The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection due to excessive corrosion of the front frame. The contact called L. B. smith Ford-Lincoln, Inc. At 717-761-6700 (located at 1100 market St, lemoyne, pa 17043) where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to two different independent mechanics to obtain some estimates. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

Severe rust issues plague the frame, jack points, and rear frame (spare tire storage area). The spare tire wheel looks as if it has never had paint on it there is so much rust. We just purchased the vehicle a few days ago and are currently working with the Ford dealer to hopefully get the problem corrected. We did not realize the severe rust issues prior to purchase.

- Strasburg, PA, USA

The panel that the latch is bolted to was corroded and came of leaving no place for the latch on the drive's side to attach to.

- Lawrenceville, NJ, USA

Noticed a panel loose in the rear driver's side wheel well while removing the wheel. The panel was completely rusted and separated from the wheel well, with only something attached to it on the interior keeping it from falling off. Took it to a body shop, where it was determined that this panel is the rear seat anchor and the seat latch was the only thing keeping it from falling off. The estimate for repair is $906.99. The rear seat anchor was removed and the hole temporarily taped closed, and the rear seat is not safe and cannot be used. Contacted the dealer to see if any recalls exist for this condition and was told there are none. Currently trying to decide whether or not to repair the vehicle. The vehicle is well maintained and the condition of this panel/anchor is unusual when compared to the rest of the vehicle.

- Yorkville, IL, USA

Our two daughters where in the rear seat and complained of a bad smell as if something burning. At about that same time I noticed hearing a rubbing noise every time we turned left. When we got home shortly after I looked up under the inner fender of the rear left wheel and found a large steel plate loose and rubbing the tire. It was so rusty you could see the interior plastic panels and insulation. At that time I put away the rear seat and noticed the left side anchor was totally loose and when I asked the girls if they noticed that the seat moved they stated that they did notice it move but never said anything about it. There is now a hole in the car wheel well and we cannot use the back seat. We have a bungee cord latched to the two seat anchors holding them inward to keep the metal plate from rubbing the tire. The van is now limited to four passengers and I am concerned about carbon monoxide entering the car.

- Taylor Mill, KY, USA

I was rotating my tires and noticed that inside each rear wheel well there was a panel patched in from the factory that was rusting terribly, with the drivers side being much worse and almost completely falling off the body. With some further investigation I discovered that the panel actually holds the anchors for the rearmost folding seat. As I stated, the drivers side is almost rusted off the car and there is a giant hole that is letting water and snow inside the van and ruining the carpet and padding. I frequently carry multiple children, some in child safety seats, and could not imagine what would happen during a collision if the rear seat anchor were to separate from the van. I seriously hope that there is some kind of recall, as this vehicle is not yet 10 years old and the rest of the body is still in great shape. This is not just a surface rust issue, it is a safety hazard to anyone owning this type of van and the manufacturer should be held responsible for fixing it as I'm sure the repair is not easy or cheap.

- Clarkston, MI, USA

3rd row seat would not latch on the driver side of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined that the anchor used to attach the seat has completely rusted and is no longer functioning. The rust is from the tire well and the tire is visible from inside the vehicle. The 3rd row seat is now unusable and unsafe.

- Lindenhurst, IL, USA