2004 Ford Freestar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Ford Freestar, 4% of the 1,227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,700 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving north on minnesota highway 169 at 65mph and notice smoke coming from the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over onto the shoulder and within three minutes there were flames coming from the engine compartment as well as smoke. There was nothing wrong with my vehicle and it was running well when all of a sudden it just started smoking and then it burst in to flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10452314, filed 2012-03, 150,500 miles“My 2004 Freestar suddenly quit running last week. There was very little forward power and no reverse power. It also began sitting and sputtering terribly and would not start. I made it to the edge of traffic. It had been wet and rainy all week. Now that the weather is dry the van starts. This is an ongoing issue. I have already replaced the transmission once.”
NHTSA complaint #10331229, filed 2010-05, 126,665 miles“Driving on freeway at 60mph the van just stopped accelerating, the RPM acted crazy. We pulled too side of road and would not move in any gear. I have had routine oil changes and maintenance, there was no signs or warning of any transmission problems. Vehicle towed. I have been told my van needs new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10437372, filed 2011-11, 141,486 miles“Drove vehicle to store, went in to do shopping came out to leave vehicle would start but wouldn't accelerate. Two days before incident it had been raining in grand junction colorado. Had vehicle towed to Ford and was told today that the pmc is full of water! It's going to cost me over 1500.00 to fix this! What would of happened had it decided to go out as I was driving down the road with my two kids in the car? Or when rushing my severe asthmatic to hospital?”
NHTSA complaint #10448117, filed 2012-02, 56,655 miles“When the vehicle is wet the system seems to short circuit itself. It causes it to shimmy and shake and it wont accelerate. We noticed it several times and took it in where we were told it was the camshaft sensor but after having it replaced twice it is still having the issue. The check engine light is contiguously on and it blinks erratically when ever any water is present. I've been told the sensor can go faulty do to a coil issue allowing water to leak on things it shouldn't.”
NHTSA complaint #10499251, filed 2013-02, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10021907Jun 25, 2007Advanced traction control system - short duration activation.
- 10012947Feb 21, 2005Maf diagnostic service tip - vehicles equipped with egr system module (esm).
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Freestar
851 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsBody and structure
94 complaintsSeats
86 complaintsEngine
69 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsWheels
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Freestar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology