Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2005 Ford Freestar - part 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, there was a sudden loss of engine power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12v006000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 127,000.

I was driving along the road with my children in the car when my car just lost the gear. The car was still on but when I pressed on the gas pedal it would do nothing but stall. I had to roll to a stop in the middle of the highway. I found out after this problem that my van had a recall in Jan 2012 for the torque converter which needed to be replaced. I got the van in oct 2012 and I had no idea that was one of the recalls on this vehicle until I had this problem. I took it in to the Ford dealership and they told me that would not solve the problem the bad torque converter, but when taken to another shop they said the bad torque converter caused the problem and now there are pieces of metal in the transmission which they are calling internal transmission failure.

I have a 2005 Ford Freestar that I have had for 2 long long years. I am on my 3rd transmission, I have had the recall work done to it for the torque converter but its not the issue. Its the transmission. I don't have time nor money to keep putting into this car and work two jobs as it is and I need a car. Just cant do it anymore and I know a lot of others who are having to go threw the same thing and also so tired of being stranded on the side of the road. Please just fix it already. I am going to file a law suite against them soon.

My Freestar was recalled for a problem with the torque converter,( my vehicle never really had good pick-up) anyway the trans went and a Ford dealer in NY state (watkins glen) repaired it it still didnt have any pick -up now about 1. 5 years later im having same problem my vans been sitting now for a year could they have installed another faulty torque converter? what can I do?08.

I had the torque converter recall work done on my van, since then problems in forward motion began to happen. I have taken the van to the dealership to find out what was wrong and every time was told they could not duplicate the problem so it could be fixed. The problem continued to become worse to the point it became a danger to drive because of loss of forward motion. I had no choice but to take it to a transmission shop that duplicated the problem and also received a code . I instructed the transmission be inspected and found contamination of metallic material in the transmission. I called every one at the dealership and Ford to find out why the transmission filter was not replaced when the recall work was done and was told Ford did not include replacing the filter even when the recall was because of improperly hardened part. No help.

I have had two incidents with this van. The first incident I was driving and heard a clicking sound and then lost all power to my vehicle. I called a tow truck and took it to a mechanic who said it was the transmission which had shavings from my torque converter of my van. He stated that he had fixed trasmission and torque corverter in Ford 2005 Freestars vehicles. This was in March 2012. I had it fixed with an expenses of 1, 985, but after checking on Freestars it was in the process of being evaluated. I could not wait for the resolving of this by Ford. I fixed my vehicle and assumed the cost. I received a recall notice for the torque converter/transmission. I also received a recall for the back seat. Before I had a chance to take it in for repairs. On, July 30, 2013 while driving on the highway to work my van went from 65 to 20 within a matter of seconds. I placed my hazards and looked for the access road. I then drove my van into the nearest dealer. I told the dealer rep that the symbol indicated that my power train was having promblems he offered to do a diagnostic for $106. I agreed and mentioned the recalls. When I received the diagnostic results stating that the fuel pump, the eg valve, and the fuel rail pressure sensor needed to be replaced.

I became aware of other customer complaints about the transmission/pcm related concerns in 2011 when experiencing a vibration when shifting from 2nd to 3rd (it seemed) and researched my vehicle and possible related concerns. I also discussed with a local dealer and I followed a dealers recommendation by having my transmission fluid changed as recommended to Ford specs. The vibration seemed to calm somewhat. Around this same time I noticed my cruise control would work only off and on at different speeds and times. No check engine light ever came on. I sent my an email to Ford of canada at which time I was advised that a torque converter recall was coming and that I should contact the dealer. I was advised to wait for the formal recall which I received and booked my recall and it was completed in approximately late 2012. I also had another recall done for a seat concern just in may 2013. While driving to the us may 19th 2013 at 100km/hr my vehicles cruise was acting suspicious (hard shift up) and I disengaged it for this reason. I then noticed my vehicle was at 3000rpms so seemed to be stuck in 3rd gear or something. It then failed (was like I was in neutral) and I was barely able to get off at an exit and had to push my vehicle into a spot at a service station. I was very concerned for my safety and my family at this time. I was in total shock that there was no real warning and if I know if I was in the fast lane I hate to think of the end result. I checked the dipstick for the tranny and there seemed to be enough fluid however slight amounts of smoke came from the dipstick reservoir. No signs of leaking below the vehicle whatsoever. It was towed to a Ford dealer and I was left with no real option other than replace the tranny for $3200. My home dealer in canada was closed for the holiday.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the transmission and torque converter would have to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12v006000 (power train) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

Traveling on highway at 70 mph when without any warning lost all power. Coasted to stop and had no gears forward or reverse. No prior noises, warning lights or any indication of problems. Very dangerous situation. Had I been passing it could have been tragic. Torque converter is covered under recall but dealership I had vehicle towed to stated from their diagnostics and discussions with factory the problem was not the torque converter. I am having them install rebuilt transmission for $4,185. There are many similar complaints on various websites, including this one.

2005 Ford Freestar was recalled for torque convertor, third row seat latch. Less than one year later (March 2014) the same problem occurred with the torque convertor.

Driving down the road in heavy traffic, without warning suddenly had no power, at 40mph, put it in neutral and restarted only to die again 3 more times. I thought I was out of gas but the gage said 1/8th of a tank. Pulled off the road and had friends bring gas. Started up fine and drove maybe a block when it started sputtering and bucking. The check engine idiot light came on so I pulled over again. I reset the battery connection and light went off. I pulled off to drive around in the parking lot and it died when I cranked the wheel turning every corner. Started again, this time it was hard to turn over, and it sputtered and the transaxle idiot light started flashing, the radio came on by itself and the eve player ejected. Interior lights were on but switch was turned off. Checked the tranny fluid, it looked a little low in the dark(midnight) so put in half a quart. Light went out but the van refused to go forward. I dropped it manually into 1st and it slowly moved. Parked it and tried other gears, all unresponsive but when shifting into neutral the engine jumped and the rpms revved up to 3000!! afraid it would jump into gear and run over my friend, I cut off the ignition while in neutral. I waited until midnight for no traffic, then drove the van home, keeping the emergency flashers on. Was able to travel about 25 feet per restart, each time the van would die when speed exceeded 15mph or 2000rpms. Took an hour to get the 1. 5 miles home. This van had just gotten a full service oil change/lube/filter service and I had the transmission serviced at sears upon purchasing it just 6 months ago and had no other issues at all. Upon researching, this is a known issue that Ford published but refuses to fix/recall. There is a recall on my van's torque converter, this is a serious safety issue and a major defect that will get someone killed or serious injured.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the rpm in the tachometer fluctuated rapidly and the engine revved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair for NHTSA campaign id 12v006000 (power train: torque converter malfunctions) was performed. The failure recurred every time the contact drove the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000. The current mileage was 150,000.

Took van in to transmission repair shop because even though Ford replaced the torque converter on the recall the transmission still slipped. When repair was completed we went and picked up our van on the way home it died and all the lights were going crazy. Shop towed back to their shop. They went through van and found the computer was saturated with water. We were told need a new computer and new wiring harness and this has been a known issue with Ford with their computers getting wet. Now we are out 2600 and still don't have a car. If this is a known issue why isn't Ford doing anything to fix the issue?.

The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road with my wife driving and two children in the car. Luckily no one was injured, my wife was able to coast the vehicle out of harms way. This could have been so much worse had she been pulling out into traffic or merging on to the interstate. The problem is the pcm module has been getting wet, Ford knows of this problem and even created a service bulletin about it. At the very, very least I would have thought Ford would have contacted the vehicle owners to make them aware that a serious issue like this existed. This has the potential to have grave consequences for innocent families owning these vehicles. It is my opinion that vans in particular should be scrutinized a little more closely due to their intended audience, soccer moms hauling around the most valuable possession of that family, their children. It is beyond me how automakers can put unsafe vehicles like this on the road and they are not forced to repair issues like these when the owners and their families are at risk. This is my second but separate complaint I lodged against Ford about this vehicle. The first one was in 2008 or 2009 when the torque converter failed without warning, leaving the vehicle lifeless in the middle of the road. This vehicle should be deemed unsafe for the roads and Ford should be forced to have a fair buy back program for these vehicles.

2005 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice of vehicle losing power while driving and after repairs problem still exists. The consumer stated on January 13, 2013, he took the vehicle to the dealer, because it would regularly jerk forward and backward and then it would continue to move. Also, the vehicle would skip a cycle and would completely stop. On February 19, 2013, the consumer returned to the dealer, because the vehicle continued to exhibit the same symptoms. The dealer informed the consumer, the converter was replaced on the previous visit, and it had nothing to do with the current problem.

Trying to back out of my driveway, van will not go into reverse. Restart van, put it into reverse & it falters & stalls. Restart &got van into drive,but it will not accelerate until 3000 rpms, then jerks into drive & stalls again. Had it towed to a local mechanic I have used for over 20 yrs. Van shows no codes. Replace battery, have throttle body cleaned, cam sensor is tested, shows not problems. Van starts & runs for one day. Same exact issue happens again. Have it towed a second time. Again, no codes come up. Mechanic flushes out the tranny,& van runs again for 50 miles w/o incident. But again, trying to leave for work next day, van displays the exact same issues. No torque to move the van, constant stalling as soon as it is taken out of drive. Will not move at all or starts & moves very hesitantly into reverse, catches gear & jerks, stalls once again. Tow again to a Ford dealer. Told the prob is the recalled torque converter. Have it replaced, and van doesn't make it the 12 miles home. The van lost complete power on a highway & I was almost hit by oncoming traffic. Tow back, now being told the transmission needs replacement, over $3,000 because metal from the recalled part has dislogged into tranny. I am now finding thru my own research that this is a common problem relating to the pcm, which replacing tranny doesn't solve the issues. Ford is offering no help or compensation am a single mom of 2 kids, 1 is disabled,& now been fired from my job because I can't get there 28 miles away. The van is stranded at the dealer, because I have no money to fix or tow again. I am at my wits end. Ford needs to step up to the plate &replace this van!!!! repairing the torque converter, cam sensor, or transmission will not solve the pcm problem, which is not sealed properly, & after numerous repairs, will malfunction again> my q to Ford is:does someone have to die for u to do something?.

Recalled torque converter replaced in 2005 Freestar by dealer . ( no warranty paperwork given for this part. ) 5 months later, while driving 40 mph, experienced total power loss including power steering and power brakes. Struggled to pull car off the main road. Towed to often used and nearby repair facility. Trusted mechanic pulled car apart and replaced transmission ( including new torque converter) for total of $2225. 00. Van had been carefully maintained and had 83,000 miles on it. Ford dealership ( tom's Ford of keyport, NJ) refused to reimburse just for cost of 2nd torque converter that failed since "the work was not done at Ford dealership. " ( how would I know this was required w/out ever receiving warranty paperwork? and I remembered the original recall form from Ford stated part replacement by outside mechanics would be reimbursed???) local dealership "couldn't help. " notice, I did not even try to get Ford to acknowledge transmission failure caused by recalled part or to cover the new transmission costs. Followup through Ford's consumer division also denied reimbursement for 2nd failed torque converter. Interesting quotes from them: "we have not received many complaints about transmission failure for that vehicle" and " the failure of the torque converter does not cause transmission failure. " hmmm beware of total loss of power with this minivan when the transmission fails!!! dangerous and Ford is playing dumb. Unfortunately, lives at risk with this denial strategy. I used to be a "Ford" man. Drove only Fords for decades: f150 truck + $$$ Ford RV + explorer + escape, etc. No longer.

This vechicle has a continuing problem with the pcm shorting out due to water entering the wiring harness throught the windshield wipers. Once the pcm short circuts the transmisson does not function causing the car to loose its' motion. This occurs without warning and places the occupants of the vehicle at greater risk of being invovled in an accident as the car simple ceases to work. The company has currently recalled this make and model to replace a defective torque converter. Although this seems to solve the problem initially, the long term problem of water seeping into the pcm will cause the transmission to fail time and time again.

2005 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to sudden loss of power while driving. Recall notice submitted. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, to have the recall performed, she was informed there were no parts available and Fords policy was not to replace the part, until it actually failed. Once it failed, the dealer would then order the part and it would take three days to receive it. Recall# 12v006000.

Received recall for torque converter- had it replaced on Aug 20, 2012. On Nov. 19th the van wouldn't go pass 20 mph. Drove slow approx. 3 miles to destination. Had it towed to dealership to check out problem at initial contact was told they knew of no problems relating to torque converter replacement. After checking van out was told that we needed a new transmission, at second contact was told they were aware of torque recall issues but nothing would be done for us. We had not had any problems with transmission prior to Nov 19th. When asked, was also told that they did not flush and replace fluids with the torque converter recall service as this extra cost was not part of the recall. We were told by an independent mechanic that if fluids were not changed that it could cause the transmission to fail which it did. Was quoted a high cost to replace transmission, ended up using disabled vehicle as a trade 'as is' to purchase a working vehicle. Other issues with vehicle prior to last incident were electrical functions not working, sliding doors would reopen upon closing, had to turn off auto doors, backup warning quit working, traction control button didn't work, dvd player would start running on its own.

I had a torque converter replaced 4 days ago on my van due to a recall and 4 days after repair my car shuts down in the middle of driving. Now the Ford dealer is telling me it has nothing to do with the torque converter which I find impossible since I haven't had any other issues before with my car just your basic brake repairs.

As I was driving, the vehicle (2005 Ford Freestar) begin to jerk as if the transmission was constantly disengaging and reengaging. Also, the rpms would escalate during this problem. After about six jerks, the vehicle lost power to the wheels. I coasted to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. I waited for a few minutes and I started the vehicle up and I was able to drive home. The vehicle still jerks. I looked up the problem with a mechanic and the diagnostic computer readout stated it was the torque converter output shaft speed sensor. I looked the information up online and discovered it was involved with a recall. This recall (#12v006000) was supposedly repaired on my vehicle a month ago. I called Ford and they said that the recall was already performed and they can not do anything else.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact was driving 30 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact¿s residence. The contact had received notification of stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign I. D. Number: 12v006000 (power train: automatic transmission: torque converter) prior to the failure but was unable to have the repairs performed because the dealer continuously advised that the part needed for the recall repair was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed that the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 146,000.

I was running some errands and my van was acting wired. It seemed like I only had first gear. I took it to Ford dealership, found out about the torque converter recall. Torque converter was replaced. At the time they also found water in my transmission. The did a flush. It has only been three months. Two weeks ago the powertrain light came on. I took it to Ford. They did a diagnostics test on it. Said it was p0732 incorrect gear ratio for 2nd gear direct clutch not locking. Was waiting to see if it was covered under recall. Yesterday we found out it was not 07/31/2012. So I took it to my mechanic today 8/1/2012. First thing he found was water in the transmission. He has no idea how the water is getting in and has looked at almost everything that could allow it to enter. He has found nothing. I have done research online and have found a lot of complaints regarding this issue. Ford knows about it and does nothing. In the mean time they expect me to pay a dealer top dollar to replace my transmission. I did tell my mechanic what I found about the pcm and transaxle vent allowing the water in. He is going to look into it and get back to me. I hope someone out there is listening to the consumers and can get this issue resolved.

Received a recall 11s25/NHTSA recall 12v006000 last March and Ford seems to be dragging their feet. I contacted them three times and they waved me off. My wife is afraid to drive it. Thank you . . Updated 09-19-12.

Shortly after the recall for the torque converter the transmission started acting up. It was stalling, not letting me go into reverse, and many other things. The transmission is disengaging and reengaging which is a safety issue. This problem is because of the torque converter they had to recall contaminated the transmission. I do not understand why there is still no recall. This is a huge safety issue!.

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 for Freestar with 49,000 miles. The contact had his vehicle fixed under recall 12v006000 power train:automatic transmission:torque converter. The contact stated that after the repair the dealer only replaced 5 quarts of the transmission fluid instead if the 13 quarts in the transmission. The contact feels that this will make the torque converter fail again. The contact stated that due to the why the vehicle is repaired the vehicles wheels would need to be realigned. The manufacture was contacted but offered no assistance. Bl.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train: automatic transmission: torque converter) and took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated that he believed that the torque convertor that was replaced under the recall was defective. The contact had not experienced any failures with the recently installed torque convertor. The vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and offered a reimbursement for the previous repair or a second replacement of the torque converter under recall. The current and failure mileage was 102,586.

Transmission seemed to be acting up trying to maintain highway cruising speeds, 55-65 mph. Kept shuttering and vibrating. Balise Ford in hyannis MA found a problem in the transmission. They had the vehicle for approximately 60 days time. During that time they removed the transmission under the direction of Ford esp extended warranty center approximately 8 times, replacing a new and different part each time they removed the transmission and reinstalled it. After the repair "attempt" exceeded the replaced value, Ford esp extended warranty program decided to replace the entire transmission with a Ford factory rebuilt transmission. After the transmission was replaced the vehicle started doing the same thing all over again. We then got a recall on the vehicle and inquired. Come to find out the torque converter was the problem and the rebuilt transmission from Ford factory had one of the bad converters and that needed to replaced as soon as parts were available. The new converter came in and was installed in the vehicle approximately August 2012. Late November 2012 the vehicle, now with 46,000 one owner pampered miles on it is doing the same thing. The vehicle shutters when floating in and out of gears when trying to maintain highway speeds, 55 - 65 mph. When this occurs you can feel the rumble in the vehicle and the tachometer needle jumps around. This vehicle is my mother's only means of transportation and she is a 72 year old woman who has had 2 total knees replacements. I purchased this vehicle brand new for her thinking it would be a dependable vehicle, and with her low amount of miles driven year, assumed it would last an easy 10 years. Not the case. I am afraid to have her use this vehicle and Ford needs to step up to the plate and fix it once and for all or replace the vehicle for us.

2005 Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to torque converter failure while driving on the highway. The consumer stated it cost $ 2,552. 53 to install a re-built transmission/torque converter. The consumer stated he received a recall letter in the mail, stating he may be eligible for a refund for his out of pocket expenses. The consumer contacted the dealer about the refund and was informed the maximum amount available to cover the repair bill was less than $ 1,500. Recall # 12v006000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter) and attempted to have the vehicle repaired in June 2012. The dealer informed her that she had to order the recall part and that she should receive notification when the part became available. The contact received the letter and contacted the dealer who then stated that they did not have the part available and that she would have to be added to the waiting list. The vehicle was never repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000. Kmj.

Last may I had a problem with my Ford Freestar 2005 when I was leaving a highway, I stopped at a traffic light and then accelerated, only to hear the engine accelerating but the car staying still. In March 2012 I received a letter from Ford company, where I was informed of a safety recall notice 11s25/NHTSA recall 12v-006. I visited two agencies to report the problem, in one they told me that they have to investigate further and doing that it will cost me $100. 00. In the second, they told me that they do not have the necessary parts to satisfied the safety recall. What can I do?, can you could help me to resolve this problem? thanks.

Vehicle lost all power on I 95 in SC due to torque converter. It was towed to Ford dealership, we rented a car to drive home to nc, over 350 miles away. Finally after 5 weeks, our vehicle is now ready to be picked up. However, it needed a new transmission, due to metal flakes in the transmission. It seems every car that has this problem with a failed torque converter needs a new transmission due to the metal flakes. Reading the blogs, transmission specialists are saying that these metal flakes are from the torque converter which is housed in the transmission. Ford's recall letters were not sent in a timely manner, we had only been gone for a week on a trip to FL and when we got home & picked up the mail, there was a recall letter. We surely never would have taken this vehicle on a trip had we known this was possible. Ford refuses to pay for anything. I would like to see research done as far as the torque converter affecting the transmissions. Thank you.

On Apr 2, my husband and I were returning from FL to our home in nc. Approx. 26 miles into SC heading n on I 95 our van lost forward power. We were able to coast to the shoulder, get a tow truck and have the van delivered to a Ford dealership. We rented a car to get home (350 miles away). We had only been gone for a week, when the mail was picked up, there was a recall notice from Ford about the torque converter. This was a very scary situation and a definite safety hazard. Also, fyi, it seems that all vans that have this problem also have transmission problems though Ford says the converter is not the cause - yeah right. . . There are currently no parts available, our van will be in SC for over a month, and we are responsible for all other costs, towing, car rental, and returning 350 miles to retrieve it, then driving 350 miles home. This is also ridiculous as this is going to cost us close to 4000. 00. Please warn Freestar owners not to drive this van, as it is not a case of if, but when this part will fail. And also, the recall notice certainly was not sent in a timely manner.

Ford recall safety notice 11s25/NHTSA recall 12v-006. Received letter dated March 2012 for the torque converter replacement parts available the second quarter, as of today, July 24, 2012 we have not heard anything from Ford about the parts being available.