Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford Freestar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle due to part availability issues. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (RECALL REMEDY INCIDENT) TS
2004 Ford Freestar [redacted]Ford is charging me for the repair for the torque converter subframe 3-4 $600~$800 bushing kits ($200 each) they want to charge me. I informed them that only do the factory recall repairs the pulled my van out and told me the cant do the repairs, because they are scared of the ball joints and tie rods might break, then complained about the subframe my have to be cut to install new subframe bolts bushings etc. Just to they can continue to take the apart to replace the torque converter. The agreed to charge me 300 labor and told me to pick up the parts needed so I purchased 2 tie-rods. 2 transaxles l-r, 2 lower control arms which included ball joints. They took the subframe apart then told me I need to pay and additional $500 for a used subframe from the salvage yard. …
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. …
Sheet metal corrosion that supports the third row seat could corrode and compromise the forward mounting of the seat. Possible the seat May come unlatched if involved in rear impact accident. Dealer service department unable to accomplish recall with parts provided by manufacturer because of excessive corrosion. Dealer indicates that additional parts beyond the 'recall kit' are not readily available. Dealer also indicates that the recall should have been completed sooner, near the original issue date. Manufacture is still sending recall notices inviting us to accomplish. Dealer released the vehicle back to us without repair or any additional safety measures concerning securing of the seat. Escalated issue to Ford customer care representative who has not responded at present time. …
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, [phone]) 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats); however, the recall repair could not be performed due to severe corrosion where the recall parts would be installed. The dealer stated that the recall repair could be performed; however, the corroded material would have to be repaired beforehand. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would not repair the corroded component in order for this recall to be performed. The failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 09/22/16
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the rear seat anchor mechanism fractured and caused the driver's side rear tire to puncture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fractured seat anchor had punctured the inside sidewall of the driver's side rear tire. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats) however, the contact was concerned that the rear tire was not also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
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.
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.
Related recalls
Seats
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013.
NHTSA investigations
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia,…
Seat complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2004 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 86 complaints about the seats of the 2004 Ford Freestar, 7% of the model year's 1,227 complaints. The component named most often is mid/rear assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Freestar seat problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-081 (seats, Mar 7, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Freestar seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.