NHTSA Complaint #10328678 — 2002 FORD FOCUS

I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD FOCUS JUST 5 MONTHS AGO (DECEMBER 2009). WHEN TRYING TO START MY CAR AT A RESTAURANT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. AFTER A FULL HOUR OF TRYING TO FIX IT, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION WITH A FORD PART THAT I FEAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION COST ME OVER $400, AND DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A LONG-TERM SOLUTION. ACCORDING TO MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS, THE NEW IGNITION WILL FAIL TO THE SAME PROBLEM IN TIME. I AM LIMITED BY OTHER OPTIONS, AS NON-FORD PARTS AND LOCKSMITH WORK DOES NOT COME WITH THE 12 MONTH-WARRANTY THAT FORD OFFERS. MY BEST OPTION IS TO SELL THE CAR AGAIN BEFORE IT HAPPENS, OR BEFORE MY WARRANTY IS UP-- NEITHER OF WHICH ARE A SOLUTION, BUT PUTTING THE PROBLEM ONTO SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS TRAGEDY AND IN FAULTY DESIGN. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE FRIENDS TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION, BUT THE EMBARRASSMENT AND FEAR OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN ARE NOT WORTH IT. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED! *TR