Most common 2004 Ford Freestyle problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Freestyle complaints by model year
Best Freestyle years: 2004, 2007. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2004 Ford Freestyle owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I received a recall notice for the torque converter on my vehicle. I took it to the dealer for replacement of the torque converter on August, 22, 2012. I never had a problem with the vehicle before but when I brought it home I began to notice a bump when I put it in drive. I thought this might smooth out over time. Three months later I noticed a shudder at fifty five miles per hour and the tachometer would rise about two hundred rpms. I took the vehicle to my mechanic, who was a Ford mechanic for about twenty years before he opened his own shop and he said the problem was in the torque converter. Ford service rep. Told me that since it has been over a year that I had the torque converter replaced I have to pay for all parts and labor. The van has 119,000 miles on it and I'm hoping it will last another six months so I can trade it in. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH the vehicle suddenly jerked forward and stalled. After restarting the vehicle the engine the check transaxle sensor light illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate past 10 MPH. After driving the vehicle home the contact later discovered that the vehicle would not operate in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that water was present inside the PCM (power train control module ). The PCM was repaired and the defect was remedied. The failure mileage was 101,674.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was making a jerking motion. The contact also stated that the wrench warning indicator illuminated. The contact shut the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestyle. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that the electronic throttle body sensor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000. Updated 8/6/15 updated 10/26/2017
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford Freestyle a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Freestyle rates better than average: 100% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Freestyle at the same age. It is one of the best Freestyle years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Freestyle?
The transmission & drivetrain — 6 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Freestyle have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Ford Freestyle. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Freestyle?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2006. See the full Ford Freestyle years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Freestyle problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 108,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.