Ford Freestar Transmission Problems

1900 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2013 at 12:47 PM

You are in the Ford Freestar Forum.

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


Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

#520 of 1900 Re: Trying a new approach [corporateabuse] by christinatux

Feb 25, 2009 (3:16 pm)

Replying to: corporateabuse (Feb 08, 2009 11:28 am)
2004 Ford Freestar trasmission died at 69,000 miles. No warnings or lights prior. Also I called Ford Service department to see if it was still covered under manufacture warranty. They told me "no, the warranty was only 3years/36,000 miles and that they didn't offer longer powertrain warranties until 2007. Left work one night, put it in reverse, worked fine, put it in drive and it went nowhere. No noises, no lights, no movement. My brother in law hooked it up to a diagnostic machine and it puts out no trouble codes. Any ideas???? Ford tells me they will install a rebuilt one for about $3.600 and that it will only be warrantied for 3 years/36,000 miles again...HMMMM

#521 of 1900 Re: Trying a new approach [christinatux] by christinatux

Feb 27, 2009 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: christinatux (Feb 25, 2009 3:16 pm)
Reported my issue to NHTSA yesterday and also emailed Ford.com. Here's a copy of the email and response:
 
Ford Motor CompanyMain Topic: VehicleServiceIssuesEmail Questions: My transmission has died at 69,000 miles. After researching this online, I have found hundreds of the same issues with this 2004 Ford Freestar. I purchased this van as a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle from Clarke Ford, Hudson, Ohio and have been told that the estimated cost for repair/replacement would be $3,600. I would like to know what you can help with about this issue, since it seems to be a manufacture defect? I have not had the van fixed yet as I can not afford that amount for repairs. In this economy who can?There are several posts stating that there is/will be a class action law suit filed. I thought I would pursue this avenue first and hope that you will stand behind your consumer and take the necessary steps to correct this issue. Thank You for your time.Owner: YesVehicle Identification Number: 2FMZA51654BA33970Mileage: 69000Vehicle Location: InPossessionIf Contacted Dealer: YesDealer Name: Clarke Ford, Montrose FordOwner First Name: ChristinaOwner Last Name: Owner Email Address: Owner Address1: City: TState: OhioZipPostal: Country: United StatesDay Phone: Client Browser : Firefox 3Client OS : Windows
 
Dear Christina,
 
Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the transmission concern on your 2004 Ford Freestar.
 
We apologize for the inconvenience this situation has caused you. However, we have documented your concerns and your information will be sent to your Dealership. Your Service Manager is in the best position to assist and should contact you within 4 business days.
 
Sometimes e-mail communication does not allow us to gain additional information that may be helpful in responding to your inquiry. Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday. Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952. Please provide your 10 digit reference number - 1356130579.
 
Sincerely,
France
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company

#522 of 1900 Re: Trying a new approach [christinatux] by jgenovese

Mar 02, 2009 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: christinatux (Feb 27, 2009 1:00 pm)
Outstanding job reporting to NHTSA. This is a crucial step. Good luck with the Customer Relationship center. My experience with them was maddening. They lied to me, laughed at me, and intentionally put me on hold for around 15 minutes while they were "looking for a supervisor" who, you guessed it, wasn't available to speak to me. My experience exposed to me one simple truth about Ford; They do not stand behind their product or care to maintain relationships with their loyal customer base. They treated me the way they did, knowing that I was a loyal Ford customer for 24 years, having purchased 9 new Fords and several used Fords as well. It wasn't merely, "Sorry, we can't help you." They were rude, antagonistic, sarcastic, unprofessional, and completely disrespectful. Apparently, somebody at Ford skipped Business 101. Keep us posted on your progress or lack thereof. Hopefully, something will break for us soon...
 
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD

#523 of 1900 2004 Freestar van by 2004van

Mar 04, 2009 (4:20 pm)

When I was looking for the required service at 90,000 miles, I found this forum. We have not had any problems with the van. Now I'm thinking the smart thing might be to sell it while it's still under the entended warranty, except I don't care to stick a buyer with a problem. When I checked the NHTSA I did not find many recalls and there appeared to be no actions in the works. Has any one had better luck getting the 2004 Ford vans repaired? 2004van

#524 of 1900 Re: 2004 Freestar van [2004van] by jgenovese

Mar 05, 2009 (8:43 am)

Replying to: 2004van (Mar 04, 2009 4:20 pm)
You are correct. Inexplicably, NHTSA has taken no action in spite of the evidence that this is a widespread and potentially deadly defect. The total lack of a response, not even a, "We looked into it and found nothing wrong," leads one to believe that there is something untoward going on behind the scenes. When you look at the investigations that NHTSA has conducted in the recent past and compare them to the total disregard for this issue, it is perplexing at best. Who knows, maybe something will break for us soon. In the meantime, count your blessings that you have not yet been a victim. I do have one question for you though, did you buy your van new?
 
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD

#525 of 1900 Add me to the list by trimadsco

Mar 05, 2009 (1:07 pm)

Well, I'm joining the club and NOT happy about it! 2005 Ford Freestar, 90,000 miles - and need a new torque converter - repair to cost $2100. NO warnings whatsoever with my vehicle as well - went to get lunch, wouldn't go into gear. Had to have it towed. Now have the added expense of a rental car because of course the extended warranty that I bought doesn't cover this. Haven't contaced Ford yet - I intend to but I'm sure I'll get the same response as you guys. Also going to report to NHTSA, but again - doubt that will do much good. I just don't understand why Ford isn't addressing this problem. Although I've been a loyal Ford customer for YEARS, I will be buying foreign - SOON!!!!

#526 of 1900 Re: 2004 Freestar van [jgenovese] by 2004van

Mar 05, 2009 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: jgenovese (Mar 05, 2009 8:43 am)
We got the 2004 Ford Freestar used from a dealer in Wisconsin. The first title was to a person from another state who had leased it for about 2 years and put fewer than 20,000 miles on it. Now at 85,000 I expect to have a couple problems with it, but hopefully not one that leaves my wife and/or kids broken-down on the highway at night. Where are the Ford dealership mechanics? I want to hear from you; what is going on with the tranmissions, guys?

#527 of 1900 Ford just isn't right!!!!!!!! by shocked1

Mar 05, 2009 (5:31 pm)

Well, after having tranny repaired Nov.08, it's "acting up" again. Doesn't surprize me. Mechanic said it would. I wish OBAMA would address this crap going on with FORD, instead of giving them free $$$$$$$!!!!!! It's sooo unfair. I don't feel right selling the problem to another.And hubby's 70, so forget a new one. Feel nothing will be done. Guess I've given up, other then reporting to everyone & telling family & friends so they won't buy anymore of FORD'S junk!!!!!!!!!!!

#528 of 1900 New Member of Freestar tranny failure club by mike123

Mar 14, 2009 (3:18 pm)

I wish I would have looked into this forum long ago. Our 2005 Freestar just had the transmission die with ~65,000 miles. Called the Ford service dept... got the same old apology speech as everyone else, 3 yr. / 36,000 mile (Built Ford Tough) sorry we can't help you. Received a quote for $3,500 to replace with Jasper tranny that comes with 3 year 100,000 mile warranty. Found a local garage that will do it for half cost and gives 1 yr warranty. I will file the complaint with Ford soon - hoping to hear of a class action lawsuit concerning this issue. I will NEVER own another Ford.

#529 of 1900 Re: Ford just isn't right!!!!!!!! [shocked1] by cowboys59

Mar 14, 2009 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: shocked1 (Mar 05, 2009 5:31 pm)
Hi Everyone,
It makes me really sad that we are no further than we were two years ago. The problem with the transmission in the Ford & Mercury minivans is this... the transmission is too small for the engine. This causes the torque converter to come apart under stress (normal every day use). The impeller vanes sheer off. If you do not replace the too-small transmission with a bigger one you will continue to have transmission failures. Ford will apparently never own up to this obvious factory caused problem. Under any other company (please google Acura with the same problem) there would be a recall. Ford must have many Government agencies in their pockets. Why hasn't any news agency contacted us? This is so blatent. Just keep trying and keep reporting this to anyone and everyone who will listen. I was so trying to get to testify on the hill as to why Ford DID NOT deserve a bailout. They are a piece of s--- company who deserves to go under. We all owe Jim G. a huge debt of gratitude. He has been the #1 advocate for all of us. We all know that the Ford dealerships have circled the wagons regarding this whole thing. Keep giving them hell Jim!
Kelly L.
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