2004 FORD FREESTAR Seats Problems

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle due to part availability issues. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (RECALL REMEDY INCIDENT) TS

Mileage: 150,000

THE PART THAT HAS THE CLIP FOR BACK SEAT FELL OUT AND NOW THERE IS A 5 BY 5 INCH HOLE GOING INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SEAT HAS NOTHING TO CLIP ONTO AND BE SECURE, THIS WAS RECALLED IN THIS MODEL

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE ADJUSTING THE THIRD ROW SEAT, IT DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. TRI COUNTY FORD (032 COMMERCE PKWY, LA GRANGE, KY 40031, (866) 417-0262) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. *DL

Mileage: 161,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK SEAT NEAR THE REAR WHEEL WELL BECAME DETACHED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED AN EXHAUST ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,867.

Mileage: 168,867

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE REVERSING INTO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PILE OF RUST ON THE GROUND AND REALIZED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENTIRELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY FORD OF MAPLE HEIGHTS (5500 WARRENSVILLE CENTER RD, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH 44137, (216) 662-3673) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKER MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE CORRODED THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE CLEANING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL AND THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,019.

Mileage: 142,019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CARPET IN THE REAR ROWS OF THE VEHICLE BECOME WET AND SOAKED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ANCHOR LATCH WAS LOOSE. MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVER NOTICED A GRINDING TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SAME FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

WENT TO INVESTIGATE THE WATER LOGGED CARPET IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. REMOVED INTERIOR PLASTIC PANELS ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VAN. THE SEAT ANCHOR MECHANISM FELL OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL UNTO THE TIRE. VERY FORTUNATE I WAS IN THE GARAGE AND NOT TRAVELLING DOWN THE FREEWAY.

Mileage: 155,000

THE THIRD ROW SEATING LATCH HAS RUSTED OUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE I BELIEVE HAS ISSUES THAT OTHER 2004 FORD FREESTAR VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND WERE RECALLED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP. I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND I FEAR TO TAKE THEM ANYWHERE IN THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND STUTTERS WHEN IN DRIVE WHETHER I'M MOVING OR AT A STOP LIGHT AS LONG AS I AM IN ANY GEAR. IT ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES AND I'VE PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY.

Mileage: 81,000

IM HAVING MANY ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE WORST ONE IS THE PASSIVE SECURITY SYSTEM THAT HAS STRANDED ME IN MANY AREAS BECAUSE IT REFUSES TO START. I HAVE TRIED MANY THINGS INCLUDING REPLACING TRANSPONDER KEYS AND THE TRANSCEIVER BUT I STILL AM GETTING THE FLASHING RED SECURITY LIGHT. IM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS THING IN THE WINTER DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF GETTING STRANDED IN COLD TEMPERATURES. ALSO THIS VEHICLE LETS WATER LEAK IN EVERYWHERE CAUSING SEVERE RUST AND MOLD ISSUES. ONE OF THE FLOOR SUPPORTS OF THE DRIVERS SEAT IS CLOSE TO BEING RUSTED THROUGH AND THE OTHER ONES ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT. THE BODY IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND IM NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER THIS THING WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE.

2004 FORD FREESTAR [XXX]FORD IS CHARGING ME FOR THE REPAIR FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER SUBFRAME 3-4 $600~$800 BUSHING KITS ($200 EACH) THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THEM THAT ONLY DO THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS THE PULLED MY VAN OUT AND TOLD ME THE CANT DO THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED OF THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS MIGHT BREAK, THEN COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SUBFRAME MY HAVE TO BE CUT TO INSTALL NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS BUSHINGS ETC. JUST TO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE THE APART TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE AGREED TO CHARGE ME 300 LABOR AND TOLD ME TO PICK UP THE PARTS NEEDED SO I PURCHASED 2 TIE-RODS. 2 TRANSAXLES L-R, 2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH INCLUDED BALL JOINTS. THEY TOOK THE SUBFRAME APART THEN TOLD ME I NEED TO PAY AND ADDITIONAL $500 FOR A USED SUBFRAME FROM THE SALVAGE YARD. INSTEAD OF FORD JUST PREPLACING THE SUBFRAME 4 BUSHINGS AND BOLTS KITS $67.00 AT PARK FORD 400 WEST AVENUE TALLMADGE OHIO 44278, THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME I NEEDED TO GET A NEW SUBFRAME BOLTS AND THAT THE SUBFRAME IS NOT MADE ANYMORE AND 3-4 $600~$800 EACH. THEN THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $300 EXTRA LABOR FOR CUTTING THE FRAME/ AND WELDING IT BACK SHUT TO INSTALL WASHER(BOLT ANCHORS ) THEN RESEAL IT, AND TO UNINSTALL THE OLD PARTS AND INSTALL THE NEW PARTS WHICH THEY HAVE TO REMOVE TO PERFORM THE FACTORY RECALL REPAIRS. SO THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST ME 392.20 FOR PARTS 300 LABOR, 800 SUBFRAME BUSHINGS $1492.2 IF PURCHASE ELSEWHERE AROUND $26 EACH I AM A USA DISABLE VETERAN STUDYING FORM CISCO CCNA 200-105 EXAM AND SO I CAN BETTER SUPPORT MY ADULT SPECIAL NEED DAUGHTER [XXX] ,I AM [XXX] FORD HAD MY VAN FRIDAY 24TH 2017 ITS MARCH 1ST 2017 AND THEY ARE SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. WHILE I HAVE TO WALK TO MY DESTINATIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 174,000

SHEET METAL CORROSION THAT SUPPORTS THE THIRD ROW SEAT COULD CORRODE AND COMPROMISE THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE SEAT. POSSIBLE THE SEAT MAY COME UNLATCHED IF INVOLVED IN REAR IMPACT ACCIDENT. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH RECALL WITH PARTS PROVIDED BY MANUFACTURER BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION. DEALER INDICATES THAT ADDITIONAL PARTS BEYOND THE 'RECALL KIT' ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. DEALER ALSO INDICATES THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SOONER, NEAR THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE. MANUFACTURE IS STILL SENDING RECALL NOTICES INVITING US TO ACCOMPLISH. DEALER RELEASED THE VEHICLE BACK TO US WITHOUT REPAIR OR ANY ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES CONCERNING SECURING OF THE SEAT. ESCALATED ISSUE TO FORD CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE WHO HAS NOT RESPONDED AT PRESENT TIME. BEEN WITHOUT VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ANY ACCOMMODATIONS OR ANSWERS OTHER THAN 'SOMEONE WILL GET BACK TO YOU TOMORROW', WHICH HASN'T HAPPENED YET.

Mileage: 213,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION WHERE THE RECALL PARTS WOULD BE INSTALLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE CORRODED MATERIAL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED BEFOREHAND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE CORRODED COMPONENT IN ORDER FOR THIS RECALL TO BE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *TR

Mileage: 120,000

THE 3RD SEAT HOOKS RUSTED OUT LEAVING AND UNSTABLE PASSENGER SEAT AND BODY STRUCTURE ISSUES THAT ARE IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL #13S01BUT DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING IN A "SALTBELT" STATE, IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS PRETTY CLEAR THAT KANSAS AND NEBRASKA USE SALE ABUNDANTLY ON THE ROADS. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY SPECIFIC CAN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IS WAS MANUFACTURED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE 100,000 THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO IT SHOULD NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH IT NOW HAS. I PUT MY FOUR KIDS IN THIS VAN AND NOW IT IS NOT STRUCTURAL STABLE FOR THEM.

Mileage: 154,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ONCE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). WHILE OBSERVING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKER MOUNTING BRACKET WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

FORD IS NOT HONORING 13V081000 FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKER PROBLEMS. OUR VAN WHICH IS OPERATED IN THE KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN AREA, WHICH HEAVILY SALTS THE ROADS IS HAVING THE CORROSION PROBLEM. JUST THIS WEEKEND WE WERE TRAVELING WITH ALL SEATS OCCUPIED WHEN THE INNER FENDER WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BROKE THROUGH WITH THE SEAT STRIKER MOUNTING BRACKET HITTING THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR TIRE. FORTUNATELY AT THE TIME WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE SEAT OCCUPANTS AND RETURN HOME SAFELY. THE DESIGN OF THIS SEAT STRIKER PLATE IS FLAWED AS THERE IS A REINFORCING PLATE ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE FENDER WELL THAT RESULTS IN ENTRAPMENT OF MOISTURE AND DIRT. THIS BAD DESIGN COMBINED WITH THE WEIGHT OF THREE PEOPLE OCCUPYING THE SEAT RESULTS IN STRESSING OF THE FENDER WELL MATERIAL. WHEN I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER ON MONDAY AND GAVE THEM MY VIN THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY HINT OF A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE.

Mileage: 172,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR MECHANISM FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE TO PUNCTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRACTURED SEAT ANCHOR HAD PUNCTURED THE INSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REAR TIRE WAS NOT ALSO REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

FORD REFUSES TO PAY FOR RECALL RELATED REPAIRS. I PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JULY OF 2015. RECEIVED NOTICE FROM FORD OF SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING 3RD ROW SEATING. FORD WANTS $2100 FOR REPAIR OF THE CORROSION ON THE WHEEL WELLS. THE ROW SEATING IS USELESS DOESN'T LOCK IN OPEN POSITION.

FORD IS RECALLING 04-07 FREESTAR FOR THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKER MOUNTING BRACKETS. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAID MY VAN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. MY THIRD ROW STOWABLE SEAT IS EXPERIENCING CORROSION AND STRUCTURAL DEGRADATION AT THE SEAT ANCHOR MECHANISM MOUNTED TO THE REAR WHEEL WELLS. AND I KNOW THAT THIS WILL NOT FULLY LATCH INTO ITS SEATING POSITION. WHAT CAN BE DONE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY GAVE ME A CASE # NUMBER BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL( 13V081000) RECALL ID 92589

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT A LARGE PIECE OF METAL WAS PROTRUDING FROM UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEAT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,040. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 223,040

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S THIRD ROW REAR SEAT WAS UNATTACHED TO THE ANCHOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MA 10/5 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT BRACKETS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BRACKETS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) BUT THE DEALER DECLINED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT ANCHOR FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

THE LEFT ANCHOR OF OUR THIRD ROW SEAT HAS DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE SEAT WILL NOT LATCH TO THE FLOOR. THIS PROBLEM IS COVERED IN FORD RECALL CAMPAIGN 13S01, BUT WE LIVE IN VIRGINIA, RIGHT OVER THE STATE LINE FROM MARYLAND. OUR SECTION OF VIRGINIA OVERSALTS THE ROAD, SO WE FACE THE SAME ISSUE AS THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. WE WOULD LIKE FORD TO COVER OUR REPAIRS THE SAME AS THOSE NORTH OF US. *TR

ONCE AGAIN, FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR VEHICLE DEFECTS. OUR THIRD ROW REAR SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE FLOOR LATCH IS CORRODED AND BROKEN AND OUR CHILDREN CAN NO LONGER SAFELY RIDE IN OUR ONLY VEHICLE. FORD RECALLED MANY OTHER FREESTARS FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO INCLUDE OUR VEHICLE DESPITE THE SIMILARITIES. OUR VEHICLE HAS NOW BROKEN DOWN ON US NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO POWER TRAIN ISSUES (LATER RECALLED), TRANSMISSION ISSUES (LATER RECALLED), AND NOW THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY CONTINUE TO DISREGARD SAFETY FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT FAILED TO LATCH INTO ITS SEATING POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH MOUNTING BRACKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V081000 (SEATS) WAS REFERENCED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OLD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,068.

Mileage: 68,068

I HAVE A 2004 FORD FREESTAR THAT HAS THIS EXACT PROBLEM 13V081000. I CALLED THE DEALER AND SINCE I'M IN KANSAS THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIRS. I HAVE PHOTOS AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. MY BACK SEAT CANNOT LOCK FORWARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) AND WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NEED TO EITHER USE PARTS FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER OR PERMANENTLY REMOVE THE REAR SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE THIRD SEAT ANCHOR POINT BROKE SENDING THE SEAT FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

2004 FORD FREESTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL WELL RUSTING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED RUST DEVELOPED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN 2010, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONSUMER BOUGHT AMOR PROTECTION FOR RUST. THE CONSUMER PUT IN A CLAIM, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, ONE YEAR LATER, THE RUST RETURNED, ONLY THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED A SECOND CLAIM. A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER, THE THIRD SEAT BRACKET FELL APART. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ABOUT THE WHEEL WELL RUSTING. THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, AS THEY WERE CUTTING AWAY AT THE RUST. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FRAME WAS ALSO RUSTING, AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, OR TO EVEN TRY AND FIX THE RUST PROBLEM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS), IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE CORRODED DUE TO WATER PENETRATION AND WERE UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR LATCH 3RD ROW SEAT FELL OFF, DUE TO IT RUBBING AGAINST THE REAR TIRE.

Mileage: 63,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GAPING HOLE IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL, CAUSING THE THIRD ROAD STRIKER AND LATCH TO FRACTURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE THIRD ROW SEAT FROM LOCKING INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS) HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE OWNER THAT THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED MOLD AND CORROSION TO FORM IN THE QUARTER PANEL, SEAT BELTS, LEFT THIRD ROAD SEAT AND THE CARPET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

Mileage: 87,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS BUILDING UP IN THE WHEEL WELL BRACKETS FOR THE THIRD ROW SEATS. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT EXHIBITED RUST AND CORROSION. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR PLATE WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME THAT IS DESCRIBED IN EA12003. THE ATTACHING BRACKET FOR THE REAR SEAT FELL OUT WHILE THE SEAT WAS FOLDED INTO THE FLOOR. IT BECAME LODGED IN THE INNER PORTION OF THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEEDS, SOMEBODY COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED, BY THE REAR WHEEL BECOMING RESTRICTED OR THIS HEAVY PLATE BOUNCING DOWN THE ROAD AT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRACKET IS A U BRACKET ATTACHED TO A PLATE THAT IS WELDED FLUSH TO COMPRISE PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. TO TEMPORARILY KEEP FROM LOSING THE BRACKET, I HELD THE BRACKET IN PLACE WHILE SETTING THE SEATS UPRIGHT AGAIN SO THAT THE SEAT ITSELF IS HOLDING THE BRACKET IN. THERE IS NOW WATER FROM THE ROAD GETTING UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I HOPE THAT FORD ISSUES A RECALL OR OFFERS A BOLT ON REPLACEMENT SOON. I'VE BEEN MOSTLY HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE OTHERWISE. (THERE ARE NO OTHER PRICES RUSTING OR FALLING OFF OBVIOUSLY). *TR

Mileage: 130,000

AS STATED WITH OTHER 2004 FORD FREESTARS, REAR RUST ON DRIVERSIDE REAR, REAR SEAT WILL NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE SAFETY LOCK IS RUSTED AWAY, NOT SAFE TO ANY PASSENGER TO SIT THERE. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

THE PANEL THAT THE LATCH IS BOLTED TO WAS CORRODED AND CAME OF LEAVING NO PLACE FOR THE LATCH ON THE DRIVE'S SIDE TO ATTACH TO. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WHEEL MOUNT AND WHEEL WELL WERE RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE THIRD ROW LATCH FAILED AND THE SEATS WERE UNABLE TO STAY FOLDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL AND LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

THE LEFT REAR 3RD ROW SEAT ANCHOR PLATE, MOUNTED NORMALLY TO THE LEFT REAR INNER WHEELHOUSE AS AN INTEGRATED PART OF THE WHEELHOUSE, HAS RUSTED AROUND THE PLATE EDGES AND THE ENTIRE PLATE IS SEPARATING FROM THE WHEELHOUSE ASSEMBLY. CURRENTLY IT IS RUSTED THRU ON THE LEFT , RIGHT, AND BOTTOM EDGES OF THE MOUNTING PLATE, REMAINING ATTACHED ONLY ALONG ITS TOP EDGE. THIS IS LETTING ROAD MOISTURE INTO THE INTERIOR REGIONS OF THE VAN, SOILING CARPET AND JUTE, CAUSING ODOR AND POSSIBLE MOLD DEVELOPMENT. THE 3RD ROW SEAT CAN NO LONGER BE SAFELY ATTACHED. *TR

Mileage: 100,800

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR SEAT WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FLOOR. THE PLATE THAT WAS HOLDING THE SEAT IN PLACE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND DISCONNECTED LEAVING A HOLE NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE. THE PLATE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT WAS ALSO COVERED WITH RUST, BUT HAD NOT BROKEN AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,300. UPDATED 02/26/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND ITS 5YRS CORROSION WARRANTY.UPDATED 03/1/2013 *JS

Mileage: 119,000

I OWN 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LATCH THE THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, THE LATCH FAILED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION ON THE FLOOR PANEL ,SIDE PANEL AND ATTACHMENTS WHICH HOLDS THE THIRD SEAT LATCH BRACKET THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH BRACKET SLIDES OUT AND EXTRUDES TO REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN BURST THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WHILE RUNNING CAR. I AM ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT IN RELATION TO OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED. THERE IS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION TAKING PLACE (EA12003 AND PE11039) FOR THIS ISSUE ALREADY. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY 3RD ROW SEAT BACK UP AND LOCK IT INTO PLACE. ON THE DRIVE SIDE I NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, I KNOW NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE LATCH HAD BROKEN OFF BECAUSE OF RUSTED PANEL. THE WHOLE PLATE RUSTED THRU . *TR

Mileage: 99,750

THE DRIVER-SIDE WALL BRACKET THAT LOCKS THE THIRD ROW SEAT INTO THE UPRIGHT (USABLE) POSITION IS LOOSE. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS WELDED TO THE INNER SHELL SHEET METAL OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE INNER SHELL AROUND THE BRACKET HAS RUSTED SUFFICIENTLY TO CAUSE THE BRACKET TO BE LOOSE. WE HAVE DISCONTINUED USE OF THE BACK SEAT, FEARING INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION DURING A POTENTIAL CRASH. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

RETURNING FROM A 'DUMP RUN', I NOTICED THE PLASTIC COVER FOR THE 3RD ROW PASSENGER SEAT, DRIVER SIDE, HAD BEEN DISLODGED AND WAS LYING ON THE FLOOR. I WENT TO RECONNECT IT AND I FOUND THE LATCH 'FLOATING'. IT WAS NO LONGER PART OF THE VEHICLE. I COULD SEE OUT THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE WELDED PLATE, THAT SHOULD BE PART OF THE VAN WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. I HAVEN'T LOOKED AT THE TIRE FOR DAMAGE, YET. THIS IS A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ERROR, AS THE LATCH BRACKET USED TO SECURE THE PASSENGER SEAT IN PLACE, NEEDS TO BE A PERMANENT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VAN ISN'T TOO OLD, AND SHOULD LAST MANY MORE YEARS/MILES AND FOR THIS PIECE TO COME LOOSE, IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A QUALITY ISSUE. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR FEAR OF BEING GOUGED ON THE COST TO REPAIR, WHICH SHOULD BE AT FORD'S COST. IF THIS WAS A PICK UP TRUCK WITH EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS ALL THE TIME, I COULD SEE A RUST ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE IS LIGHTLY USED AND GARAGED NIGHTLY, SO IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN - EVER. THE OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS PAGE ARE ALL SIMILAR TO MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PART. RIGHT NOW, I'M USING A STRAP TO HOLD THE PIECE IN PLACE, STRETCHING TO THE LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. COMMENT: THIS VAN HAS HAD TOO MANY QUALITY ISSUES SINCE WE PURCHASED IT IN 2006 - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, DRIVER SEAT HEATER REPLACED, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH MECH. REPLACED, IGNITION REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 130,600

DURING STS TIRE SERVICING, MECHANIC SHOWED ME A LARGE SECTION OF STRUCTURAL STEEL HANGING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND A MICHELIN TIRE THAT CONTAINED ABRASIVE RIPPING CAUSED BY THE SECTION OF STEEL THAT HAD BEEN DANGLING AND RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE LARGE SECTION OF STEEL CONTAINED AN ANCHOR AT THE CENTER WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED TO HOLD THE THIRD ROW ROW IN PLACE. THIS STEEL PLATE WITH THE ANCHOR FOR HOLDING THE THIRD ROW SEAT IN PLACE IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH ALLOWED THE WELDS HOLDING IT IN PLACE TO FAIL CREATING DANGERS OF: UNSECURED SEATING, HOLE EXPOSING PASSENGERS TO EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE AND MOVING PARTS, OPENING FOR RODENTS OR OTHER DANGERS TO ENTER VEHICLE, KNOWLEDGE OF PRIOR MAY CAUSE FEAR AND PANIC OF DRIVER OR PASSENGERS WHICH MAY CAUSE ACCIDENT OR MENTAL ANGUISE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO SMITH FORD DEALERSHIP IN WASHINGTON, N.J. REQUESTING AN INSPECTION AND WARRANTY REPAIR OF THE ABOVE STATED STRUCTURAL STEEL. SMITH FORD INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THAT THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED BY FORD AND THAT FORD DOES NOT ACCEPT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. REPORTED THIS TO FORD HEADQUARTERS ON NOVEMBER 30, 2012 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS CORRECT IN STATING THAT FORD WILL NOT REPAIR THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. MY WIFE IS INCREASINGLY HAVING TERRIFYING VISIONS OF MICE JUMPING ON HER WHILE DRIVING, HAVING SNAKES CRAWLING INTO THE CAR, RAIN SNOW MUD ETC ENTERING VEHICLE, OR HAVING THE CHILDREN PUT THEIR HANDS OR OTHER THINGS INTO THE HOLE IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

NOTICED A PANEL LOOSE IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WHILE REMOVING THE WHEEL. THE PANEL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL WELL, WITH ONLY SOMETHING ATTACHED TO IT ON THE INTERIOR KEEPING IT FROM FALLING OFF. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS PANEL IS THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR AND THE SEAT LATCH WAS THE ONLY THING KEEPING IT FROM FALLING OFF. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR IS $906.99. THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR WAS REMOVED AND THE HOLE TEMPORARILY TAPED CLOSED, AND THE REAR SEAT IS NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE USED. CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS EXIST FOR THIS CONDITION AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NONE. CURRENTLY TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND THE CONDITION OF THIS PANEL/ANCHOR IS UNUSUAL WHEN COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BRACKET FAILURE. THE BRACKET IS MOUNTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THE WELD AROUND THE BRACKET HAD SEVERE RUSTING, NO WHERE SIMILAR TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR. THE PLATE HOLDING THE BRACKET RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY DROPPING THE SEAT. THE PLATE AND BRACKET BEGAN RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. IF I HAD NOT STOPPED AND FOUND THE PROBLEM AND SECURED THE BRACKET, THE TIRE COULD HAVE BLOWN CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. ACCIDENT WAS PREVENTED, BUT SERIOUS BODY FAILURE OCCURRED. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AS IS THIS SEAT SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED UNTIL IT CAN BE FIXED, THERE IS NO COST EFFECTIVE FIX. *TR

Mileage: 142,000

THE 3RD ROW REAR SEAT ON MY 2004 FREESTAR DOES NOT LATCH INTO SEATED POSITION PROPERLY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUPPORT RING WHICH THE 3RD ROW SEAT LATCHES INTO WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE TRIM. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND NOTICED THAT A STEEL PLATE WHICH THE SUPPORT RING IS MOUNTED HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN IT IS NOT LATCHED IT HAS A TENDENCY TO INTERFERE WITH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHILE THERE IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF METAL HOLDING THE MOUNTING PLATE IN PLACE, IT REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE TO LATCH THE SEAT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE METAL PLATE FROM SCORING THE SIDEWALL OF MY TIRE. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOUNTING PLATE CONTINUES TO BE SECURE, YET THERE IS A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. IF SOMEONE STOWS THE 3RD ROW SEAT AND TRIES TO FLIP IT BACK INTO SEATING POSITION WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THE SUPPORT RING IS LOOSE, THEY COULD END UP SCORING THE SIDEWALL ON THE REAR TIRE AND CAUSING A COMPLETE FAILURE. FURTHER, THE PROPER FUNCTION OF THE SEAT BELT IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT COULD BE COMPROMISED DURING AN ACCIDENT; THE SEAT COULD PITCH FORWARD OR FLIP BACK BECAUSE IT IS NOT SOLIDLY SECURED TO THE VAN'S STRUCTURE. *TR

Mileage: 169,000

OUR TWO DAUGHTERS WHERE IN THE REAR SEAT AND COMPLAINED OF A BAD SMELL AS IF SOMETHING BURNING. AT ABOUT THAT SAME TIME I NOTICED HEARING A RUBBING NOISE EVERY TIME WE TURNED LEFT. WHEN WE GOT HOME SHORTLY AFTER I LOOKED UP UNDER THE INNER FENDER OF THE REAR LEFT WHEEL AND FOUND A LARGE STEEL PLATE LOOSE AND RUBBING THE TIRE. IT WAS SO RUSTY YOU COULD SEE THE INTERIOR PLASTIC PANELS AND INSULATION. AT THAT TIME I PUT AWAY THE REAR SEAT AND NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE ANCHOR WAS TOTALLY LOOSE AND WHEN I ASKED THE GIRLS IF THEY NOTICED THAT THE SEAT MOVED THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOTICE IT MOVE BUT NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE IS NOW A HOLE IN THE CAR WHEEL WELL AND WE CANNOT USE THE BACK SEAT. WE HAVE A BUNGEE CORD LATCHED TO THE TWO SEAT ANCHORS HOLDING THEM INWARD TO KEEP THE METAL PLATE FROM RUBBING THE TIRE. THE VAN IS NOW LIMITED TO FOUR PASSENGERS AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERING THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 125,682

INABILITY TO LATCH THE REAR SEAT, ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE ANCHOR PLATE COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 143,000

THE LEFT REAR SEAT ANCHOR HAS DETACHED FROM THE BODY DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST IN THE REAR QUARTER PANEL BY THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE THIRD SEAT IS NO LONGER USABLE AND THERE IS A HOLE THROUGH THE BODY THAT LETS AIR AND WATER INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA SHOWS RUST AS WELL BUT THE SEAT ANCHOR HAS NOT YET DETACHED FROM THE QUARTER PANEL. TWO FORD DEALERS HAVE SAID THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING AND DO NOT KNOW IF IT CAN BE FIXED. MY CONCERN IS SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, NOISE AND WATER ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND THE LOSS OF USE OF THE THIRD SEAT. THIS VEHICLE IS TOO YOUNG AND USEFUL TO BE SCRAPPED. *TR

Mileage: 153,850

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT PULLED THE REAR SEATS UP AND NOTICED THE STUD WHICH HOLDS THE BACK SEAT IN PLACE WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE STUD AND IT FRACTURED. ALSO, THE WHEEL WELD WAS CORRODED ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WELDED NEW METAL PIECES TO THE WHEEL WELLS ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA12003 (SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE STRUCTURE:BODY) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT PULLED THE REAR SEATS UP AND NOTICED THE STUD WHICH HOLDS THE BACK SEAT IN PLACE WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE STUD AND IT FRACTURED. ALSO, THE WHEEL WELD WAS CORRODED ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WELDED NEW METAL PIECES TO THE WHEEL WELLS ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA12003 (SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE STRUCTURE:BODY) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ

Mileage: 90,000

THE THIRD ROW DRIVERS SIDE SEAT ANCHOR NO LONGER HOLDS THE SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE PLATE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT THE ANCHOR ATTACHES TO HAS RUSTED LOOSE. I BROUGHT THE VAN TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

OUR SON WAS IN THE REAR SEAT AND COMPLAINED THAT AS WE TURNED CORNERS, HIS SEAT MOVED. HE SAID IT FELTS AS IF IT WERE NOT LATCHED. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND THE SEAT DID NOT LATCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO RELATCH IT AND FOUND THE LATCH ANCHOR WAS LOOSE. BEING DARK AND 30 MILES FROM HOME, WE DROVE ON. WE THEN HEARD LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THAT WHEEL WELL AND BEGAN TO SMELL "BURNING RUBBER". HAVING NO OTHER OPTION, WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE DARK HIGHWAY AND SAW A PIECE OF METAL HANGING OUT OF THE VAN, ONTO THE TIRE. WE PULLED IT THE REST OF THE WAY OUT AND FOUND THAT IT WAS THE SEAT LATCH ANCHOR. THE AREA SEEMS TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED...FROM THE INSIDE. THE METAL DID NOT LOOK RUSTED FROM THE OUTSIDE. WE NOW HAVE A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE VAN (IN THE WHEEL WELL) AND A VAN WHICH IS INCAPABLE OF HAULING OUR FAMILY OF FIVE. EVEN USING IT AS A FOUR-PASSENGER VAN, WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT EXHAUST ENTERING THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN. (MILEAGE NOTED IS APPROXIMATE). *TR

Mileage: 156,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT SUPPORT CORRODED CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL FORWARD AND ALSO PUSH PIECES OF METAL INTO THE REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

I AM ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT IN RELATION TO OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED. THERE IS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION TAKING PLACE (EA12003 AND PE11039) FOR THIS ISSUE ALREADY. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY 3RD ROW SEAT BACK UP AND LOCK IT INTO PLACE. ON THE DRIVE SIDE I NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, I KNOW NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE LATCH HAD FALLEN OFF AND WAS LAYING ON THE BACK DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE WHOLE PLATE RUSTED THRU AND FELL OFF INTO THE WHEEL WELL. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2004. YES I LIVE IN A SNOW STATE THAT USES SALT, BUT THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE ITS ENTIRE LIFE. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT STANCE, IF ANY, FORD IS TAKING WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

THE THIRD ROW SEAT WAS LOOSE WHEN LOCKED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE I NOTICED THE METAL PLATE WAS LOOSE. I PUT DOWN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND LOOKED THROUGH THE PLASTIC TO SEE THAT ALL AROUND THE METAL PLATE ROTTED AWAY. SINCE THE THIRD ROW SEAT WAS NOT LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN I TOUCHED THE BRACKET ON THE METAL PLATE, THE ENTIRE PLATE FELL OUT ONTO THE REAR TIRE. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE PLATE INSIDE THE REAR QUARTER PANEL IS ROTTED AND THERE IS NOTHING TO WELD THE PLATE BACK TO. THERE IS ALSO A LARGE OPENING INTO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THAT PLATE IS NO LONGER THERE. MY SEVEN SEAT VAN CAN ONLY HOLD FOUR PEOPLE SAFELY. *TR

Mileage: 147,965

SEVERE RUST IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL CAUSED THE THIRD ROW SEAT TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS NOW UNSAFE AND CANNOT BE USED. THE SEAT CAN NO LONGER BE SECURELY LATCHED IN PLACE. THIS VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND ONLY HAS 72,938 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 72,938

I WAS ROTATING MY TIRES AND NOTICED THAT INSIDE EACH REAR WHEEL WELL THERE WAS A PANEL PATCHED IN FROM THE FACTORY THAT WAS RUSTING TERRIBLY, WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE BEING MUCH WORSE AND ALMOST COMPLETELY FALLING OFF THE BODY. WITH SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED THAT THE PANEL ACTUALLY HOLDS THE ANCHORS FOR THE REARMOST FOLDING SEAT. AS I STATED, THE DRIVERS SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED OFF THE CAR AND THERE IS A GIANT HOLE THAT IS LETTING WATER AND SNOW INSIDE THE VAN AND RUINING THE CARPET AND PADDING. I FREQUENTLY CARRY MULTIPLE CHILDREN,SOME IN CHILD SAFETY SEATS, AND COULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN DURING A COLLISION IF THE REAR SEAT ANCHOR WERE TO SEPARATE FROM THE VAN. I SERIOUSLY HOPE THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF RECALL, AS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT YET 10 YEARS OLD AND THE REST OF THE BODY IS STILL IN GREAT SHAPE. THIS IS NOT JUST A SURFACE RUST ISSUE, IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO ANYONE OWNING THIS TYPE OF VAN AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT AS I'M SURE THE REPAIR IS NOT EASY OR CHEAP. *TR

Mileage: 164,900

LEFT REAR SEAT ANCHOR WAS LOOSE, SO WE LOOKED. A LARGE HOLE HAD RUSTED OUT OF THE INNER FENDER CAUSING THE ANCHOR TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE BODY. WE TOOK IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT AND THEY AGREED IT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE RIGHT SIDE IS ALSO RUSTING OUT, ALTHOUGH NOT THE POINT OF COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH, YET. WE ARE JUST THANKFUL THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN WE WERE PARKED AND NOT DRIVING 65 MPH CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 116,542

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR (THIRD ROW) SEAT ANCHOR WILL NO LONGER HOLD THE SEAT IN PLACE. IT APPEARS THE METAL PLATE THE ANCHOR ATTACHES TO HAS RUSTED FREE FROM THE CAR, DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL CREATING AN OPENING TO THE OUTSIDE. THE SEAT CANNOT BE PROPERLY LATCHED TO THE VAN WHEN IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

THE REAR LEFT METAL U-SHAPED POST THAT IS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT OF THE REAR BENCH SEAT AND IS ATTACHED THROUGH THE BODY BY A METAL PLATE IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SPEED OF 10 MILES PER HOUR. THE REAR SEAT WAS FOLDED INTO THE FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE POST AND THE ATTACHED PLATE FELL OUT INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THEN FELL TO THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION, THE EDGE OF THE METAL PLATE, AND MUCH OF THE SURROUNDING WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT RESULTED IN A LARGE HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT GOES CLEAR THOUGH TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VAN. WE BROUGHT THE VAN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED SEEING THIS ISSUE RECENTLY IN THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF VAN. THEY SAID THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE A REPAIR. THEY SUGGESTED TAKING THE ISSUE TO A BODY SHOP. TWO LOCAL BODY SHOPS WERE UNABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. AS IT STANDS, THE REAR BENCH SEAT IS UNUSABLE AS IT CAN'T BE SECURED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, AND THERE IS A HOLE NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM THAT MAKES THE VAN UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT IS FRUSTRATING THAT THE SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN SEEN BY FORD, YET NO SUITABLE REPAIR OR SOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOUNT ON THIRD ROW SEAT FAILED SIDE PANEL IN WHEEL WELL CORRODED AND FAILED DISPLACING PANEL INTO TIRE SIDEWALL. PASSENGER SIDE PANEL SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE. FORD DEALERSHIP BODYSHOP REFUSES TO WORK ON ISSUE FOR FEAR OF FUTURE LIABILITY. DEALERSHIP STATES THAT CORROSION ISSUES BEYOND NORMAL. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

THE REARMOST SEAT IN MY MINIVAN WILL NOT LATCH DOWN ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. THE REAR AXLE 'MOANS' AT TIMES AND MAKES A ROTATIONAL SHIMMING SOUND. UPON INSPECTION, I AM TOLD THERE IS SEVERE RUST IN THE WHEEL WELL WHERE IT LOCATES TO THE SEAT ATTACHMENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS UNUSUAL, ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND YOUR AGENCY IS INVESTIGATING JUST THIS THING IN 2004 FREESTARS. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

ON 08/13/2012 TRIED TO ENGAGE THE THIRD ROW FOLDING SEAT TO THE FULL UPRIGHT POSITION. THE DRIVERS SIDE LATCH FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE SEAT ANCHOR TO BE LOOSE. AFTER I LOOKED AT THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL THE PLATE THAT THE ANCHOR MOUNTS TO WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED ALL THE WAY AROUND AND THE PLATE AND ANCHOR IS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FALLING INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THERE IS NOW A BIG HOLE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL DIRECTLY INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES SOAKED WHEN DRIVEN IN THE RAIN. SAFETY ISSUE AS OUR KIDS RIDE IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LATCH THE SEAT SAFELY NOW. *TR

Mileage: 97,603

WE HAD THE 3RD ROW SEAT FOLDED DOWN FOR CARGO SPACE. UPON PULLING THE SEAT BACK UP, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE SEAT MOVED WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING ON IT. WHEN MY HUSBAND TRIED TO SECURE THE LATCH BY FOLDING THE SEAT BACK DOWN AND THEN BACK UP AGAIN - THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE LATCH AND PLATE IT'S ATTACHED TO FELL INTO THE WHEEL WELL. HE HAD TO REACH UP OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TO REMOVE THE PART AND SAW THAT THERE IS NOW A HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL THAT GOES RIGHT INTO THE VAN - YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE IN THE VAN! THE LATCH UNIT: THE PLATE IT'S BOLTED TO AND THE METAL SECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL THAT THE PLATE IS WELDED TO WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WE CAN NO LONGER USE THE BACK SEAT DUE TO SAFETY REASONS. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE TO REPAIR IT. ONE PERSON SAID WE'D HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL. WE READ ON LINE THAT FORD HAS RESPONDED THAT THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT "PARTS" FOR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT WASN'T MANUFACTURED TO BE REPLACED. NOW WE HAVE A VAN WE CAN'T GET FIXED, WE CAN'T USE THE 3RD ROW SEATS (WE HAUL THE NEIGHBOR'S 2 KIDS IN ADDITION TO OUR 2 KIDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL), AND GETS WET ON THE INSIDE WHEN IT'S RAINING BECAUSE OF THE OPEN HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. *TR

Mileage: 147,838

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEATING ANCHOR FAILED DUE TO CORROSION PENETRATING THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,507.

Mileage: 78,507

THIRD ROW SEAT NO LONGER LATCHES SECURELY, CAUSED BY CORROSION FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL AREA RUINING BODY LATCHING HOLDING SEAT IN PLACE. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REATTACH THE THIRD-ROW SEAT FROM THE FLAT POSITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH ON THIRD-ROW SEAT POPPED OFF - THE PART WAS RUSTED AT THE ATTACHMENT POINT ON THE INTERIOR AND IT FELL ONTO THE GROUND THROUGH A HOLE ABOVE THE REAR LEFT TIRE. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

WE WERE RETURNING HOME FROM WEEKEND TRIP WHEN I NOTICED RUBBING NOISE AND HOT RUBBER SMELL COMING FROM REAR OF VAN. TWO CHILDREN IN REAR SEAT SAID SEAT WAS VIBRATING BADLY. I AM A STATE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC SO I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE. I FOUND THAT BOTH REAR SEAT STRIKERS HAD RUSTED LOOSE AND THE SEAT PUSHED THE METAL AND STRIKER AGAINST THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I FEEL THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE METAL RUBBING ON THE TIRE HAD CAUSED A BLOWOUT. THE CHILDREN IN THE REAR SEAT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THE TIRE AND FROM THE SEAT NOT BEING SECURED. *TR

Mileage: 161,250

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS USED AS A TAXI AND A CUSTOMER COMPLAINED THAT THE REAR SEATS WERE LOOSE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR SEATS WERE OUT OF PLACE AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 269,359.

Mileage: 269,359

3RD ROW SEAT WOULD NOT LATCH ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ANCHOR USED TO ATTACH THE SEAT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. THE RUST IS FROM THE TIRE WELL AND THE TIRE IS VISIBLE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE 3RD ROW SEAT IS NOW UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

WHILE TURNING A CORNER WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE. AFTER GETTING HOME WE PULLED THE LEFT REAR TIRE OFF TO INSPECT THE BRAKES, WHICH WERE FINE. WE DID NOTICE THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT AROUND THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH. THE LATCH WAS LOOSE AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION DID NOT LOCK THE THIRD ROW SEAT INTO PLACE. WHEN CARRYING PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT THE LATCH IS PUSHED OUT FAR ENOUGH THAT IT ACTUALLY RUBS ON THE REAR TIRE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 71,065

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THIRD ROW SEATING WAS DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,865.

Mileage: 92,865

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR MOUNTS FOR THE REAR SEATING RUSTED AND RENDERED THE REAR SEATING INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

OPEN INVESTIGATION PE11039. THE THIRD ROW FRONT SEAT ANCHOR IS SECURED TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL. ON THE DRIVER SIDE, THE AREA OF THE WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SEAT ANCHOR IS LOCATED COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF OUR VAN AND DETACHED, LEAVING A GAPING HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, RUST IS APPARENT IN THE SAME AREA, THOUGH THE ANCHOR HAS NOT YET SEPARATED. *TR

REAR 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE REAR SEAT COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNUSABLE. COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES IN A ACCIDENT IF RUST GOES UNDETECTED, VEHICLE IS KEPT IN GARAGES AND WELL MAINTAINED. *TR UPDATED 05/31/12*LJ

Mileage: 75,600

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THIRD ROW REAR SEAT WOULD NOT LATCH IN PLACE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT ANCHOR IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT WAS CORRODED AND BORE A HOLE INTO THE SEAT ANCHOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A REPAIR AVAILABLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

LEFT REAR SEAT NO LONGER LATCHES MAKING IT UNSAFE. THE SEAT NO LONGER LATCHES BECAUSE LATCH THAT WAS FASTENED TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF THE WHEEL WELL. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

NOTICED INSIDE CARPET WAS WET ON THE REAR LEFT SIDE, REMOVED THE INSIDE REAR WHEEL PANEL AND FOUND THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE CAB SPACE AND NOW THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS UNSAFE DUE TO THE SEAT NOT BEING ABLE TO LATCH. *TR

Mileage: 128,641

SON COMMENTED THAT REAR SEAT WAS NOT PROPERLY LATCHED DOWN. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT DRIVER-SIDE REAR SEAT ANCHOR WAS LATCHED TO THE SEAT, BUT THE ANCHOR WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BODY. HAD ALSO BEEN NOTICING THAT DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS, DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL MAKES LOUD RUBBING SOUND. HAD SON SHIFT WEIGHT TO THE RIGHT (TO PUSH SEAT AWAY FROM LOOSE ANCHOR) AND SOUND STOPPED. *TR

Mileage: 169,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE LATCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT MADE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOK THAT HELD THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CONVERTIBLE BENCH SEAT IN PLACE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT RUSTED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000. KMJ

Mileage: 137,000

UPON OPENING THE FOLDING THIRD ROW SEAT, THE BOTTOM LATCH FAILED TO ENGAGE WITH THE SEAT. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE ENTIRE LATCH PANEL HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR AND WAS SITTING IN THE WHEEL WELL. THERE IS NOW A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE VAN AND THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS UNUSABLE. AT 7 YEARS OLD, THIS LEVEL OF RUST IS VERY PREMATURE. *TR

Mileage: 92,300

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT LOWERED THE THIRD ROW SEATING TO THE FLOOR WHEN HE NOTICED THE SAFETY LATCH ATTACHED TO THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WAS CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND WERE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THE THIRD ROW SEAT COULD NOT BE USED BECAUSE IT WOULD BE UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,300. UPDATED 12/20/11*LJ UPDATED 01/19/12

Mileage: 92,300

LETTER FROM SENATOR GRASSLEY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT PROBLEM WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR REAR SEAT OF HIS 2004 FORD FREESTAR *TGW THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE REAR SEAT RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE.*JB

BOUGHT VAN IN JUNE 2007 NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE. REPLACED BATTERY WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF PURCHASE. REPLACE O2 SENSORS 3 TIMES AND NEED DONE AGAIN. REPLACED TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, EGR VALVE, BRAKES 4 TIMES, TIE ROD 2 TIMES, CALIBERS 2 TIMES, ROTORS 3 TIMES, FUEL LINE, YOU NAME IT, WE HAVE HAD TO FIX IT. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WE HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO 8K SINCE FEB 2008 ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE CAN NOT GET FORD TO HELP US AT ALL. NOW THE AXLES NEED REPLACED AS WELL AS SENSORS AGAIN. THE DVD PLAYER QUIT WORKING AFTER 4 MONTHS, DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEATS QUIT WORKING AFTER 4 MONTHS. BACK PASSENGER DOOR SOMETIMES WON'T OPEN OR UNLOCK AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T CLOSE WHEN YOU TRY TO CLOSE IT. THIS VEHICLE HAS PUT MY FAMILY IN SERIOUS HARM AND WE ALMOST GOT INTO MAJOR ACCIDENT DO TO MOST OF THE ISSUES IE TRANSMISSION STALLED ON INTERSTATE AND HAD NO WARNING AT ALL. WORST VEHICLE OF ALL TIMES. I CAN NOT TRADE IN BECASUE I OWE OVER 11K ON THIS PIECE OF CRAP. FORD NEEDS TO REFUND ME ALL OF MY MONEY AND SUFFERING AS WELL. I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT SUING THEM FOR DAMAGES AND SELLING THIS CRAP TO US ESPECIALLY WITH 3 SMALL CHILDREN AND HAVING TO TRAVEL TO SEE FAMILY DUE TO HUSBAND BEING A MARINE AND ALWAYS BEING DEPLOYED. ALMOST MISSED SEEING MY GRANDPA FOR THE LAST TIME BEFORE HE DID BACK IN SEPT BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE OFF OF THE ROADS FOREVER. ALL OF THEM. EVERYONE THAT WE KNOW THAT HAS THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS US.

Mileage: 102,000

WAS CLEANING MY 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND PULLED THE LEVER THAT RELEASES THE BACK OF THE BENCH SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE BACK OF THE SEAT CAME DOWN SO HARD THAT IT CUT THE END OF MY THUMB OFF, INCLUDING THE ENTIRE NAIL. I HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT AND FOLLOWUP WITH AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON. SO FAR, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NOTHING TO DATE HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS.

Mileage: 29,456