2004 Ford Freestar Complaint Log

OUR SON WAS IN THE REAR SEAT AND COMPLAINED THAT AS WE TURNED CORNERS, HIS SEAT MOVED. HE SAID IT FELTS AS IF IT WERE NOT LATCHED. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND THE SEAT DID NOT LATCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO RELATCH IT AND FOUND THE LATCH ANCHOR WAS LOOSE. BEING DARK AND 30 MILES FROM HOME, WE DROVE ON. WE THEN HEARD LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THAT WHEEL WELL AND BEGAN TO SMELL "BURNING RUBBER". HAVING NO OTHER OPTION, WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE DARK HIGHWAY AND SAW A PIECE OF METAL HANGING OUT OF THE VAN, ONTO THE TIRE. WE PULLED IT THE REST OF THE WAY OUT AND FOUND THAT IT WAS THE SEAT LATCH ANCHOR. THE AREA SEEMS TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED...FROM THE INSIDE. THE METAL DID NOT LOOK RUSTED FROM THE OUTSIDE. WE NOW HAVE A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE VAN (IN THE WHEEL WELL) AND A VAN WHICH IS INCAPABLE OF HAULING OUR FAMILY OF FIVE. EVEN USING IT AS A FOUR-PASSENGER VAN, WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT EXHAUST ENTERING THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN. (MILEAGE NOTED IS APPROXIMATE). *TR

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. *TR

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING WORN SPLINES IN THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. *TGW THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED THE SERVICE INVOICE. *JB

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 FALLEN OFF AND WAS LAYING ON THE BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE WHOLE PLATE RUSTED THRU AND FELL OFF INTO THE WHEEL WELL. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2004. YES I LIVE IN A SNOW STATE THAT USES SALT, BUT THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE ITS ENTIRE LIFE. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT STANCE, IF ANY, FORD IS TAKING WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT SUPPORT CORRODED CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL FORWARD AND ALSO PUSH PIECES OF METAL INTO THE REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

SEVERE RUST IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL CAUSED THE THIRD ROW SEAT TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS NOW UNSAFE AND CANNOT BE USED. THE SEAT CAN NO LONGER BE SECURELY LATCHED IN PLACE. THIS VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND ONLY HAS 72,938 MILES ON IT. *TR

AT 147000 MILES, I NEEDED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD. THIS COST ME $2800 DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WERE ADDITIONAL PARTS NOT COMMON TO A STANDARD REBUILD. THIS WAS SEPT. 2011. IN JANUARY, I AM ABLE TO NOTE ONLINE THAT THERE IS A TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL FOR THIS MODEL. I CALL FORD, I'M TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNTIL THE RECALL IS OFFICIALLY RELEASED IN THE 2ND QUARTER. WAIT UNTIL 2ND QUARTER, NO NOTICE IN THE MAIL. I CALL FORD IN AUGUST AND TELL THEM THIS, I AM TOLD THAT FORD WILL FIX THE CAR, IT WILL TAKE APPROX. 4 DAYS AND THAT NO RENTAL CAR IS AVAILABLE DURING THIS PERIOD. IF I SUFFER A TOTAL LOSS, MAYBE. BASICALLY, I HAVE TO BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN BEFORE I CAN GET ANY HELP WITH THEIR ISSUE. AFTER REBUILD, I START HAVING ISSUES WITH CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE. I REPLACE ALL PLUGS AND WIRES, STILL A CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AS WELL AS OVERHEATING AND EGR VALVE. REPLACE EGR VALVE, COMPLETE RADIATOR CHANGE, COIL PACK, STILL ISSUES WITH MISFIRING AND OVERHEATING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS COULD BE A COMPUTER ISSUE, HOWEVER FORD FAILS TO REALIZE THIS AND THEREFORE WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL. NOT THAT WOULD HELP SINCE IF THEY TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP TO FIX IT, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO WORK IN THE INTERIM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: TORQUE CONVERTER). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,945. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. HE STATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS, PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT. UPDATED 02/05/14..UPDATED 02/06/14 *BF UPDATED 02/10/14 UPDATED 2/12/14*CN

VAN WON'T START THOUGHT IT WAS FUEL PUMP HAD IT TOWED & REPLACED COST $500 VAN STARTS THEN SHUTS OFF MECHANIC SAID PCM MALFUNCTION DEALER SHOULD FIX IT! HELP FORD STAND BY THERE VEHICLE! COMPLAIN. *TR

THE THIRD ROW DRIVERS SIDE SEAT ANCHOR NO LONGER HOLDS THE SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE PLATE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT THE ANCHOR ATTACHES TO HAS RUSTED LOOSE. I BROUGHT THE VAN TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. *TR

HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE ON THE TORQUE CONVERTER END OF AUGUST BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER 2012, UPON RETURN OF VEHICLE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. LAST THURSDAY APRIL 4 THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. FRIDAY DID THE SAME THING 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING. REPLACED ALTERNATOR, BELT TENSIONER AND BELT. MECHANIC ASKED WHAT IT DID, THEN SAID IT MIGHT BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HE CHECKED POWER STEERING, AND WATER PUMP THEY ARE FINE. NOT SURE HOW A PART LESS THAN YEAR OLD COULD GO BAD. WHEN MY VEHICLE WENT IN FOR RECALL WAS PERFECTLY FINE, SINCE IT'S RETURN IS HAS BEEN RUNNING HORRIBLE AND NOTHING SEEMS TO REALLY FIX IT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH SMOKE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE RIGHT BEFORE IT WAS COMPLETELY ENGULF IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT HAD BEEN CAUSE BY THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A REPORT AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE COMPLETION OF RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALLED COMPONENT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE BECAME HESITATE BETWEEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

MESSAGE CENTER DIMS AS TO BE UNREADABLE DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO READ WARNINGS OR MILEAGE REMAINING OR SERVICE NEEDS. *TR

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. *TR

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, AS SHE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND GO OFF. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN THE CONVERTER WAS ENGAGED. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, REGARDING A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL WORK. HOWEVER, IN THE WINTER OF 2013, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE ORIGINAL CONVERTER, WAS STILL IN THE VEHICLE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER) THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE OIL NOT BEING REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

LEFT REAR SEAT ANCHOR WAS LOOSE, SO WE LOOKED. A LARGE HOLE HAD RUSTED OUT OF THE INNER FENDER CAUSING THE ANCHOR TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE BODY. WE TOOK IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT AND THEY AGREED IT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE RIGHT SIDE IS ALSO RUSTING OUT, ALTHOUGH NOT THE POINT OF COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH, YET. WE ARE JUST THANKFUL THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN WE WERE PARKED AND NOT DRIVING 65 MPH CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR

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

VEHICLE SHUT OFF GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT SLOW SPEED AFTER MAKING LOUD SQUEAKY SOUND. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS SINCE THEN AND TODAY 11/01/2012 IT BECAME MORE SEVERE. MY WIFE ATTEMPTED TO GO TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AROUND AUGUST/SEPTEMBER DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WERE ABLE TO DO. THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE AND I HAVE CALLED THE FORD HOTLINE BECAUSE OF THE RECALL, THE VOICE CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE IS STILL SAFE BECAUSE THE STEERING REMAINS FUNCTIONAL, THIS IS NOT THE CASE FOR MY VEHICLE. AFTER, ONE OF THE MANY "INCIDENTS", OFTEN THE VAN WILL LOSE COMPLETE POWER AND THE POWER STEERING WILL DISENGAGE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN EVEN FOR A LARGE MALE. WE BOUGHT THE VAN AS A FAMILY VEHICLE, AS MOST DO, WHICH MAKES IT EVEN MORE PROBLEMATIC AND DISTURBING. I AM DISGUSTED WITH FORD FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE. *TR

VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE POWER FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED UP AFTER POWER FAILURE. THE SAME EVENING, STARTING UP THE VEHICLE, THE IDLE WAS ROUGH AND THE POWER FAILED IN ABOUT 1 MINUTE. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A FORD DEALER THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO ENGINE CODES WERE PRESENT. ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER, AFTER A RAIN STORM, THE POWER FAILED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. IT WAS POSSIBLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER THE POWER FAILURE. A FORD DEALER LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AFTER THE LATEST POWER FAILURE AND COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THERE WERE NO ENGINE CODES. IN APRIL 2010, I EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHICH WAS CAUSED BY WATER GETTING INTO THE PCM. WITHIN A MONTH IN 2010, THE PCM WAS REPLACED TWICE. *TR

THE THIRD ROW SEAT WAS LOOSE WHEN LOCKED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE I NOTICED THE METAL PLATE WAS LOOSE. I PUT DOWN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND LOOKED THROUGH THE PLASTIC TO SEE THAT ALL AROUND THE METAL PLATE ROTTED AWAY. SINCE THE THIRD ROW SEAT WAS NOT LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN I TOUCHED THE BRACKET ON THE METAL PLATE, THE ENTIRE PLATE FELL OUT ONTO THE REAR TIRE. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE PLATE INSIDE THE REAR QUARTER PANEL IS ROTTED AND THERE IS NOTHING TO WELD THE PLATE BACK TO. THERE IS ALSO A LARGE OPENING INTO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THAT PLATE IS NO LONGER THERE. MY SEVEN SEAT VAN CAN ONLY HOLD FOUR PEOPLE SAFELY. *TR

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR (THIRD ROW) SEAT ANCHOR WILL NO LONGER HOLD THE SEAT IN PLACE. IT APPEARS THE METAL PLATE THE ANCHOR ATTACHES TO HAS RUSTED FREE FROM THE CAR, DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL CREATING AN OPENING TO THE OUTSIDE. THE SEAT CANNOT BE PROPERLY LATCHED TO THE VAN WHEN IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. *TR

ON 08/13/2012 TRIED TO ENGAGE THE THIRD ROW FOLDING SEAT TO THE FULL UPRIGHT POSITION. THE DRIVERS SIDE LATCH FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE SEAT ANCHOR TO BE LOOSE. AFTER I LOOKED AT THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL THE PLATE THAT THE ANCHOR MOUNTS TO WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED ALL THE WAY AROUND AND THE PLATE AND ANCHOR IS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FALLING INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THERE IS NOW A BIG HOLE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL DIRECTLY INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES SOAKED WHEN DRIVEN IN THE RAIN. SAFETY ISSUE AS OUR KIDS RIDE IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LATCH THE SEAT SAFELY NOW. *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE VAN WOULD SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. WE HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH TRAFFIC WHERE WE ALMOST WERE REAR ENDED, PUT IT IN PARK JUST TO RESTART IT. STARTED MOVING AGAIN AND THE VAN DID IT AGAIN, THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO I WOULD NOT GET HIT. CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN PALM COAST AND THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTOR WAS RECALLED AND THEY WOULD FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE. THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTOR, HOWEVER INFORMED ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I TOLD THEM I COULD NOT AFFORD TO DO THAT AND THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR WAS WHAT HAD CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I WAS THEN INFORMED I COULD PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE FROM THEM AND USE THE VAN AS A TRADE IN. I SEE THEIR ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME ONLINE THAT FORD REFUSES TO HELP WITH THE ISSUE. NOW WONDER WHY THEY DID NOT TAKE ANY BAILOUT MONEY, THEY ARE GETTING IT FROM THE CONSUMER WHO BUYS THEIR LOW GRADE PRODUCTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT FELT HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PIECE OF METAL RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP AND AS A RESULT, THE PANEL RUBS ON THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DECIDED TO REMOVE PART OF THE QUARTER PANEL IN ORDER TO STOP THE TIRE FROM RUBBING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE QUARTER PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW METAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE 11S25/NHTSA 12V-006 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE CONTACTED THE FIRST DEALER, THEY INFORMED HIM, THEY WOULD EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND IF NOTHING APPEARED WRONG, THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE SECOND DEALER, INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR FOR PARTS.

STARTING ABOUT A YEAR AGO THIS VEHICLE SHOOTS GAS OUT WHILE TRYING TO FILL UP. GAS WILL SHOOT OUT ALL OVER WHOMEVER IS PUTTING IT IN. IT ALSO SHUTS THE PUMP OFF WITHOUT BEING FULL.THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME. *TR

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOUNT ON THIRD ROW SEAT FAILED SIDE PANEL IN WHEEL WELL CORRODED AND FAILED DISPLACING PANEL INTO TIRE SIDEWALL. PASSENGER SIDE PANEL SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE. FORD DEALERSHIP BODYSHOP REFUSES TO WORK ON ISSUE FOR FEAR OF FUTURE LIABILITY. DEALERSHIP STATES THAT CORROSION ISSUES BEYOND NORMAL. *TR

WE HAD THE 3RD ROW SEAT FOLDED DOWN FOR CARGO SPACE. UPON PULLING THE SEAT BACK UP, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE SEAT MOVED WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING ON IT. WHEN MY HUSBAND TRIED TO SECURE THE LATCH BY FOLDING THE SEAT BACK DOWN AND THEN BACK UP AGAIN - THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE LATCH AND PLATE IT'S ATTACHED TO FELL INTO THE WHEEL WELL. HE HAD TO REACH UP OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TO REMOVE THE PART AND SAW THAT THERE IS NOW A HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT GOES RIGHT INTO THE VAN - YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE IN THE VAN! THE LATCH UNIT: THE PLATE IT'S BOLTED TO AND THE METAL SECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL THAT THE PLATE IS WELDED TO WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WE CAN NO LONGER USE THE BACK SEAT DUE TO SAFETY REASONS. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE TO REPAIR IT. ONE PERSON SAID WE'D HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL. WE READ ON LINE THAT FORD HAS RESPONDED THAT THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT "PARTS" FOR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT WASN'T MANUFACTURED TO BE REPLACED. NOW WE HAVE A VAN WE CAN'T GET FIXED, WE CAN'T USE THE 3RD ROW SEATS (WE HAUL THE NEIGHBOR'S 2 KIDS IN ADDITION TO OUR 2 KIDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL), AND GETS WET ON THE INSIDE WHEN IT'S RAINING BECAUSE OF THE OPEN HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO WATER PENETRATING THE PCM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,600. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN UPDATED 10/15/2012 *JS

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE 11S25/12V006000 CONCERNING TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL IN MARCH. HOWEVER, THE RECALL LETTER STATED PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2012. IN JULY 2012, WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO HAVE THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, SHE INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL, AND THE DEALER INFORMED HER, THEY WERE ONLY REPAIRING VEHICLES, THAT HAD ACTUALLY HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL LETTER, STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, SHE FELT THE DEALERSHIP WAS GIVING HER THE RUN AROUND, IN NOT FIXING HER VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER.

THIRD ROW SEAT NO LONGER LATCHES SECURELY, CAUSED BY CORROSION FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL AREA RUINING BODY LATCHING HOLDING SEAT IN PLACE. *TR

THE REAR LEFT METAL U-SHAPED POST THAT IS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT OF THE REAR BENCH SEAT AND IS ATTACHED THROUGH THE BODY BY A METAL PLATE IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SPEED OF 10 MILES PER HOUR. THE REAR SEAT WAS FOLDED INTO THE FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE POST AND THE ATTACHED PLATE FELL OUT INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THEN FELL TO THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION, THE EDGE OF THE METAL PLATE, AND MUCH OF THE SURROUNDING WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT RESULTED IN A LARGE HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT GOES CLEAR THOUGH TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN. WE BROUGHT THE VAN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED SEEING THIS ISSUE RECENTLY IN THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF VAN. THEY SAID THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE A REPAIR. THEY SUGGESTED TAKING THE ISSUE TO A BODY SHOP. TWO LOCAL BODY SHOPS WERE UNABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. AS IT STANDS, THE REAR BENCH SEAT IS UNUSABLE AS IT CAN'T BE SECURED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, AND THERE IS A HOLE NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM THAT MAKES THE VAN UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT IS FRUSTRATING THAT THE SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN SEEN BY FORD, YET NO SUITABLE REPAIR OR SOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED. *TR

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REATTACH THE THIRD-ROW SEAT FROM THE FLAT POSITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH ON THIRD-ROW SEAT POPPED OFF - THE PART WAS RUSTED AT THE ATTACHMENT POINT ON THE INTERIOR AND IT FELL ONTO THE GROUND THROUGH A HOLE ABOVE THE REAR LEFT TIRE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR

WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH NO PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF A RED LIGHT. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, IT WOULD NOT REVERSE, EVEN THOUGH THE LEVER FROM THE ENGINE TO THE TRANSMISSION MOVED BACK AND FORTH FINE. THE CAR COST ME A LARGE SUM TO TOW, AND THE FORD DEALER THEN CHARGED ME $100 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WAS PERFORMED APPARENTLY WITHOUT MOVING THE CAR FROM THE PARKING SPOT WHERE THE TOW TRUCK HAD DROPPED IT OFF. THEY NOW WANT $500 TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF, AND IF THEY DO THE WORK, THAT WILL BE INCLUDED INTO THE TOTAL. THE DEALER DID NOT MENTION ANY RECALL, AND WERE INSTEAD TRYING TO PERSUADE ME TO GET A NEW FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR $3500.. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER ON A FORUM, AND THE MALFUNCTION OF THAT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT EXPLAINS EXACTLY THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR HAD. I UNDERSTAND THAT FORD IS ONLY GOING TO PAY $1450 TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TRANSMISSION THAT IS NOW FULL OF SHAVINGS. EVERY MECHANIC I'VE TALKED TO, SAYS ON PRINCIPAL AND FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. FORD IS SAYING THAT JUST REPLACING THE TORQUE CONVERTER FOR $1450 WHILE LEAVING THE SHAVINGS INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION, IS ALL THAT IS NECESSARY; THE TRANSMISSION WILL FUNCTION NORMALLY EVER AFTER. WHO IS RIGHT? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SQUEALING WHENEVER THE CONTACT TRIED TO MAKE A TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,075.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEATING ANCHOR FAILED DUE TO CORROSION PENETRATING THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,507.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER) HE NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE PRIOR TO THE REPAIRS BUT IT HAD BECOME MORE PERSISTENT OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PARTS FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT RECALL ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. *JB

HAD POWERTRAIN SYMPTOMS RELATED TO FORD TSB 06-14-10, FOR ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DRIVEABLITY. HAD VEHICLE TOWED BECAUSE I HAD NO REVERSE & FORWARD ENGAGEMENT, AND HIGH IDLE IN NEUTRAL. FORD DEALER, FIXED TRANSAXLE PER SAFETY RECALL 11S25, AND TSB 06-14-10, FOR WATER ENTERING THE PCM. DEALER RETURNED OUR VEHICLE ON JULY 10TH, EVERYTHING APPEARED OKAY. ONE JULY 11TH, THE VAN BEGAN HAVE SHIFT ISSUES, AND THEN STALL GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 20-25MPH. IF THE PCM IS DAMAGED FROM WATER, THEN WHY DON'T THEY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT IN THE TSB. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUED, ESPECIALLY AT 70MPH ON A FREEWAY. THIS TSB SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED AS A SAFETY RECALL. HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD BE INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS CONDITION? ONE IS TO MANY! *TR

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN MEEHAN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE NHTSA RECALL 12V-006 2004 FORD FREESTAR TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER (DOT/I# H 2012182) *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF HIS VEHICLE AND WAS TROUBLED BY THE FACT, THAT FORD HAS NOT CONTACTED HIM REGARDING A REPAIR DATE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS. *JB

THE REARMOST SEAT IN MY MINIVAN WILL NOT LATCH DOWN ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. THE REAR AXLE 'MOANS' AT TIMES AND MAKES A ROTATIONAL SHIMMING SOUND. UPON INSPECTION, I AM TOLD THERE IS SEVERE RUST IN THE WHEEL WELL WHERE IT LOCATES TO THE SEAT ATTACHMENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS UNUSUAL, ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND YOUR AGENCY IS INVESTIGATING JUST THIS THING IN 2004 FREESTARS. *TR

REQUEST UPDATE STATUS ON SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S25 NHTSA RECALL 12V-006, WORN SPINES IN TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER PER THEIR MARCH 2012 RECALL LETTER. I WANT TO TAKE MY 2004 FREESTAR TO A LOCAL SAN ANTONIO DEALER TO IMPLEMENT THIS RECALL BEFORE ANY FATAL ACCIDENTS OCCUR WITH MY VEHICLE. FORD REPRESENTATIVE STATED THEY HAD UNTIL 2ND QUARTER 2012 TO BEGIN THIS RECALL. MY LOCAL DEALERS REFUSE TO EVEN CHECK MY TRANSMISSION OR ORDER REPLACEMENT PARTS UNTIL THEY RECEIVE A SECOND LETTER FROM FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. BECAUSE IT IS NOW 3RD QUARTER 2012, FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH YOUR RECALL. IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE PROVIDE ME WITH AN UPDATE STATUS (IF ANY) ON THIS RECALL AND NOTE THE INACTION AND INSENSITIVE RESPONSE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS VITAL SAFETY RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ASSISTANCE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE LIABILITY. THE RUST HAD DAMAGED THE LUGS FOR THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.