Is the 2004 Ford Freestar reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Freestar?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Freestar have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Ford Freestar

○ Not enough data

2004 Ford Freestar
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1,227
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 8
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2004: 1,227 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	1,227
2005	886
2006	356
2007	64

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

71% · 873 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH smoke emitted into the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-04

I have a 2004 Ford freestar van and I was driving down the road and I went to pass another vehicle and I push the gas and I heard some crunchy noise is and then nothing no power at all no gears nothing I was dead in the water so I had to get out of...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-27

My son was driving down Rt 81 when the transmission stopped working Your vehicle was running fine but would not go had to drift off the highway she avoid getting hit I had to tow the van home weâre itâs still…

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-18

Electrical system

10% · 119 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Structure

8% · 95 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Seats

7% · 87 reports

Most commonly citing mid/rear assembly and recliner.

CRASHINJURY

Service brakes

6% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-11-10Steering03V457000 On certain minivans, the power steering low-pressure line may not be fully seated at the rack and pinion steering gear.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering low-pressure line to ensure that it is seated properly at the rack and pinion steering gear. Owner notification began November 10, 2003. Owners should…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-09-20Wheels04V446000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front hub, rotors, and wheel bearings. The recall began September 20, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…

Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2009-06-04Defect petitionClosed 2010-09-07 Engine stalling
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2009-07-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-17 Torque converter output shaft failure
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2009-11-10Engineering analysisClosed 2012-02-02 Transmission Torque Converter Failure
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2010-08-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-07-15 Engine Stalling
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2011-09-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-12-07 Service Jack Failure
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2011-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-04-27 Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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2012-04-23Engineering analysisClosed 2013-05-02 Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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2012-06-29Power train12V006000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury monterey vehicles. The torque converter output shaft may fail.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012. Owners may contact the Ford motor company customer relationship…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2012-09-28EQClosed 2012-12-31 Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
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2013-03-28Seats13V081000 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…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Ford Freestar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 873 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 119 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 95 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V457000 · Steering
Recall 04V446000 · Wheels
Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 12V006000 · Power train
Recall 13V081000 · Seats

FAQ

Is the 2004 Ford Freestar reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Freestar?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Freestar have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.