Ignition Switch problems of the 2002 Ford Focus - part 1

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact attempted to start the ignition numerous times however, the ignition key failed to turn in any direction. The key was eventually released from the ignition switch. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

I had my 81 yearold mother with me, I turned off the car and when I tried to start it the key would not turn. It was not until 5 days later that my mechanic son in law was able to look at it and tell me the problem and that a Ford garage had to fixit. Their prices vary from 350. 00 to 450. 00 to replace my ignition switch assembly. It is a 48. 00 part. Ford refuses to recall because they claim it is not a safety issue. It is if someone has a heart attack or a stroke because of the stress of being stranded in the middle of nowhere or because it is over 100 degrees and you can't walk to a phone or turn on the air conditioner. Not everyone has a cell phone. It is covered under warranty but the problem does not occur until it is out of warranty and it has to be repaired every time by Ford. It is a safety hazard especially for the elderly.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the key would not turn within the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The authorized dealer was notified and they informed that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000.

2002 Ford Focus ignition problem. I purchased this car two months ago and it works great. Problem is sometimes ignition switch get stuck and wont turn. Now my husband is stuck in another state and stranded due to this problem. Very disappointed with Ford.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the ignition remained locked. The contact tried moving the steering wheel to unlock the ignition and was unsuccessful. The tow truck driver tapped on the ignition and unlocked the steering wheel. The contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic who lubricated the ignition switch; yet, the ignition locked again. The mechanic could not order the part for the ignition and the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer regarding a good faith repair. The manufacturer stated that since the vehicle warranty was not valid that they would not repair the vehicle at no charge. The contact is concerned about the safety risk and the possibility of being stranded if the failure recurs. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. While driving between 35-40 mph, the contact pulled the vehicle over and turned off the ignition. The engine was restarted; however, the ignition key failed to turn. Roadside assistance towed the vehicle to his residence. The authorized dealer stated that this was a common issue with this vehicle, and they replaced the ignition switch. The failure and current mileages were 134,000.

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.

I had come back to my 2002 Ford Focus se, put the ignition key into the ignition switch & the switch would not turn. I had to pay $45. 00 to have my car towed to a garage. The mechanic charged me $400. 00 to replace the whole upper part of the steering column & redo the ignition switch that came on it.

Upon insertion of the key into the ignition, the ignition switch fails to allow the key to turn, the steering wheel will not unlock, if it is locked. "tapping" the key into the ignition will allow the car to start and the steering wheel to unlock. Cursory internet searches reveal that this is a very common problem for owners of this make and model. Some owners report having had the switch replaced 4 to 5 times at the dealership with the same results. This indicates that Ford has made no effort to correct the problem, even at the cost of the owner.

The ignition switch on my car will not turn over to start the car.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the ignition appeared to be locked, but there was power. He attempted approximately 25 more times to start the vehicle and also disconnected the battery, but the failure persisted. The steering, transmission, and ignition switch locked. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 130,000.

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.

Ignition switch failure in 2002 Ford Focus.

My 2002 Ford Focus ignition switch will not turn. The steering wheel is locked because of this problem. The Ford dealership says this is a coming problem with these cars, but there is no recall. The charge will nearly be $500.

My 2002 Ford Focus has a known ignition problem per don davis Ford but no recall has been issued. The key will no longer turn at all. The dealership offered to replace the ignition switch for $400.

My ignition switch on the 2003 Focus wagon, locked up. A tow truck driver, hit it to release. I took it to the dealership for repair, and they said it would be $338. 00. This is an ongoing issue with this model for years according to web blogs. I spoke to Ford and they would not help me, and stated this was not a recall issue. We have 4 Focus in the family. Our 2002 had the same problem -but was repaired under warranty. This should not happen and must be addressed as a safety issue.

Key won't turn in the ignition.

When I put my key in the ignition, it doesn't turn. I got stuck while shopping and had to have a locksmith come out. He informed me that my key was fine, but the ignition switch was the problem and that he has responded to many of the same calls for the same problem on the 2002 Ford Focus. He suggested there might be a recall due to the high volume of responses. So I called a Ford dealership and they then informed me that they had been receiving a lot of the same calls, but there was no recall in effect. The man I spoke to gave me the Ford 800 number to call and issue a complaint, which I did. Now I have to unfortunately go spend $300 plus dollars on repairing my ignition switch even though Ford is aware of the faulty part. Please recall 2002 Ford Focus ignition switches!.

When I attempt to start my car the key will not turn, when speaking with a dealer on the problem they explained to me that this is a problem very very common with the Ford Focus and agreed that this should be recalled due to the number of cars that need the key cylinder replaced, sometimes multiple times, due to this issue.

Ignition failed , key will not turn.

Keys wont release from ignition , replaced ignition switch and still continues to not release key, its evidently an electronic problem since when I disconnect the electrical connection to steering column the keys release.

2002 Ford Focus ignition switch wont turn, locked up.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the ignition switch locked and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The key will not turn in the ignition, therefore the vehicle will be towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.

2002 Ford Focus ignition locking up. It just cost me $285. 00 to have a locksmith come to my house where my totally disabled Ford Focus sat. The locksmith completely replaced my ignition and showed me the difference and the problem with the Ford oem ignition. The locksmith told me that he has become an expert in Ford Focus' ignitions due to this faulty part. There is no way in the world that this problem that has happened repeatedly to so many people should just go away. Ford needs to be accountable for this problem and make it right for the american Ford car buying public or we should stop buying Ford's!.

I had just gotten off work and went to leave. I tried to turn the key in the ignition and it wouldn't move. To make a long story short, it was my ignition switch. The guy at the Ford dealership new exactly what I was talking about when I called, stating it has happened several times to the Focuses. The tow truck driver stated that same thing. Ford says it is not a safety issue, but it definitely can be. I will never buy a Ford again, especially not one from archie cochrane in billings, mt. They are a bunch of money hungry jerks who are unwilling to take responsibility for their wrong doings or have any sympathy for a customer.

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.

- 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 switch. The contact found on a website called automotivetalk. Net, and a number of complaints about the same problem with other owners were listed. The website stated that various locksmiths described the failure as the tumblers in the ignition switch malfunctioned. The contact could get the key out of the vehicle, but could not turn the key to get the ignition to start. The contact did file a complaint with the manufacturer, and he will have a case number available for the hard copy. The current mileage was 80000, and the failure mileage was 73000.

The ignition on my 2002 Ford Focus with 60,000 miles locked up when I put the key in. What I thought would be a fast trip into the post office lead to a six hour event of trying to get my car started, calling Ford, and aaa. , to make matters worse it was during a thunderstorm. After six hours my car was towed to a local mechanic where the ignition was worked on for a costly price.

2002 Ford Focus ignition problem. Key will not turn. My daughter, 17 years old was stuck in parking lot, late in the evening! this has happened on several occasions.

: 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.

Ignition key would not turn to any position. No warning of impending failure. Car could not be driven, had to be towed.

The ignition switch locked up in my car. I have had three other friends with the same car say that there ignition switch did the same thing.

: 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 the contact's residence. The dealership was alerted and an ignition switch was ordered, but the vehicle has not been repaired.

Ignition switch on my 2002 Ford Focus with 34,000 miles failed. Required a tow and replacement. Total cost of replacement was $290. Ford will not acknowledge that there is a quality problem with the ignitions. There are lots of failures of them. This should be recalled. Thanks tom rolland.

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 failure mileage was 68,000.