Problems with 2004 Ford Freestar POWER TRAIN

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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

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

Traveling in town on fathers day with 8 yr old son and 8 month old daughter , lost forward power traveling at 30 mph , almost caused accident. finally made it to side of road, could not get forward/reverse power . had to have it towed. *js

Just purchased this used 2004 freestar. within days the engine would fail while driving. transmission shifting issues. not starting. etc.. had transmission replaced before knowing of recall on that item. still had the issues. pulled out pcm and it was filled with water. installed new one. i live in florida. rainy season. issues happened again within a week. new pcm removed and was filled with water. i myself found the service bulletin about the issue as well as several complaints by owners on the internet. my local dealership walker ford swept the issue under the rug and wanted to charge $900 to find the leak. i showed them the bulletin that they were un aware of. they would not replace my pcm without charging me again. went to another dealership and paid for new pcm and told them to perforce service bulletin. seemed fine until last 6 months. starting to stall a lot. high hum when accelerating and turning. more research online and i found 2 more recalls on vehicle. the pcm issue should be a recall. find out how to permanently fix the issue and perform it for free with a new pcm. *tr

I left work, got 3 parking spots away, lost steering, brakes and gas. engine was still running. transaxle light came on, shut off van, tried again and it drove maybe a few feet and it was as if it was in neutral. engine light, battery light and oil light came on. shut it down tried again, drove about 10 feet and it died. had it towed to vip who had no answers, towed to ford who said it there was water in the pcm. they dried it out and said give it a go. got it home drove it one day and the next(after raining) it would not move out of driveway. it would go into gear but hitting the gas was again like in neutral. it would move maybe a few inches and then no longer. the engine light came back on and the van bucked some. towed to ford again and they said it is defiantly water getting in the pcm. i have been searching online and i see many people complaining about this issue. i am worried because there is another recall coming in a month or so for the torque converter and i have 2 small children that rely on that van. i can't trade it in cause they are only will to give us $1000 when we owe 6. we are without vehicle again, with my husband and i having jobs and two kids. i feel unsafe in my van, even if we are to get it fixed, we have to hope the torque converter does not go while we are driving before the recall. *jb

I was driving my ford freestar on a highway at 65mph. all of a sudden it lost power and made an odd noise. drove as best i could to an exit. stopped and it would not go forward or backward. luckily there was no accident as i lost power. towed to local ford dealer. they replaced torque converter, but said they could not get it in 4th gear. the van had been running fine previously.ford covered cost of converter only. received call that the transmission was shot and it must have been going bad. i questioned that there were not previous problems and have always had it serviced every 3000 miles. even had the transmission fluid replaced last year. previous problems with air conditioning compressor. that was over 1000 dollars and now the latest is over 1800 dollars. we get the vehicle serviced regularly to prevent expensive repairs, but obviously this must not be of any help. very unhappy with treatment by service dealer and ford (they hung up on me). it is possible that it may have coincidental, but not thoroughly convinced. it should have been running poorly if that was the case. i believe they should have split the difference in the cost since they did not previously find a problem. *tr

Driving and battery light, abs and brake light all illuminated. no issues with braking. replaced pcm in nov 2011 for similar issue. car at dealer for a week so far and indicate needs an alternator (maybe) and pcm. multiple pcm issues reported on this make and model. tsbs, etc. when is action going to be taken. dealer indicates part is on back order from ford. please take some action this is in addition to a torque converter issue already under recall. the pcm controls everything and could have caused this car to fail and hurt someone. *tr

Had the torque converter replced under recall after receiving the recall notice. transmission light was going off and on. after having it replaced, the light was still going off and on. had paul miller ford in lexington, ky look at the transmission. they stated it need a total transmission replacement for $3100. took it to a local transmission shop and they replaced the pump shaft and bearing. light is still going off and on as if nothing had ever been touched. *tr

2004 freestar. consumer writes in regards to recall notice 11s25/12v006000. related to transmission torque converter *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle would not move forward or go in reverse. the consumer had the necessary parts replaced at her expense. the consumer is seeking reimbursement. *jb

My van would not go in reverse , when it finally did it kept dying . took to ford dealership the problem was the computer brain cost 1100. 2days later the exact same thing. the problem is sudden leaving u stranded with no warnings. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving approximately 45 mph, the transmission began to jerk and suddenly the engine stalled with an illumination of the entire instrument panel. the contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis. the failure recurred numerous times and had been previously taken to the dealer ten times within a two year period. there were numerous repairs made to the vehicle in an attempt to correct the failure however, the problem persisted. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, there was severe hesitation and then immediately the transmission completely loss power. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. the technician replaced the torque converter under the nhtsa campaign id number 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). two weeks after the repair was performed, the transmission would not function in the reverse gear. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 95,000. the vin was not available. updated 8/6/12 *cn updated 08/16/2012 *js

The van would start and die - when it did stay running you could put it in drive or reverse and it wouldn't move - took it to sanders ford in jacksonville, north carolina. - their inspection found water in the pcm connector - they cleaned the pcm connector and applied dielectric grease - the service manager also said ford advised them to apply a bead of chauking to divert the water away from the pcm connector - is this been a problem with other freestar owners. *js [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that the transmission overheated while driving 60 mph. the failure occurred while driving at any speed. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who stated that the torque converter was not supplying fluid to the transmission. the vehicle was repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. the failure mileage was 198,000 and the current mileage was 201,000.

Re: recall 11s25 a transmission failure just happened to my wife today on the long island expressway at exit 43 area. she was passing a car in the passing lane doing 60 and suddenly lost power, she was lucky she was able to get over the 3 required lanes to safety. i had received a letter a few months ago about the transmission torque converter failing recall and that parts were not available till june in the meantime i have to pay for a tow now and told it would be 2-4 weeks before the van is repaired if that is the problem. it seems to me they are trying to weasel out already and any google search about this brings up pages of hits on this issue with the same symptoms.. this means i may be without a car for the next 4 weeks?? this is unacceptable. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact was driving 65 mph when the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. the vehicle was merged on to the shoulder and then towed to the dealer. the dealer inspected the vehicle and advised the contact that the torque converter needed replacing. in addition, the dealer advised that the parts needed to make the repair would not become available until the middle of june. the manufacturer was notified who confirmed that the parts would become available in june and offered no further assistance. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while traveling 25 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle would no longer accelrate, but it did not stall. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileeages were 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle stopped accelerating and would not shift gears. the check engine warning light also illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring system needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. the contact also received the recall notice associated with nhtsa campaign id number 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter), but the dealer would not repair the recall, stating that it was not related to the failure. the failure and current mileages were unavailable. the vin was unavailable.

While driving my 2004 ford freestar 4.2 litre ,at speed of 60mph on highway suddenly vehicle stalled , and i had to act fast and coasted vehicle 2 lanes over to hug shoulder of highway. put vehicle in park turn ignition off turn the key over vehicle starts fine i drive back on the highway vehicle drives good like nothing occurred, my thought was fuel line problem, so had mechanic look at it he changed my fuel pump , fuel filter, fuel pressure sensor , so back on the road with vehicle , vehicle keeps stalling at 50-60mph and also stalls at traffic stop light while idling. having done some research online my problem seems like ford motor company has a defect problem in the pcm (powertrain control module)with the ford freestars/mercury monterey models it sold. i believe now my vehicle is not safe to drive and endangers other drivers on the road. please look into this systematic problem with ford freestars/monterey minivans. *tr

Appropriate handling- letter re 11s25- nhtsa recall 12v006000 reimbursement for her 2004 ford freestar. *kb the torque converter was replaced twice. also, the inner and outer tie rod ends were worn and loose, and the cv axle was loose. *jb

2004 ford freestar. consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice 12v-006000 *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle is at a salvage yard, as he no longer owns it. the transmission failed. after the pcm was replaced, the transmission failed again. *jb

2004 ford freestar. consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice 11s25/nhtsa recall 12v-006 related to transmission torque converter *tgw the consumer was informed the parts were not available to perform the recall. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that the vehicle was performing as normal until the vehicle was service under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). after the repairs, the vehicle had become resistant to acceleration attempts and could not be driven. the dealer was contacted and advised that debris from the torque converter could have traveled into the transmission, causing the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. there was an abnormal increase in engine rpms and the contact continuously pumped the accelerator pedal. in addition, the contact could feel the transmission failing and causing the vehicle to become sluggish when accelerating. the contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000, (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was denied recall repairs because she was advised that the transmission would had to completely fail before it could be repaired under the recall campaign. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 104,000. updated 7/18/12 *cn updated 07/25/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stopped accelerating. the contact was able to safely coast to a stop. the vehicle was pushed home by another vehicle. the contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the engine seized in addition to the transmission failure. the vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer, nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified. the failure and current mileages were approximately 90,000. updated 04/27/12*lj the consumer was informed, the transmission could not be looked at, until the engine was replaced. updated 04/27/12

Tl* the contact owns 2004 ford freestar. as the contact was driving, the vehicle decelerated without warning. the contact had received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission) and called the local dealer to secure an appointment. the dealer advised the contact that the parts needed to make the repairs would not become available until later in the year. the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 149,565. updated 05/03/12*lj

The power train shift to lost of power and not wanting to move in forward. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). once the vehicle was repaired, the contact noticed that the transmission warning light would illuminate sporadically. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that there should be an amendment to the recall stating that when the torque converter fails while driving, all of the transmission fluid should be flushed out to mend the broken components. the failure and the current mileage was 178,000.

1) we now have transmission failure. the cost to repair equals most of the vehicle's value. 2) driver-side passenger door closes and opens again continually. we get out and do that manually. 3) with foot off accelerator, going down hills, the freestar transmission has "chugged" for a couple of years now, reproduce-able at dealer last year but they could not find cause (we ran out of money letting them study it).... we now know these things are all related. research online shows other owners have found wet pcm to be promulgating cause for door sensors and the cause for premature failure of transmission due to damage caused by pcm over time. to put pcm below windshield, without proper waterproof housing, this is a design error that causes very, very expensive damage and repairs that will be required again, without pcm being touched. dealers repair damage (not cause) under warranty, but most of us are now out of warranty. we've only got 74000 very well-cared for miles. problem is the vehicle is now not drivable; transmission is shot. ford refuses to make good for us. the schedule recall for the trans axle will be our next repair, but it won't replace the transmission! see: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0fb94a!make=ford&model=freestar&ed_makeindex=.f0fb94a. *tr

Transmission power failure- since it will not shift. i contacted ford-was told to take it to dealer for recall repair.. they said converter replacement. but no parts- don't know when? bring 4-1-12 and leave it. i asked ,what will you do? i said was running fine till this- what if converter doesn't fix? sorry; that's all we can do. i asked; w/ the trans out why wouldn't you fix it? well we don't have the trans out -our mech knows how to make the change w/o removing it! if it is not right -then what? then it might cost you 2,000.00 or more for a transmission! we are 80 plus years old- we live on little social security and public aid.. i am disabled with problems - our only means of transportation to doctors ,ect frequently.. i can't pay for this faulty trans and can't be w/o car, waiting till ???? the local trans shops seem to have no trouble getting these parts at all. i just have no money to pay them!!please help if you can. *tr

We have a 2004 freestar in our corporate fleet. in march 2012 we had a major transmission repair. this was one month before we received the recall notice. the issue was exactly as described in the recall notice. can we submit the repair for any reimbursement from ford? *tr

March of 2012 i received a recall on my van. i contacted ford and was told that the parts(torque converter) were not available and i would receive a second letter when they do. it is now near the end of july and after several phone calls to ford i as of yet have not received any information on getting this fixed. a friend also has a freestar and has already received her letter and has appointment to get her's fixed and has no problems with her van. mine has already been diagnosed by an ase certified mechanic that the torque converter is going and is a danger to drive anywhere but in town (5 mile long island with no hills). seems to me that after several phone calls,ford would put those that are having problems with their vehicles at the top of their list and not go in whatever order they have deemed fit. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter) and an authorized dealer was contacted. the contact was informed that the necessary parts were not yet available. the manufacturer was also contacted and was unable to provide a time frame as to when the parts would become available. the contact stated that the vehicle had begun to experience a failure in which the transmission would occasionally hesitate to change gears. the failure mileage was 85,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id number 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). an authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that the parts needed to complete the recall repair were not available and possibly would not become available for approximately three years. the manufacturer was notified and provided no assistance. the contact stated that the parts were supposed to be available at the current time and was not being honored within a reasonable time frame. the contact had not experienced a failure. updated 08/08/2012 *js

The vehicle will begin to act like it is going to stall at high speeds or going up hill. we notice it more when we accelerate really fast like an on ramp to the highway, but it also happens when it needs the extra power going up hill. i have taken it in and i was told it was water getting into the pcm causing electrical problems with read outs on temperatures and other things. we have already had to get the torque converter replaced a few years ago and i was told that it may have been to issues with the pcm. *tr