10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 86,137 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Engine stays in third gear on highway, windshield wiper fluid won't spray and power locks don't work with button on doors or key fob. Getting 11 miles a gallon because won't shift into fourth gear and that's a highway trip!
- Ogden, UT, USA
This information is a collection of incidents that ultimately fit together. I have notice that the floor board of my van was wet. Since I have 3 kids I just shrugged it off. This past week I notice the floor mats weren't wet only the carpet beneath it was soaked. My kids don't spill just under the mats. The water must be entering from the outside in. The van was acting weird on and off -no check engine light until it started happen more frequently. June 2012, I got the P1340 code that the camshaft position sensor had gone bad, I replaced it, went out again, I was told it could have been a faulty part, changed it again, went out again, decided this is beyond me. I took it to the dealership and they "fixed" the camshaft position sensor and another part that was causing the camshaft position sensor not to work. ($900) it broke again because the part they put in was defective. They replaced the defective part and the check engine light came back on again. After they had the car for 2 weeks they found another small problem. ($130) I insisted at the time that they didn't make the proper repairs. They assured me that it all still needed to be done. (caught some double talk) I experienced a few more issues with the van losing power. (July, September, October -check engine light did not turn on.) I:N December the car turned off and I was only able to get about 25ft per restart and the light came on. I've noticed other features not working properly or working intermittently. (power locks, power windows, radio, power doors, key remote...) I have learned that other 2005 Freestar owners have experienced similar incidents caused by water leaking into the car through the windshield wiper blades and running down the wire harness causing multiple parts to short out from time to time. Please look into this. I have 3 children and no more money for "let's try this repairs".
- Yorktown, VA, USA
This vehicle has a continuing problem with the PCM shorting out due to water entering the wiring harness through the windshield wipers. Once the PCM short circuits the transmission does not function causing the car to loose its' motion. This occurs without warning and places the occupants of the vehicle at greater risk of being involved in an accident as the car simple ceases to work. The company has currently recalled this make and model to replace a defective torque converter. Although this seems to solve the problem initially, the long term problem of water seeping into the PCM will cause the transmission to fail time and time again.
- Holbrook, NY, USA
Received recall for torque converter- had it replaced on Aug 20, 2012. On Nov. 19th the van wouldn't go pass 20 mph. Drove slow approx. 3 miles to destination. Had it towed to dealership to check out problem at initial contact was told they knew of no problems relating to torque converter replacement. After checking van out was told that we needed a new transmission, at second contact was told they were aware of torque recall issues but nothing would be done for us. We had not had any problems with transmission prior to Nov 19th. When asked, was also told that they did not flush and replace fluids with the torque converter recall service as this extra cost was not part of the recall. We were told by an independent mechanic that if fluids were not changed that it could cause the transmission to fail which it did. Was quoted a high cost to replace transmission, ended up using disabled vehicle as a trade 'as is' to purchase a working vehicle. Other issues with vehicle prior to last incident were electrical functions not working, sliding doors would reopen upon closing, had to turn off auto doors, backup warning quit working, traction control button didn't work, dvd player would start running on its own.
- Amberg, WI, USA
Was driving the vehicle going down the highway at 60mph and the vehicle started to act up pulled over and it shut down completely security light started to flash real rapidly turned the key to start it again and nothing had to have it towed $300 worth and has been broke down for four months been trying to start it ever since and nothing there is defiantly something wrong with the electrical system.
- Denver , CO, USA
Having a similar problem to others with my 2005 Ford Freestar. Water getting into PCM and causing problems. Took vehicle to dealership for torque converter recall and they noticed water in the PCM. They dried it out and vehicle ran fine for two weeks. Had significant rain last night and problem happened again. This is an obvious flaw in this vehicle and needs to be fixed.
- Bexley, OH, USA
I was driving my minivan back to work from lunch. It cut off as I took a turn. I stopped the vehicle and restarted it. As I began to go again, it cut off again. I pulled over and restarted the vehicle. I was right outside my work parking lot so I pulled in and parked. I called egan automotives because they are located right beside my work. During my break I drove it to their place of business. My minivan check engine light was on and it was acting sluggish. I left the vehicle with them overnight. Egan automotive called me and told me that there was moisture getting into the computer box. They said that Ford knew about this problem and were selling a kit that will insulate the computer box. I called Ford and they won't help even though the placement of the computer box under the wiper blade vents was there brilliant idea. Looking online this seems like a pretty common problem, yet Ford won't recognize it and fix it. This is going to cost me $300, which I feel I'm not responsible for. A vehicle cutting out while driving is a safety hazard. Can you help get this resolved?
- Kaysville, UT, USA
I have had the car stop after and during rainy days. Most recently the car would not start or move during a heavy rain. I have had to wait days until the car dries out for the car to move. Have taken it to the shop after several instances of this same occurrence. They can not find out what is wrong as the car runs ok" after researching on the internet I have come to the conclusion that it is water leaking on and into the PCM causing the car to not start or move. Ford dealership has not been able to solve the problem or have a solution"
- Ada, MI, USA
Add-on info for complaint #10472027. The date stated for the problem with the PCM was merely an arbitrary start date for our problems, which was required to proceed with the complaint. We have had continual problems for at least near 2 years with the vehicle, but no mechanic (including Ford's) has been able to accurately confirm the basis of such issues. Our assessment of a damaged PCM is based on research of on-line complaints from other Freestar owners which seem to almost perfectly match our situation, as well as the fact that our mechanic had to remove water from the computer compartment. Currently, we are in search of a replacement computer, but they are almost impossible to find.
- Jasper, GA, USA
2005 Ford Freestar PCM problems. Symptoms include intermittent incidences including vehicle's failure to start, running rough, improperly accelerating, refusing to move forward/backward, and other random problems. The fuel system components/camshaft sensor/etc, as well as the transmission have been replaced on the vehicle, but all of these issues still exist. Codes do not show up on mechanic's diagnostic computers unless the car is actively having the problem, which seems to rarely happen. Mechanics, including the local Ford dealership, has not been able to confirm the problem with the PCM; however, our mechanic did find water in the computer module. He dried it out and resealed it, in hopes of resolving the issues we were having. The problems have continued though and despite lack of codes, all indications are that the computer is no longer good. Another problem is the fact that getting a replacement PCM is nearly impossible. The demand for Freestar reconditioned computers is so high that we've not been able to find one to replace the bad unit in the van. (apparently, new PCM's are not available at all.) after seeing the massive number of on-line complaints which are so similar to ours, I cannot believe that Ford shut the case regarding the computer problem. If the diagnosis of failed PCM's is almost impossible to achieve, Ford simply chooses to ignore the obvious. (read all of the complaints on NHTSA.dot.gov.) poor placement of the PCM on the back of the vehicle wall has allowed water to run off of the windshield into the unit, but Ford will not take ownership in this problem. How many people have to risk having a wreck and possibly dying due to water-damaged components? it is unfortunate and unnecessary. One last question... is it possible that the transmission problems (currently on recall) be related to the water-damaged PCM's?
- Jasper, GA, USA
Was stalled out several times during the month of January and February of this year. It would just stop responding. It acted much like a transmission going out, but that was not the problem. After multiple towes and trips to the mechanic to attempt getting this vehicle repaired, it was determined that the PCM had gotten water inside and had to be replaced. I spent several thousand dollars trying to get this vehicle to run as well as it had before. Once the PCM issue was discovered, it did run much better, but by this time I had lost my faith in the vehicle. I cannot believe that Ford positioned a computer component where water would run down onto it, and they have not been forced to fix this issue. As a result of all of my problems with this vehicle, after many years of being a Ford owner, I sold this van and purchased a Chrysler Town & Country.
- Portage, MI, USA
I was driving 45 mph in a heavy rain when my vehicle began to sputter and check engine light began flashing. I started to pull over, but light went off and engine ran fine. After several days of rain engine would hesitate in acceleration and would feel like it was missing. It began only occasionally and usually when traveling up hill. It progressively got worse, especially after rain or being washed. Investigated and found this to be a common problem with this model with the power control module getting wet. Today while driving on the interstate check engine light began flashing and engine hesitated, then check engine light stayed on. Very dangerous situation to feel like my van was going to stall at 70 mph with my family in the car.
- Morganton, NC, USA
After driving in or after a hard rain, the engine light comes on and the engine runs very rough and often stops. Has happened while driving on highway at 55mph. Cowl was removed at dealership to prevent water intrusion in oct2010, but same problem started happening again in 2012...
- Wallingford, PA, USA
I was driving my Freestar home, pulling into my complex when the battery light came on, then a second later the brake light, then all the power to the van was lost. I had no control, the entire electrical system went out, the engine shut off, I had to rub the van up against the curb to stop it. When I got it going again and parked in my parking spot the battery light came on again and I lost all power again. The next day I replaced the battery as I was told it could be a battery issue, but even with the new battery the light was still on. I had the alternator and the battery cables checked and it was fine. Then I was told it maybe the PCM which is a known issue with this model and what I experienced is the identified issue...this is very serious as I was bring home my family home and we just got off the highway like 5-10 minutes before this thing shut down on me, if this was the highway we could have been seriously hurt. Plus now I can't even drive because the part is not available, it's on back order, so this must mean a lot of people are having this issue. We need to have a recall on this before people get hurt or killed, especially when it's a known issue nhthqnwws111.ODI.NHTSA.dot.gov/acms/docservlet/artemis/public/pursuits/2009/dp/insl-DP09004-35644P.pdf !!!!!
- Brampton, FL, USA
Was on a very busy highway. The Freestars dash lights lite up and went back off. Ac cut off then everything started working again. About 30 seconds later the Freestar died at 65. I was able to coast to a stop on the shoulder. Again on May 5 2012 the lights started flickering and the ac started to blow hard and it would slow back down then the dash lights ABS, brake, battery lights would blink on and off then the Freestar died again at 70 mph. Brakes didn't work I was going through a intersection and had to use the E brake. Freestar has done this several times over the last month I just hit the high spots. It has had test after test and I'm always told a different story! I just want my van fixed before someone gets hurt or killed.
- Garvin , OK, USA
When driving down the road the van will suddenly lose all forward momentum and drift momentarily until it will just as suddenly resume forward momentum and continue like normal. When this happens, the rpms drop off like the vehicle is stalling or fuel starved (however it has no hesitation like its running out of gas) no warning lights come on and there is no pattern to when or how it happens. However, the problem has been getting progressively worse and now it is noticed that it has a higher tendency to do it when it is raining or there is high humidity. It does it at all speeds from 25mph to 70mph. Ford dealership has looked at the van and could not get it to reproduce the problem when they had it. However, they stated this does not sound like a torque converter problem addressed under safety recall notice 11S25/ NHTSA recall 12V-006. This is a very dangerous problem and has almost caused several accidents as I have no warning the problem is getting ready to happen and have no way to notify other motorist of my sudden and quick deceleration.
- Lynchburg, VA, USA
On September 21, 2011 I noticed that my 2005 Ford Freestar was hesitating when I pulled out of a parking spot in front of my home. I was able to get to my final destination, a local supermarket, without incident but could tell that the car was not shifting gears as smoothly as I was accustomed to. On the return trip home, upon merging onto the expressway I typically take, my Freestar's engine began to sputter then immediately shut down. All power to the engine was lost. Power steering was lost as well making the car impossible to maneuver. The electrical system completely shut down and I was forced to come to a complete stop, shift into park and reengage the ignition. From that point on, until I arrived home, the Freestar would not shift beyond second gear. If I made an attempt to accelerate, again the engine would sputter and all power to the engine, power steering and electrical systems would shut down completely. I managed to get home that day by stopping and restarting my Freestar what I can only estimate to be 50 to 75 times. The most harrowing part of this experience was the lost of power and control without warning. Prior to this day, I had never experienced anything remotely like this with the Freestar, and then from one day to the next, I was helpless on the expressway expecting a fatal collision with an unsuspecting driver.
- Brooklyn, NY, USA
Was driving around 30mph then the RPM's went up to 5000 let off gas RPM slowley went down..2nd time it happened took it in they said it was a sensor "fixed" it...the 3rd time was going threw an intersection died on me in middle of intersection almost got smashed by oncoming traffic with my kids in the van...had it towed they could not find anything wrong....4th or 5th time was going to work got of highway rpms went up to 5000 and the van wont go no wheres now...no reverse no drive just sits there sounding like [xxx]they way Ford made it...now waiting on them to tell me whats wrong with it.... information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Rensselaer, NY, USA
This vehicle has died on me numerous times while driving down the freeway or around town driving. It has been very scary and a miracle we weren't killed. The first time it happened in 2006. The Ford dealer had no idea what it was, finally discovered it was happening in cold weather, moist air or rain. The PCM was getting wet. They put foam and sealed with an adhesive. It started again in 2008 had to be resealed. It has started again in 2011 and 2012 it is very scary and you never know when you will lose power. It is very expensive to have fixed. Ford knows this was a bad design. They are waiting for someone to get killed and be sued before they will take responsibility for this problem. My van is now parked, while I try to get the money together to have it sealed again. Hemborg Ford doesn't even offer a discount for the repair. They are not concerned at all that the vehicle dies while you are traveling down the freeway. This van has had numerous recalls, it should have had one for the PCM but so far it has not. I guess they are waiting for someone to die. Online there is a lot of complaints on this same issue from people from all over the United States.
- Norco, CA, USA
- New Port Richey, FL, USA