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
2001 ford focus ignition lock cylinder will not turn. This has happened numerous times. It failed last year, and left my wife stranded. It then worked perfectly. About a year later, it failed again. I now have to beat the key into the cylinder to get it to start.*ak
ODI 10095950
Switch
I tried to start my car (2001 ford focus) and the key wouldn't turn at all in the iginition. I spent the better part of 2 hours trying to get it to turn and it didn't. I ended up having to have my car towed - and have been told that it is my lock cylinder that is shot and needs to be replaced. It can't be replaced without tearing half my dash/steering column apart.*ak
ODI 10098864
Switch
While placing the key inside the ignition switch vehicle failed to start. When the key was removed from the ignition switch a loud noise was heard coming from the ignition. Consumer contacted a lock smith, and also will contact the dealer in the morning. *ak
ODI 10095460
Switch
About 3 months ago my key started to get stuck in the ignition. I drive a 2001 ford focus. It seems to do it every other day or so. I couldn't lock my doors, and was afraid that someone would steal something. Now every time i drive my car i bring two sets of keys with me, so that i can lock the doors. However, having keys stuck in the ignition is asking for someone to break into my car. I have looked into this…
ODI 10105941
Switch · Vehicle Speed Control
When attempting to brake, the consumer down shifted and the safety ignition switch malfunctioned and was caught under the clutch, causing the relay to slow down. The consumer pulled the emergency brake to stop the lurching, but it was too late and the consumer scraped another vehicle in a parking lot. *ak *sc
Crash reported
ODI 10094525
Switch
2001 ford focus - steering wheel locked & key won't turn. *ak
ODI 10091090
Switch
Ignition switch locked.as a result, key was unable to turn the switch in order to start the vehicle. *ak
ODI 10091906
Switch
Consumer was unable to turn the key in the ignition switch. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak *ts
ODI 10081593
Switch
Ignition key inter lock failed . As a result, consumer was unable to start the vehicle. *ak
ODI 10091753
Switch
My 2001 ford focus zx3's ignition switch failed. When you put the key into the ignition cylinder, it doesn't turn. I tried the usual things like jiggling the key while moving the steering wheel, and i tried a spare key. *jb
ODI 10088745
Switch · Turn Signal
The ignition locked and the key became stuck, sometimes the ignition would not turn over at all.. The turn signals will not turn off. *jb
ODI 10096760
Switch
I have driven my car for 3 years and about 45,000 miles. I attempted to start the car after having no issues, and the key would not turn in the ignition. After reviewing problems i have found this to be a common problem with the focus. *ak currently the car is not corrected. I have to replace the ignition cylinder which will cost me between 285 and 350 dollars. This part is not able to be replaced by a unsed part.
ODI 10080569
Switch
Consumer looked at the internet and saw that there were recalls on the ford focus ignition key switch. His vehicle had one of those defective switches. The switch would not accept the key, so he had it repaired. Dealer claimed he had to reassemble the lock, and that cost him $286.00. *ak
ODI 10080080
Equipment · Switch
2001 ford focus ignition locks. Unable to start vehicle. *ak
ODI 10075052
Ignition · Module · Switch
Key will not turn in ignition, steering wheel locked, brake petal locked, gear shift locked. Car out of warrenty. Ford emergency road service won't help because of expired warrenty. Called nearest ford dealershop (tom holzer), gave me the phone number of their "towing" person, tried 12 times, got voice mail, no call was ever returned. (i was "stuck" in a bank parking lot.. And they were ready to close) the bank…
ODI 10075062
Switch
Upon starting the vehicle, the keys failed to turn in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that the ignition switch locked up. The dealership will have to drill the ignition switch out, to replace it. *jb this was a widespread problem that ford will not respond to. *sc *jb
ODI 10074185
Switch
Ignition cylinder is locked. Key wont turn it, but the key will unlock the door. Have heard of this happening oftent other people as well.
ODI 10068405
Switch
My 2001 ford focus started having problems when i would put my key in the ignition and it wouldn't turn , it would take several minutes for my car to turn on. Eventually after several attempts to turn the key it never did, and i was forced to tow my car home. I will have to pay out of my own pocket to tow it to the dealers and they said that the cost to fix will range from $350-600. I am a single mother with two…
ODI 10067703
Switch
My steering wheel locked. The key will go into the ignition (and the dinging sound starts), but the key will not turn. *jb
ODI 10064539
Switch
I'm having a problem with the steering wheel locking up and the ignition key won't turn. I tried jilting the wheel to try to get it to unlock.*ak
ODI 10061991
Switch
Ignition cylinder failed, resulting in a $250.00 repair.*ak
ODI 10060245
Switch
When i tried to start my car the steering wheel and the ingnition switch cylinder both were locked up. I had to have it towed to the dealership and then found out that my extended warranty did not cover all of the expenses so i was out $350. Now why do you by an extended warranty if it doesn't cover something like this that is apparently a flaw in the design of the car?? I would like to receive any information about…
ODI 10056199
Switch
Key will not turn in ignition. The tow-truck driver who towed my car said this is a major problem with this car and ford has not issued a recall. He said he has done nine tows this week for this exact problem and had towed two this week to the dealership i took my car. Of course, my car is out of warranty = $300 fix.*ak
ODI 10108043
Switch
Ignitioin switch freezes. When key is inserted the switch will not turn. A locksmith showed me how to free it up by tapping on the switch with a screwdriver...!*ak
ODI 10055094
Switch
The consumer was unable to start the vehicle because the key would not turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle had been sitting for a month. Please provide additional information. *jb
ODI 10055753