2004 Ford Freestar Problems
Used FORD FREESTAR shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2004 Ford Freestar has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Ford Freestar Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 Ford Freestar trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2004 Ford Freestar Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Ford Freestar has 500 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Freestar
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 21
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2004 Ford Freestar problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Ford Freestar?
This FORD FREESTAR year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Ford Freestar
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Ford Freestar, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The FORD FREESTAR has 500 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 7 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Ford Freestar complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Freestar. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 281 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 84 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 83 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 81 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 77 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Freestar. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the torque converter and the transmission …
Flashing! With gear around it and car will not operate correctly i.e. no power very slow acceleration and lacking ability to change gears.
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 the van and push it to the side…
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 we’re it’s still parked
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not properly accelerate and would hesitate to accelerate and the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who d…
Conducía mi vehículo y la trasmisión quedó en neutro en una entrada y no pude estacionarme Y no volvió arrancar Solo coje la reversa I was driving my vehicle and the transmission was neutral in a driveway and I couldn't park And did not start again Just take the reverse
The transmission is grinding and popping when shifting gears.Also it has started not moving when I shift it into drive and 3rd and 1st.When I drive it I have to put it in 1st gear and change up to drive and it grinds and pops when giving it gas to go.It comes to a crawl going up …
I just purchased the vehicle used and recently discovered there was a recall on these vehicles. The vehicle I purchased keeps stalling and is not getting any power. I’ve had the vehicle checked by the car lot and they say there is nothing wrong.. the vehicle died out on me alread…
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle continued to slow as the RPM was rising. The contact did not notice any warning lights illu…
Transmission slip , leaks , loosing ofpower, shakes from 45 mph to 55 mph , mechanic shop says it is the Torque Converter that is malfunction.
the van has less than 49k miles on it and the reverse has not worked but it will drive forward. Others have had this issue as well.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independen…
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat floorboard was corroded with several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V081000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall w…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO ANY GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL AMERICAN FORD OF HACKENSACK (520 RIVER ST, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601) WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. UPON IN…
I READ THE RECALLS FOR 2004 FORD FREE STAR TRANSMISSIONS AND MY VAN WITHOUT WARNING JUST QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I COULD GET IT TO START BACK UP FOR A SECOND TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT IT WOULDN'T START AFTER THAT.
PCM HAS ISSUES DO TO MOISTURE WHICH AFFECTS ELECTRICAL SLIPPING GEARS ABS SENSOR PROBLEM POWER STEERING ISSUES AND TCM AND THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO RECALLS NONE OF IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE FORD SAYS YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON LIST.
I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE AND WISH I WROTE THIS A YEAR AGO BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT THEN. I HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS FLICKERING, COMING ON AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS, MY INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND ACTUALLY CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD GOTTEN SO…
THE PART THAT HAS THE CLIP FOR BACK SEAT FELL OUT AND NOW THERE IS A 5 BY 5 INCH HOLE GOING INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SEAT HAS NOTHING TO CLIP ONTO AND BE SECURE, THIS WAS RECALLED IN THIS MODEL
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 55 MPH WHEN IT HAD INSTANT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WOULDN/T MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION OR GEAR. TRANSMISSION WAS IN PROPER FLUID LEVEL RANGE.
DRIVING DOWN RD N IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE WAS PUSHING BREAK WHILE I WAS SMASHING GAS PEDAL . LOST ALL FIRE TO CAR WOULDN'T GO NO WHERE. I WAS ON A COUNTRY RD GOING UPHILL. IT SPOTS N SPUTTER N JERKS REAL HARD GOING UP HILL LIKE MY TRANSMISSION GOING BAD BUT MOTOR SOUNDS GOOD SO I H…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Ford Freestar.
Safety recalls
2004 Ford Freestar recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford Freestar. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SEATS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
WHEELS:HUB
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Ford Freestar buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Ford Freestar reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This FORD FREESTAR year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Freestar?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (281 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (84 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (83 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Ford Freestar?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Ford Freestar?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Ford Freestar, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 9 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Ford Freestar have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Ford Freestar. A major recall area is SEATS. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Ford Freestar?▾
This FORD FREESTAR year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Freestar reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Ford Freestar based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.