Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While driving at approximately 2 MPH turning into the driveway, the two rear wheels detached without warning. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
I bought my 2004 Ford Freestar used in February of 2006 from eastern motors and had nothing but problems with it. First it needed a tune-up then the coil pack went bad and now needs brakes and tires. But my main concern is my trans-axle light coming on. I am a mechanic so I scanned it on OBD-ii scanner,it told me that my torque-converter was stuck in the open position. So it needed to be replaced. I called Ford because I cant get it aftermarket and they said it would cost me 300.00 for it. But the problem is I can't afford it and its on back order for who knows how long .Ford cant get until they get some in. Its 2007 and the problem is still there it bucks around while driving and it doesn't go into gear right away. Also when you turn the wheel while driving it makes a squeaking noise at the front wheels and the whole front end shakes wile driving 45 + MPH. …
Purchased a Ford Freestar in 2004. Last July ,I noticed puddles of oil in my driveway and a kick in the wheel when turning. Proceeded to my mechanic,on an emergency basis,and found out that it had to be fixed immediately. It turned out to be the rack and pinion. I checked the recall list with NHTSA and found that Ford recalled approximately 34,000 cars with the problem. The report indicated that the linking fluid good cause smoke. My VIN number did not match the recall list. Just recently(March,2009),I started hearing screeching sounds coming from the car. It would subside when going around curbs etc..turning the wheel slightly -would eliminate the sound. Again,I checked recalls and found recalls for hub problems. If not fixed the wheel attached to the axle would caused steering difficulty and a possible crash. Checked recall VIN number and it did not match. …
2004 Ford Freestar sel - ~23000 miles on the vehicle I have been hearing an intermittent squealing noise coming from the right front wheel. I brought the car to the dealer for regular maintenance, but they said nothing about the noise. The noise continued to get worse. I searched on the internet for people with similar problems and found out about a recall for the front hub, rotor, and wheel bearing (id #52707). My VIN was not included in the recall notice. When I brought the car back to the dealer, they said that the front right wheel hub and bearing were the cause and need to be replaced. This will cost me $420. I told them about the recall notice and said there was nothing they could do if the car was not on the original recall list. I called Ford and they said they would only pay for the issue is NHTSA included my VIN in the recall list. …
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. …
Experienced a very loud squealing noise that appeared to be coming from the front wheels - this usually occurred at speeds >60 MPH. When the steering wheel was turned slightly to the right, the noise would cease. When the wheels were straightened again, the noise would continue. Took the vehicle to the dealer with no issues found. I had suggested at that time that the problem appeared to be front wheel bearing related or something of that nature - no issues found with the vehicle at that time. The problem continued. Took the vehicle back 2 months later - reported that this was a known issue for the bearings to be replaced (and some other non-specific work with the hubs). This is listed in the recall section for this vehicle as a known issue since 2004!! …
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.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact heard a loud squealing noise coming from the front passenger side wheel which occurred about one year ago. The steering wheel had to be turned to the left or right in order to stop the noise from occurring. Last summer the dealer stated that the wheel bearings caused the failure to occur and it was safe to continue to drive the vehicle. The dealer also confirmed that the warranty was not valid. Ford motor company was notified about NHTSA recall campaign id number 04V446000 wheels, cap/cover/hub; however, her VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. A diagnostic test will be performed by a local mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The current mileage was 40,027.
Very high pitched squealing noise coming from front wheels. Noise begins approximately 15 minutes after beginning driving. Noise is intermittent but very irritating to passers by and other drivers. Noise "lightens" or lessens when brakes are applied and when slightly turning the steering wheel. I believe it to be wheel bearings/hub bearings. Very similar description to complaints I have read and I believe it is related to the recall #04s24. My vehicle was produced at the oakville assembly plant, but was produced before the dates listed in the current form of the recall. My vehicle only has 66,000 miles on it and is very well maintained. I request that this recall be expanded immediately and that remedy is offered swiftly.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the front wheel assembly screeched at a really high pitch, similar to a screaming sound. The issue occurred at least 50% of the time when the vehicle was driven at various speeds. The noise stopped when the steering wheel was turned, but would start again when the wheel was straightened. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V446000 (wheels:cap/cover/hub). The current mileage was 100,187 and failure mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 08/04/08. Updated 08/06/08
Related recalls
Wheels › Hub
Certain minivans May have been produced with front wheel hub assemblies that were not heat treated correctly. This condition May lead to the development of small cracks in the hub.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front hub, rotors, and wheel bearings. The recall began September 20, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2004 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2004 Ford Freestar, 2% of the model year's 1,227 complaints. The component named most often is hub (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Freestar wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-446 (hub, Sep 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Freestar wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
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.