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2004 Ford Freestar transmission complaints

Page 17 of 30: complaints 461 to 490 of 851, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Ford Freestar transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 29, 2010 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · FL

I have a 2004 ford freestar. I was heading to atlanta,my van stopped in the middle of the interstate called tow truck took it to the repair shop,guy said it was my torque converter it was going to cost me $1500.00,I didn't have the money to fix it so my dad got a car transporter picked me up and took me 8 hours back home to florida.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Transmission · 70,500 miles · VA

I own a 2004 ford freestar. In april 2010 with just over 70k miles the entire transmission failed. The vehicle suddenly lost all power after making a loud high pitched noise. The engine would start but would not go into gear. This resulted in the entire transmission having to be replaced at the cost of $2800.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · FL

While on interstate hwy, transmission gave out. Luckily I was in the right lane of three lane interstate. Had to have transmission replaced.

Filed Aug 24, 2010 · Transmission · 157,516 miles · 00

Start vehicle, it dies. Again I start it, rev. The engine and manage to keep it going so I pull out of driveway and it dies while I am driving. From the info. I gather it is the torque converter. The same problem happened to me 3 months ago and we thought it was solved. I am now reading this is common occurrence. I contacted ford and they told me there have been no reports of such things happening. No "programs" created(ongoing complaints to address the problems) or recalls in regards to the transmission or torque. I have two kids and both times they were in the vehicle with me. I am thankful we weren't hurt. I cannot believe ford is not taking any ownership in this problem!!

Filed Aug 24, 2010 · Transmission · 88,100 miles · WI

While driving on the highway the engine RPM raised and the vehicle lost power. After getting to the side of the road the vehicle had no transmission engagement. No reverse and no forward gears. Everything happened all of a sudden and without any warning.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · 00

Driving on highway and lost power pulled over once the vehicle cooled down I got to my destination. Took it in to ford and it's the torque converter. 114,000 klms on van. I've heard this is very common.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · NY

2004 ford freestar transmission just died while driving on the highway at 60 MPH. There was no warning. The vehicle is currently in the mechanic shop being repaired. This occurred in new york city.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · NC

We have a 2004 ford freestar minivan. Last night, without any warning, when we tried to accelerate the car from a slowing position, the RPM revved and the engine roared, but no movement. It was as if the van had popped out of gear. We were able to use the speed that we still had to maneuver off of the road and into a yard. When we were towed, we were told that these vans had a long list of complaints regarding the torque converter and transmission. I am having it towed today to start the process of determining the exact issue and have it repaired. After seeing all the complaints online of other owners, I felt compelled to also add mine to the list. This appears to be an issue that ford needs to address before someone is killed from this happening.

Filed Aug 13, 2010 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · AZ

I was driving yesterday and all of a sudden my 2004 ford freestar sel lost power, transmission would not engage. I was lucky to move to the right-hand side of the road and was able to get away from heavy traffic. This is a dangerous and awful situation, someone can get run-over or get injured when you lose mobility in a highway. My engine is functioning well; transmission is dead....

Filed Aug 11, 2010 · Transmission · PA

Transmission is starting to slip. I read thousands and thousands of complaints regarding this car and transmission problems, yet ford refused to take any responsibility.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the rpms suddenly increased, the accelerator pedal depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle suddenly decelerated. She was able to exit the freeway and the vehicle continued slowing down until it came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an automotive center where the contact was informed that the torque converter had exploded into little pieces. The vehicle was repaired at that time. After the repair, the contact noticed that the vehicle began "stuttering" while she was driving at 50 MPH. She took it to the repair shop where it was at the time of the complaint awaiting diagnosis. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 114,000. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Updated 02/10/11 *bf updated 04/21/11

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle decelerated and stopped and it was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 62,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 8, 2010 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · MA

2004 ford freestar w/89,000 miles had torque converter /transmission failure at 65mph on major highway with no advance warning.

Filed Aug 4, 2010 · Transmission · 70,892 miles · OH

Traveling with my 3 children in my ford freestar 2004 minivan (~70k miles on it) at freeway speeds and lost all motive power to the wheels. Engine running fine, but no apparent connection to the wheels- as if engine power became unplugged from wheels. Was able to coast to shoulder and stop vehicle. Tested all gears, no forward or reverse gears tested would move the vehicle. Needed to call for tow and rental vehicle. Ford dealership removed transmission assembly and they said the fins of the torque converter had stripped out and would not pump transmission fluid. They had to replace the torque converter for total cost of $1400.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. The contact was driving approximately 58 MPH, when applying the accelerator pedal the engine revved with no power response. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the technician informed that the torque converter assembly and shaft pump drive would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the failures. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Transmission · 107,251 miles · CT

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!

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · FL

Transmission failure, out of the clear blue. No earlier indication. 2004 ford freestar. 105000 miles.

Filed Jul 31, 2010 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · TX

There was no evidence nor warning that the transmission would stop shifting gears. I was leaving home heading to work when the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I was able to pull over to a somewhat safe location only to find out that when I turned my van off and then back on it would not shift gears. It sounds like its stuck in neutral all the time. I live in north texas and with the temp being over 105 today I was just a bit upset that this happened out of nowhere. I have not at this time had a repair man look at it, because I can not afford one. I did make sure that all the wiring was connected properly.

Filed Jul 31, 2010 · Transmission · 79,898 miles · MI

2004 ford freestar 4.2 engine. Traveling down the highway with the kids in the car no response to the accelerator, I was passing a truck which almost took me and the kids completely off the road due to the power loss. The truck driver stopped to help and knew there was something wrong. The transmission went out engine running great, but no torque. No drive, reverse nothing but a winning sound. The vehicle is at 79,000 miles. Have not got it fixed yet due to finance. Truck driver said he had a freestar that did the same thing. When I went online to see if other people had the same problem I read for hours. If so many people have the same problem there should be a recall. Staff sergeant us army active duty.

Filed Jul 28, 2010 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle began losing power but the engine did not shut off. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and there was an abnormal noise. The vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated the problem was the automatic transmission. The vehicle was left with the dealer where the contact was awaiting a formal diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 93,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2010 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. The contact stated that when driving at a low speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled completely. The contact was able to restart the vehicle until stalling a second time. In addition, the contact stated that when shifting into reverse, the vehicle would not respond. She then shifted into drive and the vehicle would not accelerate before stalling a third time. She was able to restart the vehicle and when shifting into neutral, there was an abnormal increase in engine rpms. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility where the mechanic advised that the torque converter would need to be replaced. The mechanic also stated he would inspect the gear shifts for any failure. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2010 · Transmission · 36,200 miles · KS

We purchased a 2004 ford freestar limited mini-van with 36,000 miles in june 2007 from the local ford dealership. Three months later while driving on the interstate headed for vacation, the van lost power without warning and we coasted to a stop on the shoulder of the highway. Fortunately, we had only gotten about 15 miles outside of our home city. Unfortunately, after having the vehicle towed to the dealership where we purchased the van, we learned that the transmission went out. Owned for approximately 3 months, just over 36,000 miles, two small children in the van traveling at close to 70mph and packed with luggage for a family vacation...all I can say is I was very disappointed. Ford did pay for half the cost, however, I still paid $1,500 out of pocket to fix the transmission, $ for towing, and $ to rent another van while this one was being fixed. Ford told me that the 3 year warranty had already expired. We still own the van and have had many other problems, of which some are still not fixed. We are now closing in on 70,000 miles and I'm very concerned that we will soon experience another transmission problem. I would get rid of this vehicle in a heartbeat, but I'm still upside down as this purchase will easily go down as the worst decision I will make when it comes to buying a vehicle in my lifetime.

Filed Jul 22, 2010 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford freestar. While driving approximately 65 MPH up hill he heard a noise as if the vehicle was in neutral gear. He stated that the vehicle lost power. The contact took the vehicle to a local repair shop. The local repair shop stated that the vehicle needed a transmission. The contact stated that fluid spilled onto the manifold he stopped. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to another repair shop near his home. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 75,000. Updated 9/22/10 *cn the consumer stated a fire erupted and fire trucks were called to the scene.. Updated 09/24/10

Filed Jul 15, 2010 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · PA

How long will it be before the federal safety agency holds ford company responsible for the costs of repairs to ford freestar minivans experiencing torque converter and subsequent transmission defects. This is a dangerous defect. Do we need to wait until a child, mother or father is killed. This is primarily a family vehicle or handicapped accessible vehicle, therefore it is an urgent matter, my daughters 2004 freestar lost gear engagement while she was leaving for work. Thankfully she was only in the driveway. 2 miles further and she would have been on a major interstate and traveling at speeds of 55-65 MPH with other vehicles. Her van suddenly stopped moving forward, and instead the engine revved as she was accelerating. The van rolled backward as if in neutral. We were unable to engage any gears. Only park engaged. It was towed to a ford dealership for diagnosis. We were told it needed a new transmission and there were "pieces" all over the inside of the transmission. There was no explanation as to what those pieces were. After reading all the complaints on freestar torque converters and transmissions, I am convinced those pieces are the splies from the torque converter. There were no warnings, no prior operational issues or performance symptoms typical of transmission problems - no slipping, no slamming. This sudden loss of momentum is a serious, life threatening problem. If it occurs on a highway, there is the potential of another vehicle slamming into the back of it at a high rate of speed. Ford needs to be responsible for this defect by issuing an immediate recall and replacing all torque converters and transmissions on these vehicles and reimbursement for those already replaced. Unfortunately until the source of the torque converter problem is addressed, those who have already replaced them face the possibility of future failure.they are being replaced with the same poor quality part. Step up the federal safety agency and address this immediately with ford before a life is lost.

Filed Jul 15, 2010 · Transmission · 74,800 miles · MO

I had just pulled up to a traffic light. When the light changed, I tried to go but all the engine did was rev up. I had no warning that it quit. I put the shift lever in all the gears, but nothing happened. It is being towed home as I type this. It only has 75,000 miles on it, with regular service that is required.

Filed Jul 10, 2010 · Transmission · 78,360 miles · PA

Complete and sudden loss of power on 2004 ford freestar. This occurred in heavy traffic on interstate 81 just before crossing the susquehanna river bridge in harrisburg, pa. My wife and infant daughter were in the freestar. They coasted down an exit ramp to a stop. Had the exit ramp not been there, they would have been stalled in 3 lanes of traffic on the bridge. The freestar was fine up until this sudden failure. The van was towed to a ford dealership in harrisburg and repaired under the extended warranty, which I had purchased with the new vehicle. The cause of the problem was a failed torque converter. The freestar had 78360 miles at the time of the torque converter failure.

Filed Jul 10, 2010 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · TX

While driving my daughters 2004 ford freestar in wet conditions, its like the transmission slipped out and would no longer engage any gears. This was quite dangerous as we were in rush hour coasting to a stop on a busy road.

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · PA

2004 ford freestar van transmission failed without warning. Cruising at 50mph and started up incline, no noises, no warning and transmission failed leaving me without power. Luckily was able to coast to a safe spot.

Filed Jul 2, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 95,000 miles · IA

We recently purchased a 2004 ford freestar and have had nothing but problems with it. Let it be clear from the start that I am in fact a ford guy! But what has transpired is absolutely ridiculous and I am to the point where I do not know if I will purchase another ford. So a week after purchasing the vehicle, the transmission + computer went out. My wife tried starting it and it would not go anywhere. I towed it to macke ford and had them fix it. Paid $3800 for them to fix these two things. A week later it rained extremely hard and the van failed on my wife as she was driving and was luckily on a gravel road with no one around her. She was able to coast to a complete stop but again the van would not go into reverse or drive. Had it towed to macke ford in coon rapids, ia again and they thought it was a bad PCM. I made it clear to the service dept that I thought water was getting into the PCM compartment due to other people complaining about this on the internet and the fact that it had rained extremely hard that morning. They did not think this was the case and put another PCM in and sent the other one back to ford as they thought they received a bad PCM. Took it home and the next morning it would not start and the battery was dead. Tested and found that the radio was turning on by itself and draining the battery...even w/out the key in the ignition. Macke tried fixing it for the next 2 months and even after denying water was getting into it..finally called and said they found water in the PCM compartment and it was a ford engineering problem. They wanted me to pay for the computer this time since ford would not cover the water damage!! Another 700.00. With all the internet complaints about there about water getting into the computer this should be recalled and our money returned!

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · VA

I have a 2004 ford freestar sel minivan. The original transmission was replaced at approx. 56k miles due to torque converter failure (so I was told by the dealer service advisor). Now the van has 123k miles on it and the transmission light came on again. The fault code is p0732 gear 2 incorrect ratio. The transmission will hold 1st gear and not shift unless forced to. The problem is intermittent, at this time, but when the ambient temp is above 85f, the problem occurs. Ford has advised me that 2nd gear has failed. I do not tow with this vehicle. It is used specially for transporting my family and is not abused. I find this performance very unacceptable!! A transmission should last a lot longer than 60k miles!! I have read multiple complaints with the same characteristics. I would like to know if this problem is under investigation and if ford is being forced to address this. Is ford issuing a recall? Currently my van is operable until the transmission failure light illuminates. I can tell the problem is getting worse and I'm sure it will be inoperable soon.

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