2005 FORD FREESTAR Complaints and Recall Information
The 2005 FORD FREESTAR has 2 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report transmission seizing with the vehicle stuck in neutral and issues with rusted third-row seat attachments. These problems have led to persistent failures and delayed recall repairs.
Common Issues
- Transmission seizure. The transmission seizes while driving causing the vehicle to jerk and the gear shifter light to illuminate. The vehicle remains stuck in neutral with recurring failures.
- Third-row seat corrosion. Rust in the seat attachment points causes structural degradation. The third-row seats may fail to latch properly, creating safety concerns.
There are three recalls affecting various systems with a focus on the power train and seating components.
Recalls
- Torque converter failure. NHTSA recall 12V006000 affects 206,452 vehicles. The torque converter output shaft may fail, causing sudden loss of motive power without warning and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. Owners began receiving notifications in August 2012.
- Automatic transmission defect. Also covered under recall 12V006000, this affects the automatic transmission system with the same failure and risk as the torque converter issue. Repair procedures are identical.
- Third-row seat latch corrosion. Recall 13V081000 affects 196,667 vehicles mainly in northern states. Corrosion weakens the third-row seat anchor mechanism, preventing the seat from fully latching. This may heighten injury risk in rear collisions. Dealers will install new seat latch striker mounting brackets for free starting March 2013.
Owners facing repeated transmission failures, seat corrosion issues, or delays in recall repairs might have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting legal assistance could help evaluate potential claims related to unresolved defects or safety concerns.
2005 FORD FREESTAR Summary
2005
Model Year
2
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
403119
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2005 FORD FREESTAR
196667 vehicles affected
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, 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.
Risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
2005 FORD FREESTAR
206452 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
Risk: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Complaints
2005 FORD FREESTAR
ID: 2110533SEATS
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.
2005 FORD FREESTAR
ID: 2090810POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized and remained in neutral. The vehicle jerked and shortly returned to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the gear shifter light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.