RoadVitals

2007 Ford Freestar Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
64
Latest Sep 23, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Ford Freestar, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TORQUE CONVERTER IS SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE WITH VAN A LESS THAN 50K MILES. A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AND SERVICE INCLUDING FORD'S FRICTION MODIFIER DID NOT FIX.

NHTSA ID 11124495 · filed Sep 5, 2018

I HAVE A 2007 FORD FREESTAR SE. VIN# [XXX]. AT 102,296 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS DRIVING IT ON A SIDE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. I LOOKED AND IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE, I TRIED DOWNSHIFTING, PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE AND NOTHING WORKED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT INTO PARK. THAT APPEARED TO WORK. I THEN TRIED USING REVERSE AND IT DID NOT ENGAGE. I THEN TRIED ALL GEARS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I LET IT COOL DOWN AND IT STILL DID NOT WORK. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS A CLEAN PINK AND SMELLS BRAND NEW. I PROCEEDED TO DO ONLINE RESEARCH TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND IF IT CAN BE EASILY REPAIRED, WHAT I FOUND WAS VERY INTERESTING. IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM OCCURRING AROUND 103,000 MILES. MANY (HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE SPANNING SEVERAL YEARS, MOST NOTABLY FROM 2004 THROUGH 2006. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THOSE YEARS. THERE WAS NOT, HOWEVER, A RECALL FOR THE 2007 MODEL YEAR. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THIS YEAR AND PROBLEM AS WELL. I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THE 2007 MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED WHEN IT OBVIOUSLY SUFFERS THE SAME ISSUE.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11080128 · filed Mar 19, 2018
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC WITH THREE CHILDREN IN THE CAR, WHEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF PREVIOUS PROBLEM. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. FORTUNATELY,WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY. WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD. 300 MILES FROM HOME. TOWING, CAR RENTAL AND REPAIRS. DEALER SAID RECALL NOT APPLIED TO THIS YEAR BUT SAME PROBLEMS AS PREVIOUS YEARS. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. THEY ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION.

NHTSA ID 10468541 · filed Jul 23, 2012

FORD'S RECALL 11S25 SAYS IT PERTAINS TO 2004-05 MODEL YEARS ON THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. MINE IS A 2006 FREESTAR AND IT HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED ON IT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WHY IS YEAR NOT COVERED ? *JS

NHTSA ID 10457109 · filed May 2, 2012
All 11 reports naming transmission

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. WHEN THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE VENT CONTROL FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER, THERE WAS A PROGRESSIVE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE IDLED VERY POORLY WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11018 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ID 10734350 · filed Jul 15, 2015

DRIVING OUT OF TOWN ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT 55MPH AND MY VAN QUIT ACCELERATING AND QUICKLY LOST SPEED. PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL WITH NO RESULTS. WAS ABLE TO PULL SLIGHTLY OFF THE ROAD AND PUT MY CAR IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF AND TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON TO FIND IT WOULD NOT REVERSE DRIVE FORWARD IN ANY GEAR OR MOVE. CAR DOES START AND RUN BUT WILL NOT DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505431 · filed Apr 2, 2013
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *JS

NHTSA ID 11115445 · filed Aug 2, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS UNKNOWN WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,430. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID 10759412 · filed Aug 26, 2015
All 9 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BURNED, SMOLDERED WITH A GREAT DEAL OF SMOKE. COULD SEE ORANGE GLOW BEHIND THE MIRROR. SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL BURN. CAR WAS PARKED, NO KEY IN IGNITION, HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER UNLOCKING CAR WITH KEY FOB.

NHTSA ID 11163095 · filed Dec 22, 2018

INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS OUT THE IGNITION CAUSED BY THE FACTORY INSTALLED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. NOT EVER SURE WHEN THE CAR MIGHT START. THIS VAN IS A NIGHTMARE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10553913 · filed Nov 26, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR QUARTER PANELS ON THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID 10979646 · filed Apr 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS SEIZED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,900.

NHTSA ID 10892416 · filed Aug 2, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11616056 · filed Sep 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that he discovered two large holes located on both sides of the third-row seats. The contact stated that the holes were located at the seat anchors; the structural degradation at the seat anchor were mounted to the rear wheel wells. The contact then discovered that his vehicle was placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats). The contact then notified the dealer and was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available and also that the corrosion on the vehicle was too severe to complete the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the Better Business Bureau for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11462138 · filed Apr 25, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BEGAN TO DRIVE IN REVERSE AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXIT THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION .THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,423. ...UPDATED 08/22/13 *BF THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN.

NHTSA ID 10524836 · filed Jul 15, 2013

2007 FORD FREESTAR SEL FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUBS MAKING A VERY HIGH PITCH WHISTLING NOISE. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS LISTED ONLINE. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10402413 · filed May 23, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE PARKING THE CAR, THE ENGINE/GAS SURGED TAKING ME SLIGHTLY FORWARD UNTIL I PUT ON THE BRAKE. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED IN MAY, BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM GOING SLOWLY (PARKING ETC) BOTH IN FORWARD AND REVERSE AND HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10472542 · filed Aug 27, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT ELKHORN/WATT. I WAS HIT BY THE BACK WITH A FORD FREESTAR VAN, 1 ADULT DRIVING WITH 2 KIDS IN THE BACK. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR WALKED HALF TO THE BACK AND TOLD HIM TO PULL OVER AT MCDONALD'S. WE WAVED AND SHAKE HIS HEAD. I WOULD ASSUME HE WAS GOING TO PULL OVER. GREEN LIGHT HIT, CARS STARTED TO MOVE AND I TURNED ON MY BLINKER AND GO OVER TO THE MIDDLE LANE. FORD VAN DRIVER KEPT DRIVING, I NOTICED HE WASN'T GETTING OVER SO I GOT BACK INTO THE FAST LANE AND FOLLOWED HIM. FORD VAN AT THAT POINT RAN A RED LIGHT, I WAITED UNTIL LIGHT TURNED GREEN WHICH WAS A SECOND LATER. DROVE THRU RESIDENTIAL AREA, BLOWING OFF STOP SIGNS. (X4). I WAS HONKING MY HORN TO GET HIS ATTENTION AND WAVING HIM DOWN TO PULL OVER. NO RESPONSE. FORD VAN DROVE ALL THE WAY HOME. I PARKED RIGHT BEHIND HIM IN A DRIVE WAY, SO HE COULD GET OUT. WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR, HE WAS YELLING AT THE KIDS TO RUN INSIDE. I WALKED UP TO HIM AT THE POINT AND SAID YOU HIT ME AND I ASKED YOU TO STOP AT THE MCDONALD'S AND YOU KEPT DRIVING. HE KEPT YELLING AT ME SAYING HE DIDN'T HIT ME THAT HE HAD TO SLAM ON HIS BRAKES. WOULDN'T GIVE ME INSURANCE CARD CAUSE HE SAID THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO REPORT. I TOLD HIM THAT WAS NOT THE POINT, HE RAN FROM AN ACCIDENT WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. HE WOULDN'T GIVE ME HIS INS CARD UNTIL I TOLD HIM I WAS CALLING THE POLICE. MY CONCERNS: RAN FROM THE ACCIDENT RAN THRU A RED LIGHT / STOP SIGNS (WITH KIDS IN CAR) NOT SURE IF HE HAS CURRENT DRIVER LICENSES. INSURANCE CARD SHOWS EXPIRED DID HE GET CONFUSED ON BRAKE/GAS? IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO? I DRIVE THAT STREET EVERYDAY, I DON'T KNOW IF HE SHOULD BE DRIVING. I DON'T KNOW HIS AGE 80? I JUST KNOW I WOULDN'T WANT HIM DRIVING BEHIND ME AGAIN. I KNOW THE KIDS FELT THE HIT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10576756 · filed Apr 2, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HAD ACCIDENT AND SEATBELT BROKE AND FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT EMPLOY ON ICY ROAD

NHTSA ID 10966287 · filed Mar 16, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HAD ACCIDENT AND SEATBELT BROKE AND FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT EMPLOY ON ICY ROAD

NHTSA ID 10966287 · filed Mar 16, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING KNUCKLE-WHEN DRIVING GOING TO MAKE TURNS EITHER WAY THE STEERING GETS HARD,ACTS LIKE THERE NO POWER STEERING.WAS TOLD TO SPRAY WITH WD40,DID THAT MAKES IT EASER BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT ONCE A WEEK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10615265 · filed Jul 22, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .