general problems of the 2004 Ford Freestar - part 1

47 problems related to seats 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.

1 Seats problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2021

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The tpms warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle due to part availability issues. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

2 Seats problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2019

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar while adjusting the third row seat it detached and was corroded. There were no warning lights illuminated. Tri county Ford 032 commerce pkwy, la grange, ky 40031 (866) 417-0262 but , was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 161,000 the contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number 13v081000 seats. Ap.

3 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While reversing into the garage, the vehicle failed to go forward or backward. The contact noticed a pile of rust on the ground and realized that the rear of the vehicle was entirely corroded. The vehicle was taken to liberty Ford of maple heights (5500 warrensville center rd, maple heights, OH 44137, (216) 662-3673) where it was diagnosed that the third row seat latch striker mounting brackets were corroded through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

4 Seats problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While cleaning the vehicle, the contact found that the rear wheel well and the third row seat latch that was attached to the vehicle's subframe were corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats). The failure mileage was 142,019.

5 Seats problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2017

Went to investigate the water logged carpet in the rear of the van. Removed interior plastic panels on drivers side of van. The seat anchor mechanism fell out of the wheel well unto the tire. Very fortunate I was in the garage and not travelling down the freeway.

6 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2017

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the carpet in the rear rows of the vehicle become wet and soaked. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger seat anchor latch was loose. Months later, the driver noticed a grinding type noise when turning the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the same failure had occurred on the driver's side. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 135,000.

7 Seats problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2017

The third row seating latch has rusted out on the driver side. The vehicle I believe has issues that other 2004 Ford Freestar vehicles have the same issues and were recalled. I have contacted Ford, and they refuse to help. I have 4 children and I fear to take them anywhere in this vehicle. Please help. The vehicle jerks and stutters when in drive whether I'm moving or at a stop light as long as I am in any gear. It only has 85,000 miles and I've purchased it in February.

8 Seats problem

Failure Date: 02/24/2017

2004 Ford Freestar 2fmza58274bbxxxxx Ford is charging me for the repair for the torque converter subframe 3-4 $600~$800 bushing kits ($200 each) they want to charge me. I informed them that only do the factory recall repairs the pulled my van out and told me the cant do the repairs, because they are scared of the ball joints and tie rods might break, then complained about the subframe my have to be cut to install new subframe bolts bushings etc. Just to they can continue to take the apart to replace the torque converter. The agreed to charge me 300 labor and told me to pick up the parts needed so I purchased 2 tie-rods. 2 transaxles l-r, 2 lower control arms which included ball joints. They took the subframe apart then told me I need to pay and additional $500 for a used subframe from the salvage yard. Instead of Ford just preplacing the subframe 4 bushings and bolts kits $67. 00 at park Ford 400 west avenue tallmadge ohio 44278, they want to charge me I needed to get a new subframe bolts and that the subframe is not made anymore and 3-4 $600~$800 each. Then they want to charge me $300 extra labor for cutting the frame/ and welding it back shut to install washer(bolt anchors ) then reseal it, and to uninstall the old parts and install the new parts which they have to remove to perform the factory recall repairs. So this repair is going to cost me 392. 20 for parts 300 labor, 800 subframe bushings $1492. 2 if purchase elsewhere around $26 each I am a USA disable veteran studying form cisco ccna 200-105 exam and so I can better support my adult special need daughter sherry grimes ,I am ronald lee grimes Ford had my van Friday 24th 2017 its March 1st 2017 and they are searching for ways to charge me more money. While I have to walk to my destinations.

9 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

Im having many issues with my vehicle. The worst one is the passive security system that has stranded me in many areas because it refuses to start. I have tried many things including replacing transponder keys and the transceiver but I still am getting the flashing red security light. Im scared to drive this thing in the winter due to the possibility of getting stranded in cold temperatures. Also this vehicle lets water leak in everywhere causing severe rust and mold issues. One of the floor supports of the drivers seat is close to being rusted through and the other ones are on their way out. The body is severely rusted and im not sure how much longer this thing will be safe to drive.

10 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2016

Sheet metal corrosion that supports the third row seat could corrode and compromise the forward mounting of the seat. Possible the seat may come unlatched if involved in rear impact accident. Dealer service department unable to accomplish recall with parts provided by manufacturer because of excessive corrosion. Dealer indicates that additional parts beyond the 'recall kit' are not readily available. Dealer also indicates that the recall should have been completed sooner, near the original issue date. Manufacture is still sending recall notices inviting us to accomplish. Dealer released the vehicle back to us without repair or any additional safety measures concerning securing of the seat. Escalated issue to Ford customer care representative who has not responded at present time. Been without vehicle for two weeks without any accommodations or answers other than 'someone will get back to you tomorrow', which hasn't happened yet.

11 Seats problem

Failure Date: 08/03/2016

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats); however, the recall repair could not be performed due to severe corrosion where the recall parts would be installed. The dealer stated that the recall repair could be performed; however, the corroded material would have to be repaired beforehand. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would not repair the corroded component in order for this recall to be performed. The failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

12 Seats problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2016

The 3rd seat hooks rusted out leaving and unstable passenger seat and body structure issues that are identical to the recall #13s01but due to the vehicle not being in a "saltbelt" state, it was not included in the recall even though it is pretty clear that kansas and nebraska use sale abundantly on the roads. I was told by Ford that my specific can was not included in the recall because is was manufactured differently than the 100,000 that were included in the recall so it should not have the same problem which it now has. I put my four kids in this van and now it is not structural stable for them.

13 Seats problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2016

Ford is not honoring 13v081000 for the third row seat striker problems. Our van which is operated in the kansas city metropolitan area, which heavily salts the roads is having the corrosion problem. Just this weekend we were traveling with all seats occupied when the inner fender well on the rear passenger side broke through with the seat striker mounting bracket hitting the sidewall of the rear tire. Fortunately at the time we were not driving at high speeds and were able to remove the seat occupants and return home safely. The design of this seat striker plate is flawed as there is a reinforcing plate on the inner side of the fender well that results in entrapment of moisture and dirt. This bad design combined with the weight of three people occupying the seat results in stressing of the fender well material. When I went to the Ford dealer on Monday and gave them my VIN they could not find any hint of a recall for this issue on my vehicle.

14 Seats problem

Failure Date: 05/14/2016

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was once serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats). While observing the vehicle, it was noticed that the rear wheel well was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the third row seat latch striker mounting bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 125,000.

15 Seats problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2016

Ford refuses to pay for recall related repairs. I purchased vehicle in July of 2015. Received notice from Ford of safety recall involving 3rd row seating. Ford wants $2100 for repair of the corrosion on the wheel wells. The row seating is useless doesn't lock in open position.

16 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the vehicle jerked violently. The contact pull over to the road side and discovered that large piece of metal was protruding from under the rear passenger seat. The VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 223,040. Jo.

17 Seats problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2015

Ford is recalling 04-07 Freestar for third row seat latch striker mounting brackets. I called Ford motor company regarding this issue and they said my van is not included in this recall. My third row stowable seat is experiencing corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. And I know that this will not fully latch into its seating position. What can be done regarding this issue. Ford motor company gave me a case # number but I do believe that my vehicle should be included in this recall( 13v081000) recall id 92589.

18 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third row seat anchor fractured due to corrosion. As a result, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign: 13v081000 (seat). The failure mileage was 80,000. Pam.

19 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2014

The left anchor of our third row seat has detached from the wheel well, and the seat will not latch to the floor. This problem is covered in Ford recall campaign 13s01, but we live in virginia, right over the state line from maryland. Our section of virginia oversalts the road, so we face the same issue as those affected by the recall. We would like Ford to cover our repairs the same as those north of us.

20 Seats problem

Failure Date: 05/18/2014

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third row seat has failed to latch into its seating position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a new third row seat latch mounting brackets needed to be replaced to repair the vehicle. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 13v081000(seats). The manufacturer stated that since vehicle is over five years old they will not repair under the recall. The approximate failure mileage 68,068. Rg.

21 Seats problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the third seat anchor point broke sending the seat forward. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the failure was due to corrosion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 82,000.

22 Seats problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2013

2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to wheel well rusting recall notice. The consumer stated rust developed on the driver's side door in 2010, at the time the vehicle was purchased, the consumer bought amor protection for rust. The consumer put in a claim, and the vehicle was repaired. However, one year later, the rust returned, only this time, the consumer was denied a second claim. A couple of years later, the third seat bracket fell apart. The consumer received a recall about the wheel well rusting. The consumer made an appointment at the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer, as they were cutting away at the rust. It was discovered the frame was also rusting, and it was dangerous to drive the vehicle, or to even try and fix the rust problem.

23 Seats problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats), it was determined that the rear wheel wells were corroded due to water penetration and were unable to support the recall remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

24 Seats problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the third row seat brackets were corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat brackets were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats) but the dealer declined to perform the repair due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

25 Seats problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that there was a gaping hole in the rear wheel well, causing the third road striker and latch to fracture. The failure prevented the third row seat from locking into place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v081000 (seats) however, the technician notified the owner that the water damage caused mold and corrosion to form in the quarter panel, seat belts, left third road seat and the carpet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the additional repairs were not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.

26 Seats problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2013

The panel that the latch is bolted to was corroded and came of leaving no place for the latch on the drive's side to attach to.

27 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/28/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, a loud grinding sound was heard coming from the rear tires. The contact also stated that the wheel mount and wheel well were rusted. In addition, the third row latch failed and the seats were unable to stay folded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician stated that the wheel well and latches needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any further assistance due to the vehicle not being included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 140,000.

28 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2013

The left rear 3rd row seat anchor plate, mounted normally to the left rear inner wheelhouse as an integrated part of the wheelhouse, has rusted around the plate edges and the entire plate is separating from the wheelhouse assembly. Currently it is rusted thru on the left , right, and bottom edges of the mounting plate, remaining attached only along its top edge. This is letting road moisture into the interior regions of the van, soiling carpet and jute, causing odor and possible mold development. The 3rd row seat can no longer be safely attached.

29 Seats problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2012

During sts tire servicing, mechanic showed me a large section of structural steel hanging from the rear driver side wheel well and a michelin tire that contained abrasive ripping caused by the section of steel that had been dangling and rubbing against the tire. The large section of steel contained an anchor at the center which was manufactured to hold the third row row in place. This steel plate with the anchor for holding the third row seat in place is no longer attached to the vehicle due to a manufacturing defect which allowed the welds holding it in place to fail creating dangers unsecured seating, hole exposing passengers to exterior of vehicle and moving parts, opening for rodents or other dangers to enter vehicle, knowledge of prior may cause fear and panic of driver or passengers which may cause accident or mental anguise. I brought the vehicle to smith Ford dealership in washington, n. J. Requesting an inspection and warranty repair of the above stated structural steel. Smith Ford inspected the vehicle and said that the manufacturing defect would not be repaired by Ford and that Ford does not accept financial responsibility even though the problem was the result of a manufacturing defect. Reported this to Ford headquarters on November 30, 2012 and was informed that the dealership was correct in stating that Ford will not repair this serious problem. My wife is increasingly having terrifying visions of mice jumping on her while driving, having snakes crawling into the car, rain snow mud etc entering vehicle, or having the children put their hands or other things into the hole in the vehicle.

30 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2012

I am entering this complaint in relation to other complaints that have been filed. There is a defect investigation taking place (ea12003 and pe11039) for this issue already. I attempted to put my 3rd row seat back up and lock it into place. On the drive side I noticed that it would not lock into place. After further review, I know noticed that the whole latch had fallen off and was laying on the back driver side wheel. The whole plate rusted thru and fell off into the wheel well. I've had this car since 2004. Yes I live in a snow state that uses salt, but this car has been in the garage its entire life. I would like to understand what stance, if any, Ford is taking with this issue.

31 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2012

Severe rust in the driver side rear wheel well caused the third row seat to detach from the vehicle. The third row seat is now unsafe and cannot be used. The seat can no longer be securely latched in place. This vehicle was garage kept and only has 72,938 miles on it.

32 Seats problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2012

The third row drivers side seat anchor no longer holds the seat in the upright position. The plate in the wheel well that the anchor attaches to has rusted loose. I brought the van to my dealer and they said they could not repair the problem.

33 Seats problem

Failure Date: 08/24/2012

Drivers side rear passenger seat bracket failure. The bracket is mounted through the weel well. The weld around the bracket had severe rusting, no where similar to other parts of the car. The plate holding the bracket rusted through completely dropping the seat. The plate and bracket began rubbing against the tire. If I had not stopped and found the problem and secured the bracket, the tire could have blown causing an accident. Accident was prevented, but serious body failure occurred. This needs to be addressed. As is this seat should no longer be used until it can be fixed, there is no cost effective fix.

34 Seats problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2012

The third row seat was loose when locked in the upright position. When I looked underneath from the driver side rear tire I noticed the metal plate was loose. I put down the third row seat and looked through the plastic to see that all around the metal plate rotted away. Since the third row seat was not locked in place when I touched the bracket on the metal plate, the entire plate fell out onto the rear tire. The metal all around the plate inside the rear quarter panel is rotted and there is nothing to weld the plate back to. There is also a large opening into the vehicle because that plate is no longer there. My seven seat van can only hold four people safely.

35 Seats problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2012

The drivers side rear (third row) seat anchor will no longer hold the seat in place. It appears the metal plate the anchor attaches to has rusted free from the car, due to excessive corrosion in the drivers side rear wheel well creating an opening to the outside. The seat cannot be properly latched to the van when in the upright position.


Other Seats related problems of the 2004 Ford Freestar


Fuel Economy of Freestar Vehicles
Freestar Service Bulletins
Freestar Safety Recalls
Freestar Defect Investigations