Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Freestar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated. The contact stated that the brakes did not work and the rpms increased to 3,000. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral and stopped the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Their is 5 recalls on my van that I pulled up on NHTSA and the Ford company is saying their is only one recall and I'm having serious issues with this van and I was driving this van and it is losing power when driving it. I need ur help please. My number is ([redacted]) please leave me a message so I can call u bank thanks redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
I had received a letter of recall of my back row seat latch do to corrosion. I had taken my van in to be repaired they informed me that they would have to order the parts which took 2 weeks upon returning they informed me they need another part they forgot to order so I waited for my call back again.. Within 2 months time I returned to have it worked on that is when they had told me it had begun to corrode n that they couldn't install the parts I asked them about the situation further & if it was safe to drive they had said yes & handed me my keys so upon leaving the dealership I had stopped for food on my way home I smelt burnt rubber then a thudding noise I had pulled over to check it out luckily I was to close to a family members house a piece had fallen off n was rubbing on my tire my tires had almost caught fire when luckily I had gotten the baby out before anything had happened …
At approximately 28,000 miles we heard a terrible squealing noise coming from the rear of our 2005 Ford Freestar minivan and after visual inspection the brake pad on the driver's rear was worn to nothing. Immediately took the van to the dealer where they informed us that it was normal wear and would not be covered by our warranty. Upon further inspection by our personal mechanic we were informed the caliper was sticking and cut into the rotor. He put a set of brake pads on so we could drive it back to the dealer where we bought the vehicle, sunset Ford, in gravois. We were told since we did not use motocraft the repairs would not be covered. Now at 50,000 miles the problem still exists and the van needs another set of brakes and rotors.
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.
At approx. 33,000 miles started expeiencing braking problems- soft pedal, requiring excess presssure to stop safely. Occasional instances of acceleration while braking because accelerator pedal and brake pedal were at same height. A narrow acceleration miss drove me to my service shop where I asked them to check out the brakes. The pads & rotors were in fine shape. But the master cylinder proved to be bad. It took 4 replacement cylinders from local dealers to get one that fit and functioned properly. Now at 54,000 miles the pedal is again soft and braking is getting harder each day. Visual inspection of pads and rotors show plenty of useful life remaining. Since when is 30,000 miles an acceptable average life for a master brake cylinder?
My car is a Ford 2005 Freestar. It is experiencing intermittent brake failure. The pedal goes to the floor and does not respond even if I pump the brakes, then, goes back to normal. I have had it looked at by Ford 2 times, Goodyear one time and meineke once as well. Ford could not duplicate and sent the car and us home. They said the do not "want to throw parts at it". They said they checked the master cylinder, the booster and also for air in the line, but all checked out okay. I called the executive offices of Ford. They said they would call the dealer, that we should "leave it with the dealer" but they cannot help us with transportation. I have a son with a brain injury. This car is our only form of transportation. Please help.
I took my car in for a routine oil change and tire rotation. (which I do every 5K, this was at about 40K). Rear driver brake pads were down to 10%, all others were fine. When replacing pads, the mechanic found brake fluid had leaked into the caliper, causing it to fail. The caliper failure caused overheating and dragging of the ceramic brake pad on the rotor, cutting a huge groove into rotor, which negated any chance of machining. The calipers, rotors and brake pads all required replacement with less than 40K miles on the car... Big $$$$. This failure seemed pre-mature, and was unusual even to a service manager with many years of experience. (he suggested that Ford should be notified, which they were, today, 11/26/2007).
Dt: about 2 weeks ago the brakes failed. When pressure was applied to the brake pedal it simply went all the way to the floor. It did slow down but as driver progressed the brake shoe hung to the rotor and made a clicking sound as though they were still applied. Afterwards consumer contacted dealership and took vehicle in. The technician stated it was a rotor problem. The dealer grinded rust or " lot rot" off the rotors and placed them back on the vehicle. Two days ago however the same incident occurred again with the brake pads sticking to the rotor and the clicking noise. The vehicle is back at the dealer who says they can not find anything wrong with it. The consumer has not contacted manufacturer.
2005 Ford Freestar grinding began back brakes have had van maintain at dealership since got never had report brakes need replaced as noise increased at 42,068 miles took back to dealership found back brake and rotors need replaced but not front brake this good this is a FWD vehicle front brakes should go first Ford replaced rotors and pads wanted 475.00 but after pointing out never adv any problem final price paid 332.01 after checking maintenance history in computer checking internet multi problem back brakes have contact corp Ford will not assist or recall issue at moment this is huge safety problem original back brakes are defective.
Brake complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Ford Freestar, 3% of the model year's 886 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Freestar brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2005 Ford Freestar, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Freestar brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.