Three problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 2004 Ford Freestar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Freestar based on all problems reported for the 2004 Freestar.
Power steering hose leaking and causing smoke and loss of truning power. Power steering fluid leaks out of the low pressure line and on to the exhaust manafol. Corrected in feburary 2011 by replacing the rack and pinion, power steering pump and low pressure hose to the coolier.
Leaking power steering fluid hose creates fire hazard.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While driving between 35-40 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering column. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and they stated that power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a second opinion and they indicated that the power steering low-pressure line contributed to the power steering fluid leak. The dealer discovered NHTSA campaign id number 03v457000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); however, the recall remedy was not performed due to the unavailability of the part required for the repair. There is a massive national back order on the part and the contact was placed on a waiting list. The technician recommended that the vehicle not be driven due to the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.