Ignition Module Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

Ford Focus owners have reported 59 problems related to ignition module (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the Focus.

1 Ignition Module problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/01/2020

Car emits loud (hurting my ears) static and crackling sounds at the speakers highest volume. This happens when driving and even when the key is not in the ignition causing battery drainage. The sound is terrifying and when it randomly happens driving is startling enough to create a jerk reaction/jump that could easily cause a distraction or an accident as a direct result. It is not just static - it is so frightening an loud on my ears that my ears ring for a long time after driving and I feel like the car is pretty much undrivable without earplugs. Nearby drivers can even hear it with my windows all up. It has been making popping sounds for years that are also terrifying, but now it;s so much worse and happens everytime I use the car. F I were to pull the fuse and just not have a radio, Ford tells me it will prevent me from using temperature controls and door locks. Ford says without looking at it that it will cost me 1100 for each part disfunctioning which is either the apim or the audio control module or both but of course they will have to charge me to figure out which parts need replacing. Any search shows that this is happening constantly to all poor Ford owners. This happens driving, parked, car on/ no key in ignition.

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2 Ignition Module problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 01/27/2020

This is in regards to my 2014 Ford Focus. When parking the vehicle the engine will not shut off, even with the key out of the ignition! faulty washer fluid pump leaks into electrical connector for washer pump and washer fluid gets pushed into wiring loom past the firewall and down into the bcm( body control module) connector part c2280d. The washer fluid then runs from the connector onto the male pins of the bcm corroding the pins and shorting out the bcm. This causes the vehicle to exhibit many faults, the worst are the vehicle not starting or as in my case, the vehicle would not shut off and continues to run even with the key out of the ignition. Ford recalled 433,000 vehicles for engines that don't shut off but my vehicle was not captured in the "build date" for the recall. I believe I missed the recall by weeks or a month at most?.

3 Ignition Module problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 12/30/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was at stand still, when she was unable to open any doors with the fab. The contact stated she was able to enter her vehicle by using her keys. The contact also stated she was unable to start the ignition and had the battery was jumped with jumper cables. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed multiple times to local dealer chenango sales inc located at 976 NY-12, greene, NY 13778, where it was diagnosed with needing body control module to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experienced the failure with in 2 weeks. The vehicle was taken back to dealer and had repairs done again. The contact stated she continues to experience the failure. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experienced the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 78,713. Dp.

4 Ignition Module problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 02/20/2019

My car alerted traction control/hill assist issue while driving under 35 mph. (note I work 3rd shift) next morning got off work and it was dead but was able to jump it. Next night I removed keys from ignition from parked car and vehicle continued to run. Next morning car would not start and was able to be jumped. Took to local Ford dealership and they diagnosed it as the tcm (transmission control module) module which they replaced and returned my car. Same night car would not start again. Took over an hour to get the car charged just to drive to dealership 3 minutes away and the car would not go over 1500 rpm and wouldn't allow me to go over 15 mph. Got to the dealership and had worker witness a test drive in the passenger seat, then parked withe worker still inside and she was able to witness the car not shutting off after key removal. Notified today from service department manager it is now the bcm (body control module) and will be $2900 plus tax to replace the bcm as well as the wire harness that has melted now due to this issue. Ford has told me that they have no programs or recalls to help cover these costs. After research I have discovered that this is and issue with others that have the same vehicle and Ford issued a recall for the 2015 Ford Focus for this same bcm issue but of course my VIN (2014 Ford Focus se hatchback) is not included. I have had nothing but issues related to the transmission and computer of my car in the 49 months that I have owned it.

5 Ignition Module problem of the 2012 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/03/2018

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle radio makes a loud static noise and that the failure been happening for a while. The contact stated that the noise started out loud noise which causes the radio and bluetooth to turn off. The contact stated that the noise progressed loud with static and was not able to concentrate while driving. The contact also stated that she would coast to the side of the road and powered off the engine but the noised will continue to occurs when the key was out of the ignition. The contact stated that she thinks the noise was coming from the speakers. The contact stated that the noise became a distraction while driving and was concerned for her safety and taken the vehicle to bommarito Ford dealer, (675 dunn rd, hazelwood, mo 63042, (314) 895-0600) and it was diagnosed that the audio control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number: cas-24624323. The failure mileage approximately was 80,000. Aw.

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6 Ignition Module problem of the 2012 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/02/2016

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering assist module warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact had to turn the ignition switch off and on to be able to resume driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. In addition, while exiting the driveway, the vehicle jerked and lost power. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 87,025.

7 Ignition Module problem of the 2012 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/01/2015

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. Within two weeks of purchasing the vehicle, it failed to start and the key was not recognized in the ignition. Also, the 6 speed automatic transmission failed to shift appropriately and the contact had to turn the vehicle off and back on due to the failure. There was also a sudden loss of eps and the steering assist fault warning indicator flashed. The vehicle became difficult to steer intermittently. The dealer (dave knapp Ford Lincoln, 500 wagner Ave, greenville, OH 45331, (800) 717-3673) was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v643000 (latches/locks/linkages) and two manufacturer service campaigns (transmission clutch shudder/transmission input shaft seal - 14m01, transmission control module extended coverage). The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

8 Ignition Module problem of the 2012 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 04/05/2015

The car was running fine until last week when I drove to the supermarket. After I came out and attempted to leave, the engine would not turn over. Everything works electrically (radio, lights, etc. . . ) but turning the ignition key fully did nothing. This now happens daily after the car warms up. If you turn the car off it will not start or turn over. If you let the car cool down for a couple hours it generally will start. Driving is done mainly at highway speeds and the oil level and engine temperature are fine according to dipstick and gauges. Bought a new battery in case something was wrong with it. It did not resolve the problem. Ensured the negative terminal of the battery was solidly attached to metal (not painted metal) to ensure proper grounding. Nothing helped. Dealer appointment this week. Also received "hill assist not available" warning on dash. A friend of mine who owns the same exact model and year vehicle (2012 Ford Focus) had the exact same thing happen to him. The dealer switched out their tcm (transmission control module) and this fixed their problem. Time for a recall.

9 Ignition Module problem of the 2009 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 02/12/2014

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact¿s residence where a certified mechanic replaced the ignition cylinder. The failure recurred four weeks after the repair was performed. The dealer then replaced the ignition for the second time. Most recently, the engine failed to start due to the faulty ignition lock module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,421.

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10 Ignition Module problem of the 2009 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 06/15/2012

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the key could not be inserted into the ignition. After trying a couple of times, the key was finally able to be inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised that they had to replace the ignition switch module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,028 and the current mileage was 21,500.

11 Ignition Module problem of the 2002 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 11/27/2008

This complaint is in regards to a 2002 Ford Focus and the failure of the ignition module from allowing my key to turn. Fortunately enough when this incident occurred I was not in a bad neighborhood or stuck out on the highway in the desert. It has occurred each time I've tried to turn the key, and it's only after significant effort and near injury to my wrist and index finger was I able to get the key to turn. I have researched online and noted many discussion boards stating the other consumers who have had this same problem. There is a petition circulating that currently has over 2800 online signatures regarding this problem. This is a very dangerous problem. It could occur in the wrong neighborhood or in the most isolated places and isn't safe for the consumer when they get stranded because of this faulty part that Ford does not try to fix with proper materials.

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12 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 05/05/2008

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, the ignition pin inside the ignition cylinder failed. He was unable to control or move the steering wheel and the brakes did not function. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the ignition control was the cause of the failure. The failure previously occurred two years ago. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle for free because the work that was previously done was only for a year. They are now charging the contact the same price for the repair, but he refuses to have his vehicle repaired at the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 85,000.

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13 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 04/10/2008

Premature failure of ignition module, could have failed while driving causing serious injury. After talking to dealership and other Ford sources, dealers fix at least a Focus a week with the same issue, this is an extensive issue that needs to be addressed.

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14 Ignition Module problem of the 2004 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 04/02/2008

Went to start car to go to work and key would not turn the ignition on. Had to have the whole tumbler assembly repaired at a cost of just under $400.

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15 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/22/2008

I recently was stranded 30 miles from my home due to my ignition locking up. My keys would not even budge and I had to have my vehicle towed and paid for the repair ($400). They replaced the ignition module.

16 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/07/2008

Placed key into 2003 Ford Focus and cannot turn key in ignition. The ignition is locked up. Car has only 60,000 miles!!!.

17 Ignition Module problem of the 2001 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/06/2008

2001 Ford Focus ignition key will not turn to start car. Elderly wife was forced to wait in car in below freezing temps. Until help arrived. We have scheduled the car to be repaired at a cost of approx. $400. This presents a financial burden that we cannot afford.

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18 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/18/2007

While in dangerous situation my Ford Focus again had a key fail in the ignition. I had taken it to Ford, while still under warranty, and asked for it to be replaced and they said, "OH, it's ok, just jiggle it. " that does not work. Eventually it will come free, usually, but now it seems to be permanently stuck. No, there is no tension on the steering wheel from a partly turned front wheel. If this happened to my wife or daughters in a dangerous neighborhood, I would just go berserk.

19 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/09/2007

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the steering wheel has to be unlocked for the vehicle to start. On September 09, 2007, after many attempts, she was finally able to place the key in the ignition and unlock the steering column. On September 14, 2007, the contact had to leave the vehicle at her job because the steering column failed to unlock. The vehicle was towed to her residence. She scheduled an appointment with the dealer for September 22, 2007. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 24,000. *updated 12/12/07 the consumer stated the igniton module was repalced. Updated 12/12/07.

20 Ignition Module problem of the 2004 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 06/01/2007

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated that at any given time, the ignition locks up. As a result, she is unable to open the windows, doors, start the vehicle, or operate the vehicle in any capacity. Ford advised her to shake the vehicle and move the steering wheel back and forth. Ford also advised her husband to take a mallard and strike the ignition in an attempt to release the key. If none of those solutions worked, the contact was informed to bring the vehicle to the dealer because the part is probably defective. The contact heeded Ford's instructions, but the failure still occurred. The manufacturer stated that they are aware of the issue, however, the plateau of concern is not great enough to issue a recall. The dealer stated that the cost to repair the vehicle is $432 and that the part is definitely defective. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 58,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.

21 Ignition Module problem of the 2001 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/22/2007

Ignition key will not go into ignition. Had to have car towed to local mechanic.

22 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/17/2007

2003 Ford Focus - an apparent "known defect" yet still not a recall or reimbursable expense to fix. We are unable to start the car. The key goes into the ignition, but won't turn the switch. . . Ford's fix is to replace the cylinder at over $300. 00 and a new security key at $150. 00.

23 Ignition Module problem of the 2004 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 03/09/2007

I purchased a 2004 svt Focus 10/06. In 12/06, the coil pack went bad, they fixed the vehicle under warranty. On 3/9/07 as I was leaving a friends house, the same symptoms happened to me as this past December, then went away very quickly. I made the decision to drive my vehicle home and call the dealership. I never made it home. About a 1/4 mile from my friends house, the vehicle began to shake and shutter very violently. I pulled over quickly and smoke started to come from under the hood. I lifted the hood and the coil pack that had been replaced was glowing red and shooting sparks and began to not only catch itself on fire, but started setting all the cables and other things on fire. At the same time the clutch also exploded and blew through the bellhousing. Which there is a TSB issued by Ford on. Also, at this time, the vehicle was still trying to run all on its own, and the keys were in my pocket. I am unsure of the exact cause of the fire, but it was not done by anything that I was doing or had done to the vehicle. It currently has 35,900 miles on it and is still under warranty. Side note, after the whole incident with the coil pack back in December, I just recently decided to pull up the history on my vehicle from Ford's database. In December I was brought into the office at the dealership and almost blamed for abuse of the coil because it was so destroyed. Yet, when I looked up my history it says that all that was replaced was a connector on the coil, not the coil itself. So, the coil was never actually replaced, but I was almost being blamed for destroying my coil. I am still fighting to get my vehicle fixed under warranty and being treated very poorly. I am a mechanic by trade and I'm being talked to and treated like a 5 year old anytime I try to get answers. They are still not taking responsiblity for the mechanical/electrical failure of their vehicle that they claimed to fix.

24 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 12/01/2006

Tried to start car, but ignition would not turn with key inserted. Ignition remains locked even with new key.

25 Ignition Module problem of the 2004 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/26/2006

On October 26, 2006 at 8:00 am I tried to start my vehicle and the ignition key would not turn. I called the Ford dealership and the service person said it sounded like an ignition lock and he said he was familiar with the repair. I was informed that they had no towing service. Due to the fact that the dealership was approximately 12 miles away, I instead had it towed to a garage down the road. The garage installed a new lock cylinder. I was late for work and had to bum a ride to pick my car up after work. The garage charged me for 2 and 1/2 hours of work, the towing and the part, the total being $308. 62. All this on a car only 2 and 1/2 years old. After the repair was done I called the Ford dealership and they refused to pay for the repair, even though the car was still under warranty, because I did not bring it to them. I wrote to Ford headquarters and they again refused to pay for it.

26 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/21/2006

: the contact stated while attempting to start the engine, the keys would not fit into the ignition. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the ignition module needed replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.

27 Ignition Module problem of the 2001 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/15/2006

Ignition cylinder Ford Focus lx 2001 93,980 miles like so many other complaints I have read on the internet. Insert key - ignition locksup you're stranded and have to call a tow truck. Cost for repair by Ford dealership $489. 20. When we first started noticing ignition problem - we called Ford to get a price on the part as my husband was going to replace himself. Was told by parts gal that he could not perform this himself - it's not like the old days - there are now special instructions regarding the wiring and insulation it has to be done by Ford. About a week later the ignition was completely locked we had no choice but to call tow truck and take to Ford. Tow truck driver informs us this is common defect with all 2001-2006 Ford Focus and tempos. Before we had it towed my husband thought maybe the key was just worn out - Ford said the key did look worn and the key did need replacing but it had to be done special because key contains a chip and it takes special programming - key cost $35. 00 p/key labor would cost $50. 00 - we decided to go ahead and have it towed in case this wasn't the problem. (don't want to be throwing away money) next day I confronted Ford mechanic about this being a known cylinder defect and asked why it wasn't a recall - mechanic says he agrees it should be a recall - but instead it was a TSB telling techs how to fix and to my horror fix it with another identical faulty part. I asked if there was special pricing since it was Ford's fault. Answer no. Asked if new keys were included in price - answer no. I asked if problem could reappear. Answer yes. Imagine if my daughter or I were out in the middle of no where or on a road trip - what could have happened or the expense for towing. I am scared to drive it out of town now and I am horrified that I had to pay out of pocket $489. 20 for a known defect that will more than likely happen again and again. Why is Ford fixing the problem with another faulty part -rip off scam?.

28 Ignition Module problem of the 2004 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 06/27/2006

: the contact stated the key came out of the ignition while in the start position. The vehicle was parked and turned off when the incident occurred. The steering wheel locked up and could not be moved when the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the ignition cylinder and transceiver module needed to be replaced.

29 Ignition Module problem of the 2002 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 01/19/2006

The ignition solenoid fails on this model. Upon searching online and talking to a few locksmiths it would seem the ignition is substandard/faulty in my car. How exactly does a keyed lock fail? is this a known issue?.

30 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 01/08/2006

The key goes into ignition but will not turn at all to start the car. This is a continued problem. In minnesota when it is 30 below, there is no excuse to not be able to start your car and failure to do so could result in serious adverse events on consumer health. I do not feel safe traveling in the vehicle and plan to sell is very soon.

31 Ignition Module problem of the 2001 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 12/09/2005

Ford Focus ignition won't turn.

32 Ignition Module problem of the 2002 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 11/01/2005

2002 Ford Focus zts locked ignition --tumblers were out of synch? found out that this was a common problem but the dealer won't authorized to fix it without charge. Paid $293 for repair. Seem to be a problem which could be a recall issue. Thank you for your concern.

33 Ignition Module problem of the 2003 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/16/2005

The consumer had problems with the vehicle since purchase. The vehicle caught on fire on September 16, 2005. The motor was off, and it burst into flames. The fire department came and they said it look like it started from the wiring harness. The vehicle stalled before it caught on fire. Was having the same problem two weeks before, and took it to dealer. They replaced some ignition items. Also, was having latches, brakes, and engine problems.

34 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/01/2005

2000 Ford Focus developed problems with the ignition. ** answer required*** the ignition switch had to be drilled out and replaced.

35 Ignition Module problem of the 2000 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/19/2005

Ig nition on a 200 Ford Focus locked up. Ignition and steering wheel will not turn. Aparently this is a common problem with this car. Upon completing a web search for possible repair options I saw hundreds of complaints for the exact same problem. I'm calling to have the vehicle towed to the dealer where I will undoubtedly be raped and pillaged over a Ford MD that they are unwilling ackowledge or honor.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Ford Focus


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Fuel Economy of Focus Vehicles
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