CarComplaints.com Notes: The Freestar was introduced in 2004, but it was essentially just a rebranded Windstar. While there was a redesign of the interior and exterior, the Freestar still inherited some of the design flaws of its predecessor.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
110,952 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
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)
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
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While adjusting the third row seat, it detached due to corrosion. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Tri county Ford (032 commerce pkwy, la grange, ky 40031, (866) 417-0262) was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). The failure mileage was 161,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the back seat near the rear wheel well became detached and the contact smelled an exhaust odor. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,867.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While reversing into the garage, the vehicle failed to go forward or backward. The contact noticed a pile of rust on the ground and realized that the rear of the vehicle was entirely corroded. The vehicle was taken to Liberty Ford of maple heights (5500 warrensville center rd, maple heights, oh 44137, (216) 662-3673) where it was diagnosed that the third row seat latch striker mounting brackets were corroded through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While cleaning the vehicle, the contact found that the rear wheel well and the third row seat latch that was attached to the vehicle's subframe were corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). The failure mileage was 142,019.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the carpet in the rear rows of the vehicle become wet and soaked. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger seat anchor latch was loose. Months later, the driver noticed a grinding type noise when turning the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the same failure had occurred on the driver's side. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Went to investigate the water logged carpet in the rear of the van. Removed interior plastic panels on drivers side of van. The seat anchor mechanism fell out of the wheel well unto the tire. Very fortunate I was in the garage and not travelling down the freeway.
The third row seating latch has rusted out on the driver side. The vehicle I believe has issues that other 2004 Ford Freestar vehicles have the same issues and were recalled. I have contacted Ford, and they refuse to help. I have 4 children and I fear to take them anywhere in this vehicle. Please help. The vehicle jerks and stutters when in drive whether I'm moving or at a stop light as long as I am in any gear. It only has 85,000 miles and I've purchased it in February.
Im having many issues with my vehicle. The worst one is the passive security system that has stranded me in many areas because it refuses to start. I have tried many things including replacing transponder keys and the transceiver but I still am getting the flashing red security light. Im scared to drive this thing in the winter due to the possibility of getting stranded in cold temperatures. Also this vehicle lets water leak in everywhere causing severe rust and mold issues. One of the floor supports of the drivers seat is close to being rusted through and the other ones are on their way out. The body is severely rusted and im not sure how much longer this thing will be safe to drive.
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 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).
Sheet metal corrosion that supports the third row seat could corrode and compromise the forward mounting of the seat. Possible the seat may come unlatched if involved in rear impact accident. Dealer service department unable to accomplish recall with parts provided by manufacturer because of excessive corrosion. Dealer indicates that additional parts beyond the 'recall kit' are not readily available. Dealer also indicates that the recall should have been completed sooner, near the original issue date. Manufacture is still sending recall notices inviting us to accomplish. Dealer released the vehicle back to us without repair or any additional safety measures concerning securing of the seat. Escalated issue to Ford customer care representative who has not responded at present time. Been without vehicle for two weeks without any accommodations or answers other than 'someone will get back to you tomorrow', which hasn't happened yet.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats); however, the recall repair could not be performed due to severe corrosion where the recall parts would be installed. The dealer stated that the recall repair could be performed; however, the corroded material would have to be repaired beforehand. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would not repair the corroded component in order for this recall to be performed. The failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 09/22/16
The 3rd seat hooks rusted out leaving and unstable passenger seat and body structure issues that are identical to the recall #13S01but due to the vehicle not being in a "saltbelt" state, it was not included in the recall even though it is pretty clear that Kansas and Nebraska use sale abundantly on the roads. I was told by Ford that my specific can was not included in the recall because is was manufactured differently than the 100,000 that were included in the recall so it should not have the same problem which it now has. I put my four kids in this van and now it is not structural stable for them.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was once serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). While observing the vehicle, it was noticed that the rear wheel well was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the third row seat latch striker mounting bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Ford is not honoring 13V081000 for the third row seat striker problems. Our van which is operated in the Kansas City metropolitan area, which heavily salts the roads is having the corrosion problem. Just this weekend we were traveling with all seats occupied when the inner fender well on the rear passenger side broke through with the seat striker mounting bracket hitting the sidewall of the rear tire. Fortunately at the time we were not driving at high speeds and were able to remove the seat occupants and return home safely. The design of this seat striker plate is flawed as there is a reinforcing plate on the inner side of the fender well that results in entrapment of moisture and dirt. This bad design combined with the weight of three people occupying the seat results in stressing of the fender well material. When I went to the Ford dealer on Monday and gave them my VIN they could not find any hint of a recall for this issue on my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the rear seat anchor mechanism fractured and caused the driver's side rear tire to puncture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fractured seat anchor had punctured the inside sidewall of the driver's side rear tire. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats) however, the contact was concerned that the rear tire was not also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Ford refuses to pay for recall related repairs. I purchased vehicle in July of 2015. Received notice from Ford of safety recall involving 3rd row seating. Ford wants $2100 for repair of the corrosion on the wheel wells. The row seating is useless doesn't lock in open position.
Ford is recalling 04-07 Freestar for third row seat latch striker mounting brackets. I called Ford Motor Company regarding this issue and they said my van is not included in this recall. My third row stowable seat is experiencing corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. And I know that this will not fully latch into its seating position. What can be done regarding this issue. Ford Motor Company gave me a case # number but I do believe that my vehicle should be included in this recall( 13V081000) recall id 92589
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the vehicle jerked violently. The contact discovered that a large piece of metal was protruding from under the rear passenger seat. The VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 223,040. The VIN was not available.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Newark, OH, USA