2004 FORD FREESTAR — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,600

Owner Complaints

25 Crashes 17 Fires 1 Death

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

11

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

The 2004 FORD FREESTAR has received a total of 1,600 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 11 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (495 complaints), Power Train (310 complaints), and Electrical System (115 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR, potentially affecting up to 726,220 vehicles.

Recall 13V081000 — SEATS

| 196,667 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

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Recall 12V006000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

| 206,452 vehicles affected

Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

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Recall 12V006000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

| 206,452 vehicles affected

Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

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Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 58,640 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

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Recall 04V446000 — WHEELS:HUB

| 34,013 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT HUB, ROTORS, AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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Recall 03V457000 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

| 23,996 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE TO ENSURE THAT IT IS SEATED PROPERLY AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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Owner Complaints for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

1,600 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 495 3 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 310 3 Crashes 5 Fires 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 115 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 84 1 Crash
Engine
Complaints: 69 3 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 62 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 50
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 34 3 Fires
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 29 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 26 2 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 22 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 22 1 Crash
Structure
Complaints: 18
Suspension
Complaints: 18 1 Crash
Wheels
Complaints: 17
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 10
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 8
Wheelshub
Complaints: 8
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 7 2 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 7 5 Injuries
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 7
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 7
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 6
Air Bags
Complaints: 5
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibility
Complaints: 5
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 5
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 4
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Traction Control System
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3 1 Death
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seatsmidrear Assembly
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11672730 | POWER TRAIN | | 104,000 miles
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. 
#11671789 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
Flashing! With gear around it and car will not operate correctly i.e. no power very slow acceleration and lacking ability to change gears.
#11611067 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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.
#11611067 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
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.
#11578163 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
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

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 FORD FREESTAR in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

Ford Motor Company has issued 11 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB160069 — SEATS

Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action

18335 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC U1130. *EH

04229 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

ACCESS DOOR WRAPED OR BREAKING OFF FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL SHROD. *EH

04231 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

TRACTION CONTROL ABS AND PARK BRAKE LAMP FLICKER FLASH ILLUMINATE. *EH

18135 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

3RD ROW SEAT STRAP BREAKING (STRAP USED FOR STOWING OR ACCESSING THE REAR SEAT). *TT

04135 — VISIBILITY

FRONT DOOR GLASS CLICK/SNAP NOISE AT THE END OF THE UPWARD GLASS POSITION. *TT

04148 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

FRONT BLOWER MOTOR WHISTLE NOISE. *TT

17371 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

TRACTION CONTROL/ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) LIGHT ON WITH DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) C1288. *TT

17300 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TRACTION CONTROL OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT ON IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, ACCOMPANIED BY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C1288 (PRESSURE TRANSDUCER MAIN/PRIMARY INPUT CIRCUIT FAILURE). *TT

17237 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) U1130 (SCP INVALID OR MISSING DTA FOR FUEL SYSTEM) STORED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT

Showing 10 of 11 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 FORD FREESTAR

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2004 FORD FREESTAR.

Investigation PE11033 — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT Closed

Opened:

Service Jack Failure

Investigation DP09004 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) Closed

Opened:

Engine stalling

Other Model Years of the FORD FREESTAR

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Other FORD Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report