Owners filed 886 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
08150081,500 milesMedian miles at failure
801 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
361
2
0
2
Power Train
229
1
0
0
Electrical System
46
0
0
1
Engine
39
0
1
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
30
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
21
1
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
19
2
0
0
Seats
14
0
0
0
Steering
10
0
0
0
Structure › Body
8
0
0
2
4 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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate06V069000
Filed Mar 9, 200612,728 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jun 7, 2026MS
When I was driving my van was loosing power even when I was pushing the gas I had to pull over before a car was about to hit me. I look it up online it had a recall in 2013 but I bought van from someone last year and I called the ford place about the recall and they said couldn’t do it Mac hik in Jackson
Seats
Filed Jul 17, 2025317,000 milesMN
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat attachments were rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 317,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed May 12, 2025MN
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized and remained in neutral. The vehicle jerked and shortly returned to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the gear shifter light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power Train
Filed Oct 17, 2024OK
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street, however the engine was still on. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact and her son pushed the vehicle to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power Train
Filed Jun 27, 2024FL
I was driving and my transmission stopped working left me stranded
Power Train
Filed Jun 18, 2024350,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and releasing the accelerator pedal, the contact noticed an abnormal clucking sound. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to continue driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle only responded when the RPMs were high, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter output shaft had failed. The mechanic determined that the torque converter and the output shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 350,000.
Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2023180,000 milesMI
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that upon selling the vehicle, she allowed another individual to test drive the vehicle; however, as the contact was driving on an incline, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flex shaft had failed. The contact then stated that upon research, she became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V00600 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that due to the condition of the vehicle the recall repair could not be performed. The contact was concerned that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the VIN was entered and displayed a different color. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Seats
Filed Mar 10, 2023KS
The rear wheel well has rusted on both sides and completely rusted out a large hole (approx. 1 ft diameter area visibly effected) in the the body of the van. The rusted out section is where the back seat is anchored to the frame, so the rust has cause the seat to no longer be securely anchored to the car. The hole has also caused electrical wires to get wet when water gets into the van and intermittently and unpredictably causing failure of electrical features, including headlights and blinkers, while driving.
Power Train
Filed Feb 17, 2023MO
Driving down highway at 60 mph lost all power basically coasted to side of road. Looks like torque converter and pump shaft splines stripped out. Shows there was a recall but none listed for this vin number. This is a huge safety concern and Ford should have to repair.
Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2023GA
I was having issues with my car not able to really move so I had a mechanic to come to me to inspect it and he stated it was my torque converter someone on it in it near it.. That my issue.. So I was calling about the recall on it and it stated that it was already fixed in 2012 on recall. And I'm a new owner purchased in 2018.. I'm a Ford girl.. So from the Taurus 500 and freestar never had of it needed a van have grandkids and now out my four year with it no problem with til now and by it has been replaced before I'm not able to get help with fixing it .. That my only car now I'm now disabled on fixed income and can't afford to buy a new transmission.. I'm asking if u could assist me with the same issue happening twice with vehicle with two different owner.. Thanks for your assistance and help
Power Train
Filed Nov 16, 2022238,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 238,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 2022139,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, he noted that a "sprocket" warning symbol had illuminated. The contact exited the freeway and stopped at a traffic light. As he depressed the accelerator to go forward the vehicle would not move however, the engine was running. The contact stated that he placed the shift lever in neutral then drive and reverse and the vehicle would not move in any direction. The contact had the vehicle towed an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and towed back to the contact's residence. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2022200,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite multiple attempts to accelerate the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train) that she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Power Train
Filed Mar 15, 2022OK
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after the failure had occurred. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power Train
Filed Jan 21, 2022CA
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that they would not perform the recall repair until there was a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed Jan 3, 2022WA
Ford is recalling about 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles, because the torque converter output shaft may fail. If the torque converter output shaft were to fail, the result would be a sudden loss of motive power with no warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the torque converter for free. The safety recall is expected to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2012. The recall campaign number is 11S25. 2012 recall was done at dealership, was the work actually done? With low miles it hard to believe that this has failed!
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Oct 26, 2021TN
After stopping at a traffic light in my 2005 Ford Freestar the vehicle would not go forward. I had to be pushed to the side of the road until a tow truck arrived. However, after the vehicle was towed to my home I discovered that it would go in Reverse with no problem, but when put into Drive would slowly pull forward if on level ground. After speaking with a transmission repair shop I was informed that I had a faulty torque converter and that the 2004-2005 Ford Freestars with this problem were being recalled. Also, my third row seat will not properly latch.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Oct 26, 2021FL
The torque converter output shaft fail, sudden loss of motive power with no warning. Takes too long for the shifts, stay on one shift for too long and wont change shift unless the driver stop accelerating. My vehicle seems to have the torque malfunction.
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2021389,000 milesGA
AFTER HAVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED AS THE RECALL SAYS I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DOING GOOD BUT RIGHT OUTSIDE THE WARRENTY MILEAGE I NOTICED THAT IT STARTED ACTING KINDA LIKE BEFORE AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS GUESS WHAT AS I WAS CLIMBING UP A HILL ON MY DRIVEWAY THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED PULLING STARTING TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AS FOR IT TO RECALL THE TORQUE CONVERTER THEN WHY HAS IT ONCE AGAIN ALMOST LIKE ME WITH LOSS OF ALL GEARS YET NO NEW RECALL HAD BEEN ADDED WHY DID IT DO THIS AGAIN?
Power Train
Filed Dec 29, 202073,000 milesHI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER HONOLULU FORD LOCATED AT 1370 N KING ST, HONOLULU, HI 96817 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
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.