Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Ford focus. While driving approximately 5 MPH the accelerator pedal would stick and the vehicle would not respond when pressure was applied to it. The failure occurred intermittently and had occurred several times and became more frequent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
2007 Ford Focus powertrain problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 37 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Ford Focus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2007 Ford Focus automatic transmission is a financial minefield—transmissions regularly fail under 50,000 miles and cost $3,000+ to replace, often out-of-pocket. Expect gear shifter breakage, stuck throttle, and serious drivability issues; Ford has refused recalls and offers minimal owner assistance despite widespread complaints.
The 2007 Ford Focus powertrain shows a pattern of failures concentrated in the automatic transmission. Owners report transmissions failing as early as 5,000 to 27,000 miles, with repeated issues even after replacement. Typical symptoms include refusing to shift, revving high without acceleration, jerking or lurching when shifting, slipping out of gear, and sudden loss of power. Burnt-smell transmission fluid appears in multiple reports. The check engine light and "OD OFF" warning come on regularly before failure.
The gear shifter is a chronic weak point—multiple owners describe the shifter coming apart in hand, springs popping out, wires disconnecting. Some cars become undriveable when this happens. Key removal also gets stuck despite proper shifting, trapping owners in the vehicle.
Throttle stickiness occurs throughout ownership; owners report the accelerator pedal either sticking open or becoming unresponsive. Alternator defects show up at higher mileages, with one owner noting repeated failures immediately after replacement. Transmission problems are expensive—repairs cited range from $3,000 to $3,700, often paid out-of-pocket when warranty expires. Ford has consistently denied recall eligibility and offered minimal financial assistance to owners, even in cases where transmissions fail under 50,000 miles.
Same Ford Focus powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Automatic transmission failure and slipping
Transmission refuses to shift, slips out of gear, or revs high without acceleration. Can occur at very low mileage and may recur after replacement. OD OFF warning and check engine light typically precede failure.
When: 5,000–86,000 miles; multiple cases under 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High RPM revving without acceleration; Jerking or lurching when shifting; Slipping out of gear; Car stuck in one gear or neutral; Burnt-smell transmission fluid; OD OFF warning light flashing; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: Shift solenoid E fault, Overdrive sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement $3,000–$3,700. Owner #1 had 5 transmissions in 7 years. Owner #6 paid ~$3,000, Ford contributed $500. Owner #5 charged ~$200 diagnostic, ~$3,600 repair estimate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford initially denied any complaints existed (narrative #6). No recalls issued. Minimal or no financial assistance offered even at low mileage. One owner reports re-manufactured replacement carries higher mileage warranty, suggesting Ford may be aware of defect.
Gear shifter breakage and disconnection
Shifter handle and internal components fail, falling apart in driver's hand or coming loose from steering column. Wires disconnect, springs pop out. Vehicle becomes immobilized or key becomes trapped.
When: Various mileages; narrative #4 and #7 did not report specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter falls apart in hand; Spring mechanism separates; Button pops off; Wires hang loose from shifter; Cannot shift into or out of Park; Key trapped in ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter replacement cost over $1,500 (narrative #7). Labor to reinstall; wires require reconnection. Multiple owners performed temporary field repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall in effect despite multiple complaints. Warranty expired on most vehicles at time of failure. Ford has not addressed the issue formally.
Stuck accelerator pedal (throttle stickiness)
Accelerator pedal sticks open or becomes unresponsive. Occurs intermittently and becomes more frequent over time. Owner reports three-year recurring issue with near-accidents.
When: Throughout ownership; narrative #11 reported incidents over three years starting in 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal sticks open; Unresponsive to pressure; Engine races while braking; Car accelerates when brake applied; Intermittent onset, increasing frequency
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator pedal replacement recommended (narrative #24); owner did not pursue repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to fix narrative #11's recurring issue despite multiple service requests over years. No recall or TSB cited.
Transmission fluid leak
Transmission fluid leaks from transmission housing after service, pooling on driveway. One owner suffered a fall and injury as a result of hazard left unaddressed.
When: Narrative #1 reported leak April 11, 2011 after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid pooling under vehicle; Red/pink fluid on driveway
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost cited; leak occurred at dealership.
Transmission key-release interlock failure
Key cannot be removed from ignition even when transmission is in Park, or shifter moves freely without pressing release button. Creates theft and safety hazard.
When: Narrative #26 at 47,000 miles; narratives #28, #29, #32 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition despite Park position; Shifter moves between gears without release button; No detent feedback in shifter positions; Mushy shifter feel
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shifter replacement $200 (narrative #26). Steering column and key removal mechanism may require service.
Alternator defect and repeated failure
Alternator fails and is replaced, but defect recurs within a week. One owner correctly diagnosed the issue as alternator (narrative #3) after researching forum complaints. Causes power loss, stalling, and inability to accelerate.
When: Narrative #3 at 86,000 miles; narrative #12 at 77,000–78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or power decreases at highway speeds; Cannot accelerate above 30 mph; Gas pedal trembles; Loud revving at 3,000+ RPM but no acceleration; OD OFF light flashing; Check engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; narrative #12 shows it failed again one week after first replacement and shift solenoid also needed replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #12 states manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance.
Transmission roll-back on hills
Vehicle rolls backward on incline or hill even when transmission is in Drive and foot released from brake. Dangerous during hill starts or at traffic signals. Ford dealer stated this is normal behavior for 2007 Focus; owner's manual does not address it.
When: Narrative #10 at unspecified mileage; narrative #13 reported incident ~5 years prior at roughly 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on slight or steep incline; Occurs when in Drive with foot off brake; Occurs at traffic stops on hills
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealer told owner this is normal for 2007 Focus automatic transmission.
Cold-start reverse surge
When transmission is put in Reverse on cold engine start, vehicle surges forward faster than accelerator pressure warrants. Becomes more frequent as car ages.
When: Narrative #23 reports sporadic onset at purchase, worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden surge in Reverse when engine cold; Uncontrolled acceleration in Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manages by careful pedal use; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspected twice and found nothing wrong.
Shift solenoid E fault and overdrive sensor code
Shift solenoid E or overdrive sensor fails, triggering check engine light and OD OFF warning. Transmission may enter limp-mode or reduced power. Repair requires transmission service or full replacement.
When: Narrative #8 at unspecified mileage; narrative #19 at 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; OD OFF light blinking; Reduced power mode; Transmission slipping or refusing to shift higher gears
Codes mentioned: Shift solenoid E, Overdrive sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #8 shop quoted full transmission replacement (~$4,000) rather than solenoid repair. Narrative #19 reports Ford quoted $3,700 for transmission replacement; owner suspects computer or wiring issue instead.
Transmission bushing failure (high-speed power loss)
While driving at highway speed, transmission bushing fails and vehicle suddenly decelerates without driver input.
When: Narrative #27 at 79,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed decrease from 60 to 30 mph without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed bushing failure and rebuild needed; owner did not pursue repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; vehicle not repaired.
Manual transmission gear selector roll pin failure
Roll pin on manual transmission (MTX75) gear selector assembly shears off or falls out, preventing shifter from entering any gear. Shifter moves side-to-side but gears cannot be engaged.
When: Narrative #21 at unspecified mileage during downshift and upshift
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not enter any gear; Shifter moves side-to-side only
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission teardown required to diagnose. Roll pin repair or replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Research showed no fix or updated parts from manufacturer available.
Transmission shifts to neutral at high speed
While driving at highway speed, transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral and downshifts to low gear without warning, causing sudden deceleration and forward lurch of occupants.
When: Narrative #36 at unspecified mileage during high-speed driving
Symptoms owners cite: Shifts to Neutral at highway speed; Unexpected downshift to low gear; Occupants thrown forward; Loss of power to wheels
Engine over-rev at idle and abnormal RPM surge
Engine exhibits excessive RPM increase when braking to a stop or idle. Behavior is abnormal and erratic. PCM reprogramming may temporarily correct issue but failure recurs.
When: Narrative #15 at 26,600 miles; narrative #20 at 86,668 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal RPM surge when braking; Excessive idle speed
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #15: PCM reprogrammed to latest version; failure recurred shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #15: Manufacturer contacted but offered no assistance. Narrative #20: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle not repaired.
Transmission shudder and vibration
Transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, or strong vibration, especially on hills or during acceleration. May coincide with RPM fluctuations and slipping.
When: Narrative #25 at 56,000 miles (new purchase with 125 miles driven); narrative #20 at 86,668 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering; Jerking; Slipping out of gear; Strong vibration on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #19: Mechanic replaced overdrive sensor; transmission still deteriorating.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2007 Ford focus automatic transmission issues. Transmission shifts to neutral and downshifts to low gear at high speeds without warning, causing driver and passengers to be thrown forward. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Ford Focus?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 47,000 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 59,165. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,000; a quarter make it past 83,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Ford/Focus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.