Owners have filed 1,600 complaints
about the 2004 Ford Freestar with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 99
Against the median year of the Ford Freestar. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
49576.4%
Body
629.6%
Torque Converter
507.7%
Rotor
101.5%
HUB
81.2%
Pads
81.2%
Engine
81.2%
Underbody Shields
71.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
231.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
171.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
332.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1329.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
27519.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
40028.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
37626.6%
150,000+ miles
16011.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2004peak 32Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Ford Freestar
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EQ12010Opened 28 Sep 2012Closed 31 Dec 2012STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
EA12003Opened 23 Apr 2012Closed 2 May 2013SEATS
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia,...
PE11039Opened 21 Dec 2011Closed 27 Apr 2012LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
ODI has received 18 complaints on the subject vehicles from the salt belt states that allege severe corrosion at the rear wheel wells.Additionally, ODI identified 4 similar reports from Ford's response to the investigation.Ford submitted a total of 10 reports to ODI (6 of 10 Ford reports are duplicates of ODI reports).The complaints indicated difficulty or inability to latch the rear seat as some of the complaints reported the entire anchor plate completely detached from the vehicle (rear wheel well).The first report of this condition was received in March 2011 and subsequent reporting frequen...
PE11033Opened 13 Sep 2011Closed 7 Dec 2012EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
Service Jack Failure
The subject vehicles (SV) are all automatic transmission, front wheel drive vehicles with hand actuated mechanical park brakes. The investigation focused on allegations that the service jack failed and caused the vehicles to fall. The subject scissors-type jack appears to fail at the slotted hinge joints where the jack screw is located (bends at mid-point). The failures occur while the jack is in use, and vehicle movement (forward or backward) is typically reported coincident with the failure. Ford reported that most MY 2003 Windstar and all MY 2006-2007 Freestar/Monterey also use the subject...
The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light t...
EA09016Opened 10 Nov 2009Closed 2 Feb 2012POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will abrupt...
PE09033Opened 15 Jul 2009Closed 17 Nov 2009POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT FAILURE
ODI HAS RECEIVED 227 OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.OF THOSE COMPLAINTS, 124 CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT SPLINES STRIPPING CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN.THE REMAINING 103 COMPLAINTS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER BUT THE SPECIFIC INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN.ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-016) TO CONTINUE ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES...
On May 6, 2009, NHTSA received a request for a hearing through Title 49 of the United States Code, Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety, Part 557. the request was in reference to vehicle owner complaint, 10266067, filed with NHTSA on April 20, 2009, which described a problem with engine stall in a model year (MY) 2004 Ford Freestar minivan due to water entering the PCM.Part 557 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations establishes procedures for holding a hearing to determine whether a manufacturer has reasonably met its obligation to notify owners of a safety related defect.Because a safety...
Recalls on the 2004 Ford Freestar
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
13V081000
SEATS
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
Risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
12V006000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
Risk: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
04V446000
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN MINIVANS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT HEAT TREATED CORRECTLY. THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL CRACKS IN THE HUB.
Risk: IF THE CRACKS WERE TO PROGRESS, THIS COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN WHEEL SEPARATION. WHEEL SEPARATION MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
03V457000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.
Risk: IF THIS LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, IT MAY CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR FLUID TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201307438,181 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), corrosion can occur at the latch for the forward portion of the third row seat. Continued corrosion in this area may result in the inability to fully latch the forward portion of the seat into its seating position, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Note: Seat belt anchorages and permanent seat anchorages, which are at the rear of the seat, are unaffected. Correction: Dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets which relocate the seat latch strikers from the potentially corroded area. In addition, dealers will install overlay panels on the exterior of the wheel wells to prevent entry of water and corrosive elements.
Recall 201200436,421 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the torque converter could fail. This would result in a loss of vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the torque converter assembly.
Recall 200513019 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain Ford Freestar vehicles modified for wheelchair accessibility by Liberty Motor Company Inc. do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. The second row bench seat only has one set of lower universal anchors (UAS) instead of the required two sets. Also, certain vehicles do not have tether anchor brackets for the bench's two outboard seating positions. This non-compliance would prevent proper installation of a child seat to an outboard seating position. Correction: Owners should contact Liberty Motor Company and then bring their vehicles to a trusted service shop or Ford dealership to have two tether anchors and two UAS brackets installed.
Recall 20043193,854 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front wheel hub assemblies were not heat treated correctly. This condition may lead to the development of small cracks in the hub. If the cracks were to progress, this could eventually result in wheel separation. Wheel separation may lead to loss of vehicle control, and potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the front wheel hub and rotor assemblies.
Recall 2004170192,621 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The Standard specifies that for vehicles other than passenger cars, the label information shall display after each GAWR, the size designation and, if applicable, the type designation of rims. This information was inadvertently omitted from the compliance label affixed to the affected vehicles. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 20032725,424 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the low-pressure power steering return line connection may not have been fully seated at the steering gear during vehicle assembly. If the return line is not fully seated, a power steering fluid leak may occur. A power steering fluid leak may create the potential for power steering fluid to come in contact with the exhaust system, which could result in smoke or fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect the power steering return line connection.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 20 milesFort Wayne, INFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE AND WISH I WROTE THIS A YEAR AGO BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT THEN. I HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS FLICKERING, COMING ON AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS, MY INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND ACTUALLY CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD GOTTEN SO HOT. MY RADIO USED TO TURN ON BY ITSELF OR NOT TURN ON AT ALL, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. MY VAN HAS LITERALLY DIED ON ME WHILE DRIVING MORE OFTEN AT TIMES WHEN I'M MAKING A TURN OR SLIGHTLY MOVING MY STEERING WHEEL. HAS ALMOST CAUSED A FEW ACCIDENTS BECAUSE IT SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY VAN WILL USUALLY HAVE A HIGHER RPM WHEN IT'S RUNNING IN PARK OR WITH FOOT ON BREAK(WAITING AT A RED LIGHT). THEN SUDDENLY THE RPMS DROP AND FLUCTUATE HIGH AND LOW AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. MY TRANSMISSION IS ALSO STARTING TO FAIL BY NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. USUALLY INTO SECOND GEAR. THE INDICATOR LAMP LIGHT FLASHES WITH MEANS ERROR WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THAT IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER GETTING WET OR IT IS POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH MY MY POWER STEERING THE WHEEL KNOCKS AND SORTA LOCKS UP AT TIMES , FLUIDS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WERE PERFECT. I BELIEVE THAT IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11389530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,137 milesPhoenix, AZCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THIS VEHICLE I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS AND HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN AND GET CAR WASH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE ENGINE NOT TO RUN PROPERLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. IN APRIL OF 2016 ENGINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSED ME TO GET IN ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN IMPOUNDED AND LOAN COMPANY SANTANDER TRYING TO BILL ME FOR REMAINDER OF LOAN AND NOW CAUSING MAJOR CREDIT ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE COVERED BY FORD/CARMAX FOR SELLING MY FAMILY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRITICAL INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10983603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,137 milesPhoenix, AZCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS AND HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN AND GET CAR WASH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE ENGINE NOT TO RUN PROPERLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. IN APRIL OF 2016 ENGINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSED ME TO GET IN ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN IMPOUNDED AND LOAN COMPANY SANTANDER TRYING TO BILL ME FOR REMAINDER OF LOAN AND NOW CAUSING MAJOR CREDIT ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE COVERED BY FORD/CARMAX FOR SELLING MY FAMILY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRITICAL INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10983603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,137 milesPhoenix, AZCrash1 injured
ENGINE
THIS VEHICLE I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS AND HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN AND GET CAR WASH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE ENGINE NOT TO RUN PROPERLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. IN APRIL OF 2016 ENGINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSED ME TO GET IN ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN IMPOUNDED AND LOAN COMPANY SANTANDER TRYING TO BILL ME FOR REMAINDER OF LOAN AND NOW CAUSING MAJOR CREDIT ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE COVERED BY FORD/CARMAX FOR SELLING MY FAMILY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRITICAL INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10983603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash
SEATS
2004 FORD FREESTAR [XXX]FORD IS CHARGING ME FOR THE REPAIR FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER SUBFRAME 3-4 $600~$800 BUSHING KITS ($200 EACH) THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THEM THAT ONLY DO THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS THE PULLED MY VAN OUT AND TOLD ME THE CANT DO THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED OF THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS MIGHT BREAK, THEN COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SUBFRAME MY HAVE TO BE CUT TO INSTALL NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS BUSHINGS ETC. JUST TO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE THE APART TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE AGREED TO CHARGE ME 300 LABOR AND TOLD ME TO PICK UP THE PARTS NEEDED SO I PURCHASED 2 TIE-RODS. 2 TRANSAXLES L-R, 2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH INCLUDED BALL JOINTS. THEY TOOK THE SUBFRAME APART THEN TOLD ME I NEED TO PAY AND ADDITIONAL $500 FOR A USED SUBFRAME FROM THE SALVAGE YARD. INSTEAD OF FORD JUST PREPLACING THE SUBFRAME 4 BUSHINGS AND BOLTS KITS $67.00 AT PARK FORD 400 WEST AVENUE TALLMADGE OHIO 44278, THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME I NEEDED TO GET A NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS AND THAT THE SUBFRAME IS NOT MADE ANYMORE AND 3-4 $600~$800 EACH. THEN THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $300 EXTRA LABOR FOR CUTTING THE FRAME/ AND WELDING IT BACK SHUT TO INSTALL WASHER(BOLT ANCHORS ) THEN RESEAL IT, AND TO UNINSTALL THE OLD PARTS AND INSTALL THE NEW PARTS WHICH THEY HAVE TO REMOVE TO PERFORM THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS. SO THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST ME 392.20 FOR PARTS 300 LABOR, 800 SUBFRAME BUSHINGS $1492.2 IF PURCHASE ELSEWHERE AROUND $26 EACH I AM A USA DISABLE VETERAN STUDYING FORM CISCO CCNA 200-105 EXAM AND SO I CAN BETTER SUPPORT MY ADULT SPECIAL NEED DAUGHTER [XXX] ,I AM [XXX] FORD HAD MY VAN FRIDAY 24TH 2017 ITS MARCH 1ST 2017 AND THEY ARE SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. WHILE I HAVE TO WALK TO MY DESTINATIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10957728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash
POWER TRAIN
2004 FORD FREESTAR [XXX]FORD IS CHARGING ME FOR THE REPAIR FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER SUBFRAME 3-4 $600~$800 BUSHING KITS ($200 EACH) THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THEM THAT ONLY DO THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS THE PULLED MY VAN OUT AND TOLD ME THE CANT DO THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED OF THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS MIGHT BREAK, THEN COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SUBFRAME MY HAVE TO BE CUT TO INSTALL NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS BUSHINGS ETC. JUST TO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE THE APART TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE AGREED TO CHARGE ME 300 LABOR AND TOLD ME TO PICK UP THE PARTS NEEDED SO I PURCHASED 2 TIE-RODS. 2 TRANSAXLES L-R, 2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH INCLUDED BALL JOINTS. THEY TOOK THE SUBFRAME APART THEN TOLD ME I NEED TO PAY AND ADDITIONAL $500 FOR A USED SUBFRAME FROM THE SALVAGE YARD. INSTEAD OF FORD JUST PREPLACING THE SUBFRAME 4 BUSHINGS AND BOLTS KITS $67.00 AT PARK FORD 400 WEST AVENUE TALLMADGE OHIO 44278, THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME I NEEDED TO GET A NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS AND THAT THE SUBFRAME IS NOT MADE ANYMORE AND 3-4 $600~$800 EACH. THEN THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $300 EXTRA LABOR FOR CUTTING THE FRAME/ AND WELDING IT BACK SHUT TO INSTALL WASHER(BOLT ANCHORS ) THEN RESEAL IT, AND TO UNINSTALL THE OLD PARTS AND INSTALL THE NEW PARTS WHICH THEY HAVE TO REMOVE TO PERFORM THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS. SO THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST ME 392.20 FOR PARTS 300 LABOR, 800 SUBFRAME BUSHINGS $1492.2 IF PURCHASE ELSEWHERE AROUND $26 EACH I AM A USA DISABLE VETERAN STUDYING FORM CISCO CCNA 200-105 EXAM AND SO I CAN BETTER SUPPORT MY ADULT SPECIAL NEED DAUGHTER [XXX] ,I AM [XXX] FORD HAD MY VAN FRIDAY 24TH 2017 ITS MARCH 1ST 2017 AND THEY ARE SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. WHILE I HAVE TO WALK TO MY DESTINATIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10957728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 104,000 milesRineyville, KY
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the torque converter and the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
POWER TRAIN
Flashing! With gear around it and car will not operate correctly i.e. no power very slow acceleration and lacking ability to change gears.
NHTSA complaint #11671789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
POWER TRAIN
I have a 2004 Ford freestar van and I was driving down the road and I went to pass another vehicle and I push the gas and I heard some crunchy noise is and then nothing no power at all no gears nothing I was dead in the water so I had to get out of the van and push it to the side of the road didn't have reverse didn't have drive didn't have third second or first no gears at all the transmission failed me I could have been in a very bad accident and hurt it just came out of nowhere there was no signs of anything wrong with the van and then this happens.
NHTSA complaint #11611067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
ENGINE
I have a 2004 Ford freestar van and I was driving down the road and I went to pass another vehicle and I push the gas and I heard some crunchy noise is and then nothing no power at all no gears nothing I was dead in the water so I had to get out of the van and push it to the side of the road didn't have reverse didn't have drive didn't have third second or first no gears at all the transmission failed me I could have been in a very bad accident and hurt it just came out of nowhere there was no signs of anything wrong with the van and then this happens.
NHTSA complaint #11611067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smithsburg, MD
POWER TRAIN
My son was driving down Rt 81 when the transmission stopped working Your vehicle was running fine but would not go had to drift off the highway she avoid getting hit I had to tow the van home we’re it’s still parked
NHTSA complaint #11578163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesGreen Cove Springs, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not properly accelerate and would hesitate to accelerate and the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000(Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Sebastian, PR
ENGINE
Conducía mi vehículo y la trasmisión quedó en neutro en una entrada y no pude estacionarme Y no volvió arrancar Solo coje la reversa I was driving my vehicle and the transmission was neutral in a driveway and I couldn't park And did not start again Just take the reverse
NHTSA complaint #11507656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TN
POWER TRAIN
The transmission is grinding and popping when shifting gears.Also it has started not moving when I shift it into drive and 3rd and 1st.When I drive it I have to put it in 1st gear and change up to drive and it grinds and pops when giving it gas to go.It comes to a crawl going up hills.Has a big loss of power.The trackshion control light comes on saying it's not working.The electrical is messing up the doors are opening up when they are not supposed to going down road.It tells me that different doors are open when there not keeping the lights on in the van running down the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11502520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The transmission is grinding and popping when shifting gears.Also it has started not moving when I shift it into drive and 3rd and 1st.When I drive it I have to put it in 1st gear and change up to drive and it grinds and pops when giving it gas to go.It comes to a crawl going up hills.Has a big loss of power.The trackshion control light comes on saying it's not working.The electrical is messing up the doors are opening up when they are not supposed to going down road.It tells me that different doors are open when there not keeping the lights on in the van running down the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11502520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TN
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The transmission is grinding and popping when shifting gears.Also it has started not moving when I shift it into drive and 3rd and 1st.When I drive it I have to put it in 1st gear and change up to drive and it grinds and pops when giving it gas to go.It comes to a crawl going up hills.Has a big loss of power.The trackshion control light comes on saying it's not working.The electrical is messing up the doors are opening up when they are not supposed to going down road.It tells me that different doors are open when there not keeping the lights on in the van running down the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11502520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just purchased the vehicle used and recently discovered there was a recall on these vehicles. The vehicle I purchased keeps stalling and is not getting any power. I’ve had the vehicle checked by the car lot and they say there is nothing wrong.. the vehicle died out on me already twice while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11478141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesVictorville, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle continued to slow as the RPM was rising. The contact did not notice any warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled safely off the road and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted however, failed to shift into higher gears while attempting to reach highway speeds. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
Transmission slip , leaks , loosing ofpower, shakes from 45 mph to 55 mph , mechanic shop says it is the Torque Converter that is malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11454728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
POWER TRAIN
the van has less than 49k miles on it and the reverse has not worked but it will drive forward. Others have had this issue as well.
NHTSA complaint #11441788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesColumbus, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the computer needed to be dried off. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated he had experienced the failure several times. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11440792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNewark, OH
SEATS
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle due to part availability issues. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (RECALL REMEDY INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #11422810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRidgefield Park, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO ANY GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL AMERICAN FORD OF HACKENSACK (520 RIVER ST, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601) WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11405377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEagle Point, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I READ THE RECALLS FOR 2004 FORD FREE STAR TRANSMISSIONS AND MY VAN WITHOUT WARNING JUST QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I COULD GET IT TO START BACK UP FOR A SECOND TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT IT WOULDN'T START AFTER THAT.
NHTSA complaint #11402841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quakertown, PA
POWER TRAIN
PCM HAS ISSUES DO TO MOISTURE WHICH AFFECTS ELECTRICAL SLIPPING GEARS ABS SENSOR PROBLEM POWER STEERING ISSUES AND TCM AND THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO RECALLS NONE OF IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE FORD SAYS YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON LIST.
NHTSA complaint #11396766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quakertown, PA
STEERING
PCM HAS ISSUES DO TO MOISTURE WHICH AFFECTS ELECTRICAL SLIPPING GEARS ABS SENSOR PROBLEM POWER STEERING ISSUES AND TCM AND THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO RECALLS NONE OF IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE FORD SAYS YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON LIST.
NHTSA complaint #11396766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quakertown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PCM HAS ISSUES DO TO MOISTURE WHICH AFFECTS ELECTRICAL SLIPPING GEARS ABS SENSOR PROBLEM POWER STEERING ISSUES AND TCM AND THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO RECALLS NONE OF IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE FORD SAYS YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON LIST.
NHTSA complaint #11396766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesFort Wayne, INFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE AND WISH I WROTE THIS A YEAR AGO BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT THEN. I HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS FLICKERING, COMING ON AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS, MY INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND ACTUALLY CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD GOTTEN SO HOT. MY RADIO USED TO TURN ON BY ITSELF OR NOT TURN ON AT ALL, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. MY VAN HAS LITERALLY DIED ON ME WHILE DRIVING MORE OFTEN AT TIMES WHEN I'M MAKING A TURN OR SLIGHTLY MOVING MY STEERING WHEEL. HAS ALMOST CAUSED A FEW ACCIDENTS BECAUSE IT SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY VAN WILL USUALLY HAVE A HIGHER RPM WHEN IT'S RUNNING IN PARK OR WITH FOOT ON BREAK(WAITING AT A RED LIGHT). THEN SUDDENLY THE RPMS DROP AND FLUCTUATE HIGH AND LOW AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. MY TRANSMISSION IS ALSO STARTING TO FAIL BY NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. USUALLY INTO SECOND GEAR. THE INDICATOR LAMP LIGHT FLASHES WITH MEANS ERROR WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THAT IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER GETTING WET OR IT IS POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH MY MY POWER STEERING THE WHEEL KNOCKS AND SORTA LOCKS UP AT TIMES , FLUIDS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WERE PERFECT. I BELIEVE THAT IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11389530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SEATS
THE PART THAT HAS THE CLIP FOR BACK SEAT FELL OUT AND NOW THERE IS A 5 BY 5 INCH HOLE GOING INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SEAT HAS NOTHING TO CLIP ONTO AND BE SECURE, THIS WAS RECALLED IN THIS MODEL
NHTSA complaint #11377831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PART THAT HAS THE CLIP FOR BACK SEAT FELL OUT AND NOW THERE IS A 5 BY 5 INCH HOLE GOING INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SEAT HAS NOTHING TO CLIP ONTO AND BE SECURE, THIS WAS RECALLED IN THIS MODEL
NHTSA complaint #11377831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBoonville, NY
POWER TRAIN
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 55 MPH WHEN IT HAD INSTANT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WOULDN/T MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION OR GEAR. TRANSMISSION WAS IN PROPER FLUID LEVEL RANGE.
NHTSA complaint #11361786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.