2004 FORD FREESTAR Seats Problems

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

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

TL* 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. *DL

TL* 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.

TL* 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.

TL* 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.

TL* 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...

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.

TL* 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*LJ *TR

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.

TL* 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...

TL* 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

TL* 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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S THIRD ROW REAR SEAT WAS UNATTACHED TO THE ANCHOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MA 10/5 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT BRACKETS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BRACKETS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) BUT THE DEALER DECLINED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT ANCHOR FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

THE LEFT ANCHOR OF OUR THIRD ROW SEAT HAS DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE SEAT WILL NOT LATCH TO THE FLOOR. THIS PROBLEM IS COVERED IN FORD RECALL CAMPAIGN 13S01, BUT WE LIVE IN VIRGINIA, RIGHT OVER THE STATE LINE FROM MARYLAND. OUR SECTION OF VIRGINIA OVERSALTS THE ROAD, SO WE FACE THE SAME ISSUE AS THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. WE WOULD LIKE FORD TO COVER OUR REPAIRS THE SAME AS THOSE NORTH OF US. *TR

ONCE AGAIN, FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR VEHICLE DEFECTS. OUR THIRD ROW REAR SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE FLOOR LATCH IS CORRODED AND BROKEN AND OUR CHILDREN CAN NO LONGER SAFELY RIDE IN OUR ONLY VEHICLE. FORD RECALLED MANY OTHER FREESTARS FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO INCLUDE OUR VEHICLE DESPITE THE SIMILARITIES. OUR VEHICLE HAS NOW BROKEN DOWN ON US NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO POWER TRAIN ISSUES (LATER RECALLED), TRANSMISSION ISSUES (LATER RECALLED), AND NOW THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY CONTINUE TO DISREGARD SAFETY FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT FAILED TO LATCH INTO ITS SEATING POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH MOUNTING BRACKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V081000 (SEATS) WAS REFERENCED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OLD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,068.

I HAVE A 2004 FORD FREESTAR THAT HAS THIS EXACT PROBLEM 13V081000. I CALLED THE DEALER AND SINCE I'M IN KANSAS THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIRS. I HAVE PHOTOS AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. MY BACK SEAT CANNOT LOCK FORWARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) AND WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NEED TO EITHER USE PARTS FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER OR PERMANENTLY REMOVE THE REAR SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE THIRD SEAT ANCHOR POINT BROKE SENDING THE SEAT FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL WELL RUSTING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED RUST DEVELOPED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN 2010, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONSUMER BOUGHT AMOR PROTECTION FOR RUST. THE CONSUMER PUT IN A CLAIM, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, ONE YEAR LATER, THE RUST RETURNED, ONLY THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED A SECOND CLAIM. A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER, THE THIRD SEAT BRACKET FELL APART. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ABOUT THE WHEEL WELL RUSTING. THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, AS THEY WERE CUTTING AWAY AT THE RUST. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FRAME WAS ALSO RUSTING, AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, OR TO EVEN TRY AND FIX THE RUST PROBLEM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS), IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE CORRODED DUE TO WATER PENETRATION AND WERE UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR LATCH 3RD ROW SEAT FELL OFF, DUE TO IT RUBBING AGAINST THE REAR TIRE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GAPING HOLE IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL, CAUSING THE THIRD ROAD STRIKER AND LATCH TO FRACTURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE THIRD ROW SEAT FROM LOCKING INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE OWNER THAT THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED MOLD AND CORROSION TO FORM IN THE QUARTER PANEL, SEAT BELTS, LEFT THIRD ROAD SEAT AND THE CARPET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS BUILDING UP IN THE WHEEL WELL BRACKETS FOR THE THIRD ROW SEATS. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT EXHIBITED RUST AND CORROSION. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR PLATE WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME THAT IS DESCRIBED IN EA12003. THE ATTACHING BRACKET FOR THE REAR SEAT FELL OUT WHILE THE SEAT WAS FOLDED INTO THE FLOOR. IT BECAME LODGED IN THE INNER PORTION OF THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEEDS, SOMEBODY COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED, BY THE REAR WHEEL BECOMING RESTRICTED OR THIS HEAVY PLATE BOUNCING DOWN THE ROAD AT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRACKET IS A U BRACKET ATTACHED TO A PLATE THAT IS WELDED FLUSH TO COMPRISE PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. TO TEMPORARILY KEEP FROM LOSING THE BRACKET, I HELD THE BRACKET IN PLACE WHILE SETTING THE SEATS UPRIGHT AGAIN SO THAT THE SEAT ITSELF IS HOLDING THE BRACKET IN. THERE IS NOW WATER FROM THE ROAD GETTING UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I HOPE THAT FORD ISSUES A RECALL OR OFFERS A BOLT ON REPLACEMENT SOON. I'VE BEEN MOSTLY...

AS STATED WITH OTHER 2004 FORD FREESTARS, REAR RUST ON DRIVERSIDE REAR, REAR SEAT WILL NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE SAFETY LOCK IS RUSTED AWAY, NOT SAFE TO ANY PASSENGER TO SIT THERE. *TR

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. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WHEEL MOUNT AND WHEEL WELL WERE RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE THIRD ROW LATCH FAILED AND THE SEATS WERE UNABLE TO STAY FOLDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL AND LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

THE LEFT REAR 3RD ROW SEAT ANCHOR PLATE, MOUNTED NORMALLY TO THE LEFT REAR INNER WHEELHOUSE AS AN INTEGRATED PART OF THE WHEELHOUSE, HAS RUSTED AROUND THE PLATE EDGES AND THE ENTIRE PLATE IS SEPARATING FROM THE WHEELHOUSE ASSEMBLY. CURRENTLY IT IS RUSTED THRU ON THE LEFT , RIGHT, AND BOTTOM EDGES OF THE MOUNTING PLATE, REMAINING ATTACHED ONLY ALONG ITS TOP EDGE. THIS IS LETTING ROAD MOISTURE INTO THE INTERIOR REGIONS OF THE VAN, SOILING CARPET AND JUTE, CAUSING ODOR AND POSSIBLE MOLD DEVELOPMENT. THE 3RD ROW SEAT CAN NO LONGER BE SAFELY ATTACHED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR SEAT WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FLOOR. THE PLATE THAT WAS HOLDING THE SEAT IN PLACE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND DISCONNECTED LEAVING A HOLE NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE. THE PLATE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT WAS ALSO COVERED WITH RUST, BUT HAD NOT BROKEN AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,300. UPDATED 02/26/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND ITS 5YRS CORROSION WARRANTY.UPDATED 03/1/2013 *JS

I OWN 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LATCH THE THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, THE LATCH FAILED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION ON THE FLOOR PANEL ,SIDE PANEL AND ATTACHMENTS WHICH HOLDS THE THIRD SEAT LATCH BRACKET THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH BRACKET SLIDES OUT AND EXTRUDES TO REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN BURST THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WHILE RUNNING CAR. I AM ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT IN RELATION TO OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED. THERE IS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION TAKING PLACE (EA12003 AND PE11039) FOR THIS ISSUE ALREADY. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY 3RD ROW SEAT BACK UP AND LOCK IT INTO PLACE. ON THE DRIVE SIDE I NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, I KNOW NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE LATCH HAD BROKEN OFF BECAUSE OF RUSTED PANEL. THE WHOLE PLATE RUSTED THRU . *TR

THE DRIVER-SIDE WALL BRACKET THAT LOCKS THE THIRD ROW SEAT INTO THE UPRIGHT (USABLE) POSITION IS LOOSE. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS WELDED TO THE INNER SHELL SHEET METAL OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE INNER SHELL AROUND THE BRACKET HAS RUSTED SUFFICIENTLY TO CAUSE THE BRACKET TO BE LOOSE. WE HAVE DISCONTINUED USE OF THE BACK SEAT, FEARING INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION DURING A POTENTIAL CRASH. *TR

RETURNING FROM A 'DUMP RUN', I NOTICED THE PLASTIC COVER FOR THE 3RD ROW PASSENGER SEAT, DRIVER SIDE, HAD BEEN DISLODGED AND WAS LYING ON THE FLOOR. I WENT TO RECONNECT IT AND I FOUND THE LATCH 'FLOATING'. IT WAS NO LONGER PART OF THE VEHICLE. I COULD SEE OUT THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE WELDED PLATE, THAT SHOULD BE PART OF THE VAN WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. I HAVEN'T LOOKED AT THE TIRE FOR DAMAGE, YET. THIS IS A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ERROR, AS THE LATCH BRACKET USED TO SECURE THE PASSENGER SEAT IN PLACE, NEEDS TO BE A PERMANENT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VAN ISN'T TOO OLD, AND SHOULD LAST MANY MORE YEARS/MILES AND FOR THIS PIECE TO COME LOOSE, IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A QUALITY ISSUE. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR...

DURING STS TIRE SERVICING, MECHANIC SHOWED ME A LARGE SECTION OF STRUCTURAL STEEL HANGING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND A MICHELIN TIRE THAT CONTAINED ABRASIVE RIPPING CAUSED BY THE SECTION OF STEEL THAT HAD BEEN DANGLING AND RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE LARGE SECTION OF STEEL CONTAINED AN ANCHOR AT THE CENTER WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED TO HOLD THE THIRD ROW ROW IN PLACE. THIS STEEL PLATE WITH THE ANCHOR FOR HOLDING THE THIRD ROW SEAT IN PLACE IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH ALLOWED THE WELDS HOLDING IT IN PLACE TO FAIL CREATING DANGERS OF: UNSECURED SEATING, HOLE EXPOSING PASSENGERS TO EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE AND MOVING PARTS, OPENING FOR RODENTS OR OTHER DANGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE, KNOWLEDGE OF PRIOR MAY CAUSE FEAR AND PANIC OF DRIVER OR PASSENGERS WHICH MAY CAUSE ACCIDENT OR MENTAL ANGUISE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO...

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....

DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BRACKET FAILURE. THE BRACKET IS MOUNTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THE WELD AROUND THE BRACKET HAD SEVERE RUSTING, NO WHERE SIMILAR TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR. THE PLATE HOLDING THE BRACKET RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY DROPPING THE SEAT. THE PLATE AND BRACKET BEGAN RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. IF I HAD NOT STOPPED AND FOUND THE PROBLEM AND SECURED THE BRACKET, THE TIRE COULD HAVE BLOWN CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. ACCIDENT WAS PREVENTED, BUT SERIOUS BODY FAILURE OCCURRED. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AS IS THIS SEAT SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED UNTIL IT CAN BE FIXED, THERE IS NO COST EFFECTIVE FIX. *TR

THE 3RD ROW REAR SEAT ON MY 2004 FREESTAR DOES NOT LATCH INTO SEATED POSITION PROPERLY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUPPORT RING WHICH THE 3RD ROW SEAT LATCHES INTO WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE TRIM. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND NOTICED THAT A STEEL PLATE WHICH THE SUPPORT RING IS MOUNTED HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN IT IS NOT LATCHED IT HAS A TENDENCY TO INTERFERE WITH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHILE THERE IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF METAL HOLDING THE MOUNTING PLATE IN PLACE, IT REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE TO LATCH THE SEAT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE METAL PLATE FROM SCORING THE SIDEWALL OF MY TIRE. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOUNTING PLATE CONTINUES TO BE SECURE, YET THERE IS A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. IF SOMEONE STOWS THE...

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...

INABILITY TO LATCH THE REAR SEAT, ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE ANCHOR PLATE COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR

THE LEFT REAR SEAT ANCHOR HAS DETACHED FROM THE BODY DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST IN THE REAR QUARTER PANEL BY THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE THIRD SEAT IS NO LONGER USABLE AND THERE IS A HOLE THROUGH THE BODY THAT LETS AIR AND WATER INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA SHOWS RUST AS WELL BUT THE SEAT ANCHOR HAS NOT YET DETACHED FROM THE QUARTER PANEL. TWO FORD DEALERS HAVE SAID THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING AND DO NOT KNOW IF IT CAN BE FIXED. MY CONCERN IS SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, NOISE AND WATER ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND THE LOSS OF USE OF THE THIRD SEAT. THIS VEHICLE IS TOO YOUNG AND USEFUL TO BE SCRAPPED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT PULLED THE REAR SEATS UP AND NOTICED THE STUD WHICH HOLDS THE BACK SEAT IN PLACE WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE STUD AND IT FRACTURED. ALSO, THE WHEEL WELD WAS CORRODED ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WELDED NEW METAL PIECES TO THE WHEEL WELLS ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA12003 (SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE STRUCTURE:BODY) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ