Steering Anti-theft Device Problems of Ford Focus - part 2

Key will not turn the ignition switch! this has happen several times over the course of a few years, usually fixing itself. This last time, nothing will fix it. I am checking costs now to replace the whole mechanism.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Focus 🔎.

I parked my car and shut it off. When I came back to start my car I could put the key in, but not turn it. When I called Ford they new of the issue and the service manger told me the following info it it: it is designed so badly that even a perfectly new one can jam. In most lock cylinders the tumblers are pushed by springs to lock against an outer sleeve, and the key pushes them back in. With the Focus they added a locking bar as 90 degrees to the tumblers, and that is what locks the sleeve instead of the tumblers. The problem is there is no solid connection between the key and this locking bar. It is only pushed by the tiny tumbler springs, wich easily jam. So the only current permenant solution is to remove all the tumblers. But since they cannot do this, they have to replace them as they come in, but they still break after replacement at my cost of almost $500. 00. If Ford knows of this issue why do they not fix this!.

I have had the steering wheel lock and key unable to turn twice now. The first incident occurred in February 2003. The car had to be towed to the dealership and I was told the steering column had to be replaced and re-keyed. It cost $867 to fix. Even though it was "fixed", I still had to wiggle the steering wheel to get the key turned which at times took a few minutes. Now a year and a half later, the same exact thing happened. I can't get the key to turn at all. When I called the dealership, I was told the warranty expired after a year and that Ford was a "real stickler on their warranties" and I would have to pay about the same amount again. Just a note - after only a year after purchasing the car, it squeaked like crazy anytime I used the brakes. Even though the brakes were replaced, the car still squeaks.

While turning steering wheel locked and the lost steering control. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

When pulling into a parking lot steering wheel locked up. Consumer was able to park the vehicle. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection.

2000 Ford Focus key will not turn over when wheels are locked. Have to tow car to dealership.

This morning when we were starting our Ford Focus it would not allow us to turn the key. The ignition was locked up. You cannot do anything when that happens. We found out that Ford is well aware of this inherent defect in the ignition system in the Focus but has never recalled them for it. All locksmiths and other mechanics can no longer buy ignition switches from Ford to rectify the problem and Ford service centers want an arm and a leg to do the work from $169- just unde r$300 if they have to drill it out. This can be dangerous if it fails in a bad spot and you get stuck. It is very unsafe for women who have to drive alone somewhere or say someone with small children who gets stuck on the highway or anywhere on either a hot day or cold day as nothing will work. You need to have the vehicle towed. We were lucky in tha tmy husband kept at it until it did work;but have heard it can happen anytime,anywhere again;and tha tsome people who had theirs fixed had it happen more than once. I have high blood pressure and if it happened to me when alone it would make that skyrocket ,endangering my health. Ford is well aware of the defect and they admit it can happen in any Focus. They will not recall it unless your dept pushes them to do this.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Focus 🔎.

When turning the steering wheel towards the right steering wheel locked up, causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Focus 🔎.

The ignition of my 2000 Ford Focus has frozen repeatedly only to start working again several minutes later. It recently has not started working again and I am having to pay $200 to have the ignition replaced. This I dismissed as simply one of the down sides of buying a used car. However, after searching forums online and speaking with a local dealership I have found that this is a common problem with all 2000/2001 Ford Focus models. The person who came to tow my car to the dealership informed me that he responds to 10-15 calls a week due to the same exact problems with this make and year of vehicle. I was directed to the NHTSA website by one of the internet forums and was shocked to find how many defects had been sited with this particular car make/model however, this was not amoung them. This appears to be the most common problem occuring with this make/model of car as well. I just hope to never be in a situation where I need to be somewhere ASAP and my ignition suddenly decides not to turn.

Ford Focus zx3 2000, key will not go into ignition more than 1 - 2 inches and will not turn. Steering wheel is locked.

Ignition key didn't turn on my Ford Focus 2001 at November 2003. Mileage was 42,000 at that date. I've spent half of hour to leave my field work place. Because of repair is too expansive, I've bought a new ignition lock cylinder for $84 and drilled oldone by myself.

The ignition lock cylinder locked up, making it impossible to start the car. The ignition key will not turn the lock. If the car is towed in it creates a problem in that the car stays in park and if towed incorrectly will damage the transmission. Ford motor views this as natural wear and tear.

Key cylinder lock went out and caused steering wheel and the key not to be able to turn. Manufacturer and dealer will be notified of the problem.

Consumer states while driving at 15mph on flat surface and with no warning steering wheel locks up. Dealer notified.

Focus zx3 has 20,000 miles, steering column locked, entire ignition locked, couldn't turn key, had to be towed and took a day to repair. This is the second time this has happened.

Consumer states that steering wheel locks up, which causes the key not to turn in the ignition. The consumer has to work with the steering wheel to get key to turn. Consumer has taken vehicle to service department, and the technician stated that vehicle has an anti-theft system, and that is why it is having steering problems.

Steering wheel locks and you cannot turn the key in the ignition at all. Steering wheel, ignitions, and gearshift are all frozen. Has happened 3 times before but this is the first time that the all 3 are stuck and can't get ignition to budge.

Steering wheel continuously locks up while in use. Cause of the failure is undetermined.