There are TWO different problems that can cause this.

There is a problem with bad ignition switches.  There is also a
problem with bad shifters.  I had the second.  I occasionally
couldn't get the key out of the ignition.  They replaced my
ignition switch but it didn't help.  I explained that I could
feel that the shifter wasn't quite going into park.  Usually,
when it happened, I could move the car back and forth a little
and it would clear up.

I could always start the car.  I occasionally had to leave the
keys in the ignition.  I locked the car and carried a second set
of keys with me.  After they replaced the shifter, my problem went
away.

It's a known defect on early model Foci. Happened to me. The good news is
it's not particularly expensive - it merely requires a new lock cylinder,
which is set for your key. Cost me a couple of hundred plus tow, as I
recall.

A lot of people think it should be a recall but since there's no actual
safety issue (by definition it happens when the car is parked) no such luck.

The cost can run from around $300 to up to $900. If the Ford Tech knows what
he is doing it will cost around $300 if he screws up and does not drill the
lock cylinder properly then its a new steering column. If they tell you need
a new steering column then the Tech screwed up.

Its one of the common issues with the 2000-2002 Focus and Ford is too cheap
to step up to the plate and pay for a defect because they buy the cheapest
parts they can. The annoying thing is they replace the lock cylinder with
the same kind of quality.
Ford view this problem as not a "safety defect", but I wonder how they would
feel if their wife or girl friend was stuck late at night with a car which
would not start.
If it happens to me again I will "take it" to a locksmith. There are
aftermarket locks which are far superior than the Ford OEM part and the
price is about half to replace the lock cylinder when a locksmith does it.

For more info there is a web site which another poster gave a while ago its:
http://www.motorage.com/motorage/data/articlestandard/motorage/472002/38913/arti
cle.pdf

I went to start my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 today and the key got stuck in
the ignition and would not turn the ignition switch. I was finally able
to get the key out but despite my trying, was unable to start the car. I
also could not get the steering column unlocked.

While I was in the parking lot two people came over to offer assistance.
When I explained the problem both knew people who had experienced the
exact same problem. I googled and found that there is a TSB on this but
no recall. I have a feeling that the dealer is going to fleece me on
this even though it clearly appears to be a defect.

Comments???

Ron

It ended up costing me 251CDN which appears to be par for the course. I
still resent having to pay that amount for something that is clearly a
defect.

Would speaking to the area rep have any effect?

Ron