What is the Ford Freestar controversy?

The Ford Freestar controversy involves several issues and complaints related to the Ford Freestar minivan. Here are some key points:
Transmission Defect Lawsuit:
– In 2009, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Ford by owners of model year 2004 or 2005 Ford Freestar minivans, claiming that the vehicles were built with a manufacturing defect in the torque converter of the transmission.
– The plaintiffs alleged that the defect caused transmission failures and that Ford breached its express and implied warranties.
– However, a federal judge dismissed the class claims, ruling that the terms of the warranties must be individually proven by each owner.
Comparison Advertisement Dispute:
– Ford ran an advertisement comparing the Ford Freestar and Dodge Caravan, highlighting the Freestar’s new third-row, fold-flat seating designed to create more storage space.
– The Chrysler Group, which owns the Dodge brand, complained about the ad, and Ford was instructed to stop running the advertisement.
Common Issues and Recalls:
– The Ford Freestar has had several common issues reported by owners, including transmission and engine concerns.
– One specific issue was a faulty torque converter that caused widespread and dangerous transmission problems in the 2004-2005 Ford Freestar.
– Ford eventually investigated and recalled the vehicles to address the torque converter issue .
Investigation into Corrosion:
– The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intensified an investigation into corrosion on approximately 63,000 Ford Freestar minivans from the 2004 model year.
– The investigation focused on the possibility that corrosion could prevent the third-row seats from being locked in the upright position.
Other Complaints and Investigations:
– The Ford Freestar has received complaints about transmission failure and unintended lunging at low speeds.
– The NHTSA opened an investigation into 170,000 2005-2007 Ford Freestyles (a similar model to the Freestar) for unintended lunging at low speeds.
Please note that the information provided is based on search result snippets and may not cover all aspects of the controversy.

Why was the Ford Freestar discontinued?

The Freestar and Monterey minivan didn’t sell too well because people were buying SUV’s instead. This caused them both to stop being produced. Ford made the Ford Flex in 2008 to replace the Freestar and Monterey minivan. The Flex had a new design which did not look like the Freestar or Monterey minivan any more.

What years are the Ford Freestar to avoid?

Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, …

How many miles can a Ford Freestar last?

With careful driving and good care you may get to 350,000 miles, but be prepared for that transmission crapping out unexpectedly. If you are thinking that by trading it in you are cutting your losses, I think at 200K miles you are too late. IF the car drives fine, just drive it until something major brakes.

When did Ford stop making minivans?

The automakers stopped making them in the 2000s. Ford instead makes the Transit Connect — a smaller van for families that Ford says is definitely not a minivan.

What replaced the Ford Freestar?

The Ford Freestar is a Minivan replacing the Ford Windstar in 2003. It was introduced in 2004 and discontinued in 2007. It was replaced by the Ford Transit Connect in 2010. It was also known as the 3rd Minivan in the Ford Lineup.

What Fords have bad transmissions?

As thousands of consumers who have purchased or leased a defective 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta or 2012-2015 Ford Focus have discovered, their transmissions and clutch assembly may contain a defect that causes, among other problems, transmission shuddering, slips, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, premature …

Are there any recalls for 2004 Ford Freestar?

2004 Ford Freestar Recall
CERTAIN MINIVANS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT HEAT TREATED CORRECTLY. THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL CRACKS IN THE HUB. Action Need To Fix It: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT HUB, ROTORS, AND WHEEL BEARINGS.

Does a 2004 Ford Freestar have a timing belt or chain?

A: The Freestar came with either a 3.9- or 4.2-liter engine. Both of those engines are driven by a timing chain, so you’re good to go there.

What engine failure is Ford recalling?

Frequently Asked Questions. What is the issue tied to this recall? Certain 2020—2023 Ford Escape and 2022—2023 Maverick vehicles with 2.5L HEV/PHEV have engines that could fail prematurely.

What replaced the Ford Freestyle?

During the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the nameplates of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable were revived, intended as 2008 mid-cycle revisions of the Ford Five Hundred. The Freestyle was renamed the Ford Taurus X.