Problems with 2005 Ford Freestar ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When is the nhtsa going to get serious with ford on forcing them to issue a recall on the pcm that shuts down the engine and puts the driver and passengers in a death vehicle. this is a known issue all over the internet as well as any master certified ford technician.the pcm is under the cowling where the water settlers and get electrically wicked into the pcm shutting it down at any time under load in traffic freeway speeds.just want to know if people have to die before something happens with a wildly known defect we bought this vehicle brand new because of the safety rating at the time for transportations our special needs son, i sure hope this issue doesn't end up with a death of my wife and children due to ,the lack of concern from the nhtsa. waiting for a timely response and resolve. *tr

Was driving around 30mph then the rpm's went up to 5000 let off gas rpm slowley went down..2nd time it happened took it in they said it was a sensor "fixed" it...the 3rd time was going threw an intersection died on me in middle of intersection almost got smashed by oncoming traffic with my kids in the van...had it towed they could not find anything wrong....4th or 5th time was going to work got of highway rpms went up to 5000 and the van wont go no wheres now...no reverse no drive just sits there sounding like [xxx]they way ford made it...now waiting on them to tell me whats wrong with it.... information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Was stalled out several times during the month of january and february of this year. it would just stop responding. it acted much like a transmission going out, but that was not the problem. after multiple towes and trips to the mechanic to attempt getting this vehicle repaired, it was determined that the pcm had gotten water inside and had to be replaced. i spent several thousand dollars trying to get this vehicle to run as well as it had before. once the pcm issue was discovered, it did run much better, but by this time i had lost my faith in the vehicle. i cannot believe that ford positioned a computer component where water would run down onto it, and they have not been forced to fix this issue. as a result of all of my problems with this vehicle, after many years of being a ford owner, i sold this van and purchased a chrysler town & country. *tr

This van has a bad computer board (pcm) due to rainwater that is allowed to funnel under the hood due to poor design of the hood. it is also possible that the transmission is being affected by this as well. the vehicle just stopped shifting into gear, followed by all sorts of electrical problems. the mechanic said the pcm was full of water and would need to be replaced. there are numerous message boards on the internet discussing this exact same problem with ford freestars ranging from 2004-2007 model years. ford needs to issue a recall on these vans as this causes the engine to stall and this could happen at any time - in the middle of a busy intersection, on the highway, etc. this could have devastating results if it happens at the wrong time. also, from what i've read on these message boards - this is a repeat problem!!!! once you fix this you will have the same problem in a year or two. nhtsa should do some research outside of formal complaints filed as i'm sure most people do not know the proper route to go. a simple internet search (that would allow you to contact or respond to individual reports) would direct you to hundreds of people with the exact same issue! *tr

On september 21, 2011 i noticed that my 2005 ford freestar was hesitating when i pulled out of a parking spot in front of my home. i was able to get to my final destination, a local supermarket, without incident but could tell that the car was not shifting gears as smoothly as i was accustomed to. on the return trip home, upon merging onto the expressway i typically take, my freestar's engine began to sputter then immediately shut down. all power to the engine was lost. power steering was lost as well making the car impossible to maneuver. the electrical system completely shut down and i was forced to come to a complete stop, shift into park and reengage the ignition. from that point on, until i arrived home, the freestar would not shift beyond second gear. if i made an attempt to accelerate, again the engine would sputter and all power to the engine, power steering and electrical systems would shut down completely. i managed to get home that day by stopping and restarting my freestar what i can only estimate to be 50 to 75 times. the most harrowing part of this experience was the lost of power and control without warning. prior to this day, i had never experienced anything remotely like this with the freestar, and then from one day to the next, i was helpless on the expressway expecting a fatal collision with an unsuspecting driver. *tr

Moisture damage to powertrain control module (computer system). vehicle would not idle, transmission would not shift, and erratic electronics resulting in multiple warning lights to go on and off. fortunately, i was in a parking lot, however, this could have resulted in catastrophic failure if i was driving on an interstate. repair shop stated that they have seen this same problem. i have to have a new computer installed and the vehicle is only 6 years old. *kb

My 2005 ford freestar has stop driving.it starts but when i shift into gears the car does nothing. it won't drive or go in reverse. i had a mechanic look at it and they said water got into the pcm. and would cost about $1200 to fix.i have notice many other 2005 ford freestars with the same problem. many have repaired the problem out of pocket because ford won't pay for the problem.we didn't design the vechile so why is it we have to pay for the problem.i was lucky that i was pulling into my house when my car cut off.but many other stories with the same water on the pcm problem have been on highways or busy streets when their car dies so is ford waiting for someone or a group of people to die in order to recall this problem and take resposibility and repair it so the consumer don't have to pay with thier money or thier lives.i swear had i known that ford has ignored serious lifethreating problem like the water on the pcm or transmission problem i would have never gotten a van from ford or any vehicle from them. ford clearly stands for found on road dead and soon its not going to be just the vehicle but someone life as well if they drive a ford.and ford doesn't give a crap. *tr

Van started acting like the key was being turned off and on. misfire was so bad that van was like riding a bucking bronco. pulled to the side several times as i thought we would not make it home. got home from sunday diner and took to local dealer the next day on 6/20/11. installed 1f1z 6b288 ba sensor. back to dealer on 6/28/11. installed 164r4901 foam strip along with sealant. back to dealer on 7/5/11. installed. installed xl3z 9f472 aa sensor. to independant repair shop on 12/2/11. installed yfiz-7h103aa sensor. back to same repair shop. installed 5f2z12a650 bc pcm module. that seemed to resolve the problem as van is running better than for the last 2 years. *tr

Pcm (power train control module) has gotten wet and causes car to not drive. lose power. not start. lunge, lurch forward. won't engage in drive or reverse. i have replaced pcm 6 times. broke down 5 times. had van towed 5 times. left van at repair shop for months at a time to diagnose problem. finally moved the pcm to the inside of van so that it won't be effected by water. ford has refused to acknowledge problem despite a tsb being issued. furthermore, i replaced the transmission and a recall has been issued but ford will not review my receipts for the transmission until letters go out. total stonewalling by ford. *tr

2005 ford freestar pcm problems. symptoms include intermittent incidences including vehicle's failure to start, running rough, improperly accelerating, refusing to move forward/backward, and other random problems. the fuel system components/camshaft sensor/etc, as well as the transmission have been replaced on the vehicle, but all of these issues still exist. codes do not show up on mechanic's diagnostic computers unless the car is actively having the problem, which seems to rarely happen. mechanics, including the local ford dealership, has not been able to confirm the problem with the pcm; however, our mechanic did find water in the computer module. he dried it out and resealed it, in hopes of resolving the issues we were having. the problems have continued though and despite lack of codes, all indications are that the computer is no longer good. another problem is the fact that getting a replacement pcm is nearly impossible. the demand for freestar reconditioned computers is so high that we've not been able to find one to replace the bad unit in the van. (apparently, new pcm's are not available at all.) after seeing the massive number of on-line complaints which are so similar to ours, i cannot believe that ford shut the case regarding the computer problem. if the diagnosis of failed pcm's is almost impossible to achieve, ford simply chooses to ignore the obvious. (read all of the complaints on nhtsa.dot.gov.) poor placement of the pcm on the back of the vehicle wall has allowed water to run off of the windshield into the unit, but ford will not take ownership in this problem. how many people have to risk having a wreck and possibly dying due to water-damaged components? it is unfortunate and unnecessary. one last question... is it possible that the transmission problems (currently on recall) be related to the water-damaged pcm's? *tr

Water leakage through the left windshield wiper cowling caused our power train control module to go bad. this repair is costing us almost $1,000.00 dollars to fix. upon researching this issue on the internet we have come to realization that this is a very prolific problem with this make and model of van. just for them to get the part is going to take a month. that shows you just how prolific it is. ford is not taking responsibility for this faulty cowling that leaks directly on to the pcm even though tens of thousands or more people are having to have this part replaced multiple times costing them thousands of dollars out of their own pockets. there needs to be a government forced recall on these vehicles cause it's apparent that ford is not going to take responsibility for their faulty equipment design on their own.

I have a 2005 ford freestar sel, while driving down the road the van will stall with no warning. i have pulled the van over to the side of the road and placed the van in neutral and restarted the van. while the van is in neutral the rpm's will go up to around 2000. while placing the van back in drive it seems fine after attempting to drive the van it jerks and after getting up to about 20 mph the van will stall again. i took to the van the ford dealer ship and they found that there was water in the connection plug for the pcm, the dealer ship cleaned the plug and connection. the dealer ship resealed the connection with silcone, they also sealed the plastic guard that covers the pcm with silcone. so far we have not had any problems yet. *tr

I was driving on hwy 36, approximately 50mph, when my ford freestar's engine failed, resulting in loss of all control. i was able to restart the vehicle, but the transmission would not engage. *tr

2005 ford freestars apparently are subject to a leak that allows water to enter the electircal system during rains and cause shorts and transmission failure. we have experienced this problem three times - the third time, after combing through service bulletins, our dealer discovered a bulletin that precisely described our problem. when the transmission is affected, the car stalls while driving, fails to shift gears (including shifts into reverse) and other times, when stopped, alternately races and slows. the sudden stalls obviously can occur in traffic when a failure could put drivers into danger. our dealer has repaired the problem by sealing the leak. however, while ford is well aware of this problem, as indicated by the service bulletin, the company will not reimburse drivers for repair under extended warranties, claiming that it is a "body" and not a mechanical or electrical problem. *tr

I have had the car stop after and during rainy days. most recently the car would not start or move during a heavy rain. i have had to wait days until the car dries out for the car to move. have taken it to the shop after several instances of this same occurrence. they can not find out what is wrong as the car runs ok? after researching on the internet i have come to the conclusion that it is water leaking on and into the pcm causing the car to not start or move. ford dealership has not been able to solve the problem or have a solution? *tr

Failed component #1: 8/9/10 - transmission failed - replaced transmission - $1,732.32, failed component #2: 10/9/10 - remove and replace alternator - $442.00. failed on route 95 south ct headed to nj, battery failed, alternator failed, power surge, power lost, coasted to a safe place off of exit where i was stranded with 2 children late at night. had to get towed and fixed, stayed over night in seedy part of city. failed component #3: 11/1/10 - remove and replace alternator - $297.68, failed on route 113 again, power surge and power failed, alternator died, lost power and managed to get home a few miles down the road, had to get towed to shop, new battery failed as well. had it in the shop for almost 2 weeks total.

After driving in or after a hard rain, the engine light comes on and the engine runs very rough and often stops. has happened while driving on highway at 55mph. cowl was removed at dealership to prevent water intrusion in oct2010, but same problem started happening again in 2012... *tr

After a rain storm my van experiences problems with the power control module. the transmission will not operate correctly. this is the third time this has taken place and always associated with a rain storm. this time the engine will not start. *tr

Van stalls at lights. just cuts off. mechanic said it has some thing to do with the pcm. trans has been replaced. but still having problems with that. rear brake calipers ceased up . this van is a road hazard. never know what it is going to do or when it is going to fail . *tr

2005 ford freestar limited -- vehicle stalls while driving and loses power steering and brakes. vehicle has had acceleration and revving of engine when idling in neutral, and also sometimes no reverse gear. sometimes it just fails to start. all of these problems have been attempted to be repaired by two different ford dealership maintenance departments and another local mechanic. all problems appear to be related to the computer (pcm) and/or transmission. the computer (pcm) has been replaced twice by ford in the last eight months but the problem persists. water keeps getting into the pcm compartment and causing havoc. they don't seem to know how to stop it, and the problem keeps repeating itself. last time, two weeks ago, we had to call 911 when we stopped for a red light on a busy highway. when the light turned green, i stepped on the gas, but the van did not go forward. cars were now racing past our stopped van, on both sides, at high speed. we were sitting ducks. we called 911 to get police out to stop traffic for fear of being rearended at high speed. myself, wife and three kids (10,7,2) were stuck there. good samaratin risked his life and stopped all traffic behind us while i carried kids out of van to safety. others helped push the van off the road. van has been at dealership since then for the last two weeks, but they say "can't duplicate the problem" (when they know exactly what it is). i asked them to open computer again to check for water but they refuse -- saying it's too difficult and it can't be in there (even though it has proven to be the problem on numerous previous instances). i reported issue to ford national "customer care" hotline several times. i have asked them to recall the van for safety issues and to help me. they refuse (citing "out of warranty"). the vehicle has about 42k miles on it now. problems began spring 2009 (at about 35k miles) when heavy rains happened all year. many other owners with same dangerous problem. *tr

Purchased a 2005 ford freestar march 2009. has suffered from repeated loss of motive power with the computer often recording "no codes" per the dealer. has been to the dealer atmultiple times for various supposed repairs including new computer, alternator, etc., but the problem continues. the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving causing a loss of power steering and brake control. this has occurred at least 8 times in the last 12 months and we left the vehicle at the dealer from 9/10/09 through 11/12/09 and again from 11/15/09(?) through 2/5/2010 due to our concerns about the vehicle's safety. on 2/10/2010 an accident occurred where the vehicle lost power, the road turned and the driver was unable to make the turn or brake adequately and hence ran off the road sustaining neck injuries. *tr

Drove to the store that day. we have been having a lot of rain. when done at the store got in the van and it started fine but when you pressed on the gas pedal the rpm would race up but the van would go no where. the ford dealership replaced the pcm sensor because it had water in it. it was running but not like before. took back the van on 4/21/11. engine runs fine. driving down the road and van started sputtering like it was choking. stopped the van and shut off the engine, turned it back on and it ran fine. two days later had the same problem but i was at a stop sign and the van did not want to move forward. my husband barely got it to the dealership, it just completely died on him once. once the dealership had it they said they couldn't find anything. just had a speed sensor changed on it on 11/15/11 they had the van for 8 days trying to figure out what is wrong. now just tonight, when you put the van in any gear the rpms drop and the shifting is delayed. i am guessing something is wrong with transmission. how can i ever trust the ford company again? i have been reading too many of the same problems. we are going to take the van tomorrow to see what is wrong with it again?! help!!! i also read i need to call ford for them to have some many complaints for a recall is this true? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar purchased in 2008. he stated that the vehicle would continue to stall without warning. an independent mechanic confirmed that the computer was damaged. an authorized dealer stated that the computer and entire wiring harness needed to be replaced since the components were wet and the seal was damaged. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the manufacturer would not take any liability for the failure. the current and failure mileages were under 51,100. updated 12/9/09 *cn the dealer replaed the wiring harness and computer as the termnal ends of the harness were corroded. the computer was damaged from water. the deaerl stated the upper seal failed on both sides which allowed water to seep in fromt he top cover. updated 12/10/09

I own a 2005 ford freestar minivan. this august my instrument panel quit working. i took it to the dealership and was advised that my abs module failed and as a result it melted my wire harness. i just discovered that ford previously had this problem with their windstars. i'd like this to be looked into as this is a hefty repair ($3,000.00 +) that i cannot afford. as a result, i am driving in a vehicle with no abs and no working instrument panel - including speedometer. thank you. *tr

I was driving about 60mph and slowed down to make a left hand turn. upon completing my left hand turn i started to try to accelerate but the van didn't go any were. i immediately pulled off the side of the road and realized that i had no transmission. i tried all the gears and could not go any were. i had the van towed to my house only to call a dealer and find out that my transmission was going to have to be replaced. i asked how much and found out that the tranny was more then my van was worth. the van sat in my yard for 9 months before i could save enough to replace the tranny. i had no signs or symptoms that the transmission was going out at all. i am glad my family was not in the van with me. this seems to be a routine problem for ford. i have seen more ford tech. bulletins for this model van then any other car of theirs. how is this van considered a family vehicle if it can leave you stranded on the side of the road? looks and sounds like deceptive advertising on fords part. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. while driving various speeds, the vehicle does not go into gear and the rpm's go up and down. when driving more than 15 mph, the vehicle begins to jerk. when driving more than 20 mph, the interior lighting illuminates and the vehicle stalls. the vehicle was towed to an auto body shop, but they could not locate the cause of the failure after approximately four diagnostic tests. currently, the vehicle is still at the repair shop. the first three repairs were at the contact's expense, but the failure still persists. the failure mileage was 20,710 and current mileage was 20,986. updated 05/05/09 *bf updated 05/06/09*jb

My family and i pulled into the bank to get some money then when we were pulling out across a four lane highway our van acted like it was pulled into nutrual. i coasted it back into parking lot. we called ford and they said it was not covered under warranty because it had 50,800 miles on it and the warranty ran out at 50,000 miles. i had an independent mechanic fix it. also it has been up at our local dealer 5 times since 10/1/2009 because it was shuting off in the middle of the raod whne it rained.they changed the computer and said that was what the problem was but it did it again. i was informed the next time it was the trans. again. it turned out that the fire wall was leeking water on the wiring harnes.

Numerous problems with this vehicle. transmission went out, replaced it and still having original problem. after exiting highway and coming to complete stop, transmission will whine out in 1st gear, will not shift unless you stop accelerating. alarm system went off and would not stop, lights would not shut off unless you disconnect the battery. consistent problems with drivers side ventilation system (heat blowing cold, air blowing hot). airbag warning light on. pass warranty, to tired to keep putting money into this vehicle. *tr

First we had the transmission failure that was unsafe and had to pay for the repair ourselves then finally ford issued a tsb to repair and recovered our money. along with that is the more dangerous situation of the van stopping jerking speeding up the driving on the road especially when it rains or even a slight mist. this need to addressed by the nhtsa and pressure ford to repair this before they are sued for a death caused by the lack of attention to this highly safety related failure. *tr

Twice our 2005 ford freestar experienced water leakage through the cowl grill on the hood. after heavy rain in march 2008, the first of several breakdowns and fix attempts occurred, resulting in 3 months out of service, and replacements of the wiring harness, the pcm computer, several other computers and sensors, and the entire transmission, equaling nearly $5,000 in tow, rental car, and repair bills--some of which the dealership talked my insurance to pay for as a "water damage claim." in between, we've had multiple electrical system problems and breakdowns, and then this past march 2009, also during heavy rain, the car experienced the water damage breakdown. this time the water only ruined the pcm computer, but the dealership refused to honor the repairs that were less than 12 months old and we took it to a private licensed repair technician. he found the technical service bulletin online that described the known water leakage problem in some 2005 freestar models and did the recommended fix twice. in his opinion and in the geico insurance adjusters opinion, this is a serious problem that ford needs to address. this time we had no coverage for the damage and were out of a vehicle for two months and out of pocket over $3,000. i've begged ford's corporate offices to take the vehicle back and just let me out of the financing but they refuse due to the number of miles. also, the attorney general's lemon law office said there were too many miles. in addition to these problems, in 90,000 miles, i've had to replace the rotors now four times because they are warping dangerously. the pads are ok, but the rotors are continually warping and it costs $800 each time to have the brakes fixed. *tr

9/2007 my husband, myself, and our 5 children were driving to my mothers house and out of the blue the van just stopped accelerating. we had the van towed to the dealership that we bought it. they told us that we needed a new transmission at 41,000 miles (just out of warranty) $2000 oop!! we had the trans replaced and are now 12/2011 having the same issue again. (just over 90,00 miles) we owe 2000$ on the van and the cost of repairs are over that. this has to be a safety issue..children in car + car randomly stopping!! i just don't understand how a van bought new off the lot can be on its 3rd transmission on less then 100,000 miles. we will never buy a ford again and after doing a lot of research i have found 1000"s of owners with the same issues...its a shame ford will continue to allow customers to pay for their faulty products! *tr

When accelerating at about 1800-2000 rpm, the tachometer makes a noise since day one. *nm

This vehicle has died on me numerous times while driving down the freeway or around town driving. it has been very scary and a miracle we weren't killed. the first time it happened in 2006. the ford dealer had no idea what it was, finally discovered it was happening in cold weather, moist air or rain. the pcm was getting wet. they put foam and sealed with an adhesive. it started again in 2008 had to be resealed. it has started again in 2011 and 2012 it is very scary and you never know when you will lose power. it is very expensive to have fixed. ford knows this was a bad design. they are waiting for someone to get killed and be sued before they will take responsibility for this problem. my van is now parked, while i try to get the money together to have it sealed again. hemborg ford doesn't even offer a discount for the repair. they are not concerned at all that the vehicle dies while you are traveling down the freeway. this van has had numerous recalls, it should have had one for the pcm but so far it has not. i guess they are waiting for someone to die. online there is a lot of complaints on this same issue from people from all over the united states. *tr