2004 Ford Freestar: engine overheating

Filed Mar 15, 2019 · Transmission · 157,000 miles · ID

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost acceleration and did not move. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that water entered the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was repaired 45 days earlier by the same independent mechanic for coolant leaking into the transmission. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2018 · Engine · 168,000 miles · FL

My 2004 freestar overheats after 70 MPH. Replaced thermostat and fans. Does this with AC turned off. I turn to heat on to cool it done. I drove 2100 miles with windows down. This happens on the highway and going up long steep grade.

Filed May 11, 2014 · Engine · 139,300 miles · PA

While driving the motor stalls, twice is cut off, the other 2 times is sputtered and jerked but finally started back to normal. Almost got hit twice because of motor stalling. Our charity (www.donatecca.org) bought the car in feb 2014, since then there has been a loud gurgling sound coming from the dash board, never stops. Car does not overheat at all.

Filed Sep 21, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 165,000 miles · MD

At 147000 miles, I needed a complete transmission rebuild. This cost me $2800 due to the fact that there were additional parts not common to a standard rebuild. This was sept. 2011. In january, I am able to note online that there is a torque converter recall for this model. I call ford, I'm told there is nothing they can do until the recall is officially released in the 2nd quarter. Wait until 2nd quarter, no notice in the mail. I call ford in august and tell them this, I am told that ford will fix the car, it will take approx. 4 days and that no rental car is available during this period. If I suffer a total loss, maybe. Basically, I have to be stranded on the side of the road with my two young children before I can get any help with their issue. After rebuild, I start having issues with cylinder 3 misfire. I replace all plugs and wires, still a cylinder 3 misfire as well as overheating and egr valve. Replace egr valve, complete radiator change, coil pack, still issues with misfiring and overheating. I understand that this could be a computer issue, however ford fails to realize this and therefore will not issue a recall. Not that would help since if they took it into the shop to fix it, I would not be able to get to work in the interim.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Transmission · 198,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Dec 3, 2009 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · OH

My wife was driving to fairborn ohio from cincinnati in our 2004 ford freestar. This was purchased new by us. Warranty was 3 year/36,000 miles. The van has 54,000 miles & while traveling on october 24th, 2009 ohio, the van would not go above 30 MPH on the highway. The transaxle light came on & started flashing. We ended up getting the van towed from fairborn to our home. The technician that tested the van for codes & said the "torque converter clutch was stuck in the shut position & caused the fluid to overheat". Long story short, we needed a new transmission. The transmission was serviced at 30,000 miles per the maintenance log at our dealership. This could of caused a severe accident while traveling on the highway at that slow speed. A vehicle regardless of make should not have a major mechanical failure of this with only 54,000 miles on it. The thing that rattles my cage is this is supposed to be our "reliable" vehicle. I'm thankful my kids were not in the van. So $2300 later we have a transmission & our holiday goals are shot to '!@#$%. This transmission style needs a recall !!! Plain and simple. After this happened to us, I researched the issue & I am not alone. Many people that have the same make, model year & transmission issues that I have. So thanks to this issue our "holiday spirit" is gone.

Filed Aug 1, 2009 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · GA

Transmission failure. Fluid levels were ok but overheated and stopped working properly. Cost $3800 to repair at a dishonest shop in poughkeepsie, new york.

Filed Dec 2, 2008 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · MD

2004 ford freestar had the transmission overheat message on dash. Next thing I know, no acceleration. Engine smoking, left stranded on thanksgiving eve on I 81 with only 87,000 miles, this is not acceptable. Van needs a completely new transmission.