This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
9.1
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,392.00
Average Mileage:
93,455 miles
Total Complaints:
51 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission (25 reports)
- not sure (15 reports)
- torque converter input shaft splines stripped.trans replaced (7 reports)
- http://news.consumerreports.org/safety/2012/01/recall-ford-f (1 reports)
- recalled torque converter (1 reports)
- replace torque converter output shaft (1 reports)
transmission problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Ford mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Make your vehicle safety complaint known to the agency that can investigate and cause a recall to occur.
- Ford Fires And Power Loss Recalls - Ford is recalling roughly 490,000 minivans and SUVs to fix various defects that can cause fire or loss of power in the transmission.
2012Apr 04
Freestar LX 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Yesterday I went for a drive to take care of all my errands as usual. I made it home and when I needed to go back out, the van would not go into reverse. The only thing it would do is stay in park. I messed with it for awhile and it was like stuck into neutral. The park still worked, but sometimes it would go into neutral. I don't know what is wrong with it. I had it towed today to the mechanic. They can't look at it until tomorrow. Can this problem be due to the recalls? I'm stuck without a car and I can't get myself or my children to school. Anyone know of any other information? Can this really be the transmission? There was no problems with it until this happened.
Update from Apr 9, 2012: I had my van towed to my local mechanic. He determined that it was the transmission and that he is 100 percent sure that it is due to the recall. I had to tow it again to the Ford dealership. They told me that they can't look at it until a few days later. I was also told that they can't provide a loaner or car rental. They also don't have the parts in to fix it. Now I'm without a vehicle since this is my only one. In the mean time, I can't go to school. I'm a full time college student and I also have three children. One of my children is disabled and has a doctor appointment comming up and I have no way to take him to his therapy appointment. My other child also has a check up and I won't be able to go to that appointment either. This is really unfair. All of my relatives live out of state or they would help me. Also renting a car is about 200 dollars a week and I can't afford that. I don't think Ford is handling these issues fairly. This isn't right to treat their customers like this. I also had to pay 60 dollars for the mechanic to look at it and I'm sure that I won't ever be reinburst.what are people suppose to do? Not everyone is rich and have other ways of transportation. Now I will probably be dropped from my classes and my children won't get the medical care that they need. Ive offered to pay friends, but they all have jobs and responsibilities of their own.
2012Feb 25
Freestar ES V8
- Automatic transmission
- 92,500 miles
2005 Freestar surged from over 75 MPH to over 80 MPH in heavy high speed traffic with minimal room to maneuver due to terrain and steel cable guards along freeway. followed by sudden and total loss of transmission . . . extremely dangerous situation could have easily resulted in multiple fatal crashes due to heavy high speed traffic and no warning. For a retired couple this was the most dangerous condition we have experienced in 50 years of driving.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 28
Freestar 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,361 miles
I am so surprised that my van lost power while driving..lucky i was smart enough to pull over basically i was coasting...gas pedal was no use..van just was revving..i heard about the recall 2 weeks ago..and i called the dealership they had no comment until they say in a few months..i was like wtf kind of answer is that...now look im without a van ....and i travel on 95 daily.....and no lights came on or nothing,
2011Oct 15
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 119,613 miles
I was driving a large group of people 1-5 south from oregon. In extreme traffic, we were in the fast lane doing about 70mph, when the "Beast" our Freestar's nickname), suddenly without warning lost power and everything shut down. Luckily I was able to glide over to the side of the road. I had no turn signals or 4 way hazards working to alert other drivers of our emergency. Needless to say, we had to be towed back to portland. a true Bummer! Im not hating on ford though as nothing in this life is perfect, but I do believe that with such a great automobile, ford should definitely step up to the plate, stand behind thier product and correct the on going problem with these vehicals (freestar of charge). this should not happen on a regular basis to ford owners especially when ford is aware of this problem. we love our freestar. its been a great van other than that major problem that could have been prevented.
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2012Jan 23
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
On 1/23/12 I was traveling in my Ford Freestar on Hwy 78 E and suddenly the vehicle cut off and proceeded to coast. I managed to pull over to the shoulder of the highway before coming to a complete stop. I was very lucky that day because a truck swerved over to the next lane to keep from crashing into me, and at the same time almost collided with another motorist. After pulling myself together I placed a call to AAA and requested a courtesy tow because I had utilized all my services allotted. I stressed to the AAA supervisor that the vehicle had broke down in a dangerous section of the highway and to please help me.
Thank God that the AAA supervisor was very nice and concerned for my safety and made a professional decision to authorize the tow. She also placed the call as priority and that gave me comfort that help would soon arrive. I own and operate a small flower shop in the city of Elizabeth and had a funeral scheduled to be delivered by 10 am. I was coming from the floral wholesaler when the vehicle broke down. I had to arrange for a friend to pick up the flowers and supplies and deliver them to the flower shop. Then I had to arrange for someone else to take me to rent a vehicle. Once I was approved for the vehicle I had to rush to the flower shop and quickly prepare the flowers for the scheduled delivery. Needless to say, the flowers were late and my customers were very upset.
The mental anguish that morning caused a severe migraine headache which resulted in the rest of the day being miserable, a day I’ll be glad to put behind me. On 1/25/12 I called my mechanic, Marcello at WR Auto Repair, to check on the vehicle and he informed me that the transmission failed and the cost to replace it would be $1600.00. I screamed out, “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” “I CAN’T AFFORD THAT!” I happened to be at the Enterprise rent-a-car office and the agent over heard my conversation. He informed me of the Ford recall regarding the Freestar and urged me to check into it, so I did. I stopped by Salerno Duane Ford dealership of Summit N.J. and spoke with Daniel Jardim regarding my problem. Daniel entered the VIN# into the computer and the vehicle came up under recall status. Daniel told me to arrange for the vehicle to be towed from my mechanic to their dealership for a diagnostic check. I had to borrow and pay out of pocket $77 for the tow. After the vehicle arrived, Daniel called and said that the catch is if they take it apart and find that it’s not the torque converter input shaft splines stripped and something else that it would cost me $1300 just for taking it apart. And then I would either agree to pay their mechanic to replace the transmission or tow it back to my mechanic and his price was $1600. I screamed again, “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” “I CAN’T AFFORD TO DO THAT!” I was informed by a customer relations supervisor that Ford will not pay for a rental at this time or for a mechanic that’s not certified by Ford to service the vehicle. I screamed, “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” “I’M DAMNED IF I DO, AND DAMNED IF I DON’T!” To date, the vehicle is still at Salerno Duane Ford dealership of Summit N.J. and I have been up all night and suffering from sleep deprivation worrying over how I’m going to continue to afford the rental services. I think this is making me sick, literally.
On October 7, 2005 along with my husband, I decided to purchase this vehicle. My husband drove and loved the experience of driving the Ford Freestar back and forth to work, for he was gainfully employed with Cintas Corp. He drove the van for approximately 30 days before he became ill and went into the hospital on November 3, 2005 and departed this life December 11, 2005. I’m without my husband, his support and income. I have three dependent children and we are experiencing financial hardship due to the circumstances. I CAN’T AFFORD ANYMORE PROBLEMS. Especially because this is the only vehicle we have to utilize for the family and business. Someone please help me. I am trying to keep my business operating and cannot hire someone to do the deliveries. In today’s economy small businesses in particular are struggling to remain open. I am no exception to the recession because I may be self employed, but on many days I have been unemployed with $0 coming into the shop. I desperately need my transportation and the car note is still due each month. It’s a shame that this has happened.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 20
Freestar Limited 4.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
My wife was driving down the highway in heavy traffic and the vehicle suddenly lost all ability to move forward, backward, etc. The motor was running fine, just nothing from the transmission. She was 90 miles from home. We had it towed to the local Ford dealership. They treated us very well. We learned the output shaft from the Torque Converter into the transmission was bad. It is a known problem to FORD and this dealership has seen it several times. Apparently the output shaft is too soft (improperly hardened?) and the splines will strip off, all at once. The torque converter was replaced along with the output shaft. Total bill was around $1700.
Everything runs fine now, but since this is a known problem, FORD should have stepped up to fix it, at least at a discounted rate.
I filed a complaint with the NTSB and never heard anything back. I did learn there are several hundred similar complaints with the NTSB. Ford is apparently arguing that loss of power is not safety related and therefore not subject to recall. I strongly disagree as sudden failure with no warning can most definately place people's safety at risk.
2012Jan 26
Freestar V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,366 miles
I was driving in my 2005 Freestar and had my four children in the car with me and with no warning of any kind the car had lost power while i was on the highway. And while on the highway in a car that has no power with children it is not a pretty sight when all the other vehicles around you are moving at about 60 mph and you have no where to pull off and try to find out what has happened. I was very frustrated to know that something like that could happen without any notice.
2011Dec 09
Freestar ES 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
My daughter was driving it and the transmission gave out without warning. Was working fine and then it just started coasting. She was about to take off so there was very little danger. We had just gotten back from a long trip so I am thankful it did not happen on the road. I will not buy another ford vehicle again!!
2012Jan 01
Freestar LX 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I recently bought this vehicle at a place called butler pre owned. they gave me a 3000 or 3mnth warranty. well wen i hit 4000 miles the problems started! i put the car into drive and the trans. and engine make a big noise sometimes it will just rev up and not move it also has a slipping prob. idk but ford should do something about this its. how do i make payments on a car that doesn't run. its really messed up. idk disappointed
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 05
Freestar LS 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Wife was driving. She pulled up to a stop sign and the van seemed to go into neutral. The shifter arm was only good to put the van into 'park'. I have not had a diagnosis yet, but it sounds just like so many others' complaints here.
2011Dec 30
Freestar 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
ford fix it ford fix it I was driving in a wilderness area in texas and I just got through the area and had to have a emergency gall bladder surgery I was dropped off in my van at the hospital it broke down 4 minutes later in the hospital parking lot..If this happened in the wilderness area and a dead zone for phone I could have died
2011Sep 11
Freestar 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
MY 2005 FORD FREESTAR STOPPED WORKING ON THE FREEWAY AND I HAD TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE,,,,, I DONT NO THE PROBLEM . BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AND IT KEEPS STOPPING ON ME.PLEASE FORD DO SOMETHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM,,,,,,,,, MY HUS,, WORKED FOR FORDS FOR 35 YEARS AND THIS IS HOW FORDS TAKES CARE OF THERE CUSTOMERS.. AND EX WORKERS. WE ALLWAYS BUY FORD FORDS NEED TO WAKE UP OR WE WONT BUY A FORD AGAIN.
2011Nov 13
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
car was running fine, then luckily having read all other reports that car was parked
in my driveway. It started right up, shifted to R and then nothing!!
car does not move. It is my only transportation to work for family, I do not
have the means to repair at this time and have no means of purchasing another car.
it really stinks that ford knows of this problem and has refused to do anything
about this. This will be the last FORD product I buy, My ford winstar was a "death trap" as well. Driving 60mph on dark highway and lost all lights. lucky wasn't rammed from behind. It was never fixed correctly either and kids refused to ride in the car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Nov 30
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
Add me to the list of owners of a failed transmission on a 2005 For Freestar. My wife was driving and with no warning lost power to the drive train. The engine and everything else kept running, it just coasted to a stop. No gears engage. Took it to my trusty mechanic and yep, $2500! right before Christmas! I called Ford Customer Service (Complaint) Center and they have no customer satisfaction program to address this. They just said save my receipts in case there ever is a recall.
2011Aug 01
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
I have the same problem that everyone else is complaining about. Driving along at 30 MPH. All of a sudden complete power loss and revving. Towed the vehicle to the mechanic and also stated I needed a new Torque converter. Milage only 66,600. Seems to be an ongoing problem with this vehicle!
2011Jun 23
Freestar LX 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I was on my way to my Zumba class. Came up to an intersection (thank God on a back road), I stopped, went to take off, and in the middle of the intersection, my RPM's went up, and engined reved big time! I thought (some how) I hit the shifter into nuetral. Looked at the control panel, it was still in drive. I was able to COAST to an area that i could park the van with out being in danger. Once there, I tried putting it into other gears.....and NOTHING!!! I had 2 of my 3 children with, I'm so thankful that I was in town, on a side road, and I was able to call my brother-in-law to come pick us up. As of typing this complaint, we still don't have it fixed, trying to come up with the money....until now relizing that this is a COMMON problem. FORD WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!! If not.....we will be turning into "chevy" poeple.
2011Apr 23
Freestar 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 127,450 miles
I just wanted to registar a complaint about this problem. I see that many more Ford Freestar Van's have transmissions that quit without warning. It is amazing I didn't have a wreck when it suddenly went out. I had just left a very busy freeway when it went out and left me and an elderly man I had with me just enough time to steer to the side of the road. It didn't move another inch until the tow truck came and picked it up.
2011Jul 24
Freestar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 66,300 miles
We were driving home from the shore and going 65 mph when our van just basically slipped out of gear and the transmission just stopped working. There was no warning at all. Luckily, my husband was able to get us off to the side of the road and no one hit us. My two children were in the car with us as well. We have never had any problems with the car before and there was no warning for this incident at all before it happened. We had to have the car towed to our mechanics which after he looked at it determined that we needed a new transmission and so now it is on its way to a transmission specialist for same.
The car only has 66,300 miles on it. We are the only owners and have taken good care of it. I contacted Ford and they basically indicated that there will be no recall on the van for this problem until NHTSA requires them to do it. NHTSA has over 200 complaints for this problem, but has not acted on it yet. I guess no one plans to do anything until someone gets hurt or worse, ends up dead. So, everyone out there be careful and if you haven't filed a complaint with NHTSA and you have had or have a problem like this, please call them and file a report. The more they get, the better. Hopefully no one gets hurts before they act on this.
2011Jul 08
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
Our transmission originally went out on the van at 53000 miles. The dealership replaced the transmission and charged me 60% of the repair bill (approx. $800). At 87000 miles the transmission again went out and needed to be replaced. Again the dealership is offering to pay a percentage of the bill, which I appreciate, but I am beginning to be concerned about the safety of the vehicle
2011Jul 08
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Well after looking at the other complaints it matches the description of most! Driving down the road and RPM's shoot up and then nothing! Pulled my van over and it won't go into gear at all!! Had to have it towed and was told by my mechanic that this is a problem with this make and model. No warning whatsoever!!
We keep our car well maintanied and this is a major inconvenience! Estimated cost is $3,800. to fix (new transmission). I did call and report it Ford. We'll see what happens.
2011May 31
Freestar SES 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
We have maintained this vehicle per the manufacturers recommendations using a certified mechanic. The transmission failed without warning and I had a complete loss of power. I have never experienced a transmission failure of this type with asolutely no warning whatsoever. The design of this transmission appears faulty.
2011Sep 06
Freestar SES 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
I am really annoyed with Ford!! My transmission went out on my van on Tuesday morning. I have 5 kids one of which is in a wheelchair and no way to transport them now!! I can't afford to get it fixed and I can't afford a new car either!! Thanks ford and I want to know if one of you people who are refusing to issue a recall on something that you know is your responsibility would mind coming to my house every day in your fancy NEW car with no problems ( and if there were I am sure you would get them fixed at no cost to YOU) and transport my kids back and forth to school and take my son and his wheelchair to the doctor and the dentist and the orthodontist etc....???? I didn't think so!!! So I would appreciate it if you would fix mine so I can do all of the things that I have to every day! Or you could come and push my son in his chair every where he needs to go and walk all of the other kids where they need to go?? OH and P.S. all of their appointments and doctors are at least 20 miles away!!
2009Nov 05
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Went out without ANY warning!!!!! I'm thinking recall...two times a transmission has went out on me with this van...not gonna get it fixed this time, not outta my pocket that is.
2011Sep 27
Freestar SV
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I was waiting at a red light, exiting a shopping center, planning to make a left turn onto a major, very busy highway. Halfway through the turn my engine starting racing and the van stopped all forward motion. I checked to make sure it wasn't in neutral and that my emergency brake was not on. It felt like I was trying to move forward with the brake on. I tried shifting into gears other than "drive" but no movement. I was blocking two lanes of traffic. Two men stopped. I put the van in neutral and they tried to push me to the side of the road, but the van would not move forward. Eventually a third man stopped and suggested they try pushing me backwards. That worked. They were able to push the van backwards and out of the lanes of traffic. I am 60 years old and disabled. It was a very long and hot two hour wait for a tow truck and a $90 bill, even with AAA, to have the van towed to my mechanic. The transmission is shot. Estimates for repairs: $1920.62 to rebuild it with only a three month warranty, $2367.85 for a low mileage (50,000 miles or less) with also only a three month warranty, or $3239.44 for a new transmission with a five year warranty. Haven't decided yet which way to go. From the looks of these other complaints, probably no matter what I decide it will be wrong. Last summer I the A/C (compressor and condenser) went out and it cost big bucks to replace it. Wish I could afford a new vehicle. It would not be a Ford.
2011Sep 08
Freestar LS 4.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 73,061 miles
My daughter and I were driving home from work when without any warning at all my van just died on the road. It was like it was stuck in neutral. I shut it off and turned it back on again, but no luck. I tried other gears and still the same thing. Lucky for me I was only 2 houses away from my home. I had to get the van pushed into my parking lot to avoid any overnight parking tickets. My husband purchased a transmission range sensor and replaced the old one and still no luck. Our only other option now, is to have the transmission replaced. If this is a recall product..please Ford dealership step up to the plate like TOYOTA did and make your customers happy!!! After all we are the ones they keep your good name going. I just recently purchased a 2007 GTCS Mustang convertible and pray to God that I will not have a problem like this! I only hope that nothing serious will happen to anyone because of this problem.
2011Jun 01
Freestar SES 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 128,794 miles
I was driving home from work in the fast lane approximately doing 70 mph on I-75 in rush hour traffic when the rpm's went up and I was with out a working trans. I was told I can't even get parts to have it rebuilded because it was only put into the 2005. I would have to get a new transmission from the ford dealer.
2011Mar 22
Freestar SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Had the car for 4 months thought we had gotten a deal from the dealership but it turns out the transmissions go out a lot in this type of car. They are even class action law suits pending on ford for selling this piece of junk. Do NoT BuY this car. The transmission will go out!
2011Aug 06
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I have a Ford Freestar that the transmission went out on without warning. We were driving down a major highway and all of a sudden forward motion just stopped and we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. My husband, myself and 5 children stranded. Thank goodness for AAA. This morning we went out to try to start it and the engine will do NOTHING now either. Everything else in the van works fine. We have gotten regular maintenance done on the vehicle and not had any major problem with it until now. But for all the systems to just quit without warning is ridiculous. Seeing all these complaints about the exact same issue and no recall by Ford for this problem is pathetic. Going to have to get it towed somewhere this week to figure out what the problem is. But its pretty pathetic that a vehicle with regular maintenance and only 64000 miles on it should just stop working without warning.
Update from Aug 10, 2011: I have gotten a call from the Ford Dealership and the problem was a broken torque converter. This is apparently an ongoing problem with this vehicle and is under investigation as well as a class action lawsuit. Cost to repair... $1800.00. Time for Ford to step up and fix the problem with a recall!!!
Update from Mar 24, 2012: http://news.consumerreports.org/safety/2012/01/recall-ford-freestar-and-mercury-monterey-vehicles-torque-converter-output-shaft-may-fail.html
I was looking into another problem with my Freestar. Now the tranny is leaking,. Anyway... found a recall for this issue as of Jan 2012. I paid over $1800 to get mine repaired. THey better be willing to do something about this,.
2011Jul 02
Freestar LX 4.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
I have a 05 ford freestar in the garage with transmission problems described by many on the internet. My wife was going to work and the van lost all power from the transmission. She was in heavy traffic and it just quit. After coasting to a stop she called me. We had to call a wrecker and had it towed to the garage close to home. After calling ford, (their price over three thousand) I had it towed to Aamco for an estimate, 2,600.00. I've been told this could happen again, this is dangerous and we are beside ourselves that this could happen. My wife is 70 years old and the van only has 66,000 miles. P.S I've been told this could be an electronics problem that Ford knows about. Ed, Austell,Ga. If there's a class action lawsuit out there, I'm in!!!!!!!
2011Jul 08
Freestar SE 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
Cant believe there was no warning at all. aamco says this problem is typical. also keep the phone calls to ford
2011Jul 02
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
Last Saturday evening my wife and i were doing some last minute errands before we left for the beach on Sunday morning. We were driving down hwy 5 near our house at about 55mph. All of a sudden the van seemed as though i put it in neutral. the rpms shot up and it started slowing down. I made it to the side of the highway and i looked under the hood to see if something had come loose or disconnected. I tried every gear and it would not move. i called my son to come take a look at it. My son and several of his buddies took a look at it but could not determine the problem. I called a local towing company to tow it to our house. I was upset because we were to leave early on Sunday for the beach. I had to drive my son's Mustang Cobra and my son drove his girlfriends Mustang. As you can tell we like Ford's until now. I checked online about the transmission problem to try and get an idea of what was going on . I very surprised to see all of the same problems that i am having and Ford has not done anything about this transmission problem. We are still trying to find a deal on a trans but i have not had any luck at this time.
2011May 10
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
The Transmission on this van went out without any warning while my husband was driving on I-64 on his way to work, He is very blessed that he was able to get to the side of the interstate without accident. He not only has missed a day of work without pay he could have been killed and not only that if it had happend to us together with our 3 children in the van we could have all been seriously injured or killed. This seems to be happening to alot of people with this same vehicle we purchased this vehicle 3 years ago and have never had the first problem or any kind of warning that there was a problem.....please if you have had this same problem report it to Ford at 1-800-392-3673 because if they get enough complaints about this problem they will issue a recall and reimburse our money as long as we keep our receipts.
2007Mar 29
Freestar 4.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 34,000 miles
We got our Ford Freestar in Dec.2006 ,drove it about 2 months and the transmission went out without any warning at 34000 miles.Thank god it was still under warranty .Ford kept it a month before they got it fixed.APRIL 2011 THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT AGAIN AT 101000 MILES.NO WARRANTY .And we still owe2 more years on it.This is not right Ford needs to do something about all these Fords .We will never buy another Ford Van. They need to recall all of them
2011Apr 20
Freestar SES 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 152,000 miles
As many others I have read I was driving down an open highway going about 60mph with no warning at all my rpms jumped and I lost all forward motion. I was able to roll safely to the side of the road. I bought this vehicle for the safety of my family. I had just had the normal maintence done on the car four days ago. They had put my car on a diagnositcs system and NOTHING came up about my transmission!! I would have known about this problem if FORD would have recalled this!! I am greatful my two young children weren't with me as this happened, had I been in traffic this could have caused serious problems. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN!!!!!
2011Mar 15
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 100,004 miles
FORD WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. Please call 1 800 392 3673 with your VIN #. With enough complants, ford will issue a recall.
2011Jan 06
Freestar SE 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,500 miles
After having a transmission failure in September, it is needless to say that we were shocked the same EXACT thing was to occur again. Complete loss of power with absolutely no warning. The transmission was just replaced months ago and it has already failed us. We go back to get the vehicle taken care of, only to find out that we are 7 days past the warranty. We pay full price to fix it anyways, and it takes almost 3 weeks if not more. When we finally go and pick up the vehicle, it moves several feet, jolts and loses all power again! The manager tries to convince us the vehicle was fine, after he turned it on and sat for a minute without engine shut off. We tell him something is wrong but he assures us it's fine. We pull out, travel about 50 feet, and of course, it dies again. We were left another 3 weeks without the van to use, a total of over a month and a half, and ended up shelling out over $4,000 between September's transmission failure and January's. We are extremely upset at the transmission quality of the vehicles, but far more upset with the fact that Ford has yet to acknowledge this as a serious problem that must be recalled. It is leaving countless people in dangerous situations and continually robbing us of our money. I only hope Ford recalls these vehicles and give us, the customers, what we have lost due to trusting these defected vans.
2010Sep 14
Freestar SE 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Our Ford Freestar did exactly what the many complaints over this vehicle say. The vehicle suddenly jolts a breath of power and then power is lost completely, as if it were set to neutral. Luckily it was just down the street from the house and not in the dangerous situation it could have been. After several weeks and 1,800 dollars later, our van was now with a refurbished transmission from AAMCO. For a vehicle under 70,000 miles, this is unacceptable and extremely frustrating.
2011Apr 26
Freestar ES 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
i am very disappointed with ford i always have ford vehicles but the free star 2005 is too much as a problem,first it was the computer and now is the transmission.it stop running without no sing my son went to the store and in his way back he have to walk.
2011Mar 27
Freestar SE 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
My daughter was driving down the street came to a stop sign and was pulling off to continue and the van just stop moving in the middle of a busy street she is just 16 years old and just got her license and she was so scared that she had done something wrong she said it gave no warning signs it just stopped and now we are out of a car and I just started back to work after being layed off for 2 yrs.
2011Feb 13
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
I would have NEVER bought this car if I had known what would happen with the ENTIRE trans-axle system. The reviews that I read in 2007, when we bought the car, said NOTHING about these problems. It just DIED at a stoplight, thank GOD that we were NOT on a highway. I had my THREE kids in the car, all under the age of 6. I was able to coast into a gas station @ the corner. .but the WHAT IF'S have still gone through my mind. I was quoted prices from 6,000 all the way to 1500. We paid - taxes and everything 1700 to have it rebuilt. I was OUTRAGED at the NO WARNING, NOTHING!!! I would NOT recommend this car to ANYONE. I will not be purchasing another Ford van!
2011Feb 20
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
We "were" an all Ford family. Can imagine a car company not providing a warranty for a transmission with 63,000 miles. I missed the part in the commercial where they mentioned the shoddy, cheap transmissions they put into the Ford Windstar's. Judging from the dozens of complaints at low mileage, I doubt it is "driver error." Ford, you have lost me personally and the Ford commercial fleet that I have for my business.
2011Jan 25
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
*********************THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR A FAMILY******************
Same as you have already heard about in other complaints, my transmission stopped working with no warning there was anything wrong!!!! my van was running just fine when I pulled on to the highway and NOTHING:( lucky for us we were not going 65 nor were the other cars on this road! someone helped push my van from the middle of the road, this was very scary as I had all three of my girls with one who is just 6months and the other is two!!! all three of my children would have been seriously injured or even killed when this happened would it have been a different time different place, when you are driving your vehicle you don't expect this to happen and even though I give my self plenty of time when crossing intersections I will always be paranoid now of this happening:( this incident has got me very pissed off and so thankful at the same time I,m not sure what to think I have every intention on contacting ford to see what they have to say, *********************THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE FOR A FAMILY**********
Update from Mar 3, 2011:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I TO GET THIS PART RECALLED!!!!!!!!!!!
I have now recieved the bill for repairs it looks like it will cost up to 2700 to fix it was the torque converter in the transmission, however when I called ford motor company they can not pay for it bacause they have not recieved enough complaints to them "directly", they informed me that they do not look up these sites and that YOU MUST CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673!!!!! they also informed me when there were enough complaints that they would with reciets repay for the fix because it would then be RECALLED!! PLEASE CALL 1-800-392-3673 SO THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON it took me about 10 mins. Please also make sure your vehicle is in there system!!! we wouldn't want them to screw us over again it only took a min for them to have the information just have your vin# ready and there ya go please call I would love to have my money back wouldn't you ,I,m also trying to reach as many people as I can to inform them on how to get this recalled so please if you could help by putting this info on other sites as well as this one:)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!TO GET THIS PART RECALLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2011Jan 15
Freestar SEL 4.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 66,309 miles
without any known abuse to the vehicle, I feel that 66,000 miles is far too few to necessitate full transmission replacement...furthermore, I feel ford motor company should be held accountable for at least partial reimbursement...this would be the fair & equitable solution...not to mention the many hours that were wasted on this problem...
2010Feb 07
Freestar SEL 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Known problem in US and Canada. Local dealer tried to say they knew nothing of it....3 other vans in the there with the exact same issue as mine. NHTSA is investigating this issue. Shaft from converter to trans made out of material that is too soft and poor fit resulting in strippage of splines. Initial cost was $5500. I bitched. Got it down to $3800 and Ford would do nothing but dealer helped as much as they could since i bought it there. Even tried to say it was a maintenance issue until i pointed out that the trans had not even made it to the specified mileage for its initial service. Sad to say the least. Wont purchase another Ford. Lots of people say it. I mean it. I have owned 3 Fords and the best Ford themselves would say is tough crap. Guess what? I really have bought my last Ford product.
2010Sep 24
Freestar LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Transmission went out without any warnings. Will never buy another Ford or recommend them
2010Sep 17
Freestar 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,600 miles
At 10:30 pm on a Friday evening my van without warning at 70 mph on I-75 the transmission goes out!!! My wife and my son in harms way.
I thought the worst thing about this car was a leaking steering fluid assembly. Nope, the transmission tops it off. NEVER, NEVER again another FORD Van. I had to replace 2 transmissions on previous FORD Windstar. I had 2 F-150s never a problem and that why i gave FORD Freestar a chance.
Never again. FORD Vans do not have my families trust.
2010Aug 12
Freestar SE 3.9L
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
I dont even know what to say. My transmission just went with absoluteley no warning whatsoever. There was no shoulder leaving me in the middle of the highway with two kiddos and two toddlers. I would expect more consideration from ford. They obviously know about the problem, I just wish they would start the recall before someone gets seriously hurt. You'd think they would have learned a bit from the problems toyota has faced for the same reasons.
2010Jul 22
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 75,325 miles
This is our second Ford mini-van to suffer complete failure within 5 years of its purchase. I will never purchase a ford product again. I tried to buy American it cost me....
Mean while my 97 Acura Rl, purchased used is running strong with 245k miles.
This transmission problem is dangerous, and I doubt they will fix anything until more people get killed.
2010Jan 15
Freestar
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Just like so many others I've read about on the net.....Our 2005 Ford Freestar's transmission has apparently gone out without any warning. To make things worse, my wife and 3 kids were in the van by themselves when it happened, at night, in the fog, and with no way to contact anyone for help. They were coming home from a movie, driving down the highway, when all of a sudden, the van jolted and lost forward motion. My wife was fortunately close to an offramp exit where she was able to safely drift to a stop. This really couldn't have come at a worse time. Our other vehicle, another Ford, has over two-hundred thousand miles on it......no telling how much longer it will run. And I was laid off of my job over two months ago. We have no money coming in, besides unemployment and no where near the money in the bank, that it would take to pay for a new transmission. Life is sometimes, awfully interesting!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Apr 11
Freestar SEL 4.2L
This story, for us, has a happy ending, but it started out really lousy. We bought this van, used, from Elway Chevrolet in Denver, Colorado. We had owned the car for 2 months and had put a thousand miles on it. I had driven the van to the store, parked it in the lot, did some shopping, came out to go home, started the car, put it in gear and NOTHING!!!. I had to walk home, several miles, in the rain.
The next day, the car was towed to Elway Chevy and the Service Manager said he would take a look at it and we would go from there. Well, the van spent 3 weeks at the dealership. We were initially going to have to split the cost of repairs with them, $1500.00 to us. They were not aware of the recalls, but when I pointed out the recalls, we wound up having all of the work done at no cost to us and to their credit, Elway Chevy even covered the cost of the tow to their shop. So, thank you to John Elway Chevrolet and Jimmy, the General Manager, for doing the right thing.
colosafetyguy
Federal Heights, Co, USA
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