Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the rear quarter panels on the vehicle were rusted and corroded. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the wheels seized while driving, which resulted in a loss of control. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that there was rust on the wheel wheel, mounting brackets, and latches. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,988.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the power liftgate motor disengages when the latch opens, causing it to fall immediately. Through the internet, she discovered a recall regarding this issue. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact feels that this is a safety issue because someone could be injured by standing under the latch of the vehicle as the motor disengages. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 76,000.
The rear wheel well has rusted on both sides and completely rusted out a large hole (approx. 1 ft diameter area visibly effected) in the the body of the van. The rusted out section is where the back seat is anchored to the frame, so the rust has cause the seat to no longer be securely anchored to the car. The hole has also caused electrical wires to get wet when water gets into the van and intermittently and unpredictably causing failure of electrical features, including headlights and blinkers, while driving.
I wrote on this yesterday but did some more research on this vehicle. There have been numerous recalls on these type of vehicles. Recall #12V006000 on the torque converter output shaft. Recall began August 9 2012. This is a serious matter I just recently purchased this vehicle to take my 8 grandchildren around. Now I won't even put them in it. I also found out there was a recall on the back seat. Recall # 13V081000. This is also a problem when your hauling around children. The undercarriage of the vehicle is really rusty. I wish I would of never bought this vehicle. It sure is going to be a money pit for sure. It only has 141000 miles on it. Very sad that Ford could make such a unsafe vehicle. I bought the vehicle and it seemed fine. 5 days into ownership the torque converter light came on while I was driving it. …
This vehicle I received numerous recalls and had many problems with this vehicle. Major electrical problems. When it would rain and get car wash the electrical system would malfunction and cause engine not to run properly and check engine light would come on. In April of 2016 engine was malfunctioning and caused me to get in accident. This vehicle has since been impounded and loan company santander trying to bill me for remainder of loan and now causing major credit issues. I would like this to be covered by Ford/carmax for selling my family an unsafe vehicle which could have resulted in critical injury or worse.
Car history: the transaxle light has gone before when we travel through vt mountains, but turning off the engine and letting it sit, and restarting it, the light would go off. Upon getting home safety, our mechanics didn't find anything to repair and so left it be, and would only sometimes see it when we traveled through the vt mountains, a few times a year. All recall repairs were up to date. There were no other symptoms. Incident: as we nearing the top of a mountain, the transaxle light came on. Unlike the other times, the transmission suddenly failed to be in the correct gear, so unlike the other times, we were very concerned. We pulled over immediately, and as we reached the shoulder smoke began pouring out of the vents. …
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
On certain vans equipped with the power liftgate option, the power liftgate motor automatically disengages after the liftgate is powered open.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power liftgate module to reduce the likelihood that the liftgate could fall free of charge. The recall began on March 15, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA investigations
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Freestar years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (94), 2005 (33) and 2006 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Ford Freestar body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-069 (hatchback/liftgate, Mar 9, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Freestar body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles; 10% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (81 mentions), followed by the body › door (9).
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.