Ignition Switch problems of the 2001 Ford Focus - part 2

Ignition didn't turn, the only way to turn key was to bang against key with screw driver, problem got progressively worse, so eventually I had to get it repaired. Many Ford Focus forums state that this is a recurring problem upon many Focus'!.

Problems with the ignition switch - multiple times - finally had locksmith change the ignition.

Ford Focus 2001 ignition switch jammed. Does not allow the car to be started. It has left me stranded several times. The internet is full of people who have complained of this problem with the Ford Focus and the local Ford dealer claims that there is no recall and it will cost $450 for the dealer to fix this very obvious manufacturing defect.

: the contact stated upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the ignition switch was replaced. Three years later, the same problem occurred, the ignition switch is being replaced by the dealership.

At first, key would go into ignition all the way, but would not turn at all. Would have to take key out, put back in, etc until finally it would turn. Today the same thing happened, except then it wouldn't go in at all. It took 10 minutes of jiggling it around for it to go in; now, to get the key in I have to be very careful and mess around with it until it goes in. Talked to mechanic and Ford dealership - must replace the ignition cylinder. I looked up on the internet that this is an overly common problem with the Focus and that the part is defective.

We bought our daughter a 2001 Ford Focus. All the reviews stated that the car was a good, economical, safe car. We purchased the car used in 2004. Since the purchase her steering and ignition system has locked up on her twice. After reading many sites it sounds like this is a common problem with Ford Focus. This is an economical car that many parents are relying on to get their college aged children to and from school. Ford needs to recall all Ford Focuses so they can all have new ignitions installed. The safety of our children is most important here. Parents should not have to continually worry that their 22 year old daughter may be stranded somewhere without help due to Fords lazy attitude. Please recall these cars that so that parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are safe.

Ignition not turning on 2001 Ford Focus. I have read a message board that this has been happening a lot with this type of vehicle. Also, brakes have been a constant problem. I have been a loyal Ford buyer but am considering changing to a different make.

My mothers 2001 Ford Focus had a problem with the ignition switch with it locking up. After checking the web I found that this seems to be an ongoing problems with the Ford Focus but Ford doesn't seem to think so. I now had to buy the part and find someone else to install because it would be 3 weeks before they could fit me in at a price tag I was told of $550. 00 to have it fixed which is a rip off especially if this is happening to a number of other owners of Ford Focus'. It seems to me Ford doesn't want to own up to the defect since it's not a safety concern to them.

2001 Ford Focus. Insert key but ignition will not turn. Apparently a very common problem and Ford needs to do a recall!.

Brakes had to be replaced at less than 24,000 miles; continues grinding and squeaking continue even following brake replacement and turning of rotors; at have replaced all four tires two times, with less than 20,000 miles on each set of tires; ignition switch malfunctioned - I could get the key into the ignition, but it would not rotate; now at only 41,000 miles, the engine attempts to stall in idle - the whole car shudders - and has stalled twice while I was stopped at traffic lights. This presents a dangerous situation, not only for myself, but for my two children and others on the roadway. In reviewing this site, I am obviously not the only one experiencing these same problems. Why doesn't the NHTSA issue recalls on Ford Focus for these and other problems? Ford should recall the whole line and issue refunds to customers or cancel their remaining loan payments. I am a single mother with two children, who cannot afford costly repairs. The attitude of the service personnel at the Ford dealership here is awful, and they have treated me badly every time I have gone in there, so that I don't even want to take the car in with this latest problem.

Ignition cylinder lock up- I do not know what led to the lock up. A few days before this happened my emission light came on and then went out a few days later. I know several people have had the same problem with the ignition cylinder lock up. . . Please recall and fix the problem.

I bought my car new and only have about 20,000 miles on it (I live in the city and I don't drive that much). Over the last 2 weeks, the ignition switch on my 2001 Focus is starting to fail. I am very concerned about this and after reading all the problems on the internet am wondering why no one has filed a lawsuit or why Ford isn't issuing a recall. I'm not looking forward to shelling out $300+ to fix their problem. I got the spare key in the ignition, so I just leave it in all the time and lock the doors, and I try to drive as little as possible. I guess I'll be using my tax return to fix Ford's problem it's too bad, my family & I have been faithful Ford customers for several generations, but I'll probably buy Honda next time out.

My 2001 Ford Focus is experiencing a problem with the ignition switch locking up. The key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked. This is not the first time it has happened, however, it is the first time I have not been able to correct the problem with a little coaxing. The first time it happened I took the car to the Ford dealership and was told that I would have to pay $300 and that he has at least 2 of the same car come in a week with the same problem. I told him thank you and went home and called Ford, they told me that they were aware that there was a problem but I would need to get it corrected on my own. I am not sure of the first incident date.

Key would not turn in ignition switch; dealer had to replace ignition switch because the tumblers were worn out; the car is only 4 yrs old and has 39k miles! dealer refused to cover charges.

The ignition on my 2001 Ford Focus broke. I'm still waiting for the dealership to pick it up. Upon researching this further, it seems as though this is a common problem. What's the deal?!?.

We have read several articles concerning the Ford Focus 2000 and an apparent defective ignition switch cylinder. The internet is full of disgruntled Focus owners who have suffered the inconvenience associated with in some cases multiple failures of the ignition switch which often times left them stranded and facing large towing and repair charges. Since a family member had recently experienced the same problem I researched the internet, spoke with several dealers and locksmiths which led me to conclude that the failed cylinders resulted from a substandard manufactured cylinder which rapidly deteriorates with use and eventually fractures and jams. Ford is well aware that these fragile cylinders are made of substandard materials and are breaking and jamming at an alarming rate.

The ignition switch failed which caused my daughter to abandon her car in an unauthorized parking lot at her university campus for which she was ticketed. We had to have the car, a 2001 Ford Focus, towed to the dealership. Upon investigation, which was confirmed by the dealer, this issue is rampant with this car. The key will not turn and therefore the car is stuck in park and inoperable. The dealer suggested that Ford motor company may be issuing a recall and that we should keep our original receipt. This alone tells me that a recall should be issued as this is obviously a failure in engineering design or manufacturing.

The ignition is locked up in my 2001 Ford Focus. After searching online for possible remedies, I have found thousands of complaints regarding the ignition switches on my model car dating back for the last five years. The standard rate for these repairs seems to be in the neighborhood of $350 which to someone driving a low cost vehicle like the Focus is a lot of money. I would like to know why this admitted problem has not been the subject of a recall and instead is creating a boon industry for the dealers having to replace these parts? how many complaints does it take to get something done about this? I have owned Ford cars my entire life and I cannot see a reason to continue to buy them if this is the type of product and support they are going to start to produce.

Key started getting hard to insert into ignition switch. Key wouldn't turn over several times before, but always managed to wiggle it to get it started. It finally failed completely resulting in a missed doctor's appointment for my 69 year old mother. Matthews Ford in asheville, nc says that this happens often and they replace them all the time. Will cost at least $250 to get the ignition switch replaced and more for a tow.

2001 Ford Focus stuck ignition. Upon researching this on the internet I find thousands of complaints and some people it happeded to several times. My complaint - why hasn't Ford been forced to recal and fix the ignition switch on the 2000-2001 Focus ( they fixed problem for later years).

Ignition switch cylinder in 2001 Ford Focus is completely frozen. The car is unable to be started with any keys. This has left me stranded. I have noted many instances, via research, of this happening with Focus', and am deeply disturbed that Ford has not done anything to rectify the situation.

The ignition switch does not permit the car to start. The switch (xs4z-11582-ac cvr asy aux FL) has been replaced twice, once at 41,407 miles and again at 57,834 miles. The dealer and aaa provided a temporary remedy to the stranded driver, which is "with the key in the ignition, hit it hard with a hammer to engage the ignition assembly. " aaa keeps spare Ford Focus ignition switches in its emergency service support trucks.

Frozen ignition lock.

2001 Ford Focus sedan, 21,000 miles. Ignition switch completely failed around 1. 5 years ago and was replaced under warranty. Now has completely failed again and will require complete replacement. Dangerous!!! this is my daughter's car, purchased new to provide her safe transportation, and cannot count on it even to start reliably for her.

I went out to my 2001 Ford Focus zx3 and tried to start it up and the key wouldn't turn. The ignition switch would not unlock. In calling peffley Ford dealership they informed me that it would cost over three hundred dollars to fix. I have had other cars for years and never had such a problem, but on looking on the internet it seems to be a common and most frequent problem with Ford Focuses. Could you please look into this and tell me if there is a recall on this problem? thank-you so very much!.

The ignition switch will not turn with the key in. Caller said it was sticking but to it would not turn at all. Up until however, she could force it and it would work, this time she could not get the key to turn. She had the problem for about a month. It started without warning and kept getting worse until 08/26/2005. When she tried to start the vehicle it would not turn. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.

The ignition has gone out on my 2001 Ford Focus. I would normally just replace it and move on but when searching for a new part on the internet I found numerous complaints about the exact same problem I am having. In all cases people have been told this is a known problem by Ford and they choose to ignore it. I am now scared to drive my car one it is fixed in case I encounter more problems.

2001 Ford Focus, ignition and sterring wheel lock up.

Two nights ago, at a parking garage in a local mall, when trying to leave, I was unable to start my car. I could insert the key in the ignition, but it would not move. It was as if the steering wheel was locked up. I also noticed that my key was worn down a bit, so I figured maybe the key was not "clicking" properly with the ignition. I had my car towed to my apartment building and attempted to use my spare key to see if the key made a difference. It did not. The next day I had my car towed to the local Ford delearship. I was told that the ignition cyclinder needed to be replaced and my keys needed to be recoded. I was also told that my warranty didn't cover any of this. So I paid $650 to have this work done. Additionally, I was told that two recalls needed to be addressed at no cost to me. Both were addressed, however, they charged me $36. 08 for "mechanical labor. " I should not have been charged for any work done on recalls. This evening I logged onto a website called "automotivetalk. Net. " I was amazed at the number of people who had the exact same problem. Some of the postings dated back to 2003. I don't see how a problem like this is considered normal wear and tear, or why the owner (me) would have to bear the brunt of these outrageous service charges.

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 steering wheel in an attempt to hide the key. I have spoken to someone via phone at this agency and was referred to this website, but did not have access to computer until now. And I have spoken to someone at the Ford company via phone who could offer no solutions unless I were to take my car to a dealership, have it inspected and repaired at my expense. I have ordered the part and am awaiting its shipping. Coincidently, while ordering the part, the young man waiting on me stated his girlfriend called him over the weekend with the same problem with her newer Ford Focus. I gave him your website address. He states he has met several people since with the same complaint and gave your website to them.

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.

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.

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.

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 the ignition lock cylinder. Fortunately, the second and third times it was taken care of under the warranty, but the first time I had to pay the deductible. The service employee said this was a common problem with the Ford Focus and it seems that the key is not long enough for the ignition cylinder. He said that in order to fix the problem, he would have give me new keys that fit the cylinder, and thus replace all locks (including the trunk). At first he offered to do the repairs free of charge, but since the mileage is over the manufacturer's warranty (still within the extended warranty), I would have to pay the deductible. I should not have to pay for the replacement which should have been prevented before the assembly line.

Key will not turn in ignition. Steering column locked. Sudden failure. No action taken yet.