Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was unknown what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,430. The VIN was not available. Updated 11/09/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled as the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Sudden loss of power to wheels @ 114,000 miles; Ford dealer: "you need to purchase a rebuilt transmission" this is the torque converter as known to NHTSA; demanded Ford refund, refused. Second Ford remanufactured transmission warranty not being honored with failure @ 93,000. Ford dealer: "replaced fuse, torque converter shudder; your van has over 200,000 miles on it!!" significant transmission vibration with steering shudder, re-diagnosed January 10, 2014; continuation of 93,000 failure and claimed repair. PCM failed at aprox. 85,000 miles; power steering leaks year after purchase @ 53,000 original miles. Ford dealer refuses repair/refund. All documents in possession.
While driving down the highway with my five children in the car the carson we lost power and I had to say try my best to safely coast to the side of the road and was not able to get completely out of the way before the car stopped and wouldn't move. We have to get out of the car walk through a field a9 year old 10 year old 6 year old two year old and an 8 month old. There are recalls on all other urs except this one even though they have the same engine and failing parts. Torque converter!!! My kids were afraid and didn't know what would happen to us. It will cost us money we don't have to fix this car, with the faulty part. We should be included in the recall.
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. …
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the computer needed to be dried off. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated he had experienced the failure several times. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
I have a 2004 Ford freestar van and I was driving down the road and I went to pass another vehicle and I push the gas and I heard some crunchy noise is and then nothing no power at all no gears nothing I was dead in the water so I had to get out of the van and push it to the side of the road didn't have reverse didn't have drive didn't have third second or first no gears at all the transmission failed me I could have been in a very bad accident and hurt it just came out of nowhere there was no signs of anything wrong with the van and then this happens.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Freestar years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (118), 2005 (88), 2006 (39) and 2007 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Ford Freestar engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Ford Freestar model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Freestar engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 13% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (11 mentions), followed by the cooling system (4).
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.