9.4

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,640
Average Mileage:
116,750 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (12 reports)
  2. Ford needs to have parts available for their vehicles (3 reports)
  3. not sure (2 reports)
  4. rerecall asap like any other vehicle with common problems (2 reports)
  5. manufacturers defect identification (1 reports)
  6. repair input shaft (1 reports)
2007 Ford Freestyle transmission problems

transmission problem

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2007 Ford Freestyle Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jan 232018

Freestyle Limited 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I called Ford Customer Service was told to write ( not call or email) directly to Phil Perry in Customer Relations as He was the only one who could DO ANYTHING about the problem. So I wrote to him DIRECTLY. I received a reply not from Phil Perry but from someone identifying themselves as a customer service representative who stamped their name Dorothy on the letter . But I wrote DIRECTLY TO PHIL PERRY. He didn't even bother writing me back I don't even know for sure if HE ACTUALLY EVER SAW THE LETTER MUCH LESS READ IT. I found out there has been a class action lawsuit pending since 2013 about this transmission as it was defective from when it was new. They put it in 3 different vehicles the 2005-2007 Freestyle, Five Hundred and The Mercury Montego. When it broke down if the car was still under warranty they replaced the transmission with the same defective one THEY NEVER RECALLED THEM AND MADE IT RIGHT. So far nobody has been hurt or killed yet. This transmission can go into what they call LIMP MODE without warning. When it does the wrench light comes on in the dash and the car loses speed rapidly and is unable to accelerate. It happened to me on the highway and nearly got me rear ended. This is a very serious problem but FORD JUST DISCONTINUED THE CARS AND SWEPT IT UNDER THE RUG. NOW THEY DON'T EVEN MAKE PARTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION . THE ONLY OPTION TO FIX IT IS TO BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION (The same defective one) from Ford and to get it fixed is 4000 to 5000.00 . This has the potential to be as bad a problem as the accelerator problem was for Toyota but nobody cares. Ford will not make it right. They just figured by now these cars are too old to worry about. And the people that have these vehicles are screwed! There should be something more we can do.

- Fred I., Grand Rapids, MI, US

problem #20

Jul 202016

Freestyle SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,652 miles

after replacing air conditioner, power train 2 times, now transmission will not shift in reverse or drive. It is at the ford dealer, not repaired, and to add insult to injury, they will not even admit to building an inferior auto. Today, I purchased a Hyundai. I feel insulted by their lack of concern. I will never purchase another product manufactured by Ford as long as I live.

- Helen M., Tampa, FL, US

problem #19

Dec 012015

Freestyle LS

  • CVT transmission
  • 164,000 miles

When the transmission went out, I was given these horrific quotes to fix it, I sought some online advise, I spoke with a Ford Certified Tech online, says he currently works for ford....I told him a local Ford Dealership Salesperson 'friend' had sold me this car in 2011, for my wife's commuter....he suggested that if he was a "real friend" he never would have sold me this car, as Ford quit making it in 2007 because the transmission were so problematic.

The estimated cost to repair it this month was between $7000.00 and $9000.00, I still owe $6000.00 on this car and high book if it were perfect would be around $3000.00.

When I went on line to look at this transmission fault I found out that there are thousands of people in the same "Lemon Tree" around the country!

- clasby, Cedar Falls, IA, US

problem #18

Nov 112015

Freestyle

  • CVT transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased a 2007 Freestyle with 50,000 miles, and within 2 years the transmission won't get out of 1st gear. Had it looked at, and being told needs to be replaced, it's a rare transmission/part, expecting to cost +$3,500 - 6,000 if we put a new transmission in. Looked online and this seems to be a VERY common problem. This needs to be escalated for a recall, this is unbelievable.

- Nick M., Rockford, MI, US

problem #17

Jun 012015

Freestyle Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Told the transmission could stop working at any time with no warning. This past weekend, the car would only work on 1st gear and reverse. Was not sounding right for a few months but dealership said it would cost $6,500 to replace transmission.

- Wlliam R., Bolingbrook, US

problem #16

Nov 082015

Freestyle

  • CVT transmission
  • 43,000 miles

I am heartbroken. Three months ago, we purchased a beautiful used 2007 Freestyle for my wife, who is disabled with Multiple Sclerosis. There are very few vehicles that she can actually get in and out of to drive. The Freestyle has only 43,000 and had a clean Carfax.

Last week, the transmission gave out.

We were quoted anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000 from our local Ford dealer to take care of it...something we simply cannot afford because we are a one-income family, and we still owe on the vehicle.

I opened a case with Ford to beg for some financial relief to get it taken care of. Today, we found out that they are unable to provide any assistance.

Now my wife no longer has a vehicle to drive, as we only have two, and I use mine to get to work. This is a horrible blow to my family, especially being right before the holiday season. I have had many Ford vehicles in my life, and I have never heard of a problem like this.

I am at a total loss as to what to do.

- Charles F., El Paso, TX, US

problem #15

Sep 282015

Freestyle V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 68,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

transmission failure transmission failure transmission failure transmission failure

Anyone else that has a 05 thru 07 Ford Freestyle with a helicopter noise in park and neutral, STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY!!!! The input shaft located inside the CVT transmission has a manufacturer defect that is causing these transmissions to fail prematurely. Ford won't and will not help! Best bet is to have someone yank the transmission and remove the input shaft yourself. Have it remand or replaced. It's more expensive to by it new online. Find a machine shop in your area to see about fixing your old input shaft.

- jgruell7374, Greenwood, IN, US

problem #14

May 032015

Freestyle LES 3.2L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 77,003 miles

I have a 2007 Freestyle with 77003 miles and the transmission completely fails?!! This is ridiculous as I now see so many others are experiencing the same issue with these wonderful CVT's.

I contacted Ford with no help or assistance with at the very least advice, nothing. I reported the issue with them and trough other sites. I saw a class action suit from way back when but I'm not sure what the status of the claim is today. If this was a one time issue, then ok, deal with it I guess but this problem has been ongoing since the CVT came into the picture in 2005. This is and should be unacceptable!

As with most of the owners of these cars, I cant afford to pay for this not can I afford to buy another. The new, used transmission will cost a minimum of $4k for a transmission with more miles than my failed transmission had. And it will most likely happen again, and again. Even the transmissions shop advises against throwing money at this problem.

Calling Ford was a big waste of time. I know meaningless but I'm just another customer feeling screwed that will never by Ford again.

- Neal P., Weymouth, US

problem #13

Dec 042014

Freestyle LS 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 135,000 miles

This is the third transmission in this car CVT FWD first one was factory rebuilt only went 55,000 miles this one is a used transmission I found last year for 2,500.00 installed it my self has gone 25,000 miles so far with no problems . I contacted Ford both times and they of course said we cannot help you as there is no recalls or filed complaints. I went on line and found lots of complaints about these transmissions. Its to bad they can not help people out and be honest about it. so far I have spent $4,600 and $2,500 just on the transmissions . The car it self is well made. If you ever get a class action going on these transmissions I am in.

- Jim M., Chisholm, MN, US

problem #12

Jun 042013

Freestyle SE 3.0L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 140,000 miles

First off, one of my favorite jobs was when I first graduated high school and worked for my local Ford dealership, nice owner, great staff, awesome job. In 2010 when I was finally making enough to support my 3 sons and get a newer car I was excited, finally the step into always having a decent vehicle. I thought this was a guarantee to never have to but the junk cars I could only afford. I didn't even go looking for this, I went to a Mazda dealership and didn't see anything and went home.

A few hours later the salesman called me back to look at this "perfect" car for me. I wasn't interested but went anyways(Mistake). I test drove it and fell in love, it was clean and it looked brand new, I never had a car this new before. I purchased the POS and within 1 week of driving it I noticed the transmission slipped (50,000 miles). I called the dealership up, explained the problem and was told that's just the way a Ford transmission feels, huh? I didn't give much thought, they are the "experts" not me.

Over the next 2 yrs the transmission got extremely worse, I would be stopped at a crosswalk and all of sudden it felt like it was going to take off on it's own, the transmission started whining so loud it sounded like a helicopter. I brought it in to Ford, at this point I am pregnant with my 4th son and working as a travel nurse for pediatrics. I got a call saying my transmission was going and I thought I was going to go into labor, all the junk $2000 car's I've owned and I have never had a transmission go on me, I spend $17,000 and this is happening. My car lasted a few more months and it finally went on my way to work 2 1/2 months before my due date, I lost my job, lost my apartment, I lost everything over this. Ford made a faulty transmission with this so even if I spent the $6000 to replace the transmission, I was told I would only be guaranteed for 6 months and chances are it would happen again.

I did my research on the car only after the transmission went and found out I am far from alone, thousands of people with this problem. It's not right, I still have this POS and 2 yrs later I am almost done paying for it. How can a company produce faulty vehicles and they know they are bad, that's why they only made this car from 2005 to 2008, and not do anything about it, at what point do they recall it? I think I, along with everybody else, deserves a refund, this car messed my life up and it's still having affects. I am still out of work but was able to buy a junker for $1000, hopefully it will last until I can get a job and go buy a REAL car.

I liked Ford when I worked for them but have a nasty taste for them now. SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN, I WON'T STOP UNTIL I GET SOME SORT OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION.

- Crystal B., Kittery, ME, US

problem #11

Jul 012013

Freestyle

  • CVT transmission
  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car has a CVT transmission and I checked with the dealer because it didn't seem to be changing gears. Was told that it was just the type of transmission so I thought nothing was wrong. I don't know what to do now because I can't afford to replace the transmission. I wanted to trade but the loan was upside down for payments and would cost too much to go that route. The transmission should have been on recall because it is faulty. Now I'm paying for a car that I cannot drive and will cost over $6000 to repair. HELP!! I need a car.

Should this be a better business bureau matter? My car has been setting for a year because I don't have $6000 to fix it. Not even able to find a used transmission at a reasonable price because this is a unique transmission.

- Rosa H., Mebane, NC, US

problem #10

Mar 032014

Freestyle Limited 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,026 miles

Can't drive very long on a stretch of highway at 70 miles an hour before the transmission kicks down to where my car won't go over 50 miles per hour. This is very bothersome when driving to just to be able to pull over and shut car down for a few minutes then restart, then it drives like nothing is wrong till the next time. I feel like Ford knew about this Vehicle when they made it, they should replace the transmission free of charge.

I went to a Ford vehicle cause my Dad loved his Ford's and thought I was getting a great deal and vehicle at the same time. I like my SUV, it runs smooth when there's no problems, I'm on a fixed income and cannot afford the price of replacing the transmission on this vehicle and I can't afford another vehicle to replace this one either.

- margaretohio, Fairborn, OH, US

problem #9

Jan 222014

Freestyle ES 3.2L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 135,000 miles

I am finding out that CVT is a bad transmission, period. There should be a recall and Ford should replace it at no cost. It is different if it was just wear like brake pads or tires, but not transmission and not $5,000 to $6,000 to fix at a transmission place or, I am being told, around $8,000 at Ford Dealer. That is insane. I will not buy another Ford, period.

- Peter K., Selkirk, NY, US

problem #8

Sep 142011

Freestyle LX 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Have seen there is a class action suit with hundreds of others reporting same problem. Very serious safety issue that Ford continues to ignore.

On fixed income, cannot afford to replace. Have had numerous repairs that weren't solutions. Did have throttle body recall repaired. Not problem, transmission replacement is only solution.

- Linda C., Johnston City, IL, US

problem #7

Aug 092010

Freestyle

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

My transmission has been slipping since 2010. I barely paid off the car and the transmission starting acting up. I could not accelerate and the RPMs ramped up. The work around was to find a safe place to pull over and shut the car off and wait a couple minutes and then start it up again. God forbid if I have to merge onto a high speed highway because the car just will not speed up. Ford should be ashamed for putting out this product. Along with all the other car manufacturer's who put in a CVT transmission.

- reneenj, Phillipsburg, NJ, US

problem #6

Apr 132013

Freestyle SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

Our Freestyle just quit. After our mechanic diagnosed the problem, Ford does not supply the correct codes so it took a little while to get a diagnosis, we found out it was the transmission. Ford dealers charge up to 7,000.00 for the replacement and repair and our mechanic said he could rebuild for less than that. He's rebuilt and replaced all the parts at least 3 times. He recently took a class to make sure he understood the process. It still does not work. Today we found out from a Jaspers a garage that's business is rebuilding transmissions etc. tha itt is probably a chain in the transmission mechanism. Unfortunately Ford doesn't make the parts for the Freestyle any more so that car is completely out of commission which puts us in a terrible bind. I have a sneeking suspicion that Ford quit making them for that reason but forgot to tell us when we were purchasing the car new. I understand there is a class action suit against them for this very problem. I am joining it!!!

- Patricia L., South Hutchinson, KS, US

problem #5

Jan 012013

Freestyle 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

why so many complaints that are the same and nothing is done to resolve the problem. why continue selling cars if ford doesnt know what there making. this is a total ripoff its an expensive car to have it running for a short time. we should get all our money back from ford motors for not being responsible for there invention of these ford freestyles. what ever happeneed to the customer satisfaction? no respect for we the people since its an american automobile, cant believe the best cars are the forgien cars. its been proved with this matter. ford should be held responsible for our investment. we thought choosing a ford freestyle was a good descision .the transmission and who knows what else goes wrong cause the mechanics cant even tell us exactly what it is, just to change the whole transmission and thats it, but other people have changed it and still does the same even worse. this complaints should get to the supreme court and settle this for we the people too. what a shame FORD MOTORS!

- angelicasambrano, Highlands, TX, US

problem #4

Jul 102012

Freestyle SEL V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 134,000 miles

My Freestyle also has the same problem! To make it worse the mechanic at the Ford dealership told me it wasn't worth fixing and I was best to just sell it while it still ran periodically!!! He had just told another owner the same thing the day before. Ford should be held accountable for their products! Never again buying Ford!

- Monique H., Ann Arbor, MI, US

problem #3

Mar 192012

Freestyle

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

apparently the Ford dealership is doing at least one of these transmissions every other week - this is what my regular mechanic had said when he called the local dealership.

And to read online that there is an ongoing issue with 2005 to 2007 Ford Freestyle transmissions. 1. that there is usually just one part of the transmission that is actually the issue - but you cannot buy just this part - Ford "doesnt make this part" ... well of course they MAKE the part - it is in the cars - then they make it .. they are just not selling this part by itself - you have to replace the entire transmission. This seems utterly ridiculous and completely wrong. 2. this is a massive issue wih this make of Ford and these couple years specifically. Ford should do the right thing here...

make the one part available and/or recall the damnable part and replace in all 2005 to 2007 Freestyles.

I have read problem after problem that people have had, replacing the transmission more than once and it never being right...

3. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN, and further I will BAD MOUTH Ford every chance I get. I may be just one person - but this malarky has lost my business for good.

- Shelley D., Randolph, VT, US

problem #2

Dec 222010

Freestyle V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 175,000 miles

I have a 2007 freestyle and it is currently sitting without a transmission because ford no longer makes them and we are unable to find any used transmissions. This is the 4th time the transmission has gone on it. One in 2008 which ford replaced and this is the third since dec/10. The last three were used and this is just because we could not find a new one. I have had ford companies check every where (Canada and USA) and no one is able to find a new one. The car keeps rejecting the used transmission and we are not sure if it is the sensor or what is causing this. However, it doesn’t matter now because my car can’t be used even though I owe a car loan on it.

It caused me over $3000.00 to replace each transmission so the car has put me in a serious debt. Now it is only good for parts (this is not right). I have called Ford Motors Canada and they say, "we are so sorry to hear this has happened to you, but there is nothing we can do". I would say it isn’t right that a vehicle can be sold when there are no parts available for it. They are talking about taking old vehicles off the road which is crazy when you can still get parts for the old vehicles. I feel that all vehicles with this transmission should have been recalled and that is why ford discontinued them. This is so not right when people like me are stuck with one of Ford's mistakes. This is so wrong and if you search Ford Freestyle transmission issues you would not believe all the people from Canada and the States that are having problems. Seriously, how can a company make a product and not have to provide the parts for it?

- freestylered, Fort St John, British Columbia, canada

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