2002 Ford Focus Ignition Problems
- 124
- 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 124 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- turn ignition · 26 records
- ignition turn · 18 records
- ignition switch · 18 records
- steering wheel · 17 records
- ignition locked · 16 records
- ignition lock · 15 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 42 |
| 30–60k mi | 28 |
| 1–30k mi | 10 |
| 100–150k mi | 9 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Ignition
A little over a month ago on august 23, 2009, we purchased a used 2002 ford focus from a ford dealership on oahu, hawaii. On the night of august 28, 2009, after filling the car with gas, we tried to start the car, but the key just wouldn't turn. We tried for about 2 hours to get the car started to get home (and to move out of the way of the gas pumps so other people could pump gas). We had several people help us,…
ODI 10285749
Equipment · Ignition
Ford focus 2002 zts key ignition failed at 80,000 miles for over a year before the total failure there were at least 12 times that the ignition failed but finally worked after a few tries. I was left stranded on more then on occasion due to this failure and last time had to have my car towed to the dealership. The problem was fixed at the ford deal ship and cost me 450.00. I had to get a new key and a new ignition.…
ODI 10308131
Ignition
I own a 2002 ford focus , the key fails to turn in the ignition over and over again. I'm a young woman working late hours 45 miles away from home 5 times a week and i've been stranded several times. I've been dealing with this problem for years. To my knowledge, there are over 3, 045 complaints online. There is also a petition. This is a safety hazard and should be recalled. It's dangerous not being able to start…
ODI 10278098
Ignition
2002 ford focus, key would not turn in the ignition, stranding my son some distance from home. Had to have the car towed to a dealer and paid $285 to have this fixed (not including towing). *tr
ODI 10275923
Ignition
On the 2002 ford focus, the key won't turn in the ignition switch and thereby locks the car in its present position. The car can't be moved so the driver is prone to be stranded and the car could be towed or vandalized if allowed to remain in a city street parking space. This could also be dangerous if there is an emergency and the driver needs to get somewhere quickly. Ford should issue a recall. *tr
ODI 10273731
Ignition
The ignition lock on my 2002 ford focus is defective. It takes a lot of jiggling of the key to get it to turn. Sometimes it takes up to 10 minutes to get the key turned. I'm afraid at some point i won't be able to turn it period. I have read many reports online about ford focus between 2000 and 2003 having the same problem. *tr
ODI 10272830
Fuel System, Gasoline · Ignition
Faulty ignition cylinder lock, fails without warning. I had it replaced 12/15/07 and it is now defective again on 4/6/09. I had it fixed last time for $200, but it can cost up to $400. How this isn't a safety issue is beyond me. Then again the pinto's exploding gas tank wasn't deemed a "safety issue" by ford, either. *tr
ODI 10264290
Ignition
The key does not turn in the ignition so the car won't start. My teenage daughter drives this vehicle which can be very dangerous if it occurs in an remote area especially on a cold day/night such as tonight. Fortunately, the car is in our driveway but it was pure luck that it happened there instead of somewhere else that could have left her stranded indefinitely in sub-freezing temperatures or in a secluded area.…
ODI 10261592
Ignition
I own a 2002 ford focus and my ignition has locked up and i have to leave my key in the ignition or it will lock up. I am presently searching for a mechanic or locksmith who can help in fixing this problem. *tr
ODI 10259490
Ignition
No hint the ignition was going to lock up. Stranded my wife in freezing weather until i get there. Thank god for cell phones. This ignition issue is well documented with ford focus vehicles 2000 to 2003. *tr
ODI 10285870
Ignition
The key ignition locks up and will not turn. There have been several complaints online. This should be considered a manufactured problem. The lock will not recognize the key and turn. I am stuck. *tr
ODI 10253617
Ignition
My 2002 ford focus ignition is locking up with the key inside. Constantly occuring. I'm going to research repair costs but have heard its very expensive and i thought since there were many complaints with this, maybe there would be a recall. *tr
ODI 10253547
Ignition
Key is stuck in the ignition. It happened suddenly, with no prior warning of impending problems. *tr
ODI 10252454
Ignition
I own a 2002 ford focus. I replaced the ignition on 1/16/07 when i had 51,910 miles. I now have $80,000 miles and the ignition is locking up again. I was stranded at work and my 18 year old son is now using the car and i don't want him getting stranded in flint michigan. Ford motor company is aware of this problem. *tr
ODI 10251976
Ignition
Ford focus 2002 - ignition failure. Happened three times. The third time was stranded in the cold weather with 9 month old baby until i could get help. My husband was able to start the car and i drove it to the dealer. It cost 350 to get fixed. I don't feel an ignition should break and then be replaced with a poorly manufactured ignition. I have read thousands of complaints online about this. This is a problem and…
ODI 10250347
Ignition
The ignition key continued to get stuck in the steering column and refusing to turn until i'd continue to fiddle with it, sometimes for over 30 minutes. Very frustrating. The key has finally quit turning at all. The car is currently at howard's towing being repaired. The entire column is being replaced. Very expensive. Very unhappy. *tr
ODI 10248215
Ignition
I drove my car to downtown as i normally do except this time i has the company of my 3 sons. It was 4 am in the morning. I parked the car taking the key out of the ignition and exited. At about 5:15 i tried to start the car by placing the key in the ignition and trying to turn it. The key would not turn. I tried again but again the key would not turn. I called aaa and the rep asked me to try to turn the steering…
ODI 10247527
Ignition
Ignition key lock. The steering wheel of the car locks up and the key will not turn the car on. Jiggling the steering wheel column and turning the key at the same time does not work. The ignition cylinder was replaced. *tr
ODI 10246746
Ignition · Switch
The ignition switch on my car will not turn over to start the car. *tr
ODI 10244639
Ignition
I have a 2002 ford focus and the keys sometimes get stuck in the ignition and or the keys are not able to turn the ignition. I feel that this is unsafe. *tr
ODI 10242506
Ignition
Failure of ignition to turn on. Programmed ford focus keys fail to turn on ignition. *tr
ODI 10236163
Ignition
2002 ford focus x3, everyday i have problems with my ignition. I inset the keys into the ignition and the car locks up and the keys won't turn. I have to pray to try and get it to turn. Well today it finally gave up on me and i had to leave my car at my moms for good. *tr
ODI 10235084
Ignition
Tried to turn the ignition to start my car and the key would not turn. Its a 2002 ford focus 2dr hatchback. It left me stranded for a few hours until i could have it towed. It seemed like the tumblers did not recognize the key. I could not shift out of park so i couldn't even push it out of the spot it was parked in. The entire ignition switch has to be replaced and the car restarted. *tr
ODI 10231080
Ignition
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IN 2002 FORD FOCUS. *TR
ODI 10230922
Ignition
Steering wheel locked and ignition key would not turn, leaving me stranded. *tr
ODI 10228566
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2002 Ford Focus.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.