Seat complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that he discovered two large holes located on both sides of the third-row seats. The contact stated that the holes were located at the seat anchors; the structural degradation at the seat anchor were mounted to the rear wheel wells. The contact then discovered that his vehicle was placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats). The contact then notified the dealer and was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available and also that the corrosion on the vehicle was too severe to complete the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the Better Business Bureau for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. …
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.
I purchased a 2006 Ford Freestyle which currently has an open safety recall for 3rd Row Seat Latch Striker Corrosion Repair. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the recall repaired. The dealership confirmed the recall but days later informed me that the necessary parts are no longer available and that they are unable to complete the repair. This creates a serious safety concern because the recall involves corrosion of the 3rd row seat latch striker, which can affect proper seat latching and passenger safety in the event of a crash. I attempted to escalate this issue by contacting Ford corporate customer support. However, I have not received any resolution. I have been given the runaround between Ford corporate and the dealership. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat latched wheel well corroded. The contact stated that there was rain water entering the vehicle through the rear wheel well by the passenger's side roller of the sliding door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (seats). There was no assistance provided. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure described in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat attachments were rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 317,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle due to part availability issues. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (RECALL REMEDY INCIDENT) TS
2004 Ford Freestar [redacted]Ford is charging me for the repair for the torque converter subframe 3-4 $600~$800 bushing kits ($200 each) they want to charge me. I informed them that only do the factory recall repairs the pulled my van out and told me the cant do the repairs, because they are scared of the ball joints and tie rods might break, then complained about the subframe my have to be cut to install new subframe bolts bushings etc. Just to they can continue to take the apart to replace the torque converter. The agreed to charge me 300 labor and told me to pick up the parts needed so I purchased 2 tie-rods. 2 transaxles l-r, 2 lower control arms which included ball joints. They took the subframe apart then told me I need to pay and additional $500 for a used subframe from the salvage yard. …
Related recalls (1)
Seats
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013.
NHTSA investigations
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Freestar years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (86), 2005 (20) and 2006 (12) model years. Seat complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Ford Freestar seat problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-081 (seats, Mar 7, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Freestar seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles; 3% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the mid/rear assembly (5 mentions), followed by the front assembly › recliner (1).
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.