8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,800
Average Mileage:
98,900 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. machined a new input shaft (1 reports)
  3. replace transmission (1 reports)
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problem #7

Jun 152017

Freestyle SEL 3.0L 4v V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 119,567 miles

click to see larger images

transmission noise

Same as most here, doing the helicopter thing as the wife and kids where driving down the Hwy. Come to find that it's was the SHAFT - INPUT which will set you back $846.88 from ford, as found on their website. Will be giving them a call tomorrow to see what they have to say. So far have not found anyone else that has this part but it is after closing, lots of calling to do tomorrow. Just a Royal pain in the ass, thanks for letting me vent here.

- neudorf, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

problem #6

May 012016

Freestyle 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

Driving down the highway my 2005 Ford Freestyle decides to lose all acceleration. NO PEDAL AT ALL. The car came to a stop with vehicles behind me traveling at 55 to 65 mph. This could have been a fatal situation. I was able to feather the car off the highway, then the car sat til I was able to get it towed to a garage.

The garage can't even seem to figure out the problem because there seems to be several of them. First the wheel bearing and speed sensors with the track light on, then a po701 codes say CHECK TRANSMISSION. Other garages have looked at it and said throttle body and electrical part that has gas pedal attached to it.. so start of new tires, new wheel bearing did not help. Track light and abs lights still on. Charging light is now on and still no pedal and now a growl noise coming from the front of the car. If anyone has any ideas please help....Everyone is telling me I should have stuck to my Dodge.

- Misty S., Rexville, NY, US

problem #5

Oct 112015

Freestyle Limited

  • CVT transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Car has low mileage because was owned by elderly people who hardly used it. I got it when it had 16,000 miles and shortly after that I had to replace brakes and tires. Now at 41,000 miles I have a very loud whining noise as car is running and louder as I increase speed. Took it to 2 garages and both said it was the transmission and can not be fixed - must be replaced. THis is not a cheap fix. Quotes were for a used transmission of between 6100 and $7000. If a transmission with such low mileage even tho has years, should not Ford who knows it is a lousy transmission, accept some responsibility for a fix? But I am given no help from Ford or the dealership. Not a happy camper and not going to be buying another Ford unless they step up to the plate.

- Carol B., Hopkinton, NH, US

problem #4

Jul 102014

Freestyle ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

This car has been very dependable, now it is having a scary issue with a noise that sounds like a child's choo choo train when in park. The noise stops when the car is in motion. Mechanic thinks it may be my transmission, but he isn't sure and he says he will research and get back with me. Could it be something other than the transmission?

Also, I found the two recalls I did not receive from Ford on your website - re: the door locks freezing (I was late for work 2 times and I received no sympathy); and the issue re: the straps securing the fuel tank. If these straps are loose would they make a noise?

I will call the dealer. I looked at several other sites none were as thorough and informative as yours. Thank you!! Sincerely, Eileen J.

- Eileen J., Springfield, OH, US

problem #3

Jul 102013

Freestyle Limited 3.0L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 136,900 miles

I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle and i have 136,000 miles on this car, this car going on 2 years..I bought this car used and still making payments on this car for another year...I have problems with a loud humming noise coming from the CVT transmission and my AWD malfunction light stays on all the time now...And my car surges when going down hills...I am on permanent disability and i dont have the money to put into this problem that is fords fault..I did take the car to a transmission shop and they said that they cannot fix the problem cause they dont have the tools to fix it...I contacted ford and they said it was the sensor on the transmission that is going bad, and for the rest it would cost more money to check everything out..I dont get this cause Ford knows whats wrong but not fixing the problem...But all i know is there is 100's to 1000's of people that they said the same thing too..I was quoted close to $400 to do this...And up to $6000 for a new transmission..Now the humming noise is getting louder and all coming from the transmission...AWD malfunction light stays on and car surges down hills...Sounds and problems like that are never good..Im sure the tranny is gonna fail soon...Im not sure what i will do since i cannot afford this fix and a car payment on a broken car..FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS THEY PUT OUT A FAULTY TRANNY ITS NOT FAIR THAT ALL OF US HAVE TO SUFFER

- wickitwick, Puyallup, WA, US

problem #2

Jul 242012

Freestyle SEL V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 89,500 miles

The noise at first was like a helicopter sound and was very noticeable when in park or coming to a stop, the Check transmission and Check Trac control lights where flashing. so as i was driving to transmission shop the AWD malfunction light came on. waiting for diagnosis from trans guy.

Update from Sep 7, 2012: The repair was to the input shaft and bearings, which has been reported that this is a common problem with this model year. regarding the Check Trac control light, the code was P1889 and the oil pressure/temperature sensor was replaced and the adjacent solenoid valve. and the throttle body was cleaned and computer needed to be reflashed. and three weeks in the shop. Ford should be ashamed for putting out such a lame product.

Update from Sep 12, 2012: the input shaft and bearings were replaced which fixed the problem, but had to clean the throttle body since the rpm's were fluctuating and then needed the computer reflashed, after that was fixed, the code P1889 appeared which is for the pressure sensor switch on the rear differential, but that didn't fix the AWD malfunction message. Need to get DEM (4x4 module) scanned. Good Job Ford

Update from Jan 3, 2013: it was the input shaft that failed, which is common problem with 2005, Ford will not have repalcement parts so they will stick you with a new transmission, THANKS FORD - this is the second time at transmission shop for the same problem, after doing some research they found someone who machines a new input shaft.

- Vince C., Pompoton Lakes, NJ, US

problem #1

Nov 152010

Freestyle SEL 3.2L

  • CVT transmission
  • 24,000 miles

2005 Ford Freestyle. The noise started at a low volume and grew louder and louder till other people were asking what was wrong with it. Two mechanics told me it was a trans problem and to take it to the dealer to see what they can do for me first. The Freestyle is a second car I own and has only 24k miles on it. I have mostly bought used cars in the past and never had a trans problem.

I am very disappointed with this vehicle and the lack of support by Ford. There should be a recall or at least and extension of the warranty coverage on trans.

- sunsokdnfl, Fort Myers, FL, US