8.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$330.00
Average Mileage:
31,622 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints
Most common solutions:
- Replace brakes and rotors (17 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
- Replace brakes (4 reports)
- ford recall (2 reports)
- have different type of brake shoe put on (1 reports)
brakes problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2005 Ford Freestyle rear brakes wear out prematurely
2008Jun 07
Freestyle SEL 3.0L V6
- CVT transmission
- 16,000 miles
Took the car for it's 15K service. Dealer said I needed new rear brakes. They admitted that their supplier made a too soft brake pad causing the premature problem. They fixed it under warranty. I did some research and found out that many people have had the same problem. Now I'm a bit concerned about frequent future repairs.
2009Jun 01
Freestyle SEL 3.0L V6
- CVT transmission
- 39,500 miles
Took car in for a regular oil change. Was told rear brakes worn out and rotors were under spec. Had to replace rear brakes. Front brakes were fine.
It's been 23K since my last rear brake replacement. My driving is mostly highway and very few stop and gos. My previous BMW with similar driving lasted me 100K! Bought this Ford thinking maintenance costs would be lower but it doesn't seem to be heading that way!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Feb 15
Freestyle SEL 3.0L V6
- CVT transmission
- 20,000 miles
The rear brakes wore out at 20,000 miles. After a visit to the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from, I was told that it is not covered under warranty and the rear brakes are designed to wear out at 20,000. After I paid the $185.00 to fix the problem, I received a letter from ford that I was under a recall for rear brakes. Someone should tell the service dept to go back to school.
2009Feb 05
Freestyle SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,892 miles
This is the third (I repeat - THIRD) set of rear brakes on this vehicle. The front are fine. Ford Motor is of no help in resolving this issue. Something is wrong here.
2008Dec 08
Freestyle SEL 3.6L V6
- CVT transmission
- 47,000 miles
The metal grinding sound in the rear driver brakes has occurred two times (at around 36,0000 and 47,000 miles. The second time, we had brake pads replaced before the rotor was damaged. The first time, the car was under warranty. It think the rotors were changed, but can't remember for sure.
The Freestyle has been a good car overall. Having to replace rotors (warranty covered) and the premature wear of breaks is an annoyance. Ford's lack of support to customers who have purchased their newly introduced products teaches consumers to steer clear from first year Ford vehicles. How unfortunate for Ford Motor Company.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 26
Freestyle SEL 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 47,386 miles
I brought my 2005 freestyle in July 2007 under Fords Customer Satisfaction Program 07N10 which replaced the rear Brakes and Pads. I also had a frozen caliper that the dealer replaced as well. Went back yesterday for the 45,000mi check (47386mi actual), and the dealer told me the rear brakes had to be replaced and the right caliper was frozen. This is just 10,000 miles later. I have to say the local Ford dealer is awesome and covered the cost under warranty, But I'm concerned this is going to be a constant problem. There should be a class action suit out there or we're all going to be stuck replacing and paying for new breaks every year!
2007Dec 28
Freestyle 3.0L V6
- CVT transmission
- 28,000 miles
Had to have the rear brakes replaced. They were grinding really bad into the rotors causing them to have grooves in the rotor. Ford replaced them for free, but I still seem to have rear brake dragging issues.
2007Feb 19
Freestyle Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 32,055 miles
Vehicle now at 48,700 and having to replace Brakes, Pads, & Rotors AGAIN.. 2 times in less than 50,000 miles.. FORD states brakes are covered 12,000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first!!.. Will not do a thing!!.. Obviously this problem was not even rectified during the recall with REAR BRAKES continuing to wear out prematurely..
2007Jul 05
(reported on)Freestyle SEL 3.6L V6
- CVT transmission
- 30,813 miles
I love this vehicle but this problem is really a problem. I have had problems with my Nissan Murano and Nissan stood behind their product and resolved the issue with no fighting. Ford's lack of concern for their customers (especially the customers that purchased this car in its first year) is really disappointing. Why should we stand up for American workmanship when American businesses don't stand behind their product?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Apr 29
Freestyle V6
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
This is the second time we are having to replace the rear brakes on this car! The first time was somewhere around 20000 miles and now at 51000. Not to mention the 3 times we have had to have the struts replaced!!! Just over a month ago our rear side window blew out as we were driving down the highway- noone in sight... I thought that a rock had hit the window, but it was blown out from the inside- totally shattered. We have had trouble with this car from day 1. The struts, steering column, gas pedal, warped molding, brakes, and the horrible cabin pressure when the windows are only part way down. I definitely think that we need a class action lawsuit here. Ford needs to be held responsible for this piece of crap they are selling to us unsuspecting consumers.
2007Apr 27
(reported on)Freestyle SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 27,000 miles
I am very upset about my back brakes wearing out on my 2005 Ford Freestyle. I have only 27,000 miles on my car and my front brakes are fine. I decided to see if any other Freestyle owners had problems with their rear brakes and the responses I found on the web were overwhelming. I proceeded to call Ford and ask why they haven't declared a recall on the rear brake system and I was told, "We are not aware of a problem until now. If more people would inform us of this problem, then maybe we could look into having it resolved,(with a recall)." You can't tell me that out of ALL the complaints posted on numerous web sites that I am the only Freestyle owner that has actually called and complained of this problem. So, I am encouraging all Ford Freestyle owners having problems with their rear brakes failing, wearing down,(whatever the case) prematurely, PLEASE call Ford Motor Company at 1-800-392-3673. It's your money that will continue to pay for brake repairs and it is your children you tote back and forth in these automobiles with faulty brakes, so the choice is yours... call and let them know that this is a very evident problem that needs to be resolved immediately.
2007May 07
(reported on)Freestyle Limited 3.0 V6
- CVT transmission
- 26,700 miles
I noticed a grinding sound in the rear wheel area. Never occurred to me it could possibly be the brakes at only 26,500 miles, especially since I drive like a little old lady! But it was. Both rear brake pads worn to a nub and the rotors damaged. Had to replace pads and rotors on rear. Same story as all the other complaints. Dealer says this is now normal and that 25k-30k miles is all you get with brake pads and that it is maintenance and not under warranty, blah, blah, blah. Apparently the dealer never noted the wear in previous inspections, the last being less than 5,000 miles ago. This dealer warrants the new brake pads for life and will replace them forevermore free of charge. Thought that was odd and suspect this is their way of salving their many unhappy customers. This is reportedly an admitted design flaw and that does not surprise me since this is a first year of this model. But that Ford would not make good on their product is a disappointment. I'll wait for the class action law suit I guess. And have my brakes checked every 5,000 miles or so from here on.
2006Feb 01
Freestyle Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 14,067 miles
I also had my brakes wear out at 15,000....which ford fixed and even fessed up to having a brake problem. At 30,000 my brakes were shot again, but this time they would not fix it! I was not a happy person. I have always had fords but after the problems that I have had with this car(I have had multiple problems) I am now trading it in for a Dodge. Ford has lost me as a customer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jan 04
Freestyle SEL 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
I have never had to replace rotors at 35,000 miles. The shop said that he had seen this before with Ford's and especially the Freestyle model. Since I was just under my warranty, I called Ford and they said that it wasn't covered.
2007Dec 14
Freestyle Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
I was told in December my brakes were going, then I said too close to x-mas, then I bought my own brakes and brought my car to a friend who has an auto repair shop. They fixed my brakes and calipers and rotors which cost me $265.. Then my friends called PRIME service dept and (Brock) said it was covered, bring the bills in. I could go into it further ,however when I brought my bills in - they said no I had to claim it before 12/31/07. I spoke to supervisor and he was useless too. I will file a complaint with the AG of Maine
2007Apr 09
(reported on)Freestyle 3.0
- CVT transmission
- 23,000 miles
ford just does not care anymore. i have owned 5 fords and never had the brakes go out at less than 30 thousand. i called ford and they said that they were not covering it and the decision was final. i have joined a class action lawsuit and reported it to the ntsb. i love ford products but after this treatment i will reconsider buying a ford again. i urge everyone who has this problem to report it to ntsb. only than can we get a recall notice. i guess ford tough doesn't apply to the freestyle.
2007Apr 20
(reported on)Freestyle Limited 3.0
- CVT transmission
- 21,000 miles
Wife noticed a sound from brakes. I noticed a 1/2" wide gouge in the left rear rotor. Took it to Simi Valley Ford. They shuffled nervously and gave me a bull-**** excuse. Having turned a wrench or two in my life, I have never heard of rear disk breaks failing in 20,000 miles. I had Ford give me the parts. Upon further examination these pads are undersized for the size of this vehicle. There was also uneven wear on the left pads the inner pad had plenty of material left while the outer pad wore through to the rivet. The right pads hadn't worn through, but the rotor thickness was out of spec and it had to be replaced as well. I PLAN ON SENDING A LETTER TO FORD AND FOLLOWING UP WITH A SMALL CLAIMS ACTION UNLESS I FIND A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS WARRANTED
2007Jun 05
(reported on)Freestyle ES 3.2 V6
- CVT transmission
- 34,000 miles
This is ridiculous, Before 30,000 miles we began having trouble with the brakes, front and back. We just had the front ones replaced by our mechanic, when he called to check on the reason for the brakes going bad at such low mileage, he was told that Ford uses really "hard" brake pads and they were wearing the rotors. This is STUPID!!! We have always bought Ford vehicles but now we are thinking of buying something else. Someone needs to do something, I am calling our local Ford dealership today to make a complaint, think it will do any good? This Freestyle has been the worst vehicle we have ever had!
2007Jul 28
(reported on)Freestyle Limited 3.0L V6
- CVT transmission
- 37,000 miles
Rear brake shoes started grinding at 37,000 miles. Got new shoes, but getting the caliper off and the piston pushed in was a bear. Brake system self-compensates, so you have to open both rear brake line valves and then get a special tool from the auto parts store and use an air gun to drill in the piston. and make sure you know left from right side, because the left/drivers side screws in clock-wise and the right/passenger side screws in counter clock-wise. now, 4 months later, i get a letter from Ford saying the brake shoes got "wet" and may have "expanded" which would cause them to drag and wear prematurely. Ford will replace your brakes if still under warranty, or until 31 Dec 2007. i'm looking for my receipt so i can get my $75 back...
2007Jun 22
(reported on)Freestyle 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 31,800 miles
They are wanting to replace the rotors and they haven't even been turned one time. they also don't want to honor the life time free tires. the left rear rotor and brakes are fine. the problem is the right side rear. these brakes should not being going out this early.
2007Apr 21
(reported on)Freestyle SEL 3.0 V6
- CVT transmission
- 27,000 miles
Up until this time I had no complaints with my Freestyle. I expected there to be something with this being the first year but come on new brakes after 27,000 miles!!! I drive a GMC truck for work that has over 50,000 miles and the brakes are not ready to replace yet. It sounds like they have fixed this for 2006 so they should go back and help out the people who invested in this car the first year. I am still mad about the fact that I purchased this car and a month later they dropped the prices with the employee pricing so my resale value is almost less than what I owe.
2007Mar 26
(reported on)Freestyle 3.0, V6
- Automatic transmission
- 27,000 miles
Seems to be a common theme with 2005 Ford Freestyles, rear brakes and rotors that go out of conditions early! At 27,000 miles it's ridiculous to have the rotors and disc brakes go to metal on metal. Then to have Ford pretend that it's normal to have these types of problems. I've owned 10 other vehicles, my first Ford, and none of these other makes or models have had an issue, and some have had over 90,000 miles! You'll note via Consumer Reports that Ford has also noted this problem as their 2005 rating on Freestyle brakes was well below average, while the 2006 Freestyle is rated well above. Ford should implement a full recall or at least a inclusion under warranty on the 2005 Freestyle for brake replacement, but they won't as customers are not their concern, their recent financial results/problems clearly indicates that the customer and their satisfaction is not their primary concern.
2007Mar 24
(reported on)Freestyle SEL V6
- CVT transmission
- 20,000 miles
In August of 06 I started to notice a gridding coming from the rear of my Freestyle. I took it in to my Ford dealer and they said mty rear pads and rotors tneeded to be replaced. I said great it has warranty, fix it. They tried to tell me that it wasn't covered. I made such a seen in the dealership that I received the repairs for free. They said that there was no recall for it.
2007Mar 24
(reported on)Freestyle SEL V6
- CVT transmission
- 46,000 miles
August 06 was the last time I had any problems with my brakes. It is now March 07 and I am having the same problem with my 05 Freestyle. The rear pads and rotors need to be replaced and Ford will not cover the cost. The first time it happeden was at 20k miles and they fixed it after I made a scene at the dealership. Now no matter how much I yell and scream they are holding firm and saying it is part of the design, to lessen the amount of braking the fronts do. But if I have to replace or repair my reasrs every 15k to 20k miles I am going to be very pissed.
2007Mar 02
(reported on)Freestyle V6
- Automatic transmission
- 19,000 miles
I had noticed a noise coming from the back of my car. I took the car in for a look. Ford told me that my breaks had worn down to the rotors and both had to be replaced. The where going to charge me $600 to make the repair. At 18560 miles my breaks went out, that’s crazy. We shouldn’t have to pay for that and I know of at least 2 other people that have had the same problem. This Is not cool. I am taking the time to get a hold of the manufacture rep. for Ford. I will up date the out come of this when I have some more answers. So far I have been told Tuff-luck.
2007Feb 19
(reported on)Freestyle ES 3.0 V6
- CVT transmission
- 24,200 miles
At 24,000 miles, I never even thought too be checking the rear brakes on my 05 Freestyle . So when my mechanic told me they were gone AND into the rotors, i was floored. Ford blames it on the design, as to allow the rears to do most of the work so that the front end doesnt dip during hard braking. Dealerships refuse to cover the damaged rotors and will only relate that it is a issue, it has caused complaints, but there is no recall, ect. tuff luk-- sol---i guess.
2007Jan 31
(reported on)Freestyle SEL V6
- CVT transmission
- 30,000 miles
Rear brakes were metal on metal at 30,000 miles, called ford service and they stated that it is a problem rear brakes will go bad about 25,000 miles on the freestyle. Dealer stated that they will go out before the front brakes need to call ford. I called ford and they stated not covered under warranty and nothing they can do. I have been driving for 41 years and have never changed rear brakes sooner than 100,000+ miles
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 16
Freestyle SEL 3.0L
WTF....I am reading about Freestyle owners with this problem and some have changed rear brakes and pads 4 times in 85K!! HELLO FORD MOTOR....you definately have a problem with this car and YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!!
This is my second occurrence of the rear brake failure. I ended up taking it to an independent shop and they put on a different type of shoe.
illustrator5
Wauwatosa, WI, USA
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