut on and the key would not turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to his home. The dealer stated that he did not know the reason for the failure. No repairs were made to date. The current and failure mileages were under 160,000. Updated 02/03/10 *bf updated 02/11/10.*jb
ODI 10299502
Ignition
My daughter was away at college when her 2000 ford focus would not accept the key in the ignition. She was stranded with no way to get home. A mechanic at school worked on it for an hour and got the key in and suggested leaving it in permanently until it is fixed. We got the car home, took it to a ford dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder for over $400. They had the parts available because they service…
ODI 10297682
Ignition
With key in the ignition the key will not turn, thus the car will not start. We had to walk a mile home last night because the car wouldn't start. We have discovered it will be 150 to 250 to have a locksmith look at the problem and upwards of 450 for the dealership. It's the week before christmas and we are poor and can not afford 450 to replace a possible defect. *tr
ODI 10295828
Ignition
Ford focus ignition keylock will not turn. When inserting the key into the ignition the key will not turn at all. This is the second time this has happened to this 2000 ford focus se. This is a safety issue as it may strand a driver in an undesirable location or conditions. *tr
ODI 10294787
Ignition
2000 ford focus ignition is stuck in the locked position wont turn on. Stopped at a rest stop in the middle of the night in middle of now where and the temperature was in low 30's. Came back to car ignition would not turn locked up. No phone service in the area and no pay phones, had to wait until the next person to stop, since was not a holiday i had to wait till morning which was 41/[redacted] when a local…
ODI 10294189
Ignition
Yesterday afternoon my wife, daughter and i were on our way to my wife's sister house. Earlier that morning i went out and there was nothing wrong with it. I put the key in the ignition and tried to turn but it wouldn't turn. I tried turning 8 different times with 2 different original keys that came with car but still wouldn't turn. Finally on the 9th try it turned right on. We went her house for dinner but i had to…
ODI 10293151
Ignition
I have a 2000 ford focus and my key won't turn in the ignition. This is the second time this happens leaving me stranded. This is ridiculous, ford must take action! *tr
ODI 10292113
Ignition
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION AND GETS STUCK. *TR
ODI 10288621
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated that when inserting the key into the ignition, it will not turn to start the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 95000.
ODI 10284512
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2000 Ford Focus.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.