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Ford Freestar Transmission Problems

1891 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2013 at 1:13 PM

You are in the Ford Freestar Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey, Transmission, Van


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Messages Page 123 of 190

#1212 of 1891 Not sure if its the trans or not by laurel28

May 10, 2010 (5:23 am)

I have a 2004 Ford Freestar. A couple days ago I noticed that my car seemed to shake when it was idle. Then the check engine light came on. Now whenever I stop and the RPMs go below 1000 my car will shake and then stall unless I keep my foot on the gas while stopped. I went to get the check engine light check and all they came back with was something about an air sensor and said if I change the air filter and put some fuel injector cleaner in that will help. So I did all that, but it seems to have gotten worse because now it rides kinda of rough too. Any ideas what it might be?

#1213 of 1891 Re: transmission problem (2005 freestar.48000 miles [malon] by bonnie30

May 10, 2010 (9:15 am)

Replying to: malon (Apr 05, 2008 10:27 pm)
yes we all need together and call the ford company direct that what i just did this afternoon every since i bought my 2005 ford freestar had nothing but trouble with the engine and the transmission she said if we get alot of people complain they should have a recall on all our vehicles let stick together and callif u no any1else having the same prolblem tell them to call 1-800-392-3673

#1214 of 1891 transmission and engine by bonnie30

May 10, 2010 (9:21 am)

hello every1 i just call the ford company this afternoon and told them problem with my 2005 freestar i told them i had nothing but problem with it i told them they need to put a recall on this vehicles befor some1 get hurt or kill please everyone with problems please call 1-800-392-3673 im getting tired having to put my van n the shop every couple of month i have change all the spark plug every 3000 i have the oil change and transmission evry 60000 i have complete update my vechles and maintance when needed but still haveing problem let all get together and start calling thanks every1 let fight back please tell them shirley sent u all there to call

#1215 of 1891 Re: transmission and engine [bonnie30] by jgenovese

May 10, 2010 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: bonnie30 (May 10, 2010 9:21 am)
Bonnie,
Calling Ford is like spitting into the wind. I have been at it for 2 and 1/2 years trying to get them to do the right thing or be held accountable. You need to report your situation to NHTSA and also to the Center for Auto Safety, both via their websites. These are the organizations that can do the most for us. NHTSA is the goverment agency that is SUPPOSED to be looking out for us and the Center for Auto Safety is a reputable and credible private sector organization that can be very influential in these matters. Also, you could and should contact your local media outlets, print, radio, and television, as well as the Attorney General for your state. Finally, spread the word to EVERYONE you know or meet that drives a Freestar or a Mercury Monteray which is the sister vehicle to the Freestar and is marketed by Mercury.
 
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD

#1216 of 1891 Well, this is no fun... by occupant1

May 17, 2010 (5:04 am)

I was hoping the 95-98 Windstar and 99-03 Windstar transmission problems had been licked by the time the Freestar came out. I just looked at a nice one, too, 2005 model, 132K on it, $3200 cash. Maybe I should avoid the Ford vans altogether, which is not what I was hoping to do...
 
I could always take a page from my own vehicle history. I had a 1991 Aerostar in which I replaced every single major mechanical component except for the 3.0L engine. First was a transmission. Then a radiator. Then the battery/starter. Then I tried to fix the fuel mileage problem. I changed the cap/rotor/plugs/wires/O2 sensors/filters/valve cover gaskets, retorqued the rockers, replaced every inch of vacuum hose, swapped ignition modules, and "seafoamed" it with B-12. I did the most complete tuneup I could ever imagine and still could't do over 15-16mpg in highway driving. Then the heater core failed. Then the steering rack began dumping fluid out a crack in the case. Then the driveshaft flew off at city speeds and I had to replace both U-joints to put it back in. Then the exhaust fell off. And I'm in Texas, exhaust doesn't rust here, this broke off from the age of the rubber hangers! Finally when the AC stopped blowing cold up front did I sell the van. The whole time I owned it I had to start it from under the hood with a screwdriver. The ignition switch was replaced twice, it would work for a week or so, then it wouldn't. The subsequent owner installed a big red START button on the dash. And yes, he had to replace the starter again because his kids kept hitting the button. Even his wife said, "what's this, honey?" and hit it while driving down the highway.
 
I think I spent about $4400 over 18 months on that van PLUS the value of the 270K mile 1995 Century I even traded for it (the dealer's asking price on the van was $1100, so we'll go with that and call it $5500 total). Sold it for a mere $750 after advertising it for six months straight on CL at varying prices as high as $1800 and as low as $900.
 
I have a feeling buying another Ford minivan would cause the same money pit syndrome as my Aerostar, nicknamed "The Van Of Questionable Mechanical Integrity", gave me back then. Which is sad. I've ridden in some Freestars as taxicabs. They were very comfortable. I drove a 1999 Windstar as a taxi in Dallas in 2002. I loved it! But evidently they don't hold up.
 
Has anyone been able to go 200K in a Freestar in normal/severe driving without a major transmission failure?

#1217 of 1891 Re: Well, this is no fun... [occupant1] by kkalbfleisch

May 17, 2010 (5:11 am)

Replying to: occupant1 (May 17, 2010 5:04 am)
There is a reason why your able to buy a 2005 with 132K for only $3200. The person just wants to get rid of it. The transmission problems with these Freestars is completely unacceptable!! If I were you, I wouldn't buy it.

#1218 of 1891 Re: Well, this is no fun... [kkalbfleisch] by bonnie30

May 17, 2010 (5:50 am)

Replying to: kkalbfleisch (May 17, 2010 5:11 am)
far as i no i would run from it it will give u nothing but headachei had my freestar less then 2 years it been n the shop more then my driveway i had everything completely tune up oil change every 3000 keep up with everything i have put more money and this dam vehicle and it still not running right now we going to put 2 new cv shaft to see if it is causing the shaking.. i just talk to my sister-n-law the other day and she just got town and chreler and she said she had nothing wrong with it i was thinking about getting rid of this and getting another model good luck if u consider buying it.. please keep n touch and let me no how it run if u consider buying it

#1219 of 1891 Re: Well, this is no fun... [occupant1] by nadineb

May 18, 2010 (9:14 am)

Replying to: occupant1 (May 17, 2010 5:04 am)
If you are looking for advise on whether to purchase this van, my advice would be to totally avoid this vehicle. I know that my vehicle would have gotten me or someone in my family killed. Any vehicle that preforms in this matter could be potentially deadly. If you have a family, I would not recommend this vehicle. Think about being rear ended in the vehicle, and the harm that it could do to those you love.
 
Jim has been attempting to fix a wrong for years because he knows and I believe has seen a number of auto accidents and the damage they leave behind. I personally can not comprehend this outrageous, neglectful, criminal, behavior on the part of Ford Motor Company or NHTSA. Is the fox (Ford Motor Company) watching the automotive henhouse (NHTSA)?

#1220 of 1891 Re: Well, this is no fun... [nadineb] by shocked1

May 18, 2010 (4:18 pm)

Replying to: nadineb (May 18, 2010 9:14 am)
NO, I will NEVER own another FORD!!!!!!!!!! Simply cause they DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR JUNK!!!!!! The 2004 FREESTAR VAN is nothing but a death trap And, once you buy one you're stuck with it for life.. NHTSA, POLITICS, NO ONE cares. Or they would force FORD to recall their trash!!!!!!!!!! Ive replaced 1 tranny, and will go out again, & I have the brake's problem also.But, as I said, who cares?
                                            FORD MOTOR CO. SUKS!!!!!!!

#1221 of 1891 Re: I have just became part of the club. [anabel] by jgenovese

May 19, 2010 (5:06 am)

Replying to: anabel (May 07, 2010 8:52 am)
Sorry for the delayed response. To my knowledge, the affected model years are, at least, 2004-2006. This vehicle was marketed as the Windstar prior to 2004 and was last manufactured and sold as a 2007. Additionally, I do beieve that some 2007's are already experiencing the same defect. (Plesae review the previous 1000 or so posts on this forum to verify this, however.
 
The flyers are an excellent idea. Any way we can get the word out to potential victims of this defect. Keep spreading the word and stay safe!
 
Jim Genovese
Anapolis, MD

Messages Page 123 of 190

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