Problems with 2004 Ford Freestar POWER TRAIN

I was driving my 2004 ford freestar down the road and all of a sudden no power like it was put into neutral so i have it in shop. *tr updated ivoq 12/21/10.*jb

My husband and i were driving from the store going home ... just turned off a busy street on a side road when all of a sudden the car just lost power why we were in drive so we rolled to the side of the road ... my husband put it in park ... then he started the car again put it in gear press the gas and we did not move just the engine made noise so he tried another gear and same thing not moving just engine making noise... i am sure glad that we just turned off the busy street no telling what would of happen and we did not have our four children in the car either thank god ... well we have it towed to a local ford dealer ... they tell us that it is the torque converter and the price to fix it 1800.00 i think that ford needs to fix the problems ... before some one gets seriously hurt or dies. .. to top it off we live in a small town that has no bus or cab transportation with or for kids living pay check to pay check do not even know what to do we just made 2 car payments and we do not have the money to get it fixed. *tr

Transmission failed. had it towed to a garage. mechanic removed it and found the torque gears stripped and the shaft defective.. testing indicated the torque gears were not hardened thereby reducing the life of it. he is replacing the parts with better quality parts and saving the damaged ones for review. *tr

My transmission failed on the 2004 ford freestar minivan at only 81,000 miles. *tr

On oct 20, 2009, i left home in my 2004 ford freestar sel at 7:30am to take my son to his leukemia doctor. while driving on a 2 lane highway, through the town of vanceboro, nc. when i went to speed up from 35mph to 55mph, my freestar wasn't getting any power to the wheels. i pulled off as far as i could go of the road, which left my vehicle about 2 feet off the 55mph road. i had it towed to the nearest dealership, cella ford in new bern, nc. it was diagnosed as a transmission issue, (torque converter striped). i have read alot of other complaints surfing the internet, and seems this is a really big issue for the ford freestar/mercury monterey mini-vans. if this issue would have happened on say, a busy interstate, or busy freeway, and i wasn't able to get my vehicle off to the side, my family lives could have been in danger. i would really like ford to place time and effort in researching the cause of these transmission issues, and put out a recall to fixed to ill fated transmissions they put in freestar/monterey mini-vans before someone gets hurt and or killed. also, this issue has put my family and i in a financial hardship due to the $3210.56 repair bill and on top of having a child being treated for leukemia. *tr

Water getting into pcm causing transmission to stop shifting , engine stalling and fast idle. had ford tsb 06-14-10 done but still have same problem when it rains. i tried to tell ford and they just don't care. this a very serious problem they have and they are ignoring it ! i have four kids and this van is totally unsafe to drive i've had to pull over on the side of the road several times. i've had it towed three times for the same problem . the dealer has tried to fix it three times and replaced the pcm once and we still have the same problem. i have seen many complaints on the internet for the same problem. all you have to do is punch in the tsb 06-14-10 and you will see the problems that ford is having with this issue. i still owe $8,400 on this van and i can't sell it and i am afraid to drive it especially with my children in the van. if this is not a safety concern then i don't know what is! the problem began in october 2009 and we are still dealing with it as of today january 28, 2010. *cn

Near/miss accident my spouse was driving to work. we live on a dirt road and we drive slow no more than 20 mph. the road takes you directly to the a busy freeway. she turn onto the highway and started accelerating and before it was too late she notice the 2004 ford freestar wouldn't shift into 2nd gear and was almost rear ended by a semi-truck. come to find out the trans had to be rebuilt, there is only 89,000 miles on it. the trans mechanic told me that it happens alot on these vans it cost alot of money. *tr

I was leaving the school parking lot when all of a sudden my car stalled out. luckily there was no traffic coming. it would start then stall. this happened several times. i had it towed to the ford dealer and was told that i need a new transmission. the torque converter is defective in this vehicle. i have contacted ford regarding this incident. it is horrifying to think that these family vehicles are defective and nothing is being done by ford to ensure the safety of their customers. after doing research, i learned that numerous people have had close calls with potentially fatal circumstances and still no recall. do people have to be seriously injured or killed before something is done??? *tr

I own a 2004 ford freestar sel 4.2l. in oct 2009, when i was driving in my van with my entire family, i totally lost all the transmission all of a sudden. it was a busy intersection and luckily the cars behind us were able to navigate away. with all the momentum gone, i had a tough time to even pulling over to safety. this was a nerve-wrecking experience given that i had my whole family inside the van. after multiple consultations and diagnosis by repair shops, i found that my transmission was broken. i was so stunned. the mileage on my van is just 55k miles. i spent $3100 to repair and replace the transmission. i paid a lot to get the minivan and such a huge expense for such relatively new van is not in the right consumer interest. adding to this misery is that when i searched on the internet about freestar transmission problems, there are lot of incidents (way too many) same as mine. almost all of them occurring in the similar model and year and in similar fashion. even at high speeds the transmission just gave away. not at any point, ford has come back with any information or any recalls to fix this problem. this is a totally reckless act from a company who claims safety is their primary concern. i had taken this issue with ford with no resolution. i tried with bbb auto line but with no resolution. please address the same and provide me an amicable solution. *tr updated 06/28/10*jb

We purchased a 04 ford freestar in february 2009 thought we were getting a great deal. in october of 2009 we had to put a rebuilt transmission in it thank god it was covered under a warranty we purchased with the used car company. in may of 2011 guess what same problem and this time needed a brand new transmission at the cost of $3100.00. now we are currently having reverse problems with our vehicle. i am looking for help here with getting my transmission and new repairs paid for due to i have a family of six and barely getting by. i am still paying payments on this vehicle. this problem with ford has got to be solved somehow.... *tr

Tl* the contact has a 2004 ford freestar van. when driving the vehicle will lose power without warning. he speculated that the torque converter was the cause of the failure. the failure has become progressively worse. the failure and current mileages were unavailable.

While making a turn in a very busy intersection my 04 freestar simply stopped moving forward. the engine would rev but it wouldn't move in any gear. i was stuck in the middle of the road blocking traffic. this could have ended in tragedy if this had happened at a different time of the day when traffic gets really heavy. the problem has been diagnosed by more than one transmission expert to be the torque converter. i've been doing some research and this seem to be a very common problem with this vehicle. with this complaint i'm also requesting more information on this problem. thank you, jorge*tr

The 2004 ford freestar van was entering the on-ramp to the qew highway and would no longer drive. the engine was still working but when you pushed the gas petal it would only rev up and not drive. i have taken it to the local oakland ford dealership in oakville and have been told it is the torque converter/transmission. my wife that was driving the car had to wait on the on-ramp until a tow truck arrived. she was very close to being hit from behind on many occassions. if this occurred 1 minute later she would have been on the highway. the vehicle only has 75,000km on it and this should not occur with such low mileage. *tr

I have a 2004 freestar passenger van. i was driving down road at approximately 65-70 mph. and van lost all forward momentum with no indication at all. no dashboard indication or vehicle showing irregular momentum or slippage. i have been unable to have vehicle repaired. i put sensor sw-6012 but that didn't fix problem..when car is running vehicle makes loud whining sound..not quite a i screech. i am glad when i lost power there were no cars behind me. thank god i have been advised that it is the transmission. *tr

Yes purchased a 04 ford freestar with 55,000 miles from a used car dealer. like everyone else had complete transmission failure at 85,000 miles. threw further research on the vehicle. i discovered this was the second transmission this piece of junk has required. i will never go the domestic route again, when purchasing. no wonder they needed a bail out. *tr

Transaxle warning light comes on even after transmission replacement. 2004 ford freestar had transmission replaced at 104k because of transaxle light continually on and van stuttering, jerking. light continues to come on. transmission shop says transmission is fine. light goes off when key is removed and engine restarted:however, comes back on with distance and speed driving (around one hour at 60+). *tr

Torque converter stopped working on 2004 ford freestar on i35 interstate. no warning that anything was wrong. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving 50 mph the contact heard a popping sound under the vehicle. the vehicle began to slow down , however the rpms were increasing. the contact attempted to drive onto the emergency lane; however, the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. the contact checked the transmission fluid and observed that it was full. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. a local mechanic stated that the transmission may be faulty. the failure mileage was 70,800.

I was driving on the road going about 55 miles per hour when with no warning at all the transmission in my 2004 ford freestar failed. this left me with no momentum or ability to move forward, fortunately i was able to coast to the side of the road and my four children and i were safe, but shaken. we could have been killed! i have always had regular maintenance performed on my van, and have the records to prove it. this is very disappointing to me since i have learned that ford is aware of this problem and does nothing to take care of it. i am angry that they would knowingly put their consumers lives at risk with faulty parts. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving 40 mph the engine shut off in the middle of the road. the contact stated that the torque converter in the transmission failed. the vehicle had to pushed onto the emergency lane and towed to a local mechanic. the mechanic confirmed that the torque converter failed. the dealer stated that there was no recall or warranty related to the year, make and model of the vehicle. the failure mileage was 99,661.

While driving at highway speed, my 2004 ford freestar suddenly lost all power to the wheels. the engine worked ok but the transmission shift lever appeared to have no effect. had this happened other than on a rural road as it did, all vehicles in proximity would have been endangered by the sudden loss of power in this vehicle. this failure occurred without warning or any preceding indication that anything was amiss. *tr

On sept 18, 2009 my wife was driving home from work when the our 2004 ford freestar had a sudden loss of power. there was no indication of any problem. our mechanic has indicated that the transmission failed and would require a complete rebuild, replacing the torque converter, transmission pump assembly and various items in the overhaul kit. cost $1807.92. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving 65 mph attempting to accelerate to pass another vehicle, the rpm increased; however, the vehicle did not increase in speed. there were no prior warnings. the vehicle towed to a mechanic. a mechanic stated the the shaft or the torque converter caused the failure. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the current and failure mileages were 56,269.

The vehicle (2004 ford freestar) in traffic when the transmission suddenly failed, leaving us with no option but to coast off to the side of the road. i had my wife an teenage son in the car with me, and we were very fortunate not to have been injured or killed. if the transmission had failed a few minutes earlier, we could have easily been rear-ended on the interstate. we had to have the transmission replaced at a cost of $3400. *tr

While i was on the highway, driving about 65mph, with 4 kids in the van, my rpms spiked, a loud moaning sound started and i completely lost acceleration, i was able to coast off an exit and pull over. my older boys were able to push the van into a parking lot of a national tire and battery. the guys there told me that more than likely the transmission went out, nothing could be done because of the holiday weekend, so i would have to wait until tuesday for any kind of quote to begin repairs. i had to call family 50 miles away to come pick us up, my vehicle is stranded in another town 40 miles away, and i am told the repairs could cost at least $2000.00 and could take a week! this vehicle only has approximately 66,000 miles on it. *tr

2004 ford freestar. consumer request reimbursement for vehicle transmission repair *tgw consumer sent additional correspondence *tgw the consumer stated he received a recall notice regarding a defective transmission in march 2012. three years after the transmission failed. recall# 12v006000. *jb updated 05/24/12 the torque converter was replaced. updated 06/19/12 updated 07/03/12.*jb updated 10/04/12.*jb

My ford freestar 2004 had complete mobility failure in intersection,was said to have bad transmission was replaced problems of motor failure continued had towed 10 x's with my investigations we found water in the pcm replaced computer problem of water regained many attempts to reseal while transmission reaffected then replaced throttle sensor have spent over $4000.00 while ford offers no compensation or help even thou the problems are under investigation. ineed my vehicle to get to work to maintain paying my bills ford should have to do something for all of us and i would like to know what my next steps are i cant afford an attorney for this.they are aware of the problems but take no responsibility for them.when my car fails it gives great difficulty steering and braking as it shuts off i am in fear of my children's lives and others drivers while i continue to drive this vehicle and an accident should not be the forcing hand for ford motor corp to have to stand behind their product! *tr

While traveling on highway 140 between canton & waleska, ga my 2004 ford freestar suddenly went to neutral forcing me to stop in the middle of a busy two lane highway during rush hour. lucky for me this was covered by my carmax extended warranty program, but it cost me 200 for a tow and put my life and others at risk. i was almost rearended as the person behind me didn't know i was slowing down until i pressed the brake pedal to make others aware i was stopping. my torque converter was stripped and this doesn't seem to be an uncommon problem on this van. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle lost power and stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed the transmission would need to be replaced. the transmission was replaced. the failure recurred eight times after repairs. at each failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the computer would be reset. after the 4th failure, the mechanic found water in the pcm and it was replaced. the failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 114,000. updated 12/02/10 *bf updated 12/08/10

Transmission failure of 2004 ford freestar that matches current investigation number pe09-033. *tr

2004 ford free star transmission quit without warning while riding on main street in nicholasville, ky. the van stays in neutral even though the gear is in the drive or reverse position. had the van towed to our house because it is not able to drive. *tr

On my way to work , i was driving 55mph when all of a sudden the van threw me back as if the van was thrown into park. i had no acceleration and the van shut off and coasted to a stop. after starting the van again, when i attempted to accelerate, the rpm's would rise very high, however the van would not move. this was in drive or reverse. i had to have the van towed back home. i am currently reviewing my options as i am still paying on this van and can not afford an expensive repair. this seems to be a very common problem with this make and model. fortunately for me, this occurred in the early morning hours where there was not much traffic on the express way. had this happened a couple hours later during rush hour, this could have turned out to be a fatal incident. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. while driving approximately 55 mph she lost complete power accompanied by gear failure without any prior warnings. she was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road in which the vehicle was towed to her house. she contacted the dealer in which a technician speculated that she would have to replace the transmission at an expense of $4500.00. as of current date the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 59,000. (cc)

2004 ford freestar lost power from the engine to the wheels. driving along a state road and with the engine running fine, lost power and coasted to the side of the road. transmission has no motion in any gear. fluid level is overfull while running indicating a converter failure. *tr

Beginning at 55k miles, the transaxle has been slow shifting between reverse and drive with occasional shuttering, even jumping out of gear after stopping. took it to a local transmission shop in march 2008 but "problem could not be duplicated" was their diagnosis. the vehicle would also "clunk" back into gear after stopping. after a local dealership completed the 60k mile transaxle service, the problem appeared to have been fixed. the slow shifting started again last week and the transaxle quit yesterday while in traffic (4k miles after the extended service plan expired). it won't move and loudly whines like a power steering pump low on fluid. this same dealership that serviced it says its too bad the warranty expired but they'll gladly diagnose the problem for $135. the team leader said it'll likely need to be replaced with a "remanufactured unit" (3 year, 100k mile warranty), but didn't know the cost, saying it needs to be diagnosed first. so, i have to pay first before they'll talk price? *tr

Driving my 2004 ford freestar and it suddenly lost drive. the transmission would not engage to drive forward nor in reverse. was traveling at 40 mph and the vehicle quickly started decelerating and had to pull over to side of road due to no engagement of the transmission going forward or in reverse. *tr

We were driving in the outskirts of town at about 40 mph or so, getting ready to slow down when i tried to accelerate but i couldn't. at first, i thought i had not brakes but i was able to brake. i parked the vehicle and tried to shift the gear in reverse to see if it would work. the vehicle was running but i could not drive or reverse. i turned the vehicle off and i restarted it but it wouldn't budge. my husband & i had to push the car to the side and wait for someone to tow us back to town. the engine was still working as we left the air conditioner on due to the heat outside. we had recently had the alternator repaired, now the mechanic we had look at our vehicle stated that the transmission is no longer working. this vehicle has 77769 miles. there was no warning that the transmission had given out. no noise or warning to let us know that it would leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere. from what i have read online, we are not the only people who this has happened to. our vehicle is now no longer under warranty. i have the vehicle parked and it will probably remained parked until i can afford to purchase a new transmission. i am still paying for this vehicle. *tr

We lost power to our freestar as we entered a major highway. the engine was on, but there was no power. my wife and daughters were terrified as the traffic was coming upon on us and we could not move quickly out of the way. fortunately they were able steer out our way. the transmission had went out and cost me over $1400.00 to repair. *tr

I was driving my freestar on the highway, august 16 about 1:30 p.m. coming back from a camping trip. i had four children with me. friends of ours were driving ahead of us in a second car and my husband was on a third car a few cars behind me in the middle lane. i was driving 60 mph when all of a sudden i felt the car was loosing speed. i noticed the rpm needle jumped from 2 to 3 & 4. i knew something was wrong and immediately put my emergency lights on and pulled over to the side of the road. my husband had just passed our car, and pulled over as he saw my emergency lights through his rear mirror. as soon as i pulled over, my van came to a complete stop. i changed my gear to park, waited a second, placed the gear on drive, and pressed the gas paddle but the van didn't move. our friends in the first car came back around to assist us. after hour of phone calls and trying to figure out what to do under 90 degree weather, i switched cars with my husband and drove the kids home. my husband ended up renting a u-haul with a trailer and bringing the van home, approx 90 miles, which was much cheaper than renting a tow truck. a friend mechanic came to see the van yesterday, aug. 17 and said it might be the pump or shaft of the transmission (van has only 47,000 miles). we are in the process of contacting shops to service our van--don't even what to think what this is going to cost us. *tr

I purchased a 2004 ford freestar from rosen nissan kian in milwaukee, wi in march of 2008 with 15,000 miles on it. on friday, august 14th,2009 i received a warning light that flashed indicating a transaxel problem. my owners manual stated that if this light remains on to take it in for service immediately. because it did not remain on, i was going to take my vehicle in on monday. however, on sunday, august 16th 2008 my vehicle would not move. i had the car towed to a ford dealer where they informed me that my transmission was gone and the repair would run $3,500.00. *tr

Without any warning, the transmission stopped working on an average drive to wal-mart. while driving in traffic using the cruise control, the engine speed increased and engine seemed separated from transmission (no power to wheels). the van coasted into nearest parking lot and was towed to sanders ford in jacksonville nc. the dealership is currently working on the transmission, but doesn't know if our extended warranty will cover it! this failure came with no warning during good weather on a short drive. 2004 ford freestar with 62000 miles. this is unsatisfactory reliability and is a safety hazard. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph on normal road conditions. suddenly, there was no power response with the rear tires. the driver pulled over to the side of the road with caution. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the failure was contributed to the torque converter which was replaced. the failure mileage was 74,836.

My wife was driving to work when the vehicle lost power to the transmission. she rolled to a stop in the middle of the road and luckily some people pushed her van to the side of the road. this could have been serious if it had happened on the highway. the van runs but will not engage into any gear. *tr

I was driving my 2004 ford freestar van 55mph on busy highway when all of the sudden transmission gears apparently disengaged--my foot was on gas pedal, but vehicle would not accelerate though engine revved. after coasting a mile or so, i was able to pull safely off the road (i had my young daughter in van with me). i phoned a friend who contacted mechanic shop and dispatched tow truck. upon investigation by mechanic, it was determined that torque converter had failed. i was informed that this was a common problem with ford vans and trucks, and proceeded to investigate myself and found hundreds of complaints on the internet by consumers who had experienced the same problem, some of whom were extremely fortunate in that they were not involved in what could have been serious accidents. i feel that this is a serious problem which demands immediate action to ensure that other ford van/truck owners are informed of potential problem with torque converter/transmission and dangerous outcome. thank you. *tr

We were driving our 2004 ford freestar on i-90 outside elgin, il on august 10, 2009. i thought i heard a pop or engine noise and the car suddenly started losing acceleration and started coasting. we pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off and checked the engine. the car would not move in forward or reverse when you pressed the gas. we towed the car to arlington heights ford in arlington heights, il. they checked and told us that the transmission was shot and it would need a new transmission. we needed the car so we paid $3158.43 for the repair ($2119.29 for parts and $1039.14 for labor). we did not receive the old part. *tr

Driving out of town yesterday and 4 miles from home with young grandchildren in car i accelerated slightly after exiting a curve and the engine just revved up like i put the trans in neutral. we coasted to a stop, unable to move frontwards or backwards and had to sit in the sun and wait for the tow truck in 95 degree heat. i drive like a grandpa, never accelerating hard, never braking hard unless its an emergency. i've never even had the accelerator to the floor, ever. i don't know what part failed yet as it is in the shop being tore down but the way it acted i would have to guess the input shaft, especially after reading many of the freestar forums with people describing the same instant failure. the problem sounds like an underenginered part, not hard enough material to handle the torque of the motor but it is being repaired with the same weak link which is just going to fail again and again. i will know soon when an adjustor looks at the problem to see if it qualifies for esp warranty. the van has 78000 miles with coverage until 2012, 106000 miles. *tr

Late last night, my family and i were driving home when my 2004 ford freestar went from 45 mph to 0 mph. it would not go into gear. my husband and i sat on the side of road at 1 a.m. with our three small children waiting for a cab. from what i have read, this is a common occurrence. please do something about this. i can only thank god my husband was driving and knew what was going on. had it been me, i may have panicked causing an accident. *tr

Vehicle stopped moving in left lane of interstate i270 s on upward incline toward rt85 with no warning. the vehicle was only able to coast off the left side of the road by about 1 foot. this occurred while driving for about 400 miles from boston that day. the dealer said the splines for the torque converter shaft sheared off causing the vehicle to stop moving. auto trans had to be replaced due to this at 50770 miles on 8/10/2009. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle would stall in the middle of the road. the contact also stated that water was getting into the power train control module. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who replaced the power train control module. upon receiving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact also replaced the wiring harness that connected the power train control module. the failure continued and water constantly entered the chambers of the module. the dealer was notified and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranties addressing the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Transmission 2nd and 3rd gear slipping. *tr