2001 Ford Focus Switch Problems
- 129
- 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 129 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- ignition switch · 70 records
- steering wheel · 20 records
- turn ignition · 20 records
- ignition cylinder · 18 records
- same problem · 13 records
- replace ignition · 12 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 39 |
| 60–100k mi | 28 |
| 1–30k mi | 10 |
| 100–150k mi | 7 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Switch
Problems with the ignition switch - multiple times - finally had locksmith change the ignition. *nm
ODI 10161154
Switch
Dt*: the contact stated upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the ignition switch was replaced. Three years later, the same problem occurred, the ignition switch is being replaced by the dealership.
ODI 10159848
Switch
At first, key would go into ignition all the way, but would not turn at all. Would have to take key out, put back in, etc until finally it would turn. Today the same thing happened, except then it wouldn't go in at all. It took 10 minutes of jiggling it around for it to go in; now, to get the key in i have to be very careful and mess around with it until it goes in. Talked to mechanic and ford dealership - must…
ODI 10151741
Steering · Switch
We bought our daughter a 2001 ford focus. All the reviews stated that the car was a good, economical, safe car. We purchased the car used in 2004. Since the purchase her steering and ignition system has locked up on her twice. After reading many sites it sounds like this is a common problem with ford focus. This is an economical car that many parents are relying on to get their college aged children to and from…
ODI 10151367
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Switch
Ignition not turning on 2001 ford focus. I have read a message board that this has been happening a lot with this type of vehicle. Also, brakes have been a constant problem. I have been a loyal ford buyer but am considering changing to a different make. *nm
ODI 10151070
Switch
2001 ford focus. Insert key but ignition will not turn. Apparently a very common problem and ford needs to do a recall!*jb
ODI 10149697
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Engine · Switch
Brakes had to be replaced at less than 24,000 miles; continues grinding and squeaking continue even following brake replacement and turning of rotors; at have replaced all four tires two times, with less than 20,000 miles on each set of tires; ignition switch malfunctioned - i could get the key into the ignition, but it would not rotate; now at only 41,000 miles, the engine attempts to stall in idle - the whole car…
ODI 10148857
Switch
Ignition cylinder lock up- i do not know what led to the lock up. A few days before this happened my emission light came on and then went out a few days later. I know several people have had the same problem with the ignition cylinder lock up... Please recall and fix the problem. *jb
ODI 10148179
Switch
I bought my car new and only have about 20,000 miles on it (i live in the city and i don't drive that much). Over the last 2 weeks, the ignition switch on my 2001 focus is starting to fail. I am very concerned about this and after reading all the problems on the internet am wondering why no one has filed a lawsuit or why ford isn't issuing a recall. I'm not looking forward to shelling out $300+ to fix their problem.…
ODI 10146115
Switch
My 2001 ford focus is experiencing a problem with the ignition switch locking up. The key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked. This is not the first time it has happened, however, it is the first time i have not been able to correct the problem with a little coaxing. The first time it happened i took the car to the ford dealership and was told that i would have to pay $300 and that he has at least 2 of…
ODI 10145546
Switch
Key would not turn in ignition switch; dealer had to replace ignition switch because the tumblers were worn out; the car is only 4 yrs old and has 39k miles! Dealer refused to cover charges. *jb
ODI 10143139
Switch
The ignition on my 2001 ford focus broke. I'm still waiting for the dealership to pick it up. Upon researching this further, it seems as though this is a common problem. What's the deal?!? *nm
ODI 10142801
Switch
We have read several articles concerning the ford focus 2000 and an apparent defective ignition switch cylinder. The internet is full of disgruntled focus owners who have suffered the inconvenience associated with in some cases multiple failures of the ignition switch which often times left them stranded and facing large towing and repair charges. Since a family member had recently experienced the same problem i…
ODI 10142441
Switch
The ignition switch failed which caused my daughter to abandon her car in an unauthorized parking lot at her university campus for which she was ticketed. We had to have the car, a 2001 ford focus, towed to the dealership. Upon investigation, which was confirmed by the dealer, this issue is rampant with this car. The key will not turn and therefore the car is stuck in park and inoperable. The dealer suggested that…
ODI 10142431
Switch
The ignition is locked up in my 2001 ford focus. After searching online for possible remedies, i have found thousands of complaints regarding the ignition switches on my model car dating back for the last five years. The standard rate for these repairs seems to be in the neighborhood of $350 which to someone driving a low cost vehicle like the focus is a lot of money. I would like to know why this admitted problem…
ODI 10141330
Switch
Key started getting hard to insert into ignition switch. Key wouldn't turn over several times before, but always managed to wiggle it to get it started. It finally failed completely resulting in a missed doctor's appointment for my 69 year old mother. Matthews ford in asheville, nc says that this happens often and they replace them all the time. Will cost at least $250 to get the ignition switch replaced and more…
ODI 10140513
Switch
Ignition switch cylinder in 2001 ford focus is completely frozen. The car is unable to be started with any keys. This has left me stranded. I have noted many instances, via research, of this happening with focus', and am deeply disturbed that ford has not done anything to rectify the situation. *nm
ODI 10139684
Anti-Theft Devices · Switch
The ignition switch does not permit the car to start. The switch (xs4z-11582-ac cvr asy aux fl) has been replaced twice, once at 41,407 miles and again at 57,834 miles. The dealer and aaa provided a temporary remedy to the stranded driver, which is "with the key in the ignition, hit it hard with a hammer to engage the ignition assembly." aaa keeps spare ford focus ignition switches in its emergency service support…
ODI 10137070
Switch
FROZEN IGNITION LOCK. *NM
ODI 10165203
Switch
2001 ford focus sedan, 21,000 miles. Ignition switch completely failed around 1.5 years ago and was replaced under warranty. Now has completely failed again and will require complete replacement. Dangerous!!! This is my daughter's car, purchased new to provide her safe transportation, and cannot count on it even to start reliably for her. *nm
ODI 10130727
Switch
I went out to my 2001 ford focus zx3 and tried to start it up and the key wouldn't turn. The ignition switch would not unlock. In calling peffley ford dealership they informed me that it would cost over three hundred dollars to fix. I have had other cars for years and never had such a problem, but on looking on the internet it seems to be a common and most frequent problem with ford focuses. Could you please look…
ODI 10130615
Switch
Dt: the ignition switch will not turn with the key in. Caller said it was sticking but to it would not turn at all. Up until however, she could force it and it would work, this time she could not get the key to turn. She had the problem for about a month. It started without warning and kept getting worse until 08/26/2005. When she tried to start the vehicle it would not turn. Dealer and manufacturer have not been…
ODI 10134291
Switch
The ignition has gone out on my 2001 ford focus. I would normally just replace it and move on but when searching for a new part on the internet i found numerous complaints about the exact same problem i am having. In all cases people have been told this is a known problem by ford and they choose to ignore it. I am now scared to drive my car one it is fixed in case i encounter more problems.
ODI 10129770
Switch
2001 FORD FOCUS, IGNITION AND STERRING WHEEL LOCK UP
ODI 10129524
Switch
Two nights ago, at a parking garage in a local mall, when trying to leave, i was unable to start my car. I could insert the key in the ignition, but it would not move. It was as if the steering wheel was locked up. I also noticed that my key was worn down a bit, so i figured maybe the key was not "clicking" properly with the ignition. I had my car towed to my apartment building and attempted to use my spare key to…
ODI 10129264