Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Console transmission shift lever detents not noticeable in any positon including Park (mushy shifter) and I am unable to remove ignition key in any position, on, off or lock. Therefore the car can be easily stolen by anyone (minor or adult) by simply breaking the window, reaching the unlock and driving off. Shifter, steering column, and key removal malfunction.
In June 2013, I was driving n on i15 (approx 82 miles from home. After using cruise control around 80mph, the speed limit changed to 65. As I tapped the brake to stop cc, my car almost stopped to a grinding halt. The car had 47000 miles. After I panicked for about a half hour because I am disabled, I finally put it in d & it worked. When I returned home, it literally stopped permanently in my driveway. I called a tow to take to Ford dealership. I paid for the tow and of course almost $200 to tell me the transmission needed repaired! This would cost around $3600! Ford has been ignoring me for years because I feel they should pay for towing, diagnostics, repairs and car rentals. I have received nothing. Not a letter from the dealership's owner, nothing. I bought this car with eight miles on the odometer & took care of it so it would last many years. …
Was driving in good weather conditions and 2007 Ford Focus began to veer to the left and right out of control - I had no control over the steering or brakes is was as if the car went on auto pilot and started driving itself. After about twenty seconds of rocking left and right in the road the car made a sharp right and left the highway hit and flipped twice with my daughter and myself inside - fortunately we are both still alive the 2007 Ford Focus is totaled.
I am driving on the highway, and the used car I just bought with in the last week is shuddering, jerking, and slip out of gear. It only had one owner, and a little over 56,000 miles. Now I have only put 125 miles on it, and it does this. Since it slows down quickly with a fierce jerk of the car, I was lucky and did not cause an accident because of the problem, and other cars behind me slamming on there brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle decreased in speed to 30 MPH without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that a bushing failed and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 01/12/16
"Takata recall" I'm having transmission problems with my Ford Focus while driving, the transmission will not shift correctly in the higher gears, 3rd and 4th I had it checked at a transmission shop who verifyed that the computer told them that the higher gears were at fault. I would like any help you can give me with this problem.
The vehicle key is stuck in the ignition which makes it easier for car theft to occur. There is no way of getting the vehicle key out yourself. The vehicle starts, but when you turn it off, the key remains stuck in the vehicle ignition.
There are two recurring problems that really concern me: 1) transmission/powertain light has flickered on-and-off and then goes off completely. Initially I assumed it was a fuse or electrical problem. There have been several episodes, the scariest to date on 2-20-12 the car seemed to "lose gears," shuttered a little, and suddenly felt it was going to stall out on a short incline. My 15 year old daughter (with learner's permit) was at the wheel. It was frightening as the car felt it would roll backward with traffic stacked up behind her. 2) brakes: on two ocassions since I have owned the car (3.5 months) the brakes, when applied (normal fashion) completely went to the floor without functioning: there was nothing there. …
I own a 2007 Ford Focus with 45K miles on it. Around 42K miles I begin to experience problems with my car when I need to accelerate quickly such as merging onto an interstate highway. The car would begin to accelerate but once it reached 3rd gear the car would jerk and start revving very loud but be stuck and would not accelerate. Initially it was occasional and would not be very bad to overcome, simply release the gas pedal for a while then it'd fix itself. But it has gotten progressively worse to the point where I cannot get the car over 30 MPH due to this issue no matter how slowly or fast I accelerate. The car will rev very loud usually at 3K+ RPM, but will not accelerate. I have to pull off the road whenever I can; turn the car off and try again. It turns out it is an issue with the alternator of this car particularly the 2007 model. …
Have 2007 Ford Focus se with 50,000mil on it. 1st offense happened July 2009. Had to replace 100,000 MIL warranty spark plugs(Ford product) @ 38,000 MIL.they were burnt to crisp .replaced then 2 wks later btwn 45-50 an hr my car was shifting like a manual transmission. I was told I no longer had a warranty(Ford directly said this) went to another rep company. Told me my cylinders were going out. No engine light was coming on. Company told me to call Ford directly because maybe there was a recall. They told me there wasn't and that I did have a powertrain warranty but this was not covered,yet my owners manual says that cylinders are covered by powertrain. I paid over $200 to fix problems in aug 2009.it is now oct 2009 and I will have to replace everything again! I am to this date barely over 2 yrs old on the vehicle(bought aug 2007) and just now turned over 50,000 MIL. …
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Ford Focus, 11% of the model year's 391 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.