Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2007
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Sudden, complete loss of drive in forward or reverse gears; stripping of input shaft or torque converter splines; described as a fundamental design flaw where the van is too heavy for the transmission.
- Very frequentChronic electrical system problems
Intermittent failure of dashboard gauges, radio, lights, and A/C controls; parasitic battery drain; malfunctioning power windows and mirrors; faulty door lock remotes; linked to faulty switches, relays, and wiring.
- RecurrentAir conditioning system failure
Blows warm air from front vents (particularly driver's side) while rear vents may still blow cold; failure after refrigerant service; associated with blend door actuators and electrical faults.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine stalling and driveability issues
Vehicle dies while driving, especially when hitting puddles or at highway speeds; herky-jerky acceleration; entering "limp home mode" with speed limitation; often linked to throttle position sensors, fuel system issues, or water intrusion.
- RecurrentGeneral build quality and rust
Rattly interior; components prone to rust in winter climates; cheaper materials compared to competitors.
- IsolatedDifficulty refueling / gas tank venting
Gas pump nozzle repeatedly clicks off during filling; splash-back of fuel; caused by a clogged charcoal EVAP canister.
- IsolatedCorrosion recall for third-row seats
A manufacturer recall addressed corrosion that could prevent the fold-down third-row seats from locking into place (2004-2007 models).
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended as superior. Feedback indicates severe mechanical problems (transmission, electrical) affect the entire 2004-2007 model range.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Chevrolet Venture/Uplander.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The Freestar is consistently described as unreliable, problematic, and a source of frequent, costly repairs. The primary criticism centers on catastrophic and recurrent transmission failures, which are cited as a fundamental design flaw. Additional widespread complaints include pervasive electrical system issues, chronic air conditioning failures, and general build quality concerns. While a small number of owners report achieving high mileage (over 200,000 miles/322,000 km) without major issues, these are presented as exceptions. The consensus is that the vehicle is prone to sudden, debilitating failures that often render it uneconomical to repair, leading to significant owner frustration and financial strain.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an inferior choice compared to its contemporaries. It is consistently ranked below Chrysler minivans (Grand Caravan, Town & Country) for features, interior quality, and engine reliability, though Chrysler models are also noted for their own transmission weaknesses. It is decisively considered less reliable than Japanese competitors (Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna), which are praised for longevity despite some acknowledged transmission issues in specific Honda model years. The Freestar is often grouped with other domestic minivans (Chevrolet Venture) as "ok" but fundamentally flawed, with the primary differentiator being its particularly notorious transmission. It is not viewed as innovative or competitive within its segment.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended. Implicit advice from owner experiences suggests avoiding the vehicle entirely or being prepared for a transmission rebuild.
General recommendations
NOT recommended for purchase as a primary or reliable family vehicle. Only suitable for buyers with very low budgets who are mechanically inclined, prepared for imminent major repairs, and can accept the vehicle as a temporary, high-risk transportation solution. Essential to have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, with specific focus on transmission history and electrical system function. Owners strongly advise setting aside a significant repair fund equivalent to the vehicle's purchase price. Consider extended warranty coverage if available, though cost may be prohibitive. For those who inherit or already own one, community feedback suggests planning for a transmission rebuild or replacement as a near-certainty, and learning basic diagnostic skills for electrical issues.
Remarks
The transmission failure is the dominant theme in owner discussions, described not as an occasional fault but a predictable, design-inherent weakness of the AX4N/AX4S transmission family when used in this application. The 3.9L and 4.2L V6 engines themselves are not the primary focus of criticism; the powertrain failure is attributed to the transmission. Electrical gremlins appear as a separate, parallel chronic issue that compounds reliability problems. The vehicle succeeded the Ford Windstar, which shared similar transmission problems and additional engine issues (3.8L head gaskets). Owner sentiment suggests satisfaction is only possible with significant personal investment in repairs and maintenance, and even then, the vehicle is viewed as a temporary solution. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2004. Years to avoid: 2004Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Ford Freestar years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 64 | 2 | power train |
| 2006 | 356 | 3 | power train |
| 2005 | 886 | 4 | power train |
| 2004 | 1,227 | 5 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices14 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2007 · seatscampaign 13V081000
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
2007 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2006 · seatscampaign 13V081000
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
2006 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 06V069000
ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
2006 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2005 · seatscampaign 13V081000
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
2005 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 12V006000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
2005 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 06V069000
ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
2005 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2004 · seatscampaign 13V081000
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.
2004 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 12V006000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
2004 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2004 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 03V457000
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.
2004 · wheels:hubcampaign 04V446000
CERTAIN MINIVANS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT HEAT TREATED CORRECTLY. THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL CRACKS IN THE HUB.
Specifications
4.2 i V6 Sport
204 hp
Built 2003–2007