Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact stated that her mother-in-law owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her mother-in-law was driving at an unknown speed, the front passenger's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a control arm failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 2 weeks later the driver's side wheel detached. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic who stated that the control arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 3 months later while stopped at a traffic light, the driver was unable to control the vehicle as the front passenger's side wheel detached from the vehicle as well as the transmission slid into the engine. The transmission observation was by the tow truck company. …
Noticed small hole in front control arm while servicing brakes. Stamped sheet metal control arm rusted through and was failing. Very poor designe that was discontinued for apparent reasons the following model year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. While slowing down to 5 MPH to approach an intersection, the vehicle drove over a pothole. The contact lost control of the vehicle, but managed to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle. The control arm assembly was rusted and split in half, the plastic shroud was ripped, and the fender on the passenger side was pushed into the front passenger door, which made the door difficult to open and close. The vehicle was towed to a residential home where it was diagnosed. The independent mechanic determined that the lower control arm failed. The control arm failure was repaired by the independent mechanic. The contact did not notify the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. ..updated 06/08/17
While driving on snow for the first time with this vehicle, I experienced significant and extremely difficult to control fishtailing of the rear end. I have significant experience driving in the snow, the tires are in extremely good condition and the vehicle was checked prior to the trip. The problem is not with the tires or maintenance. The problem is with the design of the suspension. After the incident, a quick internet search reveals that this is a known problem with the Ford Focus of this vintage. It is beyond belief that Ford is unaware of the problem. The vehicle is defective and unsafe. We were lucky to keep the vehicle under control and get off the road alive. Attempts to contact Ford directly have proven unsuccessful.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, there was a abnormal noise coming from the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. The failure occurred multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that they were receiving a vehicle structure error. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. While driving over 50 MPH, the vehicle became unstable and was difficult to drive in a straight line. In addition, the air bag sensor and overdrive sensor lights suddenly illuminated while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 155,000. Updated 02/18/16
Front left tire blew causing to loose control of the car it went off road and slammed into a ditch. Front bumper and quarter panel damage, front axle broke, rims dented, suspension needs to be replaced to name a few. Almost 5000.00 in damage. Person jerked forward enough to have cuts in the chest/shoulder by the seat belt yet the airbag did not deploy.
I was driving my 2007 Ford Focus with 40K miles on a highway going about 60mph. I heard/felt a vibration from the rear of the vehicle. I thought the muffler was coming loose. Then the left rear wheel came off the car. There were no cars behind me and I was in the right hand lane so I made it to the shoulder. The wheel bearing had failed. The cost to repair it was $500. I see there was a recall on 2007 fords for a similar problem 07V270000 with wheels coming off but that was for front wheels of rear wheel drive cars. I had the car in for the 35K maintenance in September and had not been in any accidents, or had any service done to the car since then. The dealership employees said it was unusual for a car with just 40K miles to have that type of failure and saw nothing, parts melted, etc to indicate anything other than the bearing failure. …
I noticed a vibration that seemed to increase over time of about 2 weeks. I took the vehicle into the dealer where they replaced a wheel bearing and recommended I replace the rear tires due to severe cupping. The tires are continental contacts with about 10,000 miles on them and should have lasted the next 5 years. I went to the tire shop where they told me that Ford focuses are known to have alignment problems and will destroy their tires prematurely. Researching the internet I found 47 such complaints over the years relating exactly to what I experienced. The problem is the rear suspension is cambered in too much at the top and Ford never made the suspension adjustable. Mine measured 1/4 inch difference between the top of the 15 inch rim compared to the bottom. This sits the car on the inside edge of the tire creating the premature wear. Ford must know this problem exists.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. She took the vehicle to the dealer and had all four tires replaced. Shortly after the repair, the failure resurfaced accompanied by mild drifting to the right and excessive vibration. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the wheel bearings caused the failures. They recommended that an alignment be performed. In addition, all four tires needed to be replaced again. The tire specialist stated that the a component on the vehicle was causing the tires to fail. The vehicle has not been repaired again. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 5,000 and current mileage was 36,000.
Suspension complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2007 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2007 Ford Focus, 6% of the model year's 391 complaints. The component named most often is front (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Ford Focus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2007 Ford Focus. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Ford Focus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.