2004 Ford Freestar

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,227 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
85,960 milesMedian miles at failure

1,088 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission479
325
Power Train263
240
Electrical System62
000
Seats54
000
Structure › Body43
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter40
000
Engine37
222
Unknown or Other19
121
Engine and Engine Cooling18
020
Vehicle Speed Control15
100

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats13V081000
Filed Mar 7, 2013196,667 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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 and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter12V006000
Filed Jan 9, 2012206,452 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters Usa

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.

Risk. 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.

Wheels › Hub04V446000
Filed Sep 13, 200434,013 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections03V457000
Filed Nov 6, 200323,996 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jul 11, 2025104,000 milesKY

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.

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 2025CO

Flashing! With gear around it and car will not operate correctly i.e. no power very slow acceleration and lacking ability to change gears.

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2024AZ

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.

Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2024MD

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

Power Train
Filed Oct 3, 2023250,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not properly accelerate and would hesitate to accelerate and the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000(Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 250,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2023PR

Conducía mi vehículo y la trasmisión quedó en neutro en una entrada y no pude estacionarme Y no volvió arrancar Solo coje la reversa I was driving my vehicle and the transmission was neutral in a driveway and I couldn't park And did not start again Just take the reverse

Power Train
Filed Jan 18, 2023TN

The transmission is grinding and popping when shifting gears.Also it has started not moving when I shift it into drive and 3rd and 1st.When I drive it I have to put it in 1st gear and change up to drive and it grinds and pops when giving it gas to go.It comes to a crawl going up hills.Has a big loss of power.The trackshion control light comes on saying it's not working.The electrical is messing up the doors are opening up when they are not supposed to going down road.It tells me that different doors are open when there not keeping the lights on in the van running down the battery.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2022IN

I just purchased the vehicle used and recently discovered there was a recall on these vehicles. The vehicle I purchased keeps stalling and is not getting any power. I’ve had the vehicle checked by the car lot and they say there is nothing wrong.. the vehicle died out on me already twice while I was driving.

Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2022158,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle continued to slow as the RPM was rising. The contact did not notice any warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled safely off the road and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted however, failed to shift into higher gears while attempting to reach highway speeds. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 1, 2022FL

Transmission slip , leaks , loosing ofpower, shakes from 45 mph to 55 mph , mechanic shop says it is the Torque Converter that is malfunction.

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2021OK

The van has less than 49k miles on it and the reverse has not worked but it will drive forward. Others have had this issue as well.

Engine
Filed Nov 17, 202138,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the computer needed to be dried off. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated he had experienced the failure several times. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Seats
Filed Jun 29, 2021150,000 milesOH

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

Power Train
Filed Mar 29, 2021100,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO ANY GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL AMERICAN FORD OF HACKENSACK (520 RIVER ST, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601) WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 2021160,000 milesOR

I READ THE RECALLS FOR 2004 FORD FREE STAR TRANSMISSIONS AND MY VAN WITHOUT WARNING JUST QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I COULD GET IT TO START BACK UP FOR A SECOND TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT IT WOULDN'T START AFTER THAT.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 18, 2021PA

PCM HAS ISSUES DO TO MOISTURE WHICH AFFECTS ELECTRICAL SLIPPING GEARS ABS SENSOR PROBLEM POWER STEERING ISSUES AND TCM AND THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO RECALLS NONE OF IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE FORD SAYS YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON LIST.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jan 23, 202120 milesIN

I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE AND WISH I WROTE THIS A YEAR AGO BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT THEN. I HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS FLICKERING, COMING ON AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS, MY INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND ACTUALLY CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD GOTTEN SO HOT. MY RADIO USED TO TURN ON BY ITSELF OR NOT TURN ON AT ALL, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. MY VAN HAS LITERALLY DIED ON ME WHILE DRIVING MORE OFTEN AT TIMES WHEN I'M MAKING A TURN OR SLIGHTLY MOVING MY STEERING WHEEL. HAS ALMOST CAUSED A FEW ACCIDENTS BECAUSE IT SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY VAN WILL USUALLY HAVE A HIGHER RPM WHEN IT'S RUNNING IN PARK OR WITH FOOT ON BREAK(WAITING AT A RED LIGHT). THEN SUDDENLY THE RPMS DROP AND FLUCTUATE HIGH AND LOW AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. MY TRANSMISSION IS ALSO STARTING TO FAIL BY NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. USUALLY INTO SECOND GEAR. THE INDICATOR LAMP LIGHT FLASHES WITH MEANS ERROR WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THAT IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER GETTING WET OR IT IS POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH MY MY POWER STEERING THE WHEEL KNOCKS AND SORTA LOCKS UP AT TIMES , FLUIDS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WERE PERFECT. I BELIEVE THAT IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 3, 2020180,000 milesOH

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

Power Train
Filed Sep 29, 2020150,000 milesNY

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 55 MPH WHEN IT HAD INSTANT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WOULDN/T MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION OR GEAR. TRANSMISSION WAS IN PROPER FLUID LEVEL RANGE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 8, 2020230,000 milesGA

DRIVING DOWN RD N IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE WAS PUSHING BREAK WHILE I WAS SMASHING GAS PEDAL . LOST ALL FIRE TO CAR WOULDN'T GO NO WHERE. I WAS ON A COUNTRY RD GOING UPHILL. IT SPOTS N SPUTTER N JERKS REAL HARD GOING UP HILL LIKE MY TRANSMISSION GOING BAD BUT MOTOR SOUNDS GOOD SO I HAVE NO CLUE..

20 of 1,227 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200764210Routine
2006356340Above average
2005886420Above average
2004 — this page1,2275141Fatalities reported

Compare every Freestar year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.