Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 883 of 886 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 792 of 886 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
690 complaint records3 crash reports
"MY VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND WHEN I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE IT STARTED HESITATING AND WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
88 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVE THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AND SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. IN A NORMAL CITY BLOCK IT HAPPENED AT LEAST TWO TIMES B. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
85 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVE THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AND SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. IN A NORMAL CITY BLOCK IT HAPPENED AT LEAST TWO TIMES B. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQ12010 opened Sep 2012 | closed Dec 2012 | Structure | Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF. |
| EA12003 opened Apr 2012 | closed May 2013 | Structure | Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment - led to recall 13V081000 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... |
| PE11033 opened Sep 2011 | closed Dec 2012 | Equipment | Service Jack Failure The subject vehicles (SV) are all automatic transmission, front wheel drive vehicles with hand actuated mechanical park brakes. The investigation focused on allegations that the service jack failed and caused the vehicles to fall. |
| PE10033 opened Aug 2010 | closed Jul 2011 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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... |
| EA09016 opened Nov 2009 | closed Feb 2012 | Power Train | Transmission Torque Converter Failure - led to recall 12V006000 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... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE09033 opened Jul 2009 | closed Nov 2009 | Power Train | 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V081000 | 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... | Normally free |
| 12V006000 | Power Train | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL. | Normally free |
| 06V069000 | Structure | ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013074 2013-03-06 | Structure | 38,181 | On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), corrosion can occur at the... |
| 2012004 2012-01-06 | Powertrain | 36,421 | On certain vehicles, the torque converter could fail. This would result in a loss of vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property... |
| 2007297 2007-09-12 | Lights And Instruments | 251 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. |
| 2006055 2006-03-09 | Other | 3,229 | On certain vehicles equipped with Power Liftgate option, in the event of a liftgate strut malfunction, the liftgate may fall freely without warning after the liftgate is powered open. |
| 2005130 2005-04-29 | Seats And Restraints | 19 | Certain Ford Freestar vehicles modified for wheelchair accessibility by Liberty Motor Company Inc. do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| 16-0069 Apr 2016 | Seats | For 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey vehicles Safety Recall 13S01 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the sheet metal that supports the folding 3rd row seat latch strikers could experience corrosion and may... | |
| TSB160069 Apr 2016 | Seats | Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action | |
| TSB-14-0166 Sep 2014 | Equipment | FORD/MERCURY: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING SHEET METAL SUPPORT FOR FOLDING 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKERS CAN EXPERIENCE CORROSION AND WILL COMPROMISE MOUNTING POINT CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE. MODEL 2004-07 FREESTAR, MONTEREY. *PE | |
| 19004 Jan 2006 | Equipment | REAR CLIMATE CONTROL NOISES - SERVICE TIP. *TT |
Show 39 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18834 Sep 2005 | Air Bags | RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2296 - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 18730 Jul 2005 | Power Train | VEHICLES WITH A CVT TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE TRANSAXLE OIL PAN AREA. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 04147 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 18448 Mar 2005 | Equipment | INABILITY TO PLAY HOME MADE CD ON SINGLE CD AUDIO SYSTEM WITHOUT MP3 CAPABILITY. *EH | |
| 18520 Mar 2005 | Steering | STEERING WHEEL. *EH | |
| 0531 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MAF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIP - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EGR SYSTEM MODULE (ESM). *TT | |
| 05310 Feb 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH | |
| 0598 Jan 2005 | Power Train | A BROKEN OUTER C/V JOINT ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5/1/2005. *TT | |
| 052510 Jan 2005 | Service Brakes | ABS LIGHT ON AND DTCS C1175/C1236, C1165/C1235 - REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 042610 Dec 2004 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE LINING ACCELERATED WEAR. *TT | |
| 042616 Dec 2004 | Structure | WELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 04136 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1342 (RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) FAULT. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 042510 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | POWER SLIDING DOORS AND POWER LIFTGATE INOPERATIVE WHEN USING THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE AND/OR REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER OPEN/CLOSE BUTTONS - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1999. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 18335 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC U1130. *EH | |
| 18340 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC U1262 AND OR U1135. *EH | |
| 04229 Nov 2004 | Structure | ACCESS DOOR WRAPED OR BREAKING OFF FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL SHROD. *EH | |
| 04231 Nov 2004 | Service Brakes | TRACTION CONTROL ABS AND PARK BRAKE LAMP FLICKER FLASH ILLUMINATE. *EH | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 042117 Nov 2004 | Seats | 3RD ROW SEAT STRAP BREAKING. *EH | |
| 18274 Nov 2004 | Service Brakes | TRACTION CONTROL ABS AND PARK BRAKE LAMP. FLICKER FLASH ILLUMINATE. *EH | |
| 18246 Oct 2004 | Service Brakes | ACCELERATED REAR BRAKE WEAR. OASIS. *TT | |
| 041512 Sep 2004 | Power Train | 4F50N TRANSAXLE NO 1-2 UPSHIFT AND DIAGNOSITC TROUBLE CODE P0732. *TT | |
| 18135 Sep 2004 | Seats | 3RD ROW SEAT STRAP BREAKING (STRAP USED FOR STOWING OR ACCESSING THE REAR SEAT). *TT | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 15679 Aug 2004 | Structure | SLIDING DOOR(S) CONTACTING THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. *TT THIS INFORMATION UPDATES PREVIOUS INFORMATION, DATED 03/01/2002. *TT | |
| 17277 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | BEEPING SOUND FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN DRIVING AT/OVER 75 MPH, TRACTION CONTROL OFF INDICATOR ILLUMINATE WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL, AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2477 (MODULE CONFIGURATION FAILURE) STORED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE (ICM). | |
| 17358 Aug 2004 | Power Train | GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 04148 Jan 2004 | Visibility | FRONT BLOWER MOTOR WHISTLE NOISE. *TT | |
| 051115 | Electrical System | DTCS P0760 AND P0763-4F50N TRANSAXLE-VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/15/2005. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A SHORTED TRANSAXLE INTERNAL HARNESS, CAUSED BY A SHARP EDGE ON THE INSIDE OF THE SIDE COVER CASTING. *SC | |
| 05145 | Power Train | ERRATIC FLUID LEVEL READING ON TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK-LEAKS-4F50N, AX4N, AX4S TRANSAXLE. *SC | |
| 050920 | Tires | STEERING WHEEL AND OR VEHICLE VIBRATION-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR INTERGRITY 16 INCH TIRES ONLY. *SC | |
| 05617 | Service Brakes | TRACTION CONTROL LAMP - ABS LAMP - ABS SELF ACTIVATION WITH DTC C1288. *TT UPDATED 11/8/07. *NJ | |
| 06218 | Steering | ADVANCED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - DURATION ACTIVATION. *KB | |
| 0712 | Steering | POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK NEAR COOLER EXTREME COLD CLIMATE AREAS ONLY -4 DEGREES AND COOLER. *KB | |
| 071011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ADVANCED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - SHORT DURATION ACTIVATION. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Freestar →