2004 FORD FREESTAR Structure Problems

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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRIC SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY AND WOULD RANDOMLY OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DICK SMITH FORD, 7201 GARNERS FERRY RD, COLUMBIA, SC) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS PROTRUDING THROUGH THE FRAME AND CREATED A HOLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 212,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION JUST STARTED TO SLIP AND MAKES A THUD SOMETIMES SLIPS BAD. CONSUMER HAS CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND FILTERS.*JB

Mileage: 212,000

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. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE FAILED THE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRONT FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED L. B. SMITH FORD-LINCOLN, INC. AT 717-761-6700 (LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO OBTAIN SOME ESTIMATES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.

Mileage: 118,000

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

I JUST PAID OFF MY VEHICLE DID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF REPAIRS NOW MECHANIC TELLS ME HE WONT REPLACE MY STARTER BECAUSE SUB FRAME IS UNUSUALLY WORN AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE,SO NOW I HAVE NO VEHICLE BECAUSE 2004 WAS NOT RECALLED YET,MOST OTHER YEARS WERE

Mileage: 60,000

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.

THIS VEHICLE I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS AND HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN AND GET CAR WASH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE ENGINE NOT TO RUN PROPERLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. IN APRIL OF 2016 ENGINE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSED ME TO GET IN ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN IMPOUNDED AND LOAN COMPANY SANTANDER TRYING TO BILL ME FOR REMAINDER OF LOAN AND NOW CAUSING MAJOR CREDIT ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE COVERED BY FORD/CARMAX FOR SELLING MY FAMILY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRITICAL INJURY OR WORSE.

Mileage: 123,137

02 06 2016 THE FIRST PROBLEM WITH SUBFRAM BREAKING , I WAS AT SAVEALOT 123 ST CLAIR AVENUE 44108, STARTED MY ENGINE AND SHIFTER GEARS THE ENGINE STARTED I SHIFTED GEARS AND IT LOTS POWER AND RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE JUMPED AND A LOUD GRINDING PARK FORD 400 WEST AVENUE TALLMAGE OHIO 44278 I PURCHASED TWO BOLTS W711082-S439 PURCHASED 2 BOLTS ONE BROKE AND I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER/ OWNER AND I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE BOLT AND THE WOULD PROVIDE ME A NEW ONE. AT THE TIME THEY HAD A KIT THAT WAS $65.00 THE KIT HAD THE BOLT STEEL WASHER, RUBBER 2 BUSHING AND A ANCHOR ( WHAT THE BOLT SCREWS INTO. 2ND TIME I WAS IN EAST CLEVELAND SAME THING HAPPEN WITH A CHUCK- HOLE, I REPAIRED THE VAN AGAIN, THIRD TIME EAST 123 SUPERIOR BY DAY CAR VAN LOST POWER AND LOUD GRINDING, 3 TIME SAME BOLT SNAPPED IT WAS REPAIRED AGAIN, RALLYS E105 ST CLAIR AVENUE CHUCK HOLES BOTH THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS SNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF ST' CLAIR OFFICER YOUNG AND OFFICER KING PARKED BEHIND ME WHILE I FIXED THE VEHICLE SO I COULD GET IT HOME EAST 105 AND ELK AVENUE, REAR SPARE SUBFRAM INSTALLED, AND THE FRONT WAS CHAINED LOCKED AND SECURED WITH CABLE JUST INCASE THE LOCKED CHAINS FAILED, I CALLED FORD THE SAID TO SLOWLY DRIVE IT OUT TO THEM,TOWING, MY INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THEY ENSURED TOWING WAS ADDED BUT I'D HAVE TO PAY UP FRONT AND GET PAID BACK, IT THE END OF THE MONTH AND I'M A DISABLED USAF VETERAN ON A FIXED INCOME SO THIS WAS NOT GOING TO WORK. I WAS BLESSED TO GET THE VAN OUT TO FORD UNDER IT OWN POWER YES I PRAYED ALL THE WAY TEARS IN MY EYES. FORD WANT TO CHARGE 300 LABOR I PURCHASED 296.83 PARTS, 95.38 PARTS BECAUSE FORD FEARED THIS PARTS WOULD BREAK, NOW COME FORD WANTING TO CHARGE 4X @220. [3F2Z5C148 I BOLT I BUSHING 2 PIECES? ] =$880 +296.38+95.38+300 PREDICTED TOTAL 1,572.20 THIS RECALL IS NOT FREE OF CHARGE, SAW KIT FOR $65 ON 2/6/2016

Mileage: 185,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE THIRD ROW SEAT AREA RUSTED THROUGH TO THE TRUNK AREA NEAR THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ....UPDATED 09/19/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DEALER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 128,520

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELLS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,125.

Mileage: 132,125

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT IT WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER BEGAN THE RECALL REPAIR,BUT WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETE IT DO TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL. *JS

Mileage: 85,000

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

THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS ROTTED ON MY 2004 FORD FREESTAR. I FOUND OUT WHEN MY CAR WAS IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL INSPECTION. THEY CALLED THE FORD DEALER THEY SAID FORD WAS NO LONGER MAKING THE PARTS. THE DEALER SAID FORD USED TO HAVE RECALLS. I FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS ON THE WINDSTARS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID ALL THE RECALL ON MY CAR WERE FIXED. THEY SAID I SHOULD CALL THE FORD DEALER.

Mileage: 86,580

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

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.

FIRST CRACK IN U SHAPED STEEL CHANNEL NOTICED WHEN I TOOK THIS VAN IN FOR OTHER RECALL REPAIRS AT YUCCA VALLEY FORD . THEY NOTIFIED ME AND I HAD IT WELDED . A FEW MONTHS LATER CRACK WAS BACK HAD IT REWELDED AND GUSSETS ADDED TO RESTRENGTHEN BOTH SIDES. LASTED SIX MONTHS TILL I TOOK TO TIRE SHOP TO HAVE FRONT END ALIGNED AND TWO NEW TIRES PUT ON. LEFT NEXT DAY FOR GIG BROKE ONE MILE FROM HOME JUST PAST THE WELD. THIS VAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CALIFORNIA CAR TO MY KNOWLEDGE. NO RUST. SAME REAR AXEL AS WINDSTAR. BAD DESIGN. VAN IS HEAVY LITTLE [XXX] STEEL CHANNEL TO HOLD ALL THAT WEIGHT IS STUPID. COULDN'T BELIEVE IT WAS BUILT THAT WAY. HOW COME NO RECALL FOR SAME AXEL DESIGN ON FREESTAR. PEOPLE APT TO DIE FROM THIS STUPID DESIGN. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 141,000

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

CAR HISTORY: THE TRANSAXLE LIGHT HAS GONE BEFORE WHEN WE TRAVEL THROUGH VT MOUNTAINS, BUT TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND LETTING IT SIT, AND RESTARTING IT, THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. UPON GETTING HOME SAFETY, OUR MECHANICS DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING TO REPAIR AND SO LEFT IT BE, AND WOULD ONLY SOMETIMES SEE IT WHEN WE TRAVELED THROUGH THE VT MOUNTAINS, A FEW TIMES A YEAR. ALL RECALL REPAIRS WERE UP TO DATE. THERE WERE NO OTHER SYMPTOMS. INCIDENT: AS WE NEARING THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, THE TRANSAXLE LIGHT CAME ON. UNLIKE THE OTHER TIMES, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED TO BE IN THE CORRECT GEAR, SO UNLIKE THE OTHER TIMES, WE WERE VERY CONCERNED. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, AND AS WE REACHED THE SHOULDER SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE VENTS. WE QUICKLY EVACUATED OUR KIDS, AND AS WE WERE GETTING THEM OUT WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS ALREADY FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, NEAR THE WINDSHIELD, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE ARE SO GLAD OUR KIDS WERE AWAKE, AND ABLE TO UNLATCH THEIR OWN CHILD CARSEATS, AND ABLE TO GET OUT QUICKLY. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE ENTIRE VAN, CONSUMING EVERYTHING, AT A GREAT EXPENSE TO US. (AND OTHERS; OUR ACCIDENT BLOCKED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS.) *TR

Mileage: 96,000

THE BACK LIFT GATE ON MY 2004 FORD FREESTAR WILL NOT LATCH. THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES A DOOR IS OPEN. IT APPEARS THERE IS SOME RUST ETC IN BOTH THE MECHANISM AND THE BOTTOM STATIONARY LATCH PIECE. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

BACKDOOR WON'T UNLOCK AND NOW DOOR WON'T CLOSE OR LOCK. *TR

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

I HAD MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON A RECALL FOR THE THIRD ROW LATCH/CORROSION ISSUE. WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING THE REPAIR, THE SERVICE DEPT. FOUND MASSIVE UNDERCARRIAGE CORROSION, IN WHICH OTHER PARTS OF MY CAR WERE DISINTEGRATING & FALLING APART, SUCH AS THE STARTER AND THE ENGINE MOUNTS, AS WELL AS PARTS OF MY EXHAUST SYSTEM. WHILE MY CAR WAS ON THE PREMISES THERE WERE ALSO TWO OTHER FREESTARS WITH SIMILAR AMOUNTS OF MASSIVE CORROSION ON THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY ALL OF THE DOORS. MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND SHOULD NOT LOOK 20 YEARS OLD WITH THE CORROSION THAT IT HAS ACCUMULATED. I ALSO HAVE A LARGE, VISIBLE CRACK IN MY WHEEL WELL IN THE REAR PASSENGER AREA CAUSED BY CORROSION AND MY VEHICLE MAY NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY SEEMED ONLY CASUALLY INTERESTED, BUT DID GIVE ME A CASE FILE # [XXX]. THEY REPORT THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON ANY OF THE PERIPHERAL CORROSION PROBLEMS AND COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THERE WOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. THE SUPERVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP EXPRESSED TO ME THAT HE HAS SEEN AT LEAST 6-8 OTHER FREESTARS WITH THE SAME CORROSION IN THE SAME PLACES. MY CAR IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE...PRESENTLY WHEN IT RAINS, MY FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ACCUMULATES WATER INSIDE, WHICH EVENTUALLY DRAINS ITSELF OUT THROUGH THE CORROSION UNDERNEATH THAT PANEL. PLEASE HELP ME TO FORCE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE SO THAT I CAN GET MY CAR REPAIRED IN AN APPROPRIATE MANNER AND FEEL SAFE IN DRIVING WITHOUT WORRYING THAT MY VEHICLE WILL DISINTEGRATE UNDERNEATH ME FROM THIS MASSIVE CORROSION PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 170,214

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 THE REAR DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT RELEASE FOR THE DOOR TO BE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 13V081000 (SEATS) BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A SECOND DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REMEDIED PER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,430.

Mileage: 154,430

ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2012 WE DROVE TO OUR PARENTS HOUSE WE HEARD SOMETHING RUBBING AGAINST THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. WHEN WE INVESTIGATED WHAT WAS GOING ON WE FOUND THE 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH HAD ALMOST DETACHED BUT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE IT EVENTUALLY FELL OFF AS WE TRIED TO GET IT TO RECONNECT. WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN APRIL BUT WAS UNAWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER THAT DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR 3 MONTHS HAD CAUSED . AT REPAIR SHOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSP DUE TO ROTTED WHEEL WELL AND SPRINGS ALSO ROTTED WE CALLED LOCAL DEALER FOR APPT ON RECALL. TO MY DISMAY A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT ARE VERY CONCERNING TO ME OCCURRED I RECEIVED A CALL LATER THAT DAY FROM THE DEALER STATING THAT THEY WHERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FORD COMPANY ITSELF THE LATCH HAD FALLEN OFF AND THEY HAD THE PARTS TO REPLACE IT BUT THEY COULD NOT ATTACH IT TO THE REAR WELL BECAUSE IT WAS ROTTED AND NOT ONLY THAT THEY ALSO TOLD US THE SPRINGS COULD FALL OUT AND COLLAPSE THE REAR SUSPENSION IF IT WAS DRIVEN AGAIN WHEN THEY TOLD THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE THIS THEY SAID JUST WELD A METAL PIECE OVER THE WELL WHEEL AND JUST ATTACH IT ON THEIR DEALER DECLINED BECAUSE THIS WOULD STILL BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE REAR SPRINGS IF DRIVEN COULD DROP THE WHOLE REAR SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING FORD REP SAID NOT OUR PROBLEM YOU NEED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL AND THE CUSTOMER HAS TO PAY FOR THE SPRINGS TO BE REPAIRED . THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO ME IT OBVIOUS THAT THE LATCH SITUATION AND CORROSION HAS CAUSED THIS WHOLE PROBLEM TO HAVE THEM TRY TO HAVE THE DEALER PUT IN EFFECT A BANDAGE ON THE SITUATION AND LET MY FAMILY RISK THERE LIFE DRIVING THIS VAN IS CORRUPT TO THE CORE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET THE AREA FORD REP TO COME OUT AND LOOK AT THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. BUT I CANNOT EMPHASIS MORE WHAT THEY TRIED TO DO TODAY WAS WITHOUT QUESTION UNETHICAL . *TR

Mileage: 66,000

THE LATCH ON THE REAR OF THE VAN HAS RUSTED CLOSED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. IT IS PRESENTLY RUSTED SHUT AND THE BACK HATCH DOESNT OPEN AS A RESULT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE THIRD ROW SEAT DUE TO WATER LEAKAGE FROM THE REAR TIRE WELL. THIS HAS TO BE RELATED AS THE CARPET THROUGHOUT THE VAN GETS WET. EVEN THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE FLOOR IS SOAKED, POSIBLY LEAKING FROM FRONT TIRE WELL.AND ALL THE WAY DOWN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO THE THIRD ROW. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT IN THE DASH LIGHTS DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE DASH AREA. THE CAR RADIO STAYS ON WHEN IT FEEL LIKE IT AND YOU HAVE TO HIT THE DRIVERS WINDOW BUTTON FOR THE RADIO TO SHUT OFF OTHERWISE IT DRAINS THE BATTERY AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE CAR WAS AT THE ELECTRICAL SHOP A YEAR AGO AND COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

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

2004 FORD FREESTAR SES I CHANGED THE REAR BRAKES ON 1/20/2013 NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS RUSTING OUT. TODAY 2/24/2013 WENT TO INSTALL A CAR SEAR & NOTICED THE BENCH SEAT IN THE BACK WAS ROCKING SLIGHTLY. THE ANCHOR POINT ON THE LEFT REAR IS RUSTED OUT AND MOVING. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT I CAN SEE DOWN TO THE GROUND WHERE THE ANCHOR POINT HAS RUSTED OUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE NUMEROUS PARTS ON THIS VAN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS. TO DATE I HAVE REPLACED: 3 IGNITION COILS, (THIS IS THE MAIN PROBLEM WHENEVER HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW HAS HAPPENED AND I START TO THROW MISFIRE CODES), 3 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, 2 DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CONTROLS & MOTORS, (THE WINDOW DOESN'T WANT TO WORK HALF THE TIME SO WE LEAVE IT CRACKED OPEN WITH THE RAIN GUARDS), AN EGR VALVE, AND A CLOCKSPRING. I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. *TR

Mileage: 154,000

SEVERE RUST ISSUES PLAGUE THE FRAME, JACK POINTS, AND REAR FRAME (SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA). THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL LOOKS AS IF IT HAS NEVER HAD PAINT ON IT THERE IS SO MUCH RUST. WE JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW DAYS AGO AND ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE FORD DEALER TO HOPEFULLY GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. WE DID NOT REALIZE THE SEVERE RUST ISSUES PRIOR TO PURCHASE. *TR

Mileage: 22,500

SEVERE RUST ISSUES PLAGUE THE FRAME, JACK POINTS, AND REAR FRAME (SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA). THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL LOOKS AS IF IT HAS NEVER HAD PAINT ON IT THERE IS SO MUCH RUST. WE JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW DAYS AGO AND ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE FORD DEALER TO HOPEFULLY GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. WE DID NOT REALIZE THE SEVERE RUST ISSUES PRIOR TO PURCHASE. *TR

Mileage: 22,500

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

BACK SEAT WOULDN'T LATCH. FOUND ROTTEN WHEEL WELL DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION AND LATCH FELL OUT ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE WHEEL WELL. NOW, THERE IS A HOLE WHERE THE LATCH WAS AND THE REAR SEAT IS UNSAFE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS NO LATCH TO HOLD IT IN PLACE. I HAVE THREE KIDS SO NOW THEIR LIFE IS IN JEOPARDY AND THE VAN ISN'T EVEN 10 YEARS OLD. WE'VE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VAN. ALSO, THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. WE WERE TOLD CHEVY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OF WATER COMING RIGHT DOWN ONTO THE COMPUTER AND THEY DESIGNED A PART FOR IT, BUT NOT FORD. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

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

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

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT A LARGE SQUARE BOLT NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THIS BOLT HELD THE REAR SEAT IN PLACE AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET WAS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT WAS UNABLE TO LATCH AND REMAIN IN PLACE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

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

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

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT FELT HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PIECE OF METAL RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP AND AS A RESULT, THE PANEL RUBS ON THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DECIDED TO REMOVE PART OF THE QUARTER PANEL IN ORDER TO STOP THE TIRE FROM RUBBING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE QUARTER PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW METAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

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 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

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

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE LIABILITY. THE RUST HAD DAMAGED THE LUGS FOR THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

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

3RD ROW BENCH SEAT, DRIVERS SIDE U TYPE BOLT BRACKET( THE INSIDE PIECE THAT THE REAR SEAT LOCKS INTO)...COMPETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND PARTIALY FELL ONTO THE TIRE AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE PASSENGERS SIDE IN ALSO CRACKED AND BRITTLE. THE VAN STILL RUNS FINE BUT WE CANNOT USE THE 3RD ROW SEAT. OUR CHILDEREN WERE SITTING ON IT WHEN IT FINALLY BROKE AND FELL ON THE WHEEL. IT MADE A HELL OF A NOISE . WE WERE ABLE TO GET STOPPED WITHOUT MUCH OF A PROBLEM.

Mileage: 91,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND REACHED THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT WAS ALSO RUSTED AND WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,400.

Mileage: 96,400

PCM WET AND ENGINE WILL DIE WHEN UNDER LOAD. TURN ON POWER OPTION WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

WATER KEEPS GETTING INTO THE PCM. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. VAN WILL STALL OUT, NOT HAVE POWER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, AND ANYTHING ELECTRICAL ACTS UP. *TR

Mileage: 92,241

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

1) WE NOW HAVE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE COST TO REPAIR EQUALS MOST OF THE VEHICLE'S VALUE. 2) DRIVER-SIDE PASSENGER DOOR CLOSES AND OPENS AGAIN CONTINUALLY. WE GET OUT AND DO THAT MANUALLY. 3) WITH FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR, GOING DOWN HILLS, THE FREESTAR TRANSMISSION HAS "CHUGGED" FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW, REPRODUCE-ABLE AT DEALER LAST YEAR BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND CAUSE (WE RAN OUT OF MONEY LETTING THEM STUDY IT).... WE NOW KNOW THESE THINGS ARE ALL RELATED. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS OTHER OWNERS HAVE FOUND WET PCM TO BE PROMULGATING CAUSE FOR DOOR SENSORS AND THE CAUSE FOR PREMATURE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY PCM OVER TIME. TO PUT PCM BELOW WINDSHIELD, WITHOUT PROPER WATERPROOF HOUSING, THIS IS A DESIGN ERROR THAT CAUSES VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE DAMAGE AND REPAIRS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED AGAIN, WITHOUT PCM BEING TOUCHED. DEALERS REPAIR DAMAGE (NOT CAUSE) UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MOST OF US ARE NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. WE'VE ONLY GOT 74000 VERY WELL-CARED FOR MILES. PROBLEM IS THE VEHICLE IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE; TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. FORD REFUSES TO MAKE GOOD FOR US. THE SCHEDULE RECALL FOR THE TRANS AXLE WILL BE OUR NEXT REPAIR, BUT IT WON'T REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION! SEE: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0FB94A!MAKE=FORD&MODEL=FREESTAR&ED_MAKEINDEX=.F0FB94A. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

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

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN WITH A FULL LOAD (MY WIFE, 2 KIDS, MY PARENTS AND I) A VIBRATION OCCURRED IN THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. I COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM MYSELF SO I TOOK THE VAN TO THE FORD DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS RUSTING IN THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH CAUSED FRICTION AGAINST THE TIRE WHEN TURNING RIGHT WITH A FULL LOAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE FORD DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT I DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I WAS NOT PLANNING TO SELL THE VAN FOR SCRAP AFTER 5.5 YEARS AND I COULDN'T MORALLY SELL A CAR THAT I WOULDN'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH MY OWN FAMILY. I TOOK THE VAN TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY RECOMMENDED A SPECIALTY SHOP. THE SPECIALTY SHOP IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A PANEL THAT WAS NOT SEALED WELL WHICH CAUSED PREMATURE RUSTING. THEY WERE ABLE TO CUT OUT THE AREA AND REPLACE THAT PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. I SEE THIS AS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT I HOPE OTHERS DON'T ENCOUNTER. IF I HAD NOT TAKEN CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY THE TIRE COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHILE TURNING RIGHT WITH A FULL LOAD AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER'S ADVICE OF BUYING A NEW CAR VERSUS HELPING ME FIX THE PROBLEM. I FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT AS THE RESULT OF THIS TYPE OF PREMATURE WEAR ON A VEHICLE COULD TURN OUT TO BE TRAGIC FOR SOMEONE. *KB

Mileage: 72,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A COVER WAS PLACED OVER THE COMPUTER TO KEEP WATER FROM GETTING ENTERING AND DAMAGING THE COMPUTER BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADDED SEALANT TO THE COVER THAT WAS PROTECTING THE COMPUTER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/27/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COMPUTER IS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE WINDSHIELD, ALLOWING WATER TO DRIP ON THE COMPUTER.

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

PAINT PEELING OFF ROOF AND HOOD ,LOOKS LIKE THEY USED TWO DIFFERENT PRIMERS. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED AND REMAINED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND CORROSION IN THE REAR FENDER WELL AND THE THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH. THE REAR PANEL WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND CAUSED WATER TO PENETRATE THE CARGO AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT BECAME EVIDENT, WHILE TROUBLESHOOTING, THE FAILURE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE VENT WINDOW MOTOR. THE WATER LEAKS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE FENDER AND SEAT LATCH HAS BEEN RESTORED. UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT WAS ENTERING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THREE SEPARATE AREAS. INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, IN WHICH A RE-ENFORCING PLAT WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. GASP ACROSS THE TOP TRAILING EDGE ALLOWED WATER TO GET IN BEHIND THE PANEL. WATER WAS ALSO ENTERING THE VEHICLE ALONG THE REAR SEAM WHERE THE INNER FENDER ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR PAN. THE FACTORY INSTALLED SEAM SEALER HAD FAILED. WATER WAS PENETRATING THROUGH CRACKS IN THE REAR ROOF SEAM LOCATED AT THE OUTSIDE TRAILING EDGE OF THE ROOF SEAM THAT SERVED AS THE RAIN GUTTER.

Mileage: 105,000

DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE. EXERCISED ALL LOCKS OPEN AND CLOSED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT DOOR WILL NOT LATCH CLOSED. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 46,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE PANEL THAT HELD THE BACK SEAT BRACKET WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,600.

Mileage: 97,500

THE PART OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDS MY FRONT PASSENGER STEERING AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY IN PLACE HAS FAILED. MY MECHANIC SAID IT'S THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT THEY RECALLED FORD WINDSTAR VANS FOR - BUT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS A FORD FREESTAR VAN THERE'S NO RECALL? MY VAN IS NOW UNDRIVABLE! *KB

Mileage: 144,000

LTR ON BEHALF OF CONCERN THE SAFETY OF HER 2004 FORD FREESTAR RE THE RUSTING OF THE 3RD ROW SEATS ANCHORING LATCH SYSTEM; REPLY ATTN KAY RASH/DAVENPORT DISTRICT OFFICE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT COST EFFECTIVE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LATCH THE THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, THE LATCH FAILED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION ON THE FLOOR PANEL AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 1/24/2012 *LN *TR

Mileage: 113,000

2004 FORD FREESTAR. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT FROM CONSUMER RE VEHICLE HAZARDS DUE TO MAJOR DEFECTS (FULL DOCUMENT NOT IMAGED). *NJ THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CODES WERE FOR A CMP SENSOR AND AC PRESSURE SENSOR. THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL A WATER LEAK OCCURRED. *JB UPDATED *JB 08/26/10 UPDATED 11/10/10*JB THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE THIRD REPAIR, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE HOOD LATCH DOWN ENOUGH TO PREVENT WATER FROM BLOWING IN FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ISSUE. UPDATED 07/26/11 UPDATED 08/23/11

THE PAINT ON MY 2004 FORD FREESTAR VAN IS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF OF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 68,596

IN NOV, 2007 MY 7 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER STARTED TO EXIT THE BACK PASSENGER VAN DOOR. THE DOOR OPENED AND SHE WAS ABOUT HALF WAY OUT THE DOOR WHEN IT STARTED TO CLOSE ON HER. MY HUSBAND HAD ALREADY GOT OUT OF THE VAN AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE DOOR FROM CLOSING ON HER. IT DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY STOP AND GO BACK ON CONTACT. THEN IN DEC MY SISTER-IN-LAW WAS ALSO STARTING TO EXIT THE VAN FROM THE SAME DOOR AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER. THE DOOR OPENED, HESITATED AND THEN STARTED TO CLOSE ON HER. ON APRIL 6, 2008 MY 80+ MOTHER OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER VAN DOOR AND STARTED TO ENTER THE VAN. THE DOOR STARTED CLOSING ON HER. HER LEFT FOOT WAS ALREADY IN THE VAN AND THE DOOR CLOSURE CAUSED HER TO FALL BACKWARDS ONTO THE PAVEMENT. HER LEFT FOOT WAS TANGLED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. HER COUSIN WAS ALREADY SEATED ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE DOOR STOPPED BEFORE IT HURT HER LEG ANY WORSE. SHE HAD LANDED ON HER LOWER BACK AND WAS SORE, STIFF AND UNABLE TO SIT COMFORTABLY FOR ABOUT A WEEK. I MADE AN APPT WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIND A PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM IT WAS INTERMITTENT,MOST OF THE TIME IT WORKED. WHEN I PICKED THE VAN UP I HAD THE SERVICE MANAGER WALK OUT WITH ME, AND I SHOWED HIM HOW WE OPENED THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND THE DOOR OPENED AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO CLOSE. THE SERVICE GROUP WAS TESTING IT BY USING THE BUTTONS ON THE REMOTE. THEY TESTED THE VAN AGAIN AND FOUND CODES OF B2589, B2592 AND B2594 IN THE COMPUTER FOR THE SLIDING DOORS. THEY THEN FOUND THE LATCH AND SENSOR ASSEMBLY WERE STICKING AND SHORTED OUT. THEY TOLD US THEY FOUND THE CODES IN BOTH DOORS, EVEN THOUGH WE HADN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE ONLY WAY TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM WAS TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES REAR SLIDING DOOR CABLES AND LATCH ASSEMBLIES. THIS IS FOR A 2004 FREESTAR VAN WITH ONLY 10,072 MILES! IT COST US $736.41 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 9,000

2004 FORD FREESTAR, BACK LIFTGATE. A DESIGN FLAW ALLOWS RAINWATER OR WATER FROM A CAR WASHING) TO SEEP IN, ACCUMULATE, AND PUDDLE ALL AROUND THE LATCH MECHANISM OF THE BACK LIFT GATE. THIS CAUSES IT TO FREEZE ON ICY DAYS WHICH CAUSES DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING THE BACK LIFTGATE. EVENTUALLY, THE LATCH MECHANISM RUSTS OUT COMPLETELY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

VAN WITHOUT WARNING STOPPED MOVING AND ENGINE CUT OFF. THIS IS A FOLLOW UP FROM OUR CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE. GOT IT TOWED TO DEALER AND AFTER 2 DAYS OF "LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM" TOLD ME THAT WATER LEAKED IN FROM UNDER DASH(IT HAD NOT RAINED OR SNOWED FOR DAYS- ROADS WEREN'T EVEN WET) AND GOT THE COMPUTER WET AN CAUSED IT TO MALFUNCTION. SEALED LEAK AND $250 LATER SENT US ON OUR WAY. FAST FORWARD 2WEEKS AND OUR VAN IS BACK IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. COME ON NOW, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!! RECALL THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 44,000

WE JUST PURCHASED A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. I AM 67 AND WENT TO GET OUT OF THE BACK DOOR AND THE DRIVER ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE DOOR.IT CRUSHED MY LEG, AS THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP THE DOOR. THERE ARE NO SAFETY SWITCHES. EVERYONE IN THE CAR TRIED TO HELP AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT GO BACK. THIS WOULD HAVE KILLED A CHILD OR MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. MY HUSBAND HAS SIZE 14 SHOES AND WHEN HE TRIED TO GET OUT THE SAME DOOR, HIS KNEE ALMOST HIT THE DOOR CLOSING BUTTON...AND HE WAS WATCHING OUT FOR THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 15,400

THE POWER SLIDING DOOR, UPON OPENING THE DOOR, AND DEPRESSING THE ELECTRICAL BUTTON TO CLOSE THE DOOR IT WILL NOT STOP. IT CONTINUES TO CLOSE UNTIL YOU ARE CAUGHT IN THE DOOR.*AK

Mileage: 500

PLASTIC MOLDING ALONG THE RUNNING BOARDS BROKE OFF. AS A RESULT, THE SLIDING DOOR MALFUNCTIONED, LOCKING OCCUPANTS INSIDE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 750