Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and releasing the accelerator pedal, the contact noticed an abnormal clucking sound. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to continue driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle only responded when the RPMs were high, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter output shaft had failed. The mechanic determined that the torque converter and the output shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. …
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that upon selling the vehicle, she allowed another individual to test drive the vehicle; however, as the contact was driving on an incline, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flex shaft had failed. The contact then stated that upon research, she became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V00600 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that due to the condition of the vehicle the recall repair could not be performed. The contact was concerned that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the VIN was entered and displayed a different color. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, he noted that a "sprocket" warning symbol had illuminated. The contact exited the freeway and stopped at a traffic light. As he depressed the accelerator to go forward the vehicle would not move however, the engine was running. The contact stated that he placed the shift lever in neutral then drive and reverse and the vehicle would not move in any direction. The contact had the vehicle towed an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and towed back to the contact's residence. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite multiple attempts to accelerate the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train) that she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 238,000.
I was having issues with my car not able to really move so I had a mechanic to come to me to inspect it and he stated it was my torque converter someone on it in it near it.. That my issue.. So I was calling about the recall on it and it stated that it was already fixed in 2012 on recall. And I'm a new owner purchased in 2018.. I'm a Ford girl.. So from the Taurus 500 and freestar never had of it needed a van have grandkids and now out my four year with it no problem with til now and by it has been replaced before I'm not able to get help with fixing it .. That my only car now I'm now disabled on fixed income and can't afford to buy a new transmission.. I'm asking if u could assist me with the same issue happening twice with vehicle with two different owner.. Thanks for your assistance and help
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street, however the engine was still on. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact and her son pushed the vehicle to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized and remained in neutral. The vehicle jerked and shortly returned to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the gear shifter light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford is recalling about 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles, because the torque converter output shaft may fail. If the torque converter output shaft were to fail, the result would be a sudden loss of motive power with no warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the torque converter for free. The safety recall is expected to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2012. The recall campaign number is 11S25. 2012 recall was done at dealership, was the work actually done? With low miles it hard to believe that this has failed!
After stopping at a traffic light in my 2005 Ford Freestar the vehicle would not go forward. I had to be pushed to the side of the road until a tow truck arrived. However, after the vehicle was towed to my home I discovered that it would go in Reverse with no problem, but when put into Drive would slowly pull forward if on level ground. After speaking with a transmission repair shop I was informed that I had a faulty torque converter and that the 2004-2005 Ford Freestars with this problem were being recalled. Also, my third row seat will not properly latch.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 Ford freestar and Mercury monterey vehicles. The torque converter output shaft May fail.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012. Owners May contact the Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA investigations
Engine Stalling
The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine…
Torque converter output shaft failure
Odi has received 227 owner complaints alleging a sudden and unexpected loss of motive power due to an internal transmission failure in the subject vehicles.of those complaints, 124 can be attributed to the torque converter output shaft splines stripping causing a sudden loss of power to the drivetrain.the remaining 103 complaints experienced a loss of motive power but the specific internal failure cause within the…
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment…
Transmission complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 677 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Ford Freestar, 76% of the model year's 886 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (376 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Freestar transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-006 (torque converter, Jan 9, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Freestar transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.