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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 93 of 190

#918 of 1891 Re: attorney [jgenovese] by dtownfb

Nov 18, 2009 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: jgenovese (Nov 11, 2009 2:04 pm)
Is this what you were refering to: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091117/ANA02/911179988/1254-
 
NHTSA probes Ford minivans over transmission complaints
 
Neil Roland
Automotive News
November 17, 2009 - 4:23 pm ET
 
WASHINGTON -- Federal safety officials are investigating hundreds of complaints that 2004-05 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans have defective transmissions that can cause the moving vehicles to stop suddenly.
 
Subscribe to Automotive News
 
As many as 205,000 vehicles could be affected, NHTSA said today.
 
Investigators are focusing on the torque converter output shaft, NHTSA said on its Web site. The shaft, in the rear of the transmission, drives the wheels.
 
NHTSA reported 654 customer complaints and 2,791 warranty claims related to the vehicles' sudden inability to move on the road.
 
“It's a safety defect and should be recalled,” said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety.
 
The agency's engineering analysis is to be completed in 12 months, according to NHTSA.
 
A Ford Motor Co. spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
 
The Freestar and its Monterey sibling debuted in late 2003 and were discontinued after the 2007 model year after sagging sales.
 
In one complaint to the Center for Auto Safety, a Delaware resident said her 2004 Freestar suddenly stopped three times -- twice while on high-speed roadways trying to merge into traffic.
 
“While the vehicle was moving, the rpms would ramp up extremely high, but the vehicle would not move forward (felt as if all power, including steering, were gone),” wrote Nadine Burroughs of Middletown, Del.
 
“Driving down [Interstate 95], the transmission quit!” Ted Bennett of Crawfordville, Fl., wrote to Ditlow's group.

#919 of 1891 Re: attorney [dtownfb] by cowboys59

Nov 18, 2009 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: dtownfb (Nov 18, 2009 3:03 pm)
Jim,
Is this really true? How will this impact those of us who have already paid out of pocket for a new transmission?
I am sorry I haven't been active lately. I had some health issues which put me out of commission for six months (lost 70 pound though:-))
I know you are largely responsible for this happening. GREAT JOB!
Kelly Lilly

#920 of 1891 Re: attorney [cowboys59] by dtownfb

Nov 19, 2009 (9:20 am)

Replying to: cowboys59 (Nov 18, 2009 4:50 pm)
That article is from Automotive news website. It targets folks in the auto industry. My guess is if it was written there, it's most likely true. We'll see what comes of the NHTSA investigation. Very positive step for Freestar owners.

#921 of 1891 junk by shocked1

Nov 19, 2009 (6:03 pm)

This all sounds great, if happens. This month ended our warrenty on our tranny rebuild. Weve got to take it out town this week end. I drive it on prayers.

#922 of 1891 Re: attorney [cowboys59] by jgenovese

Nov 19, 2009 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: cowboys59 (Nov 18, 2009 4:50 pm)
Kelly,
 
Yes, it is finally coming to fruition. NHTSA has undertaken an investigation into the Freestar/Monteray transmission failures. This is in no small part due to the efforts of all of the good people who have taken the time to become informed, get engaged in the process, and stand up for themselves. Without every other consumer who respoded to our call to arms, this would not have been possible. Most of the credit, I believe, should go to Nadine. I believe that it was her research and the steps that she took that got NHTSA going on this issue.
 
Keep in mind however; this is just the beginning. This investigation likely will take months and the outcome is unpredictable in spite of what common sense tells us it should be.
 
In the meantime, hope your health continues to improve , congrats on the weght loss, and stay safe and keep the faith!
 
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD

#923 of 1891 Re: transmission problems [lloydcyn] by neetta

Nov 19, 2009 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: lloydcyn (Apr 11, 2006 4:16 pm)
Ours just did the same thing. Everyone has problems with this with the FreeStar. I can't believe Ford hasn't recalled this. When our motor failed on the Windstar, they replaced it. We sold it with 160,000 miles on it. This is disappointing. Our next car will not be a Ford.

#924 of 1891 When did that year Start ???? by oilandwater

Nov 21, 2009 (10:51 am)

I logged my complaint in Aug 09

#925 of 1891 Thank you Edmunds by nadineb

Nov 22, 2009 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: jgenovese (Nov 19, 2009 7:46 pm)
Jim,
 
Thank you for the kind words, but I believe that Edmunds deserves a lot of the credit for providing a space where we could all share our experiences. I have read every entry posted, and without them, I would have felt very alone in this process. All the people on this site inspired, encouraged, educated, and fought to get their voices heard. They filed complaints with NHTSA, Senators, Congresspeople, Better Business Bureau, and the Center for Auto Safety.
 
Personally, I would like to thank you all for providing hope.
 
Now, we need to respond to Fords letters to NHTSA.

#926 of 1891 Freestar problems again by zammer

Nov 23, 2009 (3:33 pm)

Had a 2002 Windstar, that, 200 kilometres prior to the 60,000 kilometre end of the warranty, the transmission started slipping. I called the dealership, told them I was experiencing problems, but that the issue semed to go away.
We made a service date for about a week later, and they informed me it needed extensive tranny work, and that the warranty was no longer in place. ( I was now 300 kms over). After some discussion, they agreed to swallow the whole cost...........thank god! Hats off to the dealer.
Now my 2005 Freestar with 111,000 km (65,000 miles) is lame. Went out to he driveway, put it in gear, and nothing happened. I had drove home the night before with no problems.
Had it towed to the local Ford dealer, who phoned back and said there wasn't any tranny pressure, so I needed a new tranny. They are looking for a used for approximately $1500, and with installation, filters etc, will be $3100, plus tax.
Ford misspoke when it named this vehicle a "FREE" Star. I have some other ideas for sur names
Seems to be a similar theme with these vans.

#927 of 1891 Re: Thank you Edmunds [nadineb] by KarenS HOST

Nov 23, 2009 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: nadineb (Nov 22, 2009 3:15 pm)
You're very welcome! This is what the Forums are about. Consumers sharing information and supporting each other.

Messages Page 93 of 190

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