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
Approx. On may 10th, when putting the key in the ignition of my car, it would not turn. It took many tries of wiggling the key back and forth, attempting to turn the locked steering wheel some small degree to get the key to actually turn over in the ignition switch and allow me to start my car. This problem became progressively worse to the point that i have had to leave my spare key in the ignition and cover my…
ODI 10125217
Fuel Pump · Seat Belts · Switch
Contact stated: when the key was put in the ignition the key became stuck. The car was at the ford dealer. And had not been repaired. Ford told the consumer that the steering column may have been damaged. In addition, ford was replacing the fuel pump and seat belt.*ak
ODI 10118841
Switch
My 2001 ford focus ignition locked up, i left work and could not get the key in to start it. After some research i have found out that it happens to a ton of ford focuses, maybe you could get a recall on this because it is costly to fix and keeps going bad. *ak
ODI 10114529
Switch
Ignition lock on 2001 ford focus has failed three times causing expensive repair bills. Ford calls this a "known malfunction" but will not recall the part.*ak
ODI 10114358
Switch
I have a 2001 ford focus, bought new from the dealership and within the last year i have had to replace the ignition cylinder three times. In each of these instances i have had to miss class because my key will not turn and start my car. At first, i thought the steering wheel was locked, but then i realized that the key does not turn at all. On each occasion i have had my car towed to the dealership and they replace…
ODI 10114250
Switch
Key will not turn in ignition. Steering column locked. Sudden failure. No action taken yet. *ak
ODI 10112399
Switch
The ignition tumbler broke inside. Key wouldn't go in at all. *ak
ODI 10114542
Switch
The driver placed the key inside of the ignition the steering wheel would not move on it on and the vehicle would not start. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the ignition switch needed replacement. Please provide additional information. *nm
ODI 10111751
Switch
Ignition lock-up. First time major disaster with independent mechanic and dealership costing me $1055.26 just because the key cylinder/key would not work. Second time it locked up, 14 months later, still cost me over $500.00 for fix and new keys at dealership. *jb
ODI 10168779
Switch
The ignition switch is not turning when the key is inserted, preventing the vehicle from turning on. Manufacturer was informed by owner.*ak
ODI 10111217
Switch
I have a 2001 ford focus and my ignition has locked up for the 3rd time. I have found numerous other owners of this exact type of vehicle who have experienced the exact same problem. This is absurd. If this problem is so common then ford needs to take responsiblity for their poor manufacturing and issue a recall. I have spent $1000 since november 2004 in repairs to this car. I need to get rid of it, but i owe to…
ODI 10108400
Switch
Consumer stated that the ignition switch locked without warning. As a result, the key will not turn . *ak
ODI 10109123
Switch
The consumer is experiencing a problem with the ignition. The ignition cylinder was frozen. The key will not turn to start the vehicle. Provide further details. *jb
ODI 10107478
Switch
Key got stuck in ignition and could not be removed unless consumer jiggled it around or took it to the dealer, who removed the key, but had not fixed the problem. Took vehicle to the dealer multiple times since being purchased for the same problem.*ak
ODI 10115405
Switch
Dt: the ignition switch locked and will not move. This problem has been occurring off and on since the vehicle was purchased. The problem first started on 12-23-04. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership they did nothing to change the vehicle. They told him that they were unable to find the cause of the problem. *ak *mr
ODI 10135703
Switch
I have a 2001 ford focus and the ignition switched locked on me and costs 500.00 at the dealership to get it fixed. I also have a ford taurus and the same thing happened but a rep at the dealership recommended that instead of having them to fix it to buy the part (which was about 70.00) and have someone elso to put it in. This cost about 120.00 in total. Also i had a wreck in the ford focos and it so happens that my…
ODI 10126145
Anti-Theft Device · Sensor/Control Module · Switch
Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. The ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. Vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.*ak
ODI 10101722
Ignition · Switch
I put the key in the ignition of my 2001 ford focus and it wouldn't turn. The steering column/ wheel is locked up.*ak
ODI 10100041
Switch
The ignition has locked continuously on my 2001 ford focus. The key will not turn and the steering wheel is completely locked. I understand this is a persistent problem with many vehicles, there is a design problem, yet there has not been a recall. Something needs to be done!!!!!*ak
ODI 10100037
Switch
My ignition key often sticks in the ignition and can not be removed. This is a very common problem and ford knows all about it. They will only replace it with the same defective piece of junk. It makes the cars unsafe as they sometimes lock the column and sometimes make it impossible to restart the car in unsafe locations, such as high crime areas or adjacent to interstate highways. It makes the cars vulnerable to…
ODI 10168115
Switch
Became harder and harder to get ignition cylinder to work properly. It would lock and take half an hour or more to get it to start. Had to replace ignition switch and cylinder; required a locksmith, a mechanic and $222. *jb
ODI 10109969
Switch
Stranded in parking lot when key wouold not turn the ignition. Had to get toed to dealer to get fixed. Haven't got it fixed yet because it just happened today and i found all the other complaintes here. I am wondering why there is no recall because it is a serious failure. I was lucky and had a phone handy and if it had been my wife, something terrible could have happend and we may not had any way to get there.*ak
ODI 10096541
Switch
The ignition swith lock has seized. This makes it impossible to turn the ignition to start the car. *ak
ODI 10096365
Switch
Ignition switch locked up and i cannot start the car because the key wont turn this is the second time it has done this i was lucky the first time it came loose and allowed the car to start
ODI 10096115
Switch
Unsure of exact date- ignition switch has gone out three times car has to been towed away all three times. Prestige ford mechanic says it is how the part is made wont cover after 36,000 miles because it is electrical. Dealership admits is recurring after warranty defect but ford company will not take responsibilty for bad part. *ak
ODI 10104814