2004 Ford Freestar Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,771miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the seats of the 2004 Ford Freestar, 7% of the 1,227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,771 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 Ford Freestar that has this exact problem 13v081000. I called the dealer and since I'm in kansas they will not take care of the repairs. I have photos and this is exactly what is described in the recall. My back seat cannot lock forward. This is a safety issue. Can you please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10578138, filed 2014-04, 95,000 miles“The rearmost seat in my minivan will not latch down on the rear drivers side. The rear axle 'moans' at times and makes a rotational shimming sound. Upon inspection, I am told there is severe rust in the wheel well where it locates to the seat attachment. The dealership says it is unusual, although I understand your agency is investigating just this thing in 2004 freestars.”
NHTSA complaint #10471280, filed 2012-08, 104,000 miles“The third row seating latch has rusted out on the driver side. The vehicle I believe has issues that other 2004 Ford Freestar vehicles have the same issues and were recalled. I have contacted Ford, and they refuse to help. I have 4 children and I fear to take them anywhere in this vehicle. Please help. The vehicle jerks and stutters when in drive whether I'm moving or at a stop light as long as I am in any gear. It only has 85,000 miles and I've purchased it in february.”
NHTSA complaint #10994575, filed 2017-06, 81,000 miles“Left rear seat anchor was loose, so we looked. A large hole had rusted out of the inner fender causing the anchor to completely detach from the body. We took it in to get checked out and they agreed it had completely rusted through and the right side is also rusting out, although not the point of completely rusting through, yet. We are just thankful this was noticed when we were parked and not driving 65 MPH causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10472514, filed 2012-08, 116,542 miles“The third row drivers side seat anchor no longer holds the seat in the upright position. The plate in the wheel well that the anchor attaches to has rusted loose. I brought the van to my dealer and they said they could not repair the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10479430, filed 2012-10, 105,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V081000Mar 7, 2013Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped…Covers: Ford Freestar 2004–2007, Mercury Monterey 2004–2007
Related service bulletins
- 10205034Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action
- 10183770Apr 21, 2016For 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey vehicles Safety Recall 13S01 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the sheet…
- 10058103Sep 9, 2014Ford/mercury: safety recall regarding sheet metal support for folding 3rd row seat latch strikers can experience corrosion and will compromise mounting point causing seat to…
- 10056468Aug 11, 2014Ford/mercury: sheet metal supporting folding 3rd row seat latch strikers will experience corrosion and compromise mounting point for forward portion of 3rd row seat, if vehicle…
- 10013390Nov 1, 20043rd row seat strap breaking.
- 10011336Sep 1, 20043rd row seat strap breaking (strap used for stowing or accessing the rear seat).
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Freestar
851 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsBody and structure
94 complaintsEngine
69 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsEngine cooling
49 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 29, 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