Differential Unit problems of the 2007 Ford Freestyle

12/10/09 mileage: 35,621 dealer service for rattling noise in engine on cold start up, diagnosed as defective tensioner assembly, but was likely the transmission as same noise was later heard when the transmission was repaired 12/08/11 mileage: 53,401 dealer service for noise in engine at idle - much worse when cold, diagnosed as faulty automatic transmission. Dealer removed and attempted to repair automatic transmission and found input shaft bearing scores and input shaft scored. Differential shaft splines worn down and splines on ptu worn down and seized together. Transmission was then replaced with rebuilt unit. This was the second transmission installed in this car 3/28/12 mileage: 55,234 dealer service for excessive noise in transmission, described as a growl. Diagnosed transmission concern and noise was verified. Were asked to return unit to dealer at later time for further diagnosis 4/2/12 mileage: 55,338 dealer service for transmission problem, corrected by installing a rebuilt transmission. This was the third transmission installed in this car. Dealer explained that the replacement rebuilt transmission carried a one year warranty 7/1/13 mileage: 63,301 while driving on a street, vehicle produced loud clunk sound after which it would no longer respond to throttle inputs. Vehicle coasted to stop. Fortunately, street was empty. Transmission was inoperable, as vehicle would not move forward or backward in any gear under its power. Vehicle coasted in any gear, indicating that final drive line was no longer connected to transmission or engine. Vehicle towed to dealer. Diagnosed failed transmission. Dealer stated that a 4th transmission and replacement oil cooler were needed for $6,900. During the diagnosis, front wheels locked up rendering it impossible to move the vehicle and dealership had to drag it out of service bay.