24th Jan 2009, 06:47

We have a 2004 Freestar Van and a 2005 Mercury Monterey. At about 16,000 miles brakes were replaced on the Freestar and at 8,000 miles on the Monterey.

Also, had a noise in the Freestar. They replaced the transmission (under warranty).

Had a noise in the front wheel on the drivers side. They replaced a ti-rod. Still makes a clicking sound when turning to the left.

Have a high pitched squeal or whistle in the Freestar. At 25 mph up it is intermittent, but does it in the summer or winter, just a different type sound. They hooked up to a machine and everything seemed okay. Still want them to look at it again.

About a year ago had two new tires on the Freestar.. then the sound like a rearend or worn tire in the back. After rotating the tires, the sound is still there, but instead of in the rear, it sounds as though it's in the front. Will be taking back to the dealer. After having the car serviced for oil change, etc, had a call from the Dealer to see if we were satisfied. Told him what was going on and he said to come back. Will do. The dealer has been excellent, the car? Not so much. We have about 47,000 miles on the Freestar. We love the car, but not the problems.

Have purchased extended warranties on both, in hopes that these issues can be resolved.

30th Jan 2009, 22:35

January 30,2009

Kind of interesting to see the comments. Our 2004 Free-star with the extended warranty to 150,000 km. just came to a coasting halt today at 157,000 km. with no warning at all. We have not had it looked at yet, but I think I can guess the problem. The back brakes failing, the front brake grinding noises are all sounding too familiar. We sold a 1995 Aerostar with 310,000 km. on it that ran perfectly and had never had the transmission or engine apart. Kinda wishing we still had it as I am not sure if "Quality is Job 1" is still happening. It did last longer than the motor in my 2008 Escape (34,000 km.) on that one and I am a maintenance fanatic. I am sorry but at strike three Ford may be out. They are making the hole deeper with these quality issues.

2nd Feb 2009, 02:11

We own a 2004 Ford Freestar. I was traveling home with my two daughters, from a weekend visit with my parents when all of the sudden the van revved up but would go forward anymore. It appears from just reading the comments of others that I will be putting $3000-$4000 dollars into this van for a new transmission. I cannot believe how many people have experienced the same issue and Ford has not stepped up to resolve the issue for its customers. We the customers are what keeps Ford going each year and I can tell you that I will NEVER purchase a Ford again. Right now, I'm just thankful that we were not involved in an accident due to the poor quality Ford produced to make a buck!

5th Feb 2009, 18:52

Just today backing out of my driveway, I stopped and put the van into drive and moved about 4 feet = trans is gone!!! Another pile of junk. We have a 5 year disabled child that now can't go anywhere because her 2004 FREESTAR wheelchair van needs a $3500 tranny at 74000 kms. Thank you FORD!

To know that everybody is having this problem and FORD isn't doing anything about it makes it even worse. If FORD knows about the problem, they should step up and fix it, maybe they wouldn't lose so many customers and need a government handout.

9th Feb 2009, 00:09

Just adding to the comment of January 30th that I posted. Six days and $ 2550 plus tax later our 2004 Free-star is back on the road with a re-built transmission. Our closest Ford Dealership wanted $3500 plus tax for a re-built with a 40,000 km/2 year warranty and the local mechanic wanted $ 2550 for one with 20,000/1 year warranty. I was not impressed with the length of either warranty so decided to save my $ 950 and support the local mechanic.

I am wondering if the American and Canadian warranties are that different, because I was sure not offered anything with a 75,000 km. warranty, yet alone 75,000 miles.

We will be driving with our fingers crossed, hoping this transmission lasts longer than our van payments, and then it will be gone.

19th Mar 2009, 15:00

I googled Ford Freestar trans problems, wow was I shocked when I clicked on this link. I have a 2005 Ford Freestar SEL with 66,300 miles, and driving to work one day the van would not move. I coasted to a parking space and today was told that the transmission is 100% gone and the price is $1500 replace it. I think all of us should get together and put in a suit against Ford so at least they could do a mandatory recall.

19th Mar 2009, 19:02

I also own a 2004 Ford Freestar. It has 4,500 miles on it. I've owned it for a year and the only problem I've had with it is a strange whistle when speeds reach over 25mph. But today my check engine light came on and stayed on. A test shows that the manifold runner control (IMRC) is stuck open. I guess I should consider myself lucky compared to what so many have written, but my husband was laid off from work last month and I hope this will not break us.

29th Apr 2009, 08:21

I, too, own a 2004 Freestar. Although I have not had as many problems as many of you, I have had my share.

I came across this site while trying to diagnose my air conditioning problem. While driving home from work, my van just shut off at $36,008 miles. The local Ford dealer, whom I had purchased this from 1 month prior said that it was the air conditioning motor that seized up, causing the motor to also seize up. As per the norm, Ford would not cover the repair. I thought I had purchased the extended warranty, but apparently, the dealer had removed it to lower my payment for me and neglected to tell me.

Anyway, since the repair was done, my van will not blow cool air to the back of the van. I have taken it back several times, but they cannot figure out why.

I did find that I am having many similar problems as others on this site. I also have a high pitched squeal in the front end, which goes away when I turn the wheel. It comes on in the summer and goes away when the temp drops. I have had both the brakes and their hardware changed several times, but it has not helped. I only hope that I do not have the transmission problems others are having.