Driving my freestar and it suddenly lost power. Engine still running, will not go in forward or reverse. Only neutral or park. This happened in a rural 2-lane road in kentucky. No way to get on the shoulder of the road. After getting it towed to a dealer after they had closed for the weekend. Had to get a rental car. To get back home to michigan. Monday the dealer called the torque converter had stripped it's splines cost 1379.85 for the torque converter, two seals, fluid, a screen and a trans insulator with labor. Rental car from enterprise 420.76 towing 95.00 gas for the extra trip to kentucky and back $70.00 not only were we lucky we did not cause an accident by this failure. But we were able to get a tow truck within an hour. The vehicle had 85,625 miles on it. Not covered under warranty even though I had purchased and extended warranty. It only went to 72,000 miles.
2005 Ford Freestar transmission complaints
Page 10 of 24: complaints 251 to 280 of 677, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The minivan has been described by the dealership with transmission failure. The proposed remedy is to completely replace the transmission. We were returning home after driving approximately 1/2 hour at freeway speeds. After exiting the freeway we proceeded to an intersection and stopped at a red traffic signal. When the light turned green and the brake was released and gas pedal pressed, the engine accelerated but the car did not move. We tried all the gears and the car would not move although the engine appeared to be running normally. We feel fortunate that this failure happened at a stop and not at freeway speeds and that the vehicles behind us at the traffic signal did not plow into our rear end. Prior to this incident occurring we had intermittent occasions with the "check engine" light coming on, and then going off. We often were always able to clear the problem by tightening the gas cap while the car was running, which is a common cause for the light to turn on. The vehicle was purchased used from a ford dealer about 17 months prior to the incident. During that time we noticed occasions of bursts of acceleration when driving at highway speeds. I spoke with the dealer who assured us this was normal. Since the incident, I have come to find out there are thousands of posts on the internet regarding identical problems on the 2005 ford freestar, yet no action has been taken. While we came out of this incident safely, I can see how it would cause tragic accidents to occur. In the end, we have an estimate of $4000 for the repair (1/3 of the price we paid for the vehicle after driving the car less than 6000 miles and having it serviced meticulously in the interim). Our household is struggling financially, and we do not have resources for this kind of repair. While we are happy to be uninjured, the economic impact of the flawed transmission is devastating.
My wife was driving (35 MPH) our 3 kids to the doctor's office and the freestar suddenly had the engine rev and lose all power to the drive train. She was very lucky to coast to the shoulder with the road being narrow, winding and relatively busy. This could have been a disaster if she had still been on the nearby 3 lane highway at rush hour. Towed to herb chamber ford dealer and showed them the federal safety agency action number for this investigation, they acted as if the printout was invisible. Charged me $209 to diagnose problem without even pulling the pan off, two options were to put in a rebuilt transmission for $3400, or rebuild for ~$2800. Went to an independent transmission specialist, confirmed that it was the torque converter and fixed for $2000. Very disturbed that such a major malfunction could happen at 67,319 miles, this could have caused a potentially fatal accident had it happened on one of our local highways.
Was driving vehicle on highway speedometer started to move rapidly in highway traffic, car stopped abruptly almost have a mac truck slam into the rear, transmission wouldn't go into drive or reverse. Had transmission redone at authorized transmission, 1,800 dollars notified ford corporate they blew me off stated my warranty expired . October 2011 same issue happened again just paid van off bought brand new in july of 2005 this car cost me enough for 6 years and no recall please help ford could have cost me and my family our lives is it worth dyeing over a mistake. Jesus.....
The van would not shift into gears. It had to be towed to ford dealership service center. They said transmission is burnt (they couldn't figure out what caused it) and need to replace the entire transmission which would cost $3300. The van has been serviced regularly at local ford dealership oil changes, check ups etc.. And it has less than 60k miles. And now they are telling me I have to replace the entire transmission suddenly? I researched this issue online and there are countless people filing complaints and claims and law suits with this transmission issue. I can't believe ford makes transmission that doesn't even last 60k miles and they want customers to pay for the replacement? There should have been a recall or some kind of warranty cover for this. It's a nonsense! Never buying ford ever again.
I was driving home from work at 11:00pm and turned the corner. Lost power , the RPM's went up and the van went nowhere. No warning it just went out. Had to have it towed the next morning to a dealer, said my transmission needed to be replaced costing $3500 . Said nothing about problems with the freestar torque converter . Read all the pages on complaints about the van, and had it towed to a transmission specialist. Now waiting for parts on backorder.
The transmission fialed without warning on the highway as I was trying to accelerate the van.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the transmission failed. The vehicle was merged to the side of the shoulder and was towed to her home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 140,000.
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.
My wife was driving down a main highway, when her ford freestar lost all power from the transmission. She coasted to the side of the roadway. She tried to put the vehicle in any gear and all that would move was the RPM gauge. Her and my son were left stranded on the side of the roadway. The vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic shop, who told us that the the vehicle would have to have a new transmission and that it would cost us about $3000. This vehicle has been well taken care of since we bought it new. The vehicle only has 70,000 miles on it and should not be having the transmission replaced. It appears from everything I have learned that this a common problem with this year model. My question is, why hasn't a recall been issued on this problem? Not only am I out a tow bill and the cost of a transmission, my family was left stranded on the side of the roadway. This should not have happened.
On 9/8/11 I went to get in my car to leave from work and my car would not move. It would crank but when I put it into gear it would not move. After two days of trying to get a tow truck small enough to get into the parking garage at work, my car was towed to a car shop. The car shop told me ther was something wrong with the transmission and they couldn't fix it. They had transmission shop come pick up the car by tow truck on 9/12/11 and I was told by the tranmission shop it was the torque converter. After looking online I noticed that this is happening to a lot of people that have this same model car. Ford is not doing anything about this. This car need to be recall as this is very dangerous. The transmission shop told me that it would be $1500.00 to repair this issue. There are people all over the u.s. That are having the same issue with the 2005 ford freestar. I will never buy another ford again. Why isn't ford taking responsible for these defective parts (torque converters) they are putting in these vechles. Do someone have to get seriously hurt before they decide to do something about this. I noticed that there is a class action lawsuit pending for this torque converter issue. I advise you all if you have experienced the same problem to complain and join suit. This is ridiculous.
While driving in traffic the van just slipped out of gear. Hitting the gas only made the engine rev up. I coasted to a stop. The van would still start and run but would not go into drive or reverse. The gear shift moves but nothing happens. After having it towed we replaced the transmission sensor but it did not fix the issue. Do not know what to do at this point.
2005 ford freestar. Consumer writes in regards to a complaint to ford motor company for a refund for repairs due to a faulty design *tgw the consumer stated moisture was seeping into the computer. The PCM wire harness had to be reflashed/reprogrammed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. While driving 55 MPH, the contact stated the vehicle stalled on the highway. The dealer diagnosed that the torque converter failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 32,432 and the current mileage was 114,000.
I was driving down the road and my transmission went out. I know that there are thousands of people who have had this problem and some of them after already having it replaced before. Ford should be forced to issue a recall!!!
Bought this van used at 43,000 miles in 2010,,,concerned because transmission had been rebuilt...bought extended warranty for 12 month/12,000 miles...had trouble in dec. 2010 took to dealer...they replaced sensor....warranty went out in feb. 2011....had to rebuild transmission in 7/2011 3rd transmission ...$1300 my expense....today the check transaxle light came on again!!! ....called the ford company....so_o_o_o sorry!!! Can't do anything for you....53,000 miles.
Vehicle suddenly lost forward motion on a busy street with no shoulder. Coasted to stop with engine running. Put on flashers, but vehicles had to swerve to go around the van. Vehicle would not move in drive or reverse.
2005 ford freestar se has approx. 70,000 miles bought it for a retail of 9,400 dollars and 4 months later the transmission goes out (in march of 2011). Thank god it my wife and kid didn't get into a crash on the highway with it. We just recently took it back to the dealership to look at it again because it won't run in gear and they said its the torque convertor. So we took it back to where we got it repaired and they say theres water in the transmission. This was the worst 9,400 dollars ive ever spent! We havent even had this car for 9 months and it been in the shop 50% of the time besides the out of pocket money cost. How can ford sell such a piece of crap?
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. The contact was driving 65 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 86,000.
I have a 2005 ford freestar with 61000 miles on it and I have had no problems no sounds no nothing and today on my way home on the highway it just stopped moving like I was in neutral but I was in drive. I had to pull over immediately as there were several large trucks coming up behind me. I barely got it out of the way. I was not able to find a spot to kind of get out of the way then I would not be here today.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. The contact stated was driving 20 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the transmission and advised the transmission be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they would contact the dealer on the contact's behalf. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 93,000.
I have the same problem that everyone else is complaining about. Driving along at 30 MPH. All of a sudden complete power loss and revving. Towed the vehicle to the mechanic and also stated I needed a new torque converter. Mileage only 66,600. Seems to be an ongoing problem with this vehicle!
Have a 2005 ford freestar with 64000 miles on it. While driving down a highway with my husband and 5 children in the car, it just revved up without warning and started to slow down. No drive, reverse, low... Nothing. The transmission just took a vacation. Lucky aaa was close by and got the car towed to our home and our family home safe. The next morning we decided to go out and try to start it again and see if anything changed. Now the car not only has no transmission but the car wont even turn over. Everything else works. Its not the battery, which is new. Have had regular maintenance on it and not had many problems until now,. Have a call into ford right now waiting for a tech to call me back with options. Seeing so many people with the exact same issue , seems to me ford should be taking care of this issue.
2005 ford freestar 36,000 miles was driving home on surface road along a 2 mile straight away vehicle bucked, (surged and slowed) while driving 40 miles an hour put it in neutral and revved the engine just fine put it back into gear and it drove about another mile did it again... Same response on my part and was able to limp it back to my house which was 3 miles from original place of the problem. I parked it and after a short google of the problem found hundreds after hundreds of people with the same problem. I've not repaired it yet.pending finding out what my options are.
The transmission in my 2005 ford freestar stopped working without wringing or prior indication that something was wrong. My wife backed out of the drive and then put the van in drive and it would not move forward. Also tried reverse and it no longer works either. This needs to be a recall based on what I am reviewing on several web sites. This type of repair (that could have been avoided with a better design) is costing approximately $2500 for each vehicle - with some owners experiencing this issue multiple times!
I had taken my 2005 ford freestar van to be checked for a problem with the transmission because it wasn't shifting properly. Then later I had taken it to a ford dealer for the check engine light to be diagnosed - they claimed that it couldn't be diagnosed because it didn't write the code properly. Transmission still not shifting properly. A month later the transaxle light came on, the engine wasn't running properly and in the rain the check engine light would blink on and off. I took it to a transmission specialist who actually took the time with the van to diagnose it. He had to let the engine warm up long enough for the lights to start coming on. Then he diagnosed the problem to be the 2nd gear in the transmission. Once the transmission was removed he said that it couldn't be fixed so I had to install a new transmission - $2700 later and had to borrow a vehicle from family to go on vacation. I also had to replace the air compressor for the air conditioner - $500 later but now it seems to be giving me problems again. I have had numerous issues with the tires - they don't hold air because of the rims that don't allow them to properly seal. I had the dealer put on the last set of tires and told them to fix the issue - so far I haven't had an issue. But for 60000 miles I have had issues.
Trans went out 10/09 with 69613 ml. Had it repaired. Said it had something to do with the torque converter. On 2/11, 88k ml on van, 18k ml on rebuilt trans, it went out again. I was lucky, both times it quit when my wife was in the drive way so no one was hurt. I haven't had it repaired as yet, still deciding if it is worth having it repaired a 2nd time if it is not going to be safe/dependable. Now I here the case is closed! The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling and then drip on the (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms. In addition to causing an engine to stall, it could also cause the trans to shift poorly, have erratic power, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse, and cause higher idle RPM in park. During this investigation odi was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk. In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend. Accordingly this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. Edt you mean to tell me the federal safety agency doesn't find a drastic and sudden loss of the trans to create a safety risk. Driving on the interstate or pulling into a busy intersection and the trans suddenly quits, no way to move out of harms way. There are over 1500 messages on edmunds.com , telling the same story, but that's not being looked into. I sincerely hope the agency will continue to monitor complaints and information relating to the defect and take further action in the future because it is warranted.
I have 05 ford freestar with only 66k miles, and transmission failed. I had 6 kids with me going camping. Our plan failed because of this I have to tow it about 600 miles. I don't drive it since than because it is to expensive to repair. Will never buy found on road dead again.
Complete loss of movement power on I-85 s about 20 miles north of atlanta, ga. Had vehicle towed to mall of georgia ford in sugar hill, ga. Diagnosed as complete transmission failure. No injury or accident caused by failure. I understand this is a common failure for freestars in model years 2004 and 2005.
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