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 PCM went bad on our van. When replaced by Ford water was reported inside the PCM noting a water leak somewhere that finds its way to the computer (PCM). We were told to get a new windshield. We did at our expense. About a month later same issues with car. Again PCM was bad. Water leaked inside it again. Ford told me that could cost up to $900 to find leak and repair. Through my own investigation online I found service bulletin tsb 06-14-10 stating that during repair procedures of a PCM inspect for water damage and if present perform the following service procedure. The bulletin goes on to describe in detail how to fix water leak. This was not done on my vehicle resulting in a brand new but now useless PCM. I went all the way to the top at this local Ford dealership and was treated poorly, condescendingly, and was told that the service bulletin did not mean anything. I have a useless van in my driveway.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and independently came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed from the scene and later taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer stated that torque needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the dealer also discovered shavings in the transmission from the torque converter failing. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they would replace the torque converter at their expense but would not cover any of the additional damages. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Was traveling from California to Washington. Stopped on rest area.my free* did have only rear gear on. Couldn't move for several hours until transmission cooled down. Drove very carefully, trying not hit the brakes, because as soon as I push brake pedal tranny stops working until completely cooled down. (had to spend many hours on the road because it is impossible to cross 2 states and not hit the brakes) Ford issued recall in March 2012, but dealers does not have parts till now.
Shortly after the recall for the torque converter the transmission started acting up. It was stalling, not letting me go into reverse, and many other things. The transmission is disengaging and reengaging which is a safety issue. This problem is because of the torque converter they had to recall contaminated the transmission. I do not understand why there is still no recall. This is a huge safety issue!
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while traveling 10 mph the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 104,392 and the current mileage was 119,000.
- Atlanta, MI, USA
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Add-on info for complaint #10472027. The date stated for the problem with the PCM was merely an arbitrary start date for our problems, which was required to proceed with the complaint. We have had continual problems for at least near 2 years with the vehicle, but no mechanic (including Ford's) has been able to accurately confirm the basis of such issues. Our assessment of a damaged PCM is based on research of on-line complaints from other Freestar owners which seem to almost perfectly match our situation, as well as the fact that our mechanic had to remove water from the computer compartment. Currently, we are in search of a replacement computer, but they are almost impossible to find.
2005 Ford Freestar PCM problems. Symptoms include intermittent incidences including vehicle's failure to start, running rough, improperly accelerating, refusing to move forward/backward, and other random problems. The fuel system components/camshaft sensor/etc, as well as the transmission have been replaced on the vehicle, but all of these issues still exist. Codes do not show up on mechanic's diagnostic computers unless the car is actively having the problem, which seems to rarely happen. Mechanics, including the local Ford dealership, has not been able to confirm the problem with the PCM; however, our mechanic did find water in the computer module. He dried it out and resealed it, in hopes of resolving the issues we were having. The problems have continued though and despite lack of codes, all indications are that the computer is no longer good. Another problem is the fact that getting a replacement PCM is nearly impossible. The demand for Freestar reconditioned computers is so high that we've not been able to find one to replace the bad unit in the van. (apparently, new PCM's are not available at all.) after seeing the massive number of on-line complaints which are so similar to ours, I cannot believe that Ford shut the case regarding the computer problem. If the diagnosis of failed PCM's is almost impossible to achieve, Ford simply chooses to ignore the obvious. (read all of the complaints on NHTSA.dot.gov.) poor placement of the PCM on the back of the vehicle wall has allowed water to run off of the windshield into the unit, but Ford will not take ownership in this problem. How many people have to risk having a wreck and possibly dying due to water-damaged components? it is unfortunate and unnecessary. One last question... is it possible that the transmission problems (currently on recall) be related to the water-damaged PCM's?
As I was driving, the vehicle (2005 Ford Freestar) begin to jerk as if the transmission was constantly disengaging and reengaging. Also, the rpms would escalate during this problem. After about six jerks, the vehicle lost power to the wheels. I coasted to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. I waited for a few minutes and I started the vehicle up and I was able to drive home. The vehicle still jerks. I looked up the problem with a mechanic and the diagnostic computer readout stated it was the torque converter output shaft speed sensor. I looked the information up online and discovered it was involved with a recall. This recall (#12V006000) was supposedly repaired on my vehicle a month ago. I called Ford and they said that the recall was already performed and they can not do anything else.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar wagon. While driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission suddenly became inoperative. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who advised that water had leaked onto the wiring harness which resulted in a short circuit to the transmission chip. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 89,847.
Car stalls when it stops, shuttering while it drives, the car has been to the shop twice know. The second time it was left outside the auto shop and it rained over night. When the mechanics went to start it and look at it they noticed there was water dripping out of our ECM. They did some research and found that there were design flaws in the ECM and that it wasn't sealed right. There should have been a recall but there never has been. I have looked online and there are all sorts of people reporting the exact same thing.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact was driving 30 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact had received notification of stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign I.D. number: 12V006000 (power train: Automatic transmission: Torque converter) prior to the failure but was unable to have the repairs performed because the dealer continuously advised that the part needed for the recall repair was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed that the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 146,000.
I was running some errands and my van was acting wired. It seemed like I only had first gear. I took it to Ford dealership, found out about the torque converter recall. Torque converter was replaced. At the time they also found water in my transmission. The did a flush. It has only been three months. Two weeks ago the powertrain light came on. I took it to Ford. They did a diagnostics test on it. Said it was P0732 incorrect gear ratio for 2nd gear direct clutch not locking. Was waiting to see if it was covered under recall. Yesterday we found out it was not 07/31/2012. So I took it to my mechanic today 8/1/2012. First thing he found was water in the transmission. He has no idea how the water is getting in and has looked at almost everything that could allow it to enter. He has found nothing. I have done research online and have found a lot of complaints regarding this issue. Ford knows about it and does nothing. In the mean time they expect me to pay a dealer top dollar to replace my transmission. I did tell my mechanic what I found about the PCM and transaxle vent allowing the water in. He is going to look into it and get back to me. I hope someone out there is listening to the consumers and can get this issue resolved.
Was stalled out several times during the month of January and February of this year. It would just stop responding. It acted much like a transmission going out, but that was not the problem. After multiple towes and trips to the mechanic to attempt getting this vehicle repaired, it was determined that the PCM had gotten water inside and had to be replaced. I spent several thousand dollars trying to get this vehicle to run as well as it had before. Once the PCM issue was discovered, it did run much better, but by this time I had lost my faith in the vehicle. I cannot believe that Ford positioned a computer component where water would run down onto it, and they have not been forced to fix this issue. As a result of all of my problems with this vehicle, after many years of being a Ford owner, I sold this van and purchased a Chrysler Town & Country.
Ford recall safety notice 11S25/NHTSA recall 12V-006. Received letter dated March 2012 for the torque converter replacement parts available the second quarter, as of today, July 24, 2012 we have not heard anything from Ford about the parts being available.
The car lost power as I was trying to drive it. It took several seconds to go from 0 to 20mph. This is every day. Once it gets to 20mph the car drives normally. Also sometimes the car wont move when put in drive or reverse. I have to put it back in park, and then in drive or reverse for it to move. Also, when I stop at a stop sign or a red light, the car drives very slow until it reaches 20mph. My car is on recall but I was told by Ford that the part is not yet in stock. I have been waiting and having problems and spending money on this car since I purchased it. I've been waiting more than 8 months for the part from Ford. They say the car is not dangerous to drive. I disagree but I need my car for work. I feel that they should give me a replacement. I am still making payments. Updated 08-09-12 the consumer no longer owns the vehicle. It has been traded in. Updated 08/09/2012
This is an amendment to complaint #10465607 filed yesterday. I was informed today by my dealer, herlong Ford in edgefield, SC, that it is total transmission failure. They stated that they could not tell if the transmission failure is due to the recalled part unless they tear the transmission down completely. This tearing down would be at my expense along with the towing of my vehicle to their dealership from North augusta, SC where it stranded me. The only options I have is tear down and repair or trade. Neither of these options are good for us. We just purchased my husbands truck and we are on a tight budget. I guess we will have to be the ones to take the hit for something that is obvious to anyone who has researched it that Ford is at fault and should be held accountable. I have to have my van for work and personal use. I do not have another vehicle to go to work in. Ford should be made to replace these transmissions completely at their cost. These vehicles are a death trap waiting to happen. It should not take this long to get the repair parts to the dealers. If there is a class action lawsuit out there count us in!! I guess it will take someone dying before anyone makes Ford step up to the plate and be held accountable for their defective vehicles! I was a loyal Ford owner but I am seriously considering changing my preference. Ford do the right thing and help your loyal customers out that bought your vehicle to Transport their families in since you advertised it as a family van!! NHTSA needs to do something and fast or we are going to lose faith in the Agency to protect us and our families! this many powertrain and torque problems are not a fluke but a very serious problem that needs to be made right. It's not hard to research this year make and model to find hundreds of complaints regarding the minivans shutting down in the middle of traffic! please help us soon!!
While driving my transmission is sticking and jerking. After it does that it shuts off in the middle of the road. A couple of months ago I took it to the dealer and they said it wasn't the recalled part and it cost me $800 to repair. Ever since then it has still been having little jerking and sticking issues. Today, July 13, 2012, it shut off again in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in North augusta, South Carolina just like the last time. This is the fourth time that I have almost been in a wreck in my minivan because it just shuts off without warning you. I think I have been patient enough waiting on recall parts for my van. Right now I wouldsay that my van is a hazard to drive. The not changing of gears can and has happened at a variety of speeds, even at 35. Everyone with this van should be put in a rental vehicle at the expense of Ford until repair parts are available. I need my vehicle for work and personal.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving approximately 65 mph, the transmission began to hesitate in a jerking motion. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The failure had not been diagnosed. There was recall related to the defect under NHTSA campaign id number 12V006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). The part was currently unavailable and has been for three months. The technician was unable to provide a date when the part would become available. An authorized dealer was unable to provide a date when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 12V006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). After the repair, the dealer only replaced five quarts of the transmission fluid instead of the full thirteen that were necessary. The contact expressed concern that this would lead to another torque converter failure. The contact also stated that due to the way the vehicle was repaired, it would need to be realigned. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.
I had gotten a letter from Ford Motor Co. Stating they were having problems with the tork converter and transmissions on my model car. I live 160 miles from a Ford dealer, but I was going into town to shop so thought I would stop in at kendall Ford and talk to them about it. They had no idea what I was talking about and looked it up on the computer, and there it was. They could not tell me much except it could go uot at any time with no notice. They also said that they could not even help me if it did. I was on my own. And it did, in the middle of rush hour traffic. It just stopped. I could have been hit and someone could have been hurt or even killed. A nice man helped me get it across 3 lanes of traffic, pushing by hand where I had to have it towed back to kendall Ford, I called brad, the man in charge to let him know it was there. To date, July 7, 2012 I finally got a call from them (had to bum a ride 160 miles home and have had no car since), they said the tork converter was so shot they wondered how I got that far (a little help from god). They also said that it would cost between 3 and $4,000 to repair the transmission. I nearly passed out. First put me in a car that could have killed me, then charge me more than the car is worth to fix it. I know for a fact that if the tork converter is not working properly neither will the transmission. I feel they should be responsible for the converter and the transmission for using cheep parts and putting our lives in danger.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Clearwater, FL, USA