Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2004 Ford Freestar - part 2

Transmission went out while coming home from christmas with family on rt i70 just before hagerstown MD. Lost all fluid from transmission causing entire vehicle to fill with smoke. There is a recall for the torque converter I have since been informed that could cause the transmission itself to fail. However the dealer says only the torque converter is under recall and wants $3000 to replace entire transmission! they have not even looked at the transmission to see what is wrong. Their reasoning is that since the fluid came out and covered underside of van then it must be a completely bad transmission.

Accelerating at 35-45mph. Loss of power as engine starts a grinding noise and wont upshift to next gear. Indy mechanic had to replace/rebuild transmission . Recall for torque converter was performed by Ford dealer prior to problem.

2004 Ford Freestar towed to the garage due to a transmission issue. The consumer stated he did not receive a recall letter, until after he had the repairs done on the vehicle. The consumer has full documentation that Ford agreed to pay for all expenses directly related to the recall even if the repairs were done by a private business. The vehicle had no forward or reverse movement. The torque converter was replaced.

We replaced the torque converter about a year ago, on our own; we were not familiar with the recall on that part. The van started to exhibit same issues a few weeks later. We went to the dealer where we learned of the torque converter recall. Dealer stated that this time, it was a bad transmission, he informed us that due to us paying out of our own pocket for the torque converter, he would take that money off of the price of replacement transmission; we had issues with that deal. Now, about a year later, the van would not go into gear. We took it to a dealer who gave us a hard time with the three year warranty which came along with the replacement transmission; the van was at the dealer for over two weeks. Once we agreed to pay out of our own pocket, we were told that the wiring between computer and transmission was dirty; they stated that it was now fixed. Now three weeks later, same issue; we took it to a mechanic who found water in the computer.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward violently and stalled. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse or drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train). The dealer stated that the repair was completed under the recall before the contact owned the vehicle, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.

First time;while driving around a curve going approximately 40 miles per hour, the engine shut off, and lost power, and steering. Engine light came on 2nd time; engine bucked at about 40 miles to 50 miles per hour, then the engine shut off, and lost power and steering. Engine light came on 3rd time; same as the second time, engine light came on. Went to a mechanic who stated that ran the engine on computer, and the code:po741 came up, tcc clutch performance. Was told to go to Ford for this because of current recall. Went online to Ford, and our VIN came up for torque converter replacement. Awaiting appointment on Tuesday, June 3rd. At Ford dealer.

Wife went to make a left turn at 2 state highway intersection. Upon accelerating the van failed to move causing her to be stranded in the middle of this busy intersection. Several attempts of shifting finally made it into parking lot. Towed vehicle to transmission shop to be told it is the torque converter probably a broken spline. Of course this VIN# is not part of the original recall even though it has the exact same symptoms and result.

I received recall on my Freestar in 2012, on the torque converter, it was fixed but had started to slip shortly after getting it fixed. 16 months later I found myself without any power. I took it to shop and was told it was on recall but since I had it fixed 16 months prior that it no longer was warranted. If they replaced the torque converter with a "fixed" one then I should not have had trouble so soon. Ford is wanting me to pay 1800 to fix their mess up. . I wonder what my rights are?.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the trans axle warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the torque converter clutch solenoid was defective. As a result, the transmission needed to be rebuilt and the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.

In November of 2013, our 2004 Ford Freestar quit working. Yes, we had the torque converter recalled and put on back when they had that recall. November was the first time we had this happen to our car. It was raining, and our car would not go into gear, it quit working. What made this bad is that it was on the freeway! my husband put it into neutral, but we still did not have steering capabilities and managed to get us over to the shoulder. We had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership then stated that many people were having the same issue with the electronics getting wet, so he dried it, then let it set for a couple days and caulked it. We thought that would end those problems. Not. (note: this had cost us 450. 00) then less than 2 months, the same exact thing happens, only this time we are stuck in a shopping center and could not get our car into gear again. We took it back to the dealership to which they replied that we needed a new electric module. How much? $1500. 00!!! in less than 2 months, we spent almost 2,000. 00! this was done in February. Here it is now April and guess what? the same exact problem is taking place again!! we are not alone, there are many people facing the same problems we have had, look around at the boards online and you will see that everyone has the same issues!! some investigations need to be opened or reopened as this is not resolved and lawsuits will be filed if someone gets hurt.

Took van into dealership per recall for torque converter. Received vehicle back 3 weeks later. Heard a ticking noise that progressively got worst. Made a appointment to return vehicle to dealer and the transmission completely went out as described in recall. No gear engagement in any gear forward or reverse. Of course the dealer said there was no relation to the recall and the recall was performed. Even the symptoms were exactly as described in the recall description of what would occur if the recall was not performed. Ford denied any assistance. The dealership offered us a labor discount if we purchased a transmission yet no warranty for the work unless it was a Ford remanufactured transmission at 1800. 00.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent transmission specialist, who informed the contact that the torque converter was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was also previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 12v006000 (power train) however, six months after the remedy was performed the failure recurred. The recall repair failed to correct the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 76,956 . . . Updated 01-10-14 the consumer stated the dealer installed a faulty torque converter, or didn't install it correctly, per the recall notice. The transmission failed five months after the replacement of the torque converter. Updated 01/15/14.

I lost power all of a sudden through the torque converter. There is a recall on specific Freestars, but not mine. I have the same issue as the others. I almost was hit pulling onto the highway by a larger truck.

2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to torque converter recall notice. The consumer stated the first time the torque converter failed, it was replaced under warranty and the all he had to pay was a $100 deductible. The consumer received a recall notice, and the letter stated if the work had already been performed, a refund would be issued. The consumer received his $100 back. However, on August 3, 2013, the torque converter failed again. The service technician contacted Ford, to see if any assistance was available. Ford denied any financial help.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

While driving the vehicle on the highway at 65 mph the vehicle lost power and died scaring my wife and I tremendously. When I contacted the dealership they said bring in the vehicle so they could look it over. 3 days later they called to say come in for the vehicle and told me they could find nothing wrong. I took it to a private mechanic and he changed the computer mod thinking that was the problem. We assumed it was fixed because no trouble for about 2 months. Then while driving on the highway again it sputtered and died. This has happened 10-15 times since and if I wasn't a professional driver a couple of times we could have been in a horrible accident. I again went to a family mechanic and he informed me about the torque converter being on a recall for this make and model,then looking it up by my VIN it shows its not involved but how can it not be if the described problem is exactly what happens? tell me where I should go to get this replaced. God help Ford motor company should anything horrific should happen to my family.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Ford freestyle. The contact stated the vehicle was included and repaired under recall NHTSA campaign id number 12v006000 (power train). The contact stated that while driving the vehicle stalled. The contact had to stop and wait some time before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the diagnostic, who stated that the transmission failed due to a faulty torque converter. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure and current mileage was 98,000. Yn.

Recently had the transmission torque converter changed under recall. Today it was running rough, and would stall out. It was a dangerous situation as I was in heavy traffic at the time. It seems that this problem has happened to many other owners of the same car.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the engine rpms raced as the vehicle began to decelerate independently before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the torque converter was replaced under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train). The failure was not corrected and the vehicle remained inoperable. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 127,857.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the transmission would sporadically slip and the vehicle would stall sporadically. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train) and took the vehicle to the dealer for the fulfillment of the recall service. The torque converter was replaced however, the repair did not correct the failure. The dealer stated that the transmission fluid was burned and the gears were affected by the failure. The vehicle was not repaired a second time to correct the initial failure. The current mileage was 170,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the transmission failed due to water intrusion. The dealer replaced the clutch and torque converter, but the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer who stated that the water penetrated due to a failed car seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a sudden loss of motive power with no warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v006000 (power train) but the repairs did not include the transmission pump. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 126,000.

Travelling at 55 mph, vehicle suddenly lost forward motive power in traffic. Vehicle would not shift into reverse or drive. Vehicle was stalled in neutral. Had to shut off the vehicle and restart after several minutes. Drive engaged for two minutes, then lost power again. Vehicle had to be towed to Ford motor company where the torque converter was replaced per recall. Vehicle will still not engage in forward or reverse. Ford technicians said they are unsure of the problem, that the recalled part should have fixed the issue.

My wife was driving kids to school on the highway and without warning the car vibrated excessively and died. There were no injuries although all were very shaken. I had the vehicle towed to jackson Ford where there was a recall on the torque converter. Jackson replaced the torque converter and test drove the vehicle. They contacted me to tell me that the recall work was complete and that they had another repair for a cam positioner to do but they had to order the part. The next day I was informed the part had came in but as they were pulling the vehicle in the shop it lost forward movement again. I asked them if they were going to repair this and I was told that they thought it was an internal issue and it was not their responsibility. If I wanted it repaired it would cost $3800. 00. I contacted Ford motor company and their representative also said that the torque converter was what was recalled not any internal issues with the transmission. Ford motor company also told me that any further repair would be my responsibility. My argument was that the vehicle loosing power while driving at highway speeds and vibrating aggressively is what most likely caused any other damage. Ford motor company and the jackson Ford dealership disagree.

Multiple times since April 2013 this vehicle has started stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, when shifting gears the vehicle's gas would have to be slightly accelerated first and then it would move in its gear with force. Starting in July all the vehicle's power would cut off at traffic lights and stop signs and would have to be restarted. After receiving notice of the 2013 recall for the torque converter and taking it to a Ford dealership, it was then told by a dealership service rep that the transmission would need to be replaced due to accessive fluids from the torque converter affecting the transmission and damaging it. This has taken place sept. 2013.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The vehicle was included in and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train). The contact stated that after the repair was performed while driving approximately 35 mph, she heard a loud rattling noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed transmission fluid was leaking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the torque converter had caused damage to the transmission. The transmission would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 155,452.

Letter from senator corynyn on behalf of constituent regarding her 2004 Ford Freestar that lost power, and receive an alert regarding her recall notice 11525 (torque converter), and believes she should be reimburse for her payments. The consumer stated she submitted her original receipts for reimbursement, but she only received $50. 00. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the towing and diagnostic charges.

Afte rparking van nose in,attempted to reverse with no response from vehicle after multiple attempts to back up was finally able to reverse very slowly with minimal power. When placed in drive took several attempts at acceleration to move forward. Transmission fluid checked by myself and advance auto parts employee and found to be at proper fluid level. Drove vehicle 30 miles when it cut off completely,was able to get vehicle to side of road(it was raining heavily and foggy as well). Was again able to get van going and made it another 15 miles before it cut off on me again and was again difficult to take off and required once again multiple attempts to get it moving. Finally made it another 5 miles home and parked vehicle. Had received notice 2 months earlier from Ford re a recall related to torque converter. Mechanic at magic city Ford in roanoke,va. Said problem with my transmission had nothing to do with torque converter without driving or working on vehicle.

Car lurched forward at a stop. After that check engine light came on. Further diagnoses by Ford indicated transmission was damaged. This is 5 months after torque converter was replaced as part of a recall. Obviously transmission was damaged due to faulty torque converter. Lots of people on-line reporting similar incidents.

2004 Ford Freestar. Attorney representing consumer writes in regards to torque converter output shaft failure recall notice. The consumer received a recall notice in March 2012. The notice stated the parts were not available, but would be available in the second quarter of 2012. The consumer received another letter in October 2012, stating the parts were available. An appointment was made for December 26, 2012, even though the consumer did not experience any type of failure, he still complied with the recall. Two days later, the consumer received a call from the dealer, stating the recall had been completed. However, on January 4, 2013 while driving on the highway, the consumer experienced a sudden loss of power with no warning. He soon discovered the vehicle would only go forward, as there was no ability to go in reverse. He immediately drove to the dealer, where an inspection was performed and it was determined the transmission was beyond repair and would need to be replaced. Ford stated the failure of the transmission immediately following the recall was a coincidence and they would not offer any assistance.

Returning from a 'dump run', I noticed the plastic cover for the 3rd row passenger seat, driver side, had been dislodged and was lying on the floor. I went to reconnect it and I found the latch 'floating'. It was no longer part of the vehicle. I could see out through the wheel well. After further inspection, I saw that the welded plate, that should be part of the van was no longer attached. I haven't looked at the tire for damage, yet. This is a design and manufacturing error, as the latch bracket used to secure the passenger seat in place, needs to be a permanent part of the vehicle. The van isn't too old, and should last many more years/miles and for this piece to come loose, is a safety issue as well as a quality issue. I'm afraid to take it to the local Ford dealer for fear of being gouged on the cost to repair, which should be at Ford's cost. If this was a pick up truck with exposure to the elements all the time, I could see a rust issue. This vehicle is lightly used and garaged nightly, so it shouldn't happen - ever. The other comments on this page are all similar to my experience with this part. Right now, I'm using a strap to hold the piece in place, stretching to the latch on the passenger side. Comment: this van has had too many quality issues since we purchased it in 2006 - torque converter replaced, driver seat heater replaced, transmission replaced, cruise control switch mech. Replaced, ignition replaced.

Ford issued a recall for loss of forward power due to a torque converter issue. My vehicle did not exhibit the symptoms but I decided it would be a good idea to have it done, I was planning to keep the vehicle for a while. The dealership said it would take 2 days. They had vehicle over a week. That was December 2012. They had a problem; they did not tell me. Not long after getting the car back, I knew something was different, I could not put my finger on it. Sometime in April/may 2013 time frame, I had a couple of incidents where the car would not go forward. I stopped, put the car in park, then drive and I was ok. I thought it was a linkage adjustment issue. Then in June, it failed while going up a hill on a very busy road. I turned into a driveway, back out, and went down the hill and limped to the dealership. My car was exhibiting the exact same symptoms of the recall. The dealership said it was due to a rotted dipstick housing assembly and that my repair bill was over $3500. I let car sit because I don't have money. After stewing about this for many weeks, I contacted Ford to complain. In December, the mechnics who worked on the transmission would have had to disconnect the dip stick housing. They had to know it was rusty and may have even damaged it to the point of allowing water in. They ignored that danger. Since the symptons of the issue are exactly the same as described in the recall, there is the possibility that Ford is not being honest about the real source of the problem. Additionally, how many of their model lines use the same material for their dip stick housing. If this happens on a heavey interstate, this could result in a multi car pileup and death.

After a major rain storm, tried to start my car and it would start, but would quickly stall. Had to have car towed. Did not have reverse gear. Garage told me I needed a new transmission. Did have a recall notice to replace a faulty torque converter, but died before I was able to get scheduled. I believe the problem started with the pcm board getting wet. Towed to a Ford garage for repairs. Hoping that I get treated fairly. I believe Ford should pay for entire repair bill - new transmission and new pcm board - after all their faulty parts were the reason for the failure! not able to 'populate' above "affected parts".

2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice concerning worn splines in the transmission torque converter. The consumer submitted the service invoice.

At 147000 miles, I needed a complete transmission rebuild. This cost me $2800 due to the fact that there were additional parts not common to a standard rebuild. This was sept. 2011. In January, I am able to note online that there is a torque converter recall for this model. I call Ford, I'm told there is nothing they can do until the recall is officially released in the 2nd quarter. Wait until 2nd quarter, no notice in the mail. I call Ford in August and tell them this, I am told that Ford will fix the car, it will take approx. 4 days and that no rental car is available during this period. If I suffer a total loss, maybe. Basically, I have to be stranded on the side of the road with my two young children before I can get any help with their issue. After rebuild, I start having issues with cylinder 3 misfire. I replace all plugs and wires, still a cylinder 3 misfire as well as overheating and egr valve. Replace egr valve, complete radiator change, coil pack, still issues with misfiring and overheating. I understand that this could be a computer issue, however Ford fails to realize this and therefore will not issue a recall. Not that that would help since if they took it into the shop to fix it, I would not be able to get to work in the interim.