Problems with 2000 Ford Focus ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2000 ford focus se. consumer writes in regards to engine and electrical problems. *ld *js *bf

The key would no longer turn in the ignition, leaving me and my baby niece stranded far away from home. we parked the vehicle and when we returned, we found ourselves stranded, because the ignition lock could no longer be operated. apparently this is a known problem with ford focus locks! *tr

I was driving and my headlights and interior lights started to flicker and the check engine light came on and then the car just quit running after 10 minutes i was able to start the car and get home i have had this car (2000 ford focus) for a little over a year the place i purchased it from did not tell me about any problems but i have had problems for the whole time and they have only gotten worse i have put an alternator on it and changed a couple of wires that were melted but it did not help! i am afraid to drive the car now especially with my 2 year old in it with me this car is not safe to drive!!!

The ignition lock cylinder (where the key inserts/turns on the steering column) locked up on me without warning, stranding me where i last parked the car. no amount of lubrication or quick fixes helped. from what i have read, this seems to be a very common issue with the ford focus in that year range. i'm getting quotes from locksmiths in the $250 range. luckily i wasn't stranded in a bad place! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that after closing the rear hatch, the running lights, power locks, and the instrument panel lights failed to activate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the harness needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 214,000.

The key will not turn. the steering wheel and ignition are locked. *tr

I have owned this car since december of 2003 and it has been a very large money pit. this time the car just stopped running. i had taken it to autozone and they told me it need an egr sensor or hosing for it. when i was turning at a light the car just stopped running when i had just turned onto a main highway. there has been major electrical problems with it since day one. this car has had 5 clutches in it and i have complained about that all in itself because a car should never need that many clutches within 100,000 miles. that is ridiculous and very expensive and i have gotten no where with that even though there are other 2000 ford focus's with the same issue. my one head light is not right it never has been there is corrosion on the inside of the headlamp. the rear door latch does not work on the passenger side of the vehicle. the passenger side front door also does not latch correctly and no longer locks at all. the trunk latch is not right either. it will not always unlatch and then close again. it often requires several more times of pushing the trunk release and it will finally unlock after several attempts. i have put thousands of dollars into this lemon. i have all the repair paperwork, it has a brand new breaking system, brand new transmission, brand new engine, brand new clutch, battery. we have replaced everything in this car and here we go again....this car has sat more than it has been driven!!! i honestly feel that we should be reimbursed for the money we spent on buying the car because it was and is still a lemon since day one...... *js

While driving the vehicle the electric dash cluster quit working and the vehicle cut off in the middle of traffic. the alternator was replaced then the vehicle did the same thing a few months later. the battery cables were replaced and the battery and the alternator were replaced as a precaution. the vehicle after 4 days and no driving longer that 35 miles a day the same thing happened again while traveling down the interstate. *tr

Car was driving normally, parked my car, tried to restart it and key would not turn. possibly a broken ignition switch. *tr

I was pulled over on my way home from work almost midnight, and was notified by the officer that i had no taillights, but my turn signals and hazard lights were working. the license plate light and running lights are not working either. in addition, several months ago the dashboard lights blew a fuse, and have repeatedly blown the same fuse. i saw that the wires on top of the hatchback, inside the rubber tube, are cracked and broken. i saw online that this is a recurring problem. there could have been an accident, as i work second shift and always drive in the dark. i don't know how long the lights have been out. *tr

I was starting my car, on first start did not start when retried starting there was nothing tried again nothing opened hood and smoke was coming out from battery cover. removed cover and battery cables and battery were very hot the positive and negative cables started melting. when had cooled enough to touch removed positive cable and when tried replacing cable there was a lot of sparking, called my mechanic who picked the car up inspected cables found them to be defective contacted ford and the said they knew of this problem but because of the date and manufacturing place of the car it is not covered under the recall for this problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. while parked, the contact inserted the key in the ignition but the key could not be turned. the vehicle was towed an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic advised that the vehicle would have to be taken to the dealer for inspection. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000. updated 01/09/13*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that the passenger side tail light would not illuminate. she also experienced other electrical failures on the passenger's side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the bulb was changed but the failure recurred. the manufactured was notified but they offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 224,000.

The battery cable coming from the positive terminal is melted. upon investigation i found that this was a recall: nhtsa campaign #02v288000. however ford is claiming that my vin is not part of the recall, even though it is specific for my model and year, and even though my car is experiencing the exact issue that the recall is for: faulty electrical wiring that can lead to a fire. i have not had a fire in my vehicle, but a melted cable is close enough for my liking. battery terminal cables should not be melting, period. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. while parked, the contact placed the key in the ignition and was unable to turn the key. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test. the technician stated that the ignition would have to be replaced. the contact also noticed the front driver?s door handle was loose and about to fracture. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 99,000. ....updated 08-24-12 *bf the consumer stated the door handles broke. updated 08/30/2012 *js

The ignition switch jammed as i hear happens alot with these fords due to inferior parts . the dealer charged me with 3.5 hours shop time to fix this when ford has issued technical service bullitan # 02-18-2 which calls for 1.1 hours to fix as well as the $135.05 list price of the replacement cylinder kit. if this is such a common problem known to ford shouldn't it be subject to a ntsb recall? *tr

Plastic insulation of electrical connector that connects right headlight bulb with wiring overheated, melted and caused smoldering fire that led to damaging smoke deposits in headlight assembly. fire stayed contained to headlight housing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact noticed that the battery wiring and case were melted. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but was advised by the dealer that the vin was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 42,650 and the failure mileage was 42,400.

The key lock cylinder in my car failed to turn over one day. i was stranded for 3 hours due to a faulty lock cylinder and had to pay $540 dollars to get the part repaired. i called the ford direct line for assistance and they refuse to accept responsibility for the issue. they acknowledged to me on the phone that they know this is a common issue, yet nothing can be done until a lawsuit, or recall is issued. i will never buy another ford vehicle. *tr

I have been researching the issue and while it doesn't fit within the traditional constraints of a safety complaint, it is indeed a safety hazard. the ignition column of the 2000 ford focus will "lock" as i was told by the service representative at a ford dealership. luckily, this happened to me in my driveway. however, if this were to happen to someone in a remote area, they would be stranded by a problem that they have no control of or any idea that it may happen. the service rep told me that there was nothing i could have done to prevent this problem, and there was no way i could fix unless i came to a dealership. if someone has a family of four (such as the people i bought this from) and they are stranded in the middle of nowhere, basically a default with a key tumbler is to blame. this seems unfair to the consumer. *tr

Put the key in ignition would not turn. tried for over 2 hours. had car towed to ford dealer. afterward saw online this problem happens alot on this model. this is a used car we bought for our daughter. she was stranded over 3 hours and 50 miles away. ford knows of this problem and does not address it. this is unacceptable. *tr

The ignition on my 2000 ford focus is defective in that the key does not go all the way into the ignition. this problem appears to be systemic with the focus. the car is stranded in the path of oncoming cars and presents a danger to the public. systemic issues across a large span of vin numbers present a safety issue and a general public nuisance. cars are stranded in intersections and places of business because of defective ignitions that are known to ford. these issues are on blog sites in large numbers. i trust the transportation and safety board will recognize the significance of this problem. i am requesting an investigation that i am sure will reveal public safety concerns by the sheer number of incidents of this ignition failure. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that the automatic locks were defective and the rear driver side door could not be opened. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 103,000. updated 02/03/12*lj the consumer stated all of the doors became sluggish. the fuse for the power door locks failed. the fuse was replaced and failed again. the driver's side door stopped opening and would not unlock. updated 02/10/12

Engine compartment fire extending into passenger area, fire had started in the area of the driver side headlight. *tr

I drove my 2000 ford focus zx3 to work and back with no problem. i parked it at my house and later that night when i went to take my car out the key would not completely fit into the ignition. the steering wheel is locked the key is almost completely in and i cant get it in any farther. i'm either going to have to take it to a dealer or a locksmith most likely. i'm lucky i wasn't out late or far from home. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. while driving at approximately 40 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the battery cables had melted. after moving the battery cables the vehicle restarted and the contact was able to drive with constant deceleration. the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. the contact stated that the wires had completely burnt with time and he had the wires replaced. the failure continued. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but the vin was not included. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

My sixteen year old daughter has been stranded three times because her key would not turn the ignition. the first two times she was close to home and was with a friend, so she called my husband and we met her and took turns jiggling the steering wheel and the key until, finally after about ten minutes, the key turned, so the second time, it took over an hour, but did not give up because of the first time. the last time, my daughter was alone,late at night and fortunately, she was able to call us on her cell, but we had to get up out of bed, to rescue her and after over two hours of trying to get that key to work, we gave up. we had to abandon the car and i guess we will have to call a locksmith, but have been told that they have to use the same ignition and it will most likely happen again. *tr

Ignition locking mechanism not working - can not start car. key will not turn at all. a known problem with ford focus 2000 - 2003. this problem should be investigated, ford seems to deny the problem and is lining their pockets still with the repair money ($400 +). one day somebody is going to get stranded and get seriously hurt. (thank god for that cell phone). it is absolutely ridiculous this has not been recalled. crooked american car companies - i did not buy this car it was given to us with only 26,000 miles on it and it only proves i would not buy american cars. how sad for economy and lack of doing the right thing. *tr

The key would not fit into the ignition and would not turn making the car unusable and stranding me for 5 hours while waiting for a locksmith. there was no warning this would happen. the ignition just stopped working. this is a well document defect in ford focus models. the locksmith replaced the ignition for $300. *tr

I have a 2000 ford focus. without warning, the key could not be inserted into the ignition and rendered the vehicle useless this evening. it appears ford knows about this very common failure according to many owners (via online forums) with the same issue. ford doesn't consider it a safety issue and hence not recall worthy. consider this, when the failure occurred to my wife this evening after work, it was 6 degrees fahrenheit outside and dark too (and well into the negative digits with the wind-chill). this clearly seems like a safety issue in this regard for anyone...luckily our 5 & 3 year old children were in the safety of indoor daycare at the time (what would have happened with two small kids late at night in a parking lot with sub zero temps?) according to a professional locksmith, this is a known issue and he fixed the same thing on another focus this morning. he will be replacing the ignition cylinder with a non oem cylinder which will remedy the issue. the oem cylinder has known issues. the replacement cylinder (made by a different manufacturer does not) does not have the faulty mechanism the oem cylinder has. the steering wheel is also "locked" as a result of this failure to the ignition cylinder. i would "hope" that this failure wouldn't occur while the vehicle is driving down the road. catastrophe could be the result. *tr

My wife drove to the movies. after the movies she found she couldn't turn the key in the ignition. she jiggled it and tried for 20 minutes before calling me. the car is a 2000 ford focus. my wife and her friend were stranded in a bad part of town due to a malfunction. when i called my dad about it (he is a service manager for a chrysler/jeep dealership) he told me it's a terribly common problem for the 2000-2003 focus. i called ford. they told me the same thing. says the fix them all the time. i asked why it wasn't recalled since my wife was left stranded and they wouldn't answer. i am just glad that my kids weren't in the car. it was only 20 degrees outside. ford needs to fix this! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that while trying to start his vehicle the key would become stuck in the ignition and he would be unable to release the key. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the tumblers had collapsed and the ignition needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 102,000. updated 6/8/11 *cn updated 06/23/11

Ignition switch in 2000 ford focus locked up and would not turn. the consequences of this failure were that i missed a very important doctors appointment. nothing has been done to fix this problem because i do not have the $400.00 the ford place said it would cost to fix it. why has this part not been recalled? it has been an ongoing problem. *tr

Oem ignition / tumbler mechanism locked up... preventing me from starting vehicle. *tr

I tried to start my car and the key wont turn in the ignition. i have met 50 more people since yesterday who have also had this problem. i cannot afford to replace an ignition especially if it's a ford mistake. ford should be held responsible for the defect. *tr

I have a 2000 ford focus. after driving it to a gas station i pumped my gas and got back into the car to leave. i put my keys into the ignition and the key would not turn and the wheel was locked. i could not get it to turn at all. several people tired to get it to turn including a tow truck driver and a mechanic. all said it is a common problem in ford focus'. *tr

The key has gotten stuck in the ignition three time now. the first time we could not get the car started in a rough neighborhood, and had to leave it over night. the second time i had to remove the battery cable in order to shut the car off. this last time i also had to remove the battery cable to shut the car off. *tr

Driving home from family vacation. ignition key/lock failed not letting us start out car after stopping for a rest. leaving us stranded three hours from home on a sunday night. massive reports of this happening to the ford focus 2000-2003 but why haven't they recalled it? *tr

My year 2000 ford focus zx3 had been experiencing some ignition issues. i could put the key into the ignition, but it would not turn at all. this was especially the case if the wheel was locked. usually after some jiggling of the key it would turn and i could start the car. the first time this happened was in august of 2004. it began to happen about twice a month. the dealership claims they are the only ones who can fix the issue, by re-making the key and programming the now the key won't turn at all. in shopping around dealerships they believe the price will be around $300 if the cylinder is not damaged (by their own key?) for $500, plus the cost to tow the vehicle to them so they can program the key. a local locksmith has told me that this is a common issue with the ford focus. if so, why has it not been recalled? *tr

2000 ford focus ignition doesn't work. key won't turn in ignition. *tr

There are no indicators that the problem is about to occur. key stuck in ignition of 2000 ford focus. repaired once already. problem occurring again. ignition switch was replaced the first time after being stranded when the key would not turn in any direction. initial repair bill was around $400. *tr

I have a 2000 ford focus. in 2003 when it was still under warranty the ignition locked up and i couldn't turn the key. that happened at the ford dealership while getting other recalled parts replaced. yesterday 5-25-10 at 9:00pm i returned to my car and the ignition was locked up and i couldn't turn the key. ford refuses to cover it as defect even though there are numerous complaints and it left me stranded at night time. *tr

I have owned a 2000 ford focus for over 9 years. i have had 3 ignitions installed in this vehicle and it is currently sitting at the mechanics awaiting a 4th. as a single woman, i feel this is a safety issue as i don't know where or when this ignition will lock up and leave me stranded. the key will not turn after inserted in the ignition. the steering wheel will lock if turned and towtruck must be called to move the vehicle to a garage. the first time was at night after a baby shower, luckily friends were near to help me. another time it was in the parking lot after work, i had to walk several blocks to reach a phone to call for help. the third time was late at night on a city street...again i had to walk a couple of blocks in below freezing weather to reach a phone. and now this time i recognized the "symptoms" and was able to reach a garage before i was stranded. a quick google search will show you that many ford focus owners are experiencing this same problem. i have owned fords all my life, but this will be my last. i shiver to think of where i might be someday when it decides to quit working...again. i will list the last incident date at there have been four so far dating back six years. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated the steering wheel became locked and he was unable to turn the key in the ignition. the dealer replaced the ignition switch to correct the failure. the failure had occurred one additional time following repairs. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 233,000.

2000 ford focus se wagon key gets stuck in the ignition switch and does not turn leaving the driver and/or passengers stranded. *tr

The ignition key won't turn in the ignition. to start the car. ford focus 2000. *tr

I drive a 2000 ford focus. i was about to leave work after my shift and i was unable to turn the key to start my ford focus. i have heard that this issue is common with the focus and that ford has still not issued a recall or fixed the issue. as we speak, a locksmith is having to remove the ignition and replace it. it is going to cost me close to $300. i am fortunate that i was somewhere safe with cell phone service. if this had happened any other time, i could have been in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and no hope. this is definitely a safety hazard and a recall should be mandatory for ford. *tr

Ignition key won't turn in ford focus 2000 zx3. it left me stranded in college had to tow my car home. *tr

I am the owner of a 2000 ford focus zx3 my issue was that the key will not turn in car ignition and therefore i cannot start car. after researching this problem apparently it happens very often to owners of a ford focus and i'm lodging a complaint in the hopes that a recall will be made. *tr

The ignition switch, on our 2000 ford focus, quit working. this is the second time in less than a year. the last time, i had a locksmith repair it. now it isn't working again. i "googled" it and found that this is a problem with 2000-2003 models but no recall has been issued. i will call the locksmith for another costly repair but would like this issue looked at possibly for some kind of liability by ford motor company. thank you. *tr