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
My ignition switch has been giving my daughter problems and now stop working all together. I have heard similar complaints with this car ford focus. *nm
ODI 10170211
Ignition
After the key is inserted into the ignition, it will not turn despite any wiggling of the steering wheel, stepping on the brakes, begging, or pleading. It has been difficult to turn before and we have successfully made it turn, but has never left us stranded until now. My husband is stranded as i write this waiting for someone to come pick him up from a restaurant. We have no way of operating the vehicle. We will…
ODI 10170177
Ignition
Starting having difficulty turning my key in ignition for 2 days. On the third day the key would not turn at all. Had to have car towed to a repair facility and the estimated bill is $350.00 due sometime today. *nm
ODI 10168220
Ignition
Dt*: the contact stated without warning, the vehicle would not start and was towed to the dealership who determined the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle worked properly for two years, and then the vehicle wouldn't start. After an hour of trying, the vehicle started and was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection.
ODI 10167701
Ignition
Ignition lock cylinder failed for a second time since 9/16/04. Had to be replaced by dealer. *jb
ODI 10167574
Ignition
Faulty ignition; had to call locksmith mobile and get whole cylinder replaced. Just like many other occurrences i've read up on, key would not turn. Was told this was a very prevalent problem with this model. In the weeks leading up to the replacement, i found the key was increasingly harder and harder to turn and start the car; it would take an extra little tug to start. *nm
ODI 10167422
Ignition
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2003 ford focus had ignition lock cylinder problems. Since 08/2006 when he put the key in the ignition it would not consistently turn over. He stated that for the past 4 days the key will not turn over the ignition, and he has been without a vehicle. He called the ford dealership, and was advised to tap on the key while the key is in the ignition to get the key to turn the ignition…
ODI 10181976
Ignition
My problem is with my 2002 ford focus. The ignition and steering wheel constantly lock up and make it impossible to start the car. This has been happening frequently for the past 4 months. *jb
ODI 10166069
Ignition
2002 ford focus, the vehicles ignition cylinder will not turn. I can place the key in the ignition but it will not turn to start the vehicle. This happened three or four times but i was able to get the key to turn, but this time i couldn't and i am towing it to the dealer to have the ignition cylinder replaced. *nm
ODI 10165630
Engine · Ignition
2002 ford focus sedan manual transmission with 80,000 miles. With no warning the engine acts as if it is going to stall, vehicle hesitates, jerks and sputters. This literally causes the vehicle to jolt forwards and backwards and shakes the passengers inside the vehicle. This is a very scary event, especially at 70+ mph speed or when in traffic. Highly concerned that the vehicle is going to simple shut off while on…
ODI 10162492
Equipment · Ignition
Ignition lock was jammed on my ford focus 2002 and i had to replace it twice so far. It cost me close to $400 canadian. I only have 40,000 miles on it . This has been such a frequent event. Ford is not taking any responsibility yet. *jb
ODI 10161951
Ignition
Dt*: the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked the ignition switch locked up. The key fit in the key slot but key and steering wheel could not be turned. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where they determined that the ignition switch had to be replaced. The invoices for the repairs to the ignition switch are available.
ODI 10160606
Ignition
I was leaving work late one night and could not get my 2002 ford focus zx3 to start. The ignition was locked and so was the steering wheel. No amount of turning the wheel or jingling the key worked. The car recognized that there was a key in the ignition as it began to 'ding' but no matter what i did the key would not turn in the ignition. Luckily there was a company car available that i could take home. I commute…
ODI 10158009
Ignition
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle the ignition locked up, after multiple attempts the vehicle started. This problem continued intermittently, but the vehicle was not inspected by a mechanic. The vehicle then stalled without warning at an intersection and the ignition locked up, a locksmith was contacted to replace the ignition. The ignition locked up a final time and the vehicle was towed…
ODI 10157166
Ignition
I own a 2002 ford focus and the key got stuck and i couldn't start it or take the key out. I had to have it towed to the dealer since ford had made it so difficult for the average person to work on it. They had to replace the ignition and left a metal shaving mess in the car at my cost. Is this how all ford vehicles and dealers were now. I also missed work due to this incident. *ak
ODI 10193489
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that the ignition switch constantly locks up and will not turn. When she places the key in the ignition, it also fails to turn. She has had the ignition replaced twice within one year. Ford stated that the ignitions were re-modified due to a large number of complaints and that she would have to pay if she wanted a new one. The current mileage is 68,800 and…
ODI 10193339
Ignition
My 2002 ford focus has a ignition lock problem. The key is impossible to turn. I had to call a tow truck and also pay $400 plus tax to fix this problem that i have found out is widespread. *nm
ODI 10156297
Ignition
On 01/10/06 the ignition of my ford focus zx3 (2002, 46000 miles)) locked up. I was unable to turn the key and start the car, blocking the entrance to a parking garage. An automotive technician was able to hot-wire the car so i could drive it to the closest dealership. I have contacted ford over the phone because i did purchase the extended warranty with the car. Ford does not feel responsible for this incident and…
ODI 10147338
Clutch Assembly · Ignition
Ignition will not turn. Clutch master cylinder leaks. *jb
ODI 10147326
Ignition
This is the second time in less than one year that we have had to replace the ignition in our 2002 focus sedan. The key will not even turn in the ignition. We have had to pay for towing and the rental of another vehicle during the time of replacement of the ignition. Please issue a recall! *nm
ODI 10136558
Ignition
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION CYLINDER
ODI 10129400
Ignition
Dt: 2002 ford focus, the vehicles ignition cylinder will not turn, consumer states that you can place the key in the ignition but it will not turn to start the vehicle, this occurs during any weather, the consumer has had the ignition cylinder replaced once already by the dealership. In nov. 2004, the consumer was having the same problem again, this time the problem happens sometimes other times it does not, the…
ODI 10128325
Ignition
I have been having problems with my 2002 ford focus ignition. Every time i put my key in the ignition it will go in, but the key will not turn. I need to see what i need to do to keep this from happening again. I have not replaced anything yet because i was hoping they would consider a recall on this part. So far i have just been forcing my key to turn and on april 13, 2005 it happened so i went and got some keys…
ODI 10116918
Ignition
55,000 miles on the vehicle. On 3/25/05, while parked & locked, the ignition malfunctioned on its own, resulting in a fire that burned the steering column. The fire caused other damages and heavy smoke within the sealed passenger compartment. The fire extinguished itself with the lack of oxygen. Pictures of the wiring harness, steering column and interior are available with the insurance company claim file. *nm
Fire reported
ODI 10156315
Ignition
Ford focus zx3 ignition failure- steering column locks, car won't start. Stuck in an unsafe area with no help. *jb
ODI 10110444
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2002 Ford Focus.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.