2004 Ford Freestar: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 17, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 212,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the control arm was protruding through the frame and created a hole. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000. *bf consumer stated transmission just started to slip and makes a thud sometimes slips bad. Consumer has changed the transmission oil and filters.

Filed Mar 1, 2017 · Seats, Transmission · 174,000 miles · OH · crash

2004 ford freestar [xxx]ford is charging me for the repair for the torque converter subframe 3-4 $600~$800 bushing kits ($200 each) they want to charge me. I informed them that only do the factory recall repairs the pulled my van out and told me the cant do the repairs, because they are scared of the ball joints and tie rods might break, then complained about the subframe my have to be cut to install new subframe bolts bushings etc. Just to they can continue to take the apart to replace the torque converter. The agreed to charge me 300 labor and told me to pick up the parts needed so I purchased 2 tie-rods. 2 transaxles l-r, 2 lower control arms which included ball joints. They took the subframe apart then told me I need to pay and additional $500 for a used subframe from the salvage yard. Instead of ford just preplacing the subframe 4 bushings and bolts kits $67.00 at park ford 400 west avenue tallmadge ohio 44278, they want to charge me I needed to get a new subframe bolts and that the subframe is not made anymore and 3-4 $600~$800 each. Then they want to charge me $300 extra labor for cutting the frame/ and welding it back shut to install washer(bolt anchors ) then reseal it, and to uninstall the old parts and install the new parts which they have to remove to perform the factory recall repairs. So this repair is going to cost me 392.20 for parts 300 labor, 800 subframe bushings $1492.2 if purchase elsewhere around $26 each I am a USA disable veteran studying form cisco ccna 200-105 exam and so I can better support my adult special need daughter [xxx] ,I am [xxx] ford had my van friday 24th 2017 its march 1st 2017 and they are searching for ways to charge me more money. While I have to walk to my destinations. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Suspension · 120,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. The contact stated that there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the stabilizer arm and the front brakes but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken for a state inspection when it was noticed that the bushings around the ball joint was cracked and the bolt fractured within the lower control arm. The inspector also indicated that the frame needed to be replaced and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 08/19/14*lj updated 08/24/2017

Filed May 19, 2014 · Suspension · 76,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel was positioned inward. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who stated that the front lower control arm became completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · TX

Appropriate handling- letter re 11s25- the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Mar 25, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 102,000 miles · MD

Bought van in june 2007 nothing but problems since. Replaced battery within 2 months of purchase. Replace o2 sensors 3 times and need done again. Replaced transmission, radiator, egr valve, brakes 4 times, tie rod 2 times, calibers 2 times, rotors 3 times, fuel line, you name it, we have had to fix it. Nothing but problems. We have spent close to 8k since feb 2008 on this vehicle and we can not get ford to help us at all. Now the axles need replaced as well as sensors again. The dvd player quit working after 4 months, driver side heated seats quit working after 4 months. Back passenger door sometimes won't open or unlock and sometimes it won't close when you try to close it. This vehicle has put my family in serious harm and we almost got into major accident do to most of the issues ie transmission stalled on interstate and had no warning at all. Worst vehicle of all times. I can not trade in becasue I owe over 11k on this piece of crap. Ford needs to refund me all of my money and suffering as well. I have thought about suing them for damages and selling this crap to us especially with 3 small children and having to travel to see family due to husband being a marine and always being deployed. Almost missed seeing my grandpa for the last time before he did back in sept because of the transmission. This vehicle needs to be off of the roads forever. All of them. Everyone that we know that has these vehicles have the same problems as us.

Filed Jul 23, 2009 · Suspension · 36,052 miles · VA

I own a 2004 ford freestar in virginia. Last week I took it in for the annual state inspection to find that the control arm/ball joint assembly on the passenger side was pending failure. This is a potential life-threatening accident waiting to happen. My vehicle has only 36,000 miles. The ford service consultant told me that it should have lasted about 80,000 miles on average. Although my vehicle is out of warranty I expected that since this part was most likely defective that ford would have replaced it for free. Not only did they refuse to do so but offered to fix it of $660. The part can only be purchase as a unit, in other words, you cannot get just the ball joint, you have to buy the whole assembly which ford sells for about $487.. I must get this done, not only for safety but in order to pass my state inspection. I believe that ford is liable for the failure of this part and should take responsibility for it by replacing it at their expense. I believe the part must have been defective from the time it was installed at the factory.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Suspension · 14,000 miles · NJ

Clicking noise once gas pedal was touched-dealer stated was front end control arm problem-very unsafe to drive -could cause crash or even death-they repair both control arms and performed wheel alignment-internet site showed recall been sent to customer concerning this problem, I never received recall notification. I own a 2004 ford freestar that at this time it has 14,000 miles on it.

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Steering · 7,100 miles · OK · crash

Vehicle felt like there was a flat tire on the passenger side. Slowed down, heard a loud bang and pulled off the road with a skidding stop. Upon inspection, found that the a-fram had dropped out of the collar of the tie rod.