FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Ford Fusion powertrain problems
moderate 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 70 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Fusion powertrain failures cluster around three dangerous failure modes. Electronic throttle and engine control: Sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, with the vehicle dropping to 10–25 MPH "limp mode" and wrench/check lights illuminating. Owners report this clears only after turning the vehicle off and restarting. The problem is known to Ford—they issued customer satisfaction programs covering 2009–2013 models with identical throttle assemblies but exclude 2007 models. Throttle response is also erratic even when not in full failure: 1–2 second delays between pedal input and engine response make speed control nearly impossible, especially on hills.
Transmission defects: Harsh, violent shifts accompanied by loud banging and jerking. Transmissions slip between gears, stick in neutral, or fail to shift into reverse for 2–3 seconds. Multiple owners report transmission failure at 50K–90K miles, with rebuilds or replacements costing $2,000–$2,500+. One owner documented transmission complaints during warranty; Ford denied coverage once warranty lapsed.
PCM and ignition system failure: Engine control modules overheat and melt ignition coils, causing sudden engine shutdown at highway speed. Repairs cost $2,000–$3,000 and take two weeks for parts. One owner had the PCM replaced twice within three years.
These are not maintenance items. Owners report clean service records and normal driving conditions preceding failures.
Same Ford Fusion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic throttle body failure / loss of power
Electronic throttle body malfunction causing sudden loss of engine power and acceleration capability. Vehicle enters limp mode, unable to exceed 10-25 MPH. Wrench light and check engine light illuminate. Problem clears after turning vehicle off and restarting. Owners report this is a known defect affecting model years 2006-2013, with some years receiving manufacturer customer satisfaction programs that exclude 2007 models.
When: Occurs intermittently while driving, sometimes multiple times per week or month; some owners cite specific mileage around 70K-85K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power and acceleration; Vehicle unable to exceed 10-25 MPH (limp mode); Wrench light illumination; Check engine light may illuminate; Rough idle; RPM fluctuation (500-2000 range); Delayed throttle response; Unpredictable accelerator response
Codes mentioned: Throttle body fault codes, Check engine light codes related to throttle, Wrench light (powertrain fault indicator)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement costs $930-$1,200+ at dealership. Owners report dealers initially unable to duplicate issue. One owner reported cleaning throttle actuator with WD-40 temporarily resolved issue. Dealers note replacement part is identical OEM part with same defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has customer satisfaction programs (10-year/150,000-mile warranty) for electronic throttle body on 2009-2013 models but refuses to cover 2007 models despite identical part and failure mode. 2007 owners report Ford stating it was aware of the problem but vehicle not covered under recall.
Transmission hard shifts, slipping, and gear engagement delays
Transmission exhibits violent or harsh gear shifts with noticeable banging and jerking. Vehicle may slip between gears, hesitate to shift, or remain stuck in neutral. Owners report inability to accelerate smoothly; some experience gear slippage at highway speeds. Transmission control issues sometimes occur following unrelated repairs.
When: Occurs during normal driving and at various speeds; failures reported between 36,000 and 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, violent shifting with loud banging noise; Transmission slips between gears; High RPMs before shift occurs; Delay shifting into reverse (2-3 second lag); Transmission stuck in gear; Transmission control valve body noise; Vehicle unable to accelerate past 25 MPH with high RPMs; Jolting on gear engagement; Loss of 2nd or 4th gear
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module (TCM) codes, Powertrain control module (PCM) codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve body replacement: $1,460. Full transmission replacement or rebuild costs $2,000-$2,500+. One owner had transmission reprogrammed at dealership for $400 after out-of-warranty repair, but reprogramming caused higher RPM shifts and reduced fuel economy. Multiple transmission failures reported on same vehicle within months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 10023866 exists for transmission control issues. Dealer typically informs owners this is out-of-warranty responsibility. One owner with service records documenting transmission complaints during warranty period was denied coverage after warranty lapsed.
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure with coil burnout
Powertrain control module overheats and fails, causing ignition coils and spark plugs to melt or burn. Engine loses power, runs rough, and may not restart. Check engine light illuminates. Problem follows Technical Service Bulletin 13-4-17 pattern. Multiple replacement instances reported on same vehicles.
When: Reported at mileage ranging from 84,000 to 93,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Rough idle and engine running; RPM fluctuation (500-2000 range); Check engine light illumination; Engine will not restart or difficult to restart; Backfiring or popping noises; Melted ignition coils visible upon inspection
Codes mentioned: TSB 13-4-17 (PCM failure), TSB 06-18-15, Check engine light codes
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement with reprogramming, all six ignition coils, and spark plugs costs $2,000-$3,000+. One owner had PCM replaced ($1,300) in 2010, then again in 2013 ($3,000). Another owner experienced repeated coil melting even after replacement until PCM was replaced. Two-week lead time on PCM replacement part reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins 13-4-17 and 06-18-15 addressing PCM failures. Owners reference 2007 recall but report problem continues to occur. One owner reports Ford stated recall was completed but recurring failures indicate it was not effective.
Throttle response delay and acceleration control problems
Throttle exhibits 1-2 second delay between pedal input and engine response. Accelerator is extremely touchy, unpredictable, and temperature-dependent. Driver cannot maintain steady speed; vehicle oscillates between acceleration and deceleration. Problem is particularly severe on hills and in city driving. Not a one-time event but continuous issue affecting vehicle control.
When: Continuous issue; owners note problem evident during normal daily driving
Symptoms owners cite: 1-2 second throttle delay after pedal input; Overshooting target speed due to delayed response; Undershooting target speed when releasing accelerator; Transmission shifts up/down erratically in response to throttle corrections; Accelerator pedal very touchy, sensitive to small movements; Unpredictable responses to identical pedal inputs; Temperature-dependent behavior; Excessive oscillation in speed control; Nearly impossible to maintain speed within 5 MPH near shift points
Codes mentioned: Throttle control system codes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs documented in these narratives as owners indicate the problem is systemic to the electronic throttle design rather than a single failed component.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this specific throttle delay problem; distinct from discrete throttle body failures that receive TSBs.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure and seal leaks (AWD models)
Power transfer unit (PTU) for AWD models exhibits mechanical failure and gear oil seal leaks. Unit failure produces howling and vibration noises. Seal failure discovered via oil puddles in driveway. Problem appears endemic to 2007 AWD Fusion design.
When: Failures reported at 75,000 and 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Howling noise from transfer case; Vibration from transfer case; Gear oil leak from transfer case seal; Oil puddles in driveway
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement costs $1,000-$2,213. Seal replacement also required for leak repair. One owner had PTU replaced by independent mechanic ($1,000) then required seal repair at dealership shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls or warranty programs for PTU failures on 2007 AWD models not documented in these narratives. Owners report this is common problem with AWD Fusions that Ford has not addressed.
Transmission speed sensor and related wiring faults
Transmission speed sensor or main wiring component failure causes transmission malfunction, improper shifting, and dashboard warning lights. Vehicle stalls during low-speed maneuvers and refuses to shift properly.
When: At approximately 63,000-100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission light illumination; Wrench light illumination; Vehicle stalls when trying to move from complete stop; Improper gear shifts with high RPMs; Odometer error message on display; Speedometer malfunction
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module codes, Sensor fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission speed sensor and wiring component replacement required; specific costs not documented in narratives.
Ignition key stuck in switch; shifter assembly failure
Ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be turned to remove position. Steering wheel does not lock. Vehicle remains in running state without key removal. Linked to shifter assembly malfunction that fails to fully release. Problem allows vehicle to shift gears and roll when parked in park position.
When: Reported at 63,000 miles and during normal parking
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition; cannot turn to full 'off' position; Steering wheel will not lock; Shifter assembly does not fully release; Vehicle can shift gears while parked; Vehicle rolls downhill despite being in park
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement required. Cost not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall 17S36 (2017 Fusion only) addresses identical problem. Owner of 2007 with same issue denied coverage; Ford stated recall applies only to 2017 models despite safety similarity.
Transmission torque mount fracturing
Engine-to-transmission torque mount (motor mount) fractures, producing knocking noises from transmission area. Mount failed twice on same vehicle, once immediately after clutch replacement and again after repair.
When: At approximately 106,000 miles; secondary failure within weeks of first repair
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise from transmission area; Front passenger wheel spinning during lane change in snow; Rough shifting behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Torque mount replacement. Cost not specified. Mount failed again within weeks of repair, suggesting possible design or installation defect.
Synthesized from 70 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Ford Fusion?
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 Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 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 61 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 71,895 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 86,621. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,895; a quarter make it past 109,000. 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/Fusion.
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.