| Issue ID | 885641 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10428919 |
| Manufacurer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Brand | FORD |
| Model | FREESTAR |
| Model Year | 2005 |
| File date | 03/10/11 |
| Component | POWER TRAIN |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | The minivan has been described by the dealership with transmission failure. The proposed remedy is to completely replace the transmission. We were returning home after driving approximately 1/2 hour at freeway speeds. After exiting the freeway we proceeded to an intersection and stopped at a red traffic signal. When the light turned green and the brake was released and gas pedal pressed, the engine accelerated but the car did not move. We tried all the gears and the car would not move although the engine appeared to be running normally. We feel fortunate that this failure happened at a stop and not at freeway speeds and that the vehicles behind us at the traffic signal did not plow into our rear end. Prior to this incident occurring we had intermittent occasions with the "check engine" light coming on, and then going off. We often were always able to clear the problem by tightening the gas cap while the car was running, which is a common cause for the light to turn on. The vehicle was purchased used from a ford dealer about 17 months prior to the incident. During that time we noticed occasions of bursts of acceleration when driving at highway speeds. I spoke with the dealer who assured us this was normal. Since the incident, i have come to find out there are thousands of posts on the internet regarding identical problems on the 2005 ford freestar, yet no action has been taken. While we came out of this incident safely, i can see how it would cause tragic accidents to occur. In the end, we have an estimate of $4000 for the repair (1/3 of the price we paid for the vehicle after driving the car less than 6000 miles and having it serviced meticulously in the interim). Our household is struggling financially, and we do not have resources for this kind of repair. While we are happy to be uninjured, the economic impact of the flawed transmission is devastating. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 105000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | SOUTHFIELD, MI |
| VIN pattern | 2FMDA58215BXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 0 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |