Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 the vehicle was stationary, the engine caught fire without warning. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fire. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle would not move. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the pcv valve was replaced. The failure recurred with the vehicle not accelerating from a stopped position. The vehicle was taken to bell Ford (1200 nj-27, colonia, nj 07067 [phone]) and repaired under NHTSA campaign numbers: 12V006000 (power train) and 13V081000 (seats). The contact stated that while performing the recall repairs, the lug nuts were damaged. The driver's and passenger's side axles were fractured, the oil pan was damaged, and power steering lines were also damaged. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired. While driving home, the failure recurred. The dealer declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …
3 weeks ago my family and I was almost killed by a semi-truck on the highway our vehicle just gave out in the middle of the highway I then started doing research on my vehicle I then reported the vehicle to the safety vehicle complaint and was contacted by a staffing took my vehicle to the said place in el paso tx case Ford my vehicle has been detained for over 2weeks the gentle men [redacted] a worker of casa Ford has been very rude and reluctant to actually service my vehicle he said the vehicle wouldn't fail at some point it finally failed I also just purchased a new battery I just bought a week prior to the accident and [redacted] said the battery I had was no good which is not true and charged me 200 for a new battery I feel that casa Ford is not trying to resolve the issue with my vehicle I'm disabled and my children as well the said he doesn't know what is wrong that it May be …
Vehicle loses power, erratically shifts gears, RPM gauge bounces around and check engine light comes on. I later find that the error code is p1740 (torque converter clutch inductive signature malfunction) after further research I see that there was a recall for this model and year of vehicle for this exact problem yet my specific vehicle is not covered under the recall. I bought this vehicle from a used car dealership and I believe they knew about this problem beforehand and kept it from me, telling me how good and reliable this vehicle is. The vehicle still drives for now but who knows how long and whether any additional damage May be done just by continuing driving it. I bought this because we needed a safe family vehicle and now I'm out all the money I spent on it without enough left to fix it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While the vehicle was at a stop, the rpms surged to 2,000 and the vehicle accelerated without warning. The failure also occurred when the brakes were applied. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the manifold, which needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to two certified mechanics who diagnosed that there was no leak in the manifold. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer a second time and was informed that they were unable to be specify the exact failure. The dealer stated that the throttle body and other unidentified components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
Purchased a 2005 Ford Freestar March 2009. Has suffered from repeated loss of motive power with the computer often recording "no codes" per the dealer. Has been to the dealer atmultiple times for various supposed repairs including new computer, alternator, etc., but the problem continues. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving causing a loss of power steering and brake control. This has occurred at least 8 times in the last 12 months and we left the vehicle at the dealer from 9/10/09 through 11/12/09 and again from 11/15/09(?) through 2/5/2010 due to our concerns about the vehicle's safety. On 2/10/2010 an accident occurred where the vehicle lost power, the road turned and the driver was unable to make the turn or brake adequately and hence ran off the road sustaining neck injuries.
While driving down the road, the van will suddenly die. All alarms, engine light, ABS, traction control. Will go off. Sudenly there is no power. Van will start right back up and drive again. This has been going on for over a year. I have had it at 7 different mechanics, including the Ford dealership where I purchased the vehicle. It has happened at all different speeds, 20-65, also happens if stalled at a stop light or drive-thru. Additionally, I can be driving at 25-35mph and the RPM's will shoot up to 7000 or fall all the way down like you are idleing. Vehicle makes noises like it is going to blow up and then will be fine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked and a loud noise was heard near the front of the vehicle. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as the rpms reduced. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V006000 (power train). The failure mileage was 102,000.
When it's raining or wet snow outside the van starts to chug. This causes the vehicle to have loss of power and it becomes jerky. The engine light starts to flash. It only does this when it's wet outside- it happens on the freeway, dirt roads, paved in town roads.... I'm sure it is the electrical box under the hood getting wet from a manufacture overlook- I've read this was an issue and because it hasn't caused a death it's not something Ford has to fix? I have children and I will not allow my family to be a loss because of a manufacture issue. Ford should be paying for the fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to steer from the vehicle off the roadway when she crashed into a flagpole. There were front bumper damages and the vehicle was towed to an automotive repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the stalling failure. The dealer was contacted and advised that they could not tell the contact what had caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 57,000.
Engine complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Ford Freestar, 10% of the model year's 886 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Freestar engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.