Problems with 2000 Ford Focus ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I went to a store and turned my car off, the same way that i always do. once returning and trying to start the car, the ignition switch would not move at all. the key would go in all the way, but it would not turn. this has happened to me several times, but normally it will start after messing with it for a few minutes. this time i sat there for an hour trying to get it to work, to no avail. i called my roadside assistance, and had it towed home. i was told both by my insurance company, and the towing company, that it is a repeated issue with the focus. the towing company said the only time he has had to ever tow a focus is when it has been in an accident, or if the key will not turn. i have noticed many other complaints about this same issue through nhtsa, and feel something should be done about it. i have called several mechanics and lock smiths, and i am told by all that i have to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. i have no choice but to pay the high price to have a dealer fix an issue that should have been fixed a long time ago on all the car's made that year. it is obviously a defect if so many people are having this problem, and not just once but repeatedly. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that on two separate occasions, the key failed to turn in the ignition. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition cylinder, the tumbler, and the pass key point. the repair was performed on may 29, 2007. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 58,395 and failure mileage was 55,000. updated 07/06/07. *jb

Ignition switch failure in 2000 ford focus left me and my three children stranded in secluded area at dark. at this point nothing has been done to repair the problem although i have researched this issue and it is apparent that it seems to be a common problem for the ford focus. *nm

2000 ford focus ignition cylinder would not turn when key was inserted. i had to have the car towed to a dealer, who charged $350 to drill out the cylinder and replace it with a new one. *nm

My daughter took the ford focus to college for a couple of weeks and was not able to get the key in the ignition. after speaking with several representatives at aaa (trying to get it towed from a parking garage), they all said that this is a known problem with the ford focus. they were sure that there had to be a recall or that ford should pay for this to be fixed. i've contacted ford and this was in their reply - 'ford and the national highway traffic and safety administration (nhtsa) work together to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealer feedback.' this is why i'm filing a complaint with you. as for a safety issue, my daughter's safety is my main concern. luckily this happened while she was still parked in the garage at school and not in a parking lot at a mall or a store. the tumblers collapsed and the ignition switch needed replaced and two new keys had to be made and programmed. (if oem is original equipment from manufacturer, then it is yes.) *jb

2000 ford focus ignition. key starts to get stuck in ignition no warning ignition locks and car will not start. to fix the problem ignition gets drilled out and costs $175.31. this seems to be a national problem with the make, model and year of this car and should be recalled. *nm

2000 ford focus ignition switch will not turn. *nm

Ignition switch would "stick", since day of purchase...two months later, broken!! all the tumbler springs went out....$300!! to fix and one hour late to work. passenger outer tie rod boot is shot and the tie rod will not come off!!! $45 to replace!!! seat belt tensioner does not work properly at all!!!! *nm

Ignition locks up. this is the second time i've had to replace this ignition. this time its costing me $397. apparently many other focus 2000 users have the same problem. *nm

The ignition switch in my 2000 ford focus has repeatedly failed, leaving my family and myself stranded multiple times. the switch was replaced once at @ 20k miles, and is now beginning to fail in the exact same way. this is a very, very common problem with these cars, and the ford mechanics confirm this fact. unfortunately, the ford service managers i have dealt with deny any problem exists. i consider this a safety issue, as we have been stranded at night in dangerous situations. *nm

Having trouble inserting my key into the ignition. also, ignition switch does not pop out when key is removed until i press it in with my finger. my brother, who also owns a 2000 ford focus has had his ignition switch replaced twice for the same problem. expect to pay $250 at the dealer to have it fixed. *nm

The ignition on my 2000 ford focus locked up. with some wd-40 and a few taps with a hammer, we were able to get the key to turn again, but i didn't take the key out of the ignition again for 2 days until i could get it replaced -- for fear i would get stranded somewhere again. after doing some online research i learned this is a common problem for other ford focus owners and wanted to report it with hopes that a recall might occur someday. *jb

Ignition sticks. won't let me turn key or sometimes even put key in ignition. *jb

Ignition lock failure. once the key is inserted it will not turn. i have gotten the switch to work in the interm but it still needs to be replaced. *nm

Battery cables were replaced under recall 02v288000. new cables only lasted for 2 years before car quit running and the cables needed replacement again. 2nd replacement was not covered under warranty or recall so consumer had to replace cables at ford dealer for $250 (parts and labor). consumer feels that two years of life on battery cables is completely unacceptable. car is now considered somewhat unreliable due to the fact that battery cables are prone to failure. *jb

The ignition will not allow the key to turn. *jb

I have an ignition problem. the key goes in but will not turn. steering wheel is locked. when i checked the problem on the internet i realized that it is a common problem of all ford focus cars. when i went to the dealer they told me that ignition cylinder needs to be replaced, however a new key is not provided for the new ignition cylinder. as a result i have to take my old keys with the new cylinder to the locksmith to have him to recode it and that will be another expense for me. i read on the internet that this is only a temporary solution. same problem occurs again according to those that complained on the internet forums. the web address is below and i put my complain to that forum as well. http://www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=1784 so it should be recall for this ignition problem by the ford company. *jb

Regarding my 2000 ford focus - have had most of the issues listed on your site. recently, my trunk lid is not closing easily. it seems to be doing the same as my back door latch (rust issue?). also, my ignition key is regularly stuck going in or coming out of the ignition. this is even more frustrating...*nm

Without any warning of any kind, the ignition switch on my 200 ford focus zx3 failed, leaving with an automobile. *jb

1) my ignition switch broke 2) would not turn when the key was inserted 3) had a dealer replace the ignition switch. the tech also made a comment that, on this model, they all broke, and ford had made a better switch that was being used in the replacement. *nm

dt: the contact owns a 2000 ford focus station wagon. the contact stated while attempting to start vehicle the key would not turn to start the vehicle. it was as if the computer was not reading the key. the consumer contacted aaa, and they stated that this happened frequently with this type of vehicle. the consumer contacted the dealership this morning ,and they were going to inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. the manufacturer stated this was not a safety defect in the vehicle and would not issue a recall.*ak updated 11/29/05. *jb

Dt:the consumer received a recall on the deck lid wire harness, the recall repair was performed at a ford dealership in 2001. this recall repair did not repair the problem, the brake lights and license plate light failed afterwards. the consumer returned to the dealer, there were some repairs, but the consumer did not know what repairs were exactly made at that time. several months later, the brake lights went out because the consumer was pulled over by authorities for not having brake lights. the consumer returned to the dealership and paid for the repairs out of pocket. the next occurrence resulted in the consumer smelling smoke for which she could not determine the cause. she pulled over for a moment, and began to pull out to drive to the dealer, and a passerby honked the horn. the consumer noticed smoke coming form the trunk compartment. the consumer shut the engine off, and while looking for something to put the fire out, black smoke began to erupt from the trunk. upon inspection, the fire had extinguished by itself and the smoke was coming from the wiring. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who wanted to inspect the vehicle further. the dealer spliced the wires up into the area where the fire was ,and now consumer is concerned a fire may again occur. the consumer has not contacted ford at this time. *ak

2000 ford focus - ignition lock cylinder fails - ignition key will not turn. hundreds of posts on the web complaining about this issue. no recourse except to replace the cylinder - after towing the vehicle. *jb

Got back in my are after filling with gas and the ignition key would not turn in the ignition lock barrel. had to have it towed home. internet search revealed this to be very common problem with this car. $300-$500 to fix. *nm

2000 ford focus ignition seized. *ts *jb

2000 ignition issue - i can place the key in the ignition, however i can not turn the vehicle over. i have been told that my ignition switch would have to be replaced at an overwhelming $350.00. ford has been aware of this issue and has not done anything about it. *nm

Driving down the highway at about 55 mph, car hesitated, ran real rough, then ran normal until i reached my destination. when i reached my destination car just died in parking lot, would not turn over, would not do anything. had car towed to hillside ford (nearest ford dealer). they called me back and said that could not figure out the problem until they put a starter in the car because the car was not turning over. what the starter has to do with the car dying is beyond me? so i said ok, they changed the starter, charging me of course ($180 for starter), and then realized that the car still didn't do anything. this is when they figured out that the battery cables were all burnt up. so they told me they would have to be changed (another $90.00 for cables). so after the starter and the battery cables were changed the car was back to running normal. my total bill including labor $618.00. i had no choice but to get the car done because it is my only source of transportation. after further looking into recalls on the nhtsa website for my car, i realized that there is a recall for the battery cables on my focus, with my engine and the same year (recall #: 02v288000). i called ford and they told me that all recalls are vin specific and my car was not on the list. this is the same thing they said when they had a silent recall on the fuel pump, which they finally agreed to take care of. *jb

Daughter was attempting to start her car and could not get the key to turn. after trying different keys. we called the ford dealer was informed that the key cylinder needed to be replaced. a little research into this shows this to be an ongoing problem with these cars. and at 400 a shot ford should show a profit. *jb

Dt: the caller said automatic locks on the doors and trunk did not work. the keyless entry remote for the locks will not work to lock or unlock the vehicle. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were willing to provide any financial assistance. *ak *nm

2000 ford focus zx3. unable to insert key into ignition. stranded far from home at night. had to have the car towed to dealership and the ignition replaced. *nm

Within two weeks of purchasing the 2000 ford focus the air bag sensor broke, the brakes began to squeal and less than a month later the ignition locked. the car cannot be started or moved due to the locked ignition. nothing was done about the brakes. the airbag light was replaced at a cost to me of $280.27. the ignition has not been repaired or addressed by the dealer. *nm

12/03 -- rear driver side window regulator broke on a 2000 ford focus; window not used much 9/7/05 -- rear passenger side window regulator failed on same car as rolling down to clear morning condensation off and on since i've had the car, the driver side window and rear driver's side window have not worked due to a so called "short" the 2 regulators were replaced; the short has never been found or repaired and is a nuisance. *jb

I have a ford focus 2000, my complaint is i have put new parts on this car , a new engine, fuel pump, parts on the front end and a lot more. plus making a car payment. when i take it to the ford shop i don't like the way i am treaded. i still have all my receipts for my car i feel ford should care about their cars and the buyers. *nm

Engine compartment fire (four days after ford dealership replaced ignition lock cylinder). *nm

Battery cable was located in a way that caused abrasion against battery case. wear by this abrasion caused failure of the insulation and a short circuit. this resulted in total engine and electrical failure and started a small, brief electrical fire of the cable insulation and battery case. the incident occurred on a freeway, and put the occupant in significant danger. vehicle was towed to garage. battery and battery cable harness assembly was replaced. status of alternator not yet available.*jb

Car was starting & running fine ... stopped by my mother's house; came out, placed key into ignition, key refused to turn. tried all the regular tricks (turnign the wheel to the stops, pressing brake, cluthc, accelerator, etc. to no effect) called towing service - they could not make the key turn either and commented that this was "common" in ford focus. towed vehicle to balise ford - agreed it's a common failure but thye have a redesigned part from ford - that is not covered by ford's extended warrantly. over $300 to replace a part everyen admits to failing frequently!

Dt: the ignition cylinder locked and will not let you turn the key. contacted a ford dealer, they said they have seen this problem widely, but there was no recall. this happened on august 20, 2005. had vehicle towed to dealer because it would not start it.*ak

The ignition of my 2000 ford focus i was stuck at dallas airport after a job interview for about three hours in 90 degree heat. it was repaired and locked up again this time in front of my hours. *nm

My 2000 ford focus zx3 ignition system will not turn. i tried everything to get it fixed. aaa sent a locksmith out and her told me that this is the 10th ford focus this week with the exact same problem. he said he has to replace the entire ignition system. he said he has done over 150 in the last year. i searched online an found over 5000 people with the exact same problem. i called ford and they acted as if they have never heard of this problem before. the ford focus is notorious for recalls but this problem is not on the list. i believe that it should be added. ford focus ignition system she be recalled. *nm

My car was not showing signs of any problems before the incident. my 2000 ford focus zx3 was parked in a local restaurant parking lot for about 3 hours. when i returned to my car, the key would not go into the ignition. we played with it enough to get it in half way and then the whole way, but the key will not turn. i called for a ride at 12:00am because a cop informed me it was most likely my tumbler or ignition switch. my car was towed the next morning from the parking lot. this was a difficult process considering my steering wheel was locked up and they had to "drag" my car to get it on to the flat bed. my ignition switch is currently being worked on, but we are unable to find the "key code" to set my tumbler. *nm

Ignition lock cylinder failure. i could not get the key to go in the ignition. after 1/2 hour of pushing, pulling, rocking, tilting, in out, back forth, i got the key in. upon advice of my mechanic at woody sander ford in cincinnati, oh, i was told to leave the key in the ignition until i could deliver it to them for replacement. they say the problem is very common but ford won't recall because it isn't a safety issue. my web research supports that it is indeed very common and for many people a recurring problem. the car is 5 years old with 54,627 miles on it. the repair was just over $200.00. *jb

I have a 2000 ford focus and my key would not turn in the ignition. needless to say i was stranded with the two preschool children at night. i took it to get it fixed and it is costing my $510 to fix the problem. *jb

My wife had to drop off something at a friend's place out in the country. they would not be home for a couple days. she got out of the car, delivered the items, and got back in the car to start it up and come back home. we were all waiting for her to get home so we could leave for a camping trip. the key went into the ignition, but the key would not turn, car would not start - the same problem described here many times. she went to a neighbor's to call me, finally found someone that could bring her home and get me there to see what i could do(we only have one car). i could do nothing. in the morning i am going to see what i can do. this sucks because my family is all packed and ready to go camping - now this. *jb

Ignition cylinder failure, stranded us and we'll have to have the car towed. could have been dangerous if this had happened a week earlier when we were in the back country of idaho. this is a known problem with 2000-2002 ford focus cars and ford has done nothing to acknowledge the problem. the ignition cylinder will have to be replaced (again). *nm

Ignition started to stick and on 8/5/05 the ignition would not turn key broke off had to pay lock smith to come out and take key out that was 125 dollars. now i have to take the car to the dealer and have them fix the ignition but to get it there the car has to be towed. this has happened to a numerous amount of cars and ford will do nothing about it. *jb

Ignition key failure in 2000 ford focus se. after doing some investigation on the web, i learned that this is an extremely common problem with most if not all models of ford focus. i am having it serviced now but according to many other people, i can expect to have to do this several more times over the lifetime of the vehicle. *jb

While driving my 2000 ford focus, i came to a four way stop and the car ceased to work, as if i had turned off the key...no sputtering, just stopped. i restarted the vehicle and it lurched forward, died again, just as before. as i looked out the front windshield, i observed smoke coming from the hood of the car. i exited the car and flames were coming from the wheel wells. i immediately called 911. people began spraying water on the car from garden hoses, two people stopped with fire extinguishers and nothing put out the flames. when the fire department arrived, within 10 minutes, the entire front of the car was destroyed. pieces in the engine compartment were melting and falling off the engine onto the ground. police arrived to direct traffic. the car was towed to wendle ford, and my insurance company removed the vehicle to their premises the next day. i still have no idea what could have caused this problem in a five year old vehicle with no prior problems. as i have seen several other incidents of fire in this vehicle, the government should make ford motor company investigate why this is happening before someone gets killed! *jb

Key would not work in ignition - car had to be towed to dealership to replace lock assembly and tumbler. *nm

I have a 2000 ford focus. the ignition switch has locked. key will not turn. no warning to impending failure. car had to be towed to a ford service center for repair. *nm

2000 ford focus developed problems with the ignition.***no answer required*** *mr the ignition switch had to be drilled out and replaced. *sc