8.5
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $370
- Average Mileage:
- 35,450 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 38 complaints
Most common solutions:
- Replace brakes and rotors (25 reports)
- Replace brakes (6 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
- ford recall (2 reports)
- have different type of brake shoe put on (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
I've had the car since 2005 - and wasn't sure what was going on when I heard awful noises being emitted when I braked. I'm sure that over the years, I've had to replace brakes once or twice on vehicles I've owned, but it wasn't because I could actually hear them grind :o( For miles, I ignored it, not really knowing what the problem was - I mean, brakes don't go bad on a new car at 11,000 miles, right? I've owned new vehicles before and never had this problem. When I finally took the vehicle in to the dealer (around 26,000 miles - I think), they refused to take care of the issue (citing over the mileage for warranty - or something lame like that) This was at the Ford dealership on Commercial Street in Salem, OR. I tried like hell to get them to fix a problem, that was obviously a PROBLEM, but I got shined on. I took it to my mechanic and had him replace the back brakes. When Ford finally identified there was a situation, they didn't call it a recall, they simply acknowledged an issue, and offered to replace the brakes (I believe only once). So, at about 46,000, I needed brakes (again), and they replaced them - ONLY when I asked if the "brake dragging" problem had been fixed, they couldn't tell me yes or no! I am in need of my 4th set of back brakes (pads, rotors - EVERYTHING) and I've put 128,000 on the car. 4 weeks ago they started grinding so bad, I've reverted to driving my husbands truck (unfortunately a Ford 350 - with it's own set of issues). I haven't mustered up the energy to call Ford and fight with them about this situation. They should be responsible for it. It was obviously a design flaw. When I bought the car new, I bought it with every belief that my vehicle would run, and behave like all new vehicles on the market - and if something were wrong, it needed to be recalled - and fixed! Unfortunately, this is not the only issue with this car.
- Jacque J., Salem, OR, US
The 2005 Had a recall on the rear brakes at 38,000 I replaced the rotors and pads and at 55,000 I am at it again at a cost of 350.00 what is wrong with my brakes? or is it Ford
- Henry T., Radcliff, KY, US
These brakes have been replaced twice and I only drive the car occasionally. They grind and make awful noise. I'm getting ready to replace them again!! Not happy about this at all. It has really changed my opinion about Fords. My dealership keeps hoping they will get a recall. I guess it is going to take someone getting killed for Ford to understand that this is unsafe and someone's brakes failing is going to kill them.
- Marian H., Brandon, FL, US
The brakes got soft and spongy only 40,000 miles into the car's life. Had to be completely replaced. No notice sent by Ford, so we had it done at a brake shop. Cost us over $1000. Please recall this lemon!
- Louise L., Jacksonville, FL, US
My rear brakes actually locked on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the second time I've had to replace the rear brake pads on my Freestyle. The first time was in November 2008, it had around 12000 miles on it. Now, with less than 30000 I'm at it again. When I had the rotors replaced I kept the old ones and took them to two different Ford dealerships in my area (including the one I bought the Freestyle from) and they were shocked at how bad the rotors were wore down after so few miles. I did some research and found Ford did put out a Technical Service Bulletin (Service Bulletin Number : 0759/ NHTSA Item Number : 10021463) about the brakes, but not a recall. We have always owned Ford vehicles. But now, after realizing that Ford knows about the issues and will do nothing, I will seriously consider switching.
- mrsgkr, Norfolk, VA, US
Not a problem until occurred again few months later...
- Cheryl V., Amherst, NY, US
I can't believe I have to go back again. The back brakes are squeaking like crazy!! What the hell ddid Ford do. I loved this car up until now. Called mech and will replace stuff again as needed. I feel bad for him because it is obviously a defect w/ the Freestyle. Now the reverse bump is happening. On to another compliant...
- Cheryl V., Amherst, NY, US
Now back to same mecahanic thinking he dznt know what he's doing. Replaces brakes for free and outs on rotors.
- Cheryl V., Amherst, NY, US
The rear brakes on this vehicle are a disaster. This is the second full rear brake job on this car in 34,000 low speed miles. Car is used for communting only. I have been following complaints on this site and others. There are approximately 7000 complaints without a federally mandated recall. Beyond the cost this is a safety issue. MY QUESTION...WHILE WE WAIT FOR A CLASS ACTION SUIT. Has any on this site tried a SMALL CLAIMS COURT to recover costs for this latent defect???
- Tom A., Morgan Hill, CA, US
WTF....I am reading about Freestyle owners with this problem and some have changed rear brakes and pads 4 times in 85K!! HELLO FORD MOTOR....you definately have a problem with this car and YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!!
This is my second occurrence of the rear brake failure. I ended up taking it to an independent shop and they put on a different type of shoe.
- illustrator5, Wauwatosa, WI, US
Took the car for it's 15K service. Dealer said I needed new rear brakes. They admitted that their supplier made a too soft brake pad causing the premature problem. They fixed it under warranty. I did some research and found out that many people have had the same problem. Now I'm a bit concerned about frequent future repairs.
- Luis W., Chandler, AZ, US
Took car in for a regular oil change. Was told rear brakes worn out and rotors were under spec. Had to replace rear brakes. Front brakes were fine.
It's been 23K since my last rear brake replacement. My driving is mostly highway and very few stop and gos. My previous BMW with similar driving lasted me 100K! Bought this Ford thinking maintenance costs would be lower but it doesn't seem to be heading that way!
- Luis W., Chandler, AZ, US
The rear brakes wore out at 20,000 miles. After a visit to the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from, I was told that it is not covered under warranty and the rear brakes are designed to wear out at 20,000. After I paid the $185.00 to fix the problem, I received a letter from ford that I was under a recall for rear brakes. Someone should tell the service dept to go back to school.
- Robert M., Edgewater, FL, US
This is the third (I repeat - THIRD) set of rear brakes on this vehicle. The front are fine. Ford Motor is of no help in resolving this issue. Something is wrong here.
- Rosanne B., Lincoln, IL, US
The metal grinding sound in the rear driver brakes has occurred two times (at around 36,0000 and 47,000 miles. The second time, we had brake pads replaced before the rotor was damaged. The first time, the car was under warranty. It think the rotors were changed, but can't remember for sure.
The Freestyle has been a good car overall. Having to replace rotors (warranty covered) and the premature wear of breaks is an annoyance. Ford's lack of support to customers who have purchased their newly introduced products teaches consumers to steer clear from first year Ford vehicles. How unfortunate for Ford Motor Company.
- Jon M., Rockton, IL, US
I brought my 2005 freestyle in July 2007 under Fords Customer Satisfaction Program 07N10 which replaced the rear Brakes and Pads. I also had a frozen caliper that the dealer replaced as well. Went back yesterday for the 45,000mi check (47386mi actual), and the dealer told me the rear brakes had to be replaced and the right caliper was frozen. This is just 10,000 miles later. I have to say the local Ford dealer is awesome and covered the cost under warranty, But I'm concerned this is going to be a constant problem. There should be a class action suit out there or we're all going to be stuck replacing and paying for new breaks every year!
- Kathy K., Reading, MA, US
Had to have the rear brakes replaced. They were grinding really bad into the rotors causing them to have grooves in the rotor. Ford replaced them for free, but I still seem to have rear brake dragging issues.
- oldschool77, Austin, TX, US
Vehicle now at 48,700 and having to replace Brakes, Pads, & Rotors AGAIN.. 2 times in less than 50,000 miles.. FORD states brakes are covered 12,000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first!!.. Will not do a thing!!.. Obviously this problem was not even rectified during the recall with REAR BRAKES continuing to wear out prematurely..
- Caroline P., Charlotte, NC, US
I love this vehicle but this problem is really a problem. I have had problems with my Nissan Murano and Nissan stood behind their product and resolved the issue with no fighting. Ford's lack of concern for their customers (especially the customers that purchased this car in its first year) is really disappointing. Why should we stand up for American workmanship when American businesses don't stand behind their product?
- Marc B., Minneapolis, MN, US
Yes, it had very low mileage that is why I was surprised that I needed to replace brakes so soon..
- Carol B., Hopkinton, NH, US