2007 Ford Focus

The 2007 Ford Focus is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and relatively spacious interior for its class. Engine options included a 2.0L Duratec inline-4 producing 136 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque (PZEV version produced 130 horsepower). The transmission options were a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. People often liked the Focus for its affordability, good gas mileage, and available hatchback configuration. Common complaints include build quality issues and some reliability concerns, particularly with certain engine components and the automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L Duratec Inline-4 (PZEV and Non-PZEV)

• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leaks, check engine light (often with lean codes). A whistling sound may be heard.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitation, rough idle, stalling, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough running, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, harsh shifting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. In some cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+ (depending on the extent of the damage and repair method)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, transmission slipping, getting stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. A transmission flush might provide temporary relief in some cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, particularly at low speeds. Poor handling and alignment issues.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, especially when loaded. Leaking fluid from the shock.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge), lights flickering, complete cluster failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, check engine light, starting issues, problems with lights or accessories. Often caused by corrosion or damage to wiring.
  • Solution: Repair or replace damaged sections of the wiring harness. Diagnosis can be time-consuming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (highly variable depending on the location and severity of the damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles (especially the driver’s side) breaking easily.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors not staying in the up position, drooping down and obstructing the driver’s view.
  • Solution: Replace the sun visor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Ford Focus can be a reliable and economical vehicle but is prone to certain issues. The most significant problems often involve the automatic transmission, which can experience torque converter and valve body failures. Electrical issues, particularly with the instrument cluster and wiring harnesses, are also common. Engine issues are less frequent but can occur with the PCV, EGR valve, and camshaft position sensors. Suspension components like strut mounts and shocks can also wear out and require replacement. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, transmission work can be costly. Overall, potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed and be prepared for potential maintenance costs, especially if considering a vehicle with an automatic transmission.