This won't help you feel any better.....the tranny's in our cars are crap. Very similar to the auto trans that fiesta and focus use (to completely grenade). Input shaft bearings shit the bed prior to 60K, replaced under warranty - after other dealers denied my "clutch not under warranty" claim (YOU Garnet Ford). Anyway - it's now time for 5th gear to start it's exit (can't downshift from 6 to 5 - pops out), and for me to consider $3-4K for a Panda Motors tranny. 78,000 fun-filled miles, but its a shitbox! 'Course a shitbox that can embarrass many more expensive cars........