2004 Ford Freestar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Ford Freestar: 4 recalls, 1227 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V457000 · 2003 · 23,996 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans, the power steering low-pressure line May not be fully seated at the rack and pinion steering gear.
Why it matters: If this line becomes disconnected, it May create the potential for fluid to come into contact with the exhaust system, which could result in smoke or fire.
The fix: 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 contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Wheels Vehicle recall #04V446000 · 2004 · 34,013 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the cracks were to progress, this could eventually result in wheel separation. Wheel separation May lead to loss of vehicle control, and potentially result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #12V006000 · 2012 · 206,452 vehicles
What's wrong: The torque converter output shaft May fail.
Why it matters: This condition results in a sudden loss of motive power with no warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012.
Seats Vehicle recall #13V081000 · 2013 · 196,667 vehicles
What's wrong: The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat May not fully latch into its seating position.
Why it matters: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat May increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (851): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (196), hard / delayed shifting (169), noise or vibration (65).
- Electrical (118): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (57), electrical failure (39).
- Body & structure (94): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (66), door / lock issues (54).
- Seats (86): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (68).
The 2004 Ford Freestar has 1227 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 Freestar model years for complaints (1.9× the average Freestar year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (193 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 85,880 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (886 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Ford Freestar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Ford Freestar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Ford Freestar, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Ford Freestar problems?
Owners have filed 1227 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (851), electrical (118), body & structure (94).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford Freestar get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.9 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Ford Freestar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.