2003 Ford Focus Ignition Problems
- 263
- 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 263 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- turn ignition · 50 records
- ignition turn · 21 records
- steering wheel · 17 records
- ignition switch · 16 records
- common problem · 15 records
- ignition cylinder · 10 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 92 |
| 60–100k mi | 66 |
| 100–150k mi | 27 |
| 1–30k mi | 19 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Ignition · Steering
Ignition key mechanism would jam and not turn -preventing turning the key and locking the steering wheel. Unable to tow car (luckily all 2-3 times this happened i was close enough to dealer for flatbed tow). Was able to remove the ignition key and the car was still running. Last occurrence that was not under warranty and ford would not reimburse even though other focus owner had this problem - some up to 10…
ODI 10274338
Ignition
I have had a few prior problems getting my key to turn in my ignition, which i was eventually able to fix myself. Last night however, i was unable to get my key to turn in the ignition. I was left stranded in a less than ideal neighborhood after 30 minutes of trying to start my car. This ignition lock problem has happened the eve before thanksgiving which leaves me without a car on a holiday weekend. *tr
ODI 10209680
Ignition · Module · Switch
When i put my key into my car it will not turn. While this may not be an "obvious" safety risk, it can lead to serious problems if you are stranded somewhere. Ford knows about this problem with focus, yet has done nothing to correct it. I ended up stranded for over an hour as i waited for someone to pick me up, finally i banged the key out of frustration and i was able to turn it. This is a serious safety matter to…
ODI 10208848
Ignition
I am currently leasing a ford focus zx5, i've been driving this car without any problems for just over 6 months. After stopping at the grocery store with my 17 month old daughter, my key doesn't turn in the ignition!! Not only is this frustrating it is dangerous. My daughter was crying from the cold that night and i had to walk home with her in my arms!! So in conclusion i feel that the fact that the ignition…
ODI 10208542
Ignition
My key will not turn. There for i can't start my car. I have two small children and i have been stuck places numerous times. I fear for my safety. At any time i could be stuck anywhere! The only thing i can do is carry a hammer with me, so that i can tap the key in the ignition and get the key to turn so i can start my car. I feel it is not safe to carry a hammer around but have no other choice to start my car. *tr
ODI 10246901
Ignition
After fueling, my daughter tried to start the car (2003 ford focus wagon), but the key would not turn. We got the car to the dealership where we purchased it, and the key cylinder had to be replaced by a locksmith. The total cost of the repair, plus the towing, cost over $200.00. Meanwhile my daughter's car was stuck at the gas pump, where other customers wanted to fuel, but could not do so. I'm glad my daughter had…
ODI 10207290
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. When attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch failed. It took the contact approximately 20 attempts to start the vehicle. The ignition cylinder is currently being repaired by a local mechanic. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 59,000. Updated 03/14/08. *lj
ODI 10207538
Ignition
The ignition on my ford focus 2003 has locked up for the second time in 75,000 miles, and this is getting to be a huge problem to have replaced. Ford actually has the balls to charge me for this defect in their craftsmanship, using substandard parts in their ignition switches, and making me pay to cover up their faulty workmanship when getting it repaired. *jb
ODI 10204439
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. While attempting to shut off the vehicle in the parking lot, the ignition locked up and prevented the contact from turning or pushing the steering wheel. He took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and they informed him that the repair would cost $400. The current and failure mileages were 58,000.
ODI 10204212
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the ignition would not turn when she inserted the key. As of september 28, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.
ODI 10204392
Ignition
2003 ford focus/ ignition won't turn it looks like this is a huge problem by all the different websites and blogs about it. This defect should absolutely be a recall and when i called the dealer to find out the fix and price they laughed and said $600 to $700 dollars. This is outrageous and i am appalled. *jb
ODI 10203503
Ignition
At approximately 5:00 p.m., my ignition locked up on me, with my car parked in a parking lot close to my home (thank goodness). I have just learned that this has been a major widespread issue, and that i am definitely not alone. *jb
ODI 10203268
Ignition · Steering
(1) not sure (2) steering wheel and ignition are locked and can not be moved anymore (3) new lock *tr
ODI 10202730
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the ignition locked, which prevented the key from being turned. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 01-14-08. *kb the dealer stated the cylinder needed to be replaced. Updated 12/12/07. *jb
ODI 10203678
Ignition
During the past week had been having trouble turning the key in the ignition, and a couple of days ago the ignition was completely stuck. After 4 hours of trying to get it too turn i had to have the vehicle towed and it was being repaired as of right now. I have had the vehicle less than 2 and a half years and have yet to even surpass 50,000 miles on it. This wa s a problem that is quite widespread among ford focus…
ODI 10196754
Ignition
Ignition lock failure on ford focus zx3, 2003. Multiple occurrences. Purchased car used at 39,000 mi; now at 47,000 mi. Have owned for less than one year. *tr
ODI 10195201
Ignition
2003 ford focus. Steering wheel will not unlock after inserting key . *ak
ODI 10192950
Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. The contact stated that the key will not turn in the ignition. She has had to strike the key while it was in the ignition for it to turn and start the vehicle. Currently, the key does not work at all while in the ignition. She has notified the dealer and the manufacturer and they stated that it would cost approximately $800 for the repair. The vehicle is not under a recall. The…
ODI 10197856
Ignition
I went to start the car after work like always and the ignition was stuck in lock! I have been reading online all day about all the people that this happened to. Please make ford recall this product or at least refund the consumer the cost to fix a product that is obviously defective. I have yet to get to see the final bill on the fix.*ak
ODI 10191252
Ignition
Key would'nt turn the ignition on my2003 ford focus zx5. Happened at various times, till it would'nt work at all. Had it repaired at dealership at a cost of $365.00. They replaced the ignition lock.ak
ODI 10190738
Ignition
My 2003 ford focus has a locked ignition that i found out is a very common problem since 2000. It was told that it would cost me $500.00 to fix it. *tr
ODI 10189501
Ignition
Ignition turned fine, parked car overnight and when i returned (very late that night) to leave the key would not turn. The ignition was locked. Nothing would fix this. I spent nearly 30 minutes trying to turn the key without being able to start the car. The neighborhood was very scary, and my inability to drive away made me feel extremely uneasy, especially at such a late time of night. *jb
ODI 10189071
Ignition
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED
ODI 10191476
Ignition
A ford focus wagon 2003. When i trying to start the vehicle the ignition switch cylinder lockede, would not engage. The key would not turn when inserted in the lock & icould not turn on the car. The vehiclewas just over three years old. *ak this problem happened two days in a row. Called ford & they said there is no recall. I searched google for ''ford focus ignition locks''. Please note the following results copied…
ODI 10186066
Ignition
Over the past few months, the ignition/lock mechanism has been failing. The wheel will not release and the key will not turn to the on position. Sometimes if forced, the key will turn, but the lock has broken completely now. *jb
ODI 10201048
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2003 Ford Focus.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.