Like many others who have complained about electrical problems on the ford freestar, I have to add my complaint regarding my 2004 ford freestar. First of all, when I bought my van used about 4 years ago, I did research on it, and learned about the issue of water getting into the PCM. So I took the van to a ford dealership - campbell ford in niles michigan - and one of their mechanics dried and sealed the PCM, along with the area at the base of the windshield that is prone to leak. That was two years ago (this van also had the torque converter work done by the previous owner). So here's the problem I'm having now: when driving, occasionally for no apparent reason, my radio goes dead, no time, no display, no music, and then the brake and ABS light appear on the dash, along with the battery light and airbag light. This lasts for a few seconds, and then everything returns to normal (sometimes the battery light stays on permanently). When this happens I lose no power and the van drives like normal. That might occur 4 - 5 times / outing. I replaced the battery a few days ago and this has made no difference.
Ford Freestar airbag light comes on
18 of the 2,533 owner complaints about the Ford Freestar describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 57,500
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 2ABS 2Won't start 1Whining noise 1Won't shift 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, it appeared that the audio system had been reset. The contact also stated that the reverse indicators failed and the passenger side air bag light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that after opening the lift gate, the vehicle would not start immediately and the brake light illuminated erroneously. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that it was probably an electrical problem. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.
The electrical has been wiggy ever since --just after the factory warranty ran out. This includes: back-up safety sensors stopped working, heated drivers seat stopped working(passenger still works), the stereo system doesn't have all of it's functions, passenger airbag light is on, van very noisy when backing up--we call it the moose. Had to replace transmission and then we get re-call notice! And, it still doesn't feel 100% still waiting for a refund(?) brakes are squishy--even after replacement of front end everything! Side electric doors will sometimes open and close several times until we just have to manually force them to stay closed.
In december 2010 I was at a stop light, when I went to accelerate the car wouldn't move. Had it towed to a transmission shop and they rebuilt it. It has gone back 3 times due to continuing of problem and the check engine light keeps coming on after they turn it off. Since last visit, now the air bag light is on, check engine light is on and the horn no longer works when pushed but it occasionally has gone off for no reason. Still have problems accelerating, is sluggish, and makes a horrible noise. It needs to be smogged but will not pass due to these issues.
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 stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated on the instrumental panel since december 2010. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised her that she needed to replace the clock spring. The vehicle had not been repaired as the part was unavailable and the dealer advised her to not drive the vehicle because the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 04/22/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. Approximately thirty seconds after starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the clock spring was defective. The vehicle was not repaired because the necessary parts were on a national back order. The failure mileage was 65,100 and the current mileage was 65,913. Updated 03/10/11 *bf updated 1/4/11
Tl*the contact owns 2006 ford freestar. The contact stated that the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing which indicated that the failure was within the steering column clock spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,098 and the current mileage was 65,168.
Experienced a sudden loss of motive power to the engine on 2004 freestar while driving in bad weather and heavy traffic. Air bag light came on as well. Towed to dealer. Told transmission and air bag module needed to be replaced. Cost $4000. Freestar has 48,589 miles. Extended warranty expired in august. Had car in to dealer 4 times during the summer for traction control issues and failure of backup sensors. 2006 had to be towed to dealer due to engine stopped running 3 times in less than 2 miles. Trade in value $5700(minus $4000 in transmission and airbag module replacement)
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford freestar. The contact stated that the air bag indicator light illuminated. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it would cost $99 for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 57,500 and current mileage was 57,600. Updated 06/17/08. *lj the consumer stated he struck the passenger seat with his fist and when he started the vehicle, the air bag light went out. Updated
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Ford Freestar airbag light
Why does the airbag light come on in the Ford Freestar?
Owners who report it most often also describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, complete transmission failure and abs light or abs activating.
Which Ford Freestar years have airbag warning light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (10 complaints), 2005 (5 complaints) and 2006 (3 complaints).
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