2007 Ford Freestar Problems
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 91,250miles, 55 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.9L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Ford Freestar (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report transmission problems, with many complaints describing a sudden loss of drive at cruising or highway speed and a torque converter needing replacement. Reports also cover low-speed surging and stalling, water entering the powertrain computer through the cowl, and a smaller group of electrical, cooling, and seat-mount concerns.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission loss of drive / torque converter failure
- 30 complaints (47%)
- median 97,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- filed 2007–2018
Complaints describe the van suddenly losing power to the wheels with no warning, sometimes at highway speed or while accelerating from a stop, leaving the engine running but no gear engaging. Several owners say a dealer or shop diagnosed a failed torque converter or a transmission needing rebuild or replacement, and some note metal debris in the fluid. A few mention that a similar torque converter recall covered earlier model years but not this one. Most reports fall between roughly 50,000 and 145,000 miles, with many under 100,000 miles and no warning beforehand.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission or torque converter has been serviced or replaced and request records; a test drive should include highway speed and a check that all gears, including reverse, engage without delay or noise.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is my second complaint form submission for the problem. Last fall my 2007 Ford Freestar broken down due to transmission malfunction. I was told that Ford has alot of problems with transmissions. I need to know what else I can do to reimbursed for the failure of the transmission. I was on my way to college classes when the van broken down.”
NHTSA complaint #10352349, filed 2010-08, 77,000 miles“When I touched the transmission gear shift one morning, the car began rolling down my driveway & rolled into the street. I had a hard time stopping the vehicle because the engine was not yet running & the power brakes were not on. The gear shift lever would not hold in park or any of the other gears. I had the vehicle towed to a transmission repair shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10810770, filed 2015-12, 70,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Low-speed surging, lunging, or stalling
- 23 complaints (36%)
- median 90,258 mi at 5.8 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2018
Owners describe the van lurching or surging forward at low speed, sometimes with the brake applied, in reverse, or while parking with the air conditioning on. Some say the engine stalls after the surge or that it will only drive at reduced speed afterward; a few report a throttle body replacement or a tune-up recommended, with mixed results. Reported from about 37,000 to 95,000 miles, typically during low-speed maneuvering or when shifting between gears.
What to check: During a test drive, check for any surge or high idle when shifting into drive or reverse and when the air conditioning is on, and ask whether the throttle body or engine computer has been replaced or updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10472542, filed 2012-08, 52,100 miles“Vehicle lunges forward and tachometer shows momentary engine rpms up to 2500 causing vehicle to surge. Using the brake pedal to control the unexpected motion stalls out the engine which when restarted can only drive at very reduced speed. Ford dealership replaced throttle body and reprogrammed sensor for more tolerance as per new Ford specs. Service advisor attributed the bad throttle body to low quality gasoline.”
NHTSA complaint #10466884, filed 2012-07, 81,978 miles - Engine
Stalling or loss of power while driving
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 86,811 mi at 5.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2018
Owners report the engine cutting out or the van losing power while driving, sometimes repeatedly in a short distance and sometimes restarting after a short wait. Several say dealers could not duplicate the fault or find a code, and some had spark plugs or the computer board replaced without resolving it. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 100,000 miles, at highway or moderate speeds.
What to check: Ask about any history of stalling or hard starting, check for stored fault codes, and note whether the spark plugs and ignition components have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on a four lane in charleston sc my van started jerking and I lost all power and felt like I was going to have a heart attack ! It did coast enough to get to the side of the road. After it sat for several minutes it started up fine. But let me tell you I only live 5 miles from the first power shut down but it happened 3 more times before I got home.”
NHTSA complaint #10509350, filed 2013-04, 91,250 miles“Pulled in to driveway to pick up a passenger, stopped and put it in reverse and bang, the motor died. Restarted and same thing. Got it to go forward but same problem, starts fine and runs until you put it in gear, and it dies.”
NHTSA complaint #10541785, filed 2013-09, 104,823 miles - Electrical system
Water leaking into the powertrain computer
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 115,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2013
Complaints describe water draining from the cowl area near the windshield wipers down the firewall and into the powertrain control module, causing hesitation, loss of gears, or a no-start condition. Owners report the module being replaced, and some note the problem appears mainly after rain. Reported from about 100,000 to 115,000 miles, often after rain or wet weather.
What to check: Inspect the cowl and firewall area for water trails or corrosion, ask whether the powertrain control module has been replaced, and check for hesitation or warning lights after a car wash or rain.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My husband was driving home from work when all of a sudden no warning, no check engine light nothing, he loses all gears and speed. There was a lot of cars behind him, the road he was on is very busy with several hills and blind spots. We have checked into this problem with Ford and they state that yes they are aware of a design problem with the hood by the wind shield wipers that allows water to go in, drain down the fire wall and leak into the PCM module and the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10433190, filed 2011-10, 132,000 miles“I have noticed that this issue only occurs when it rains. I have take it to several mechanic and they where not able to pin point the issue since it does not happen regularly. While doing some research on the internet I have noticed that this is a common thing among Ford free star. I plan to take my vehicle to a mechanic with the information regarding PCM issue, if this a common defect I hope there will be a recall. This is afamily vehicle I drive my children in it everyday and this is a potential hazard if my van was to die on the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10398072, filed 2011-04 - Seats
Third-row seat anchor corrosion
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe corrosion around the third-row seat anchors mounted near the rear wheel wells, in some cases with holes appearing at the mounting points or a seat attachment bolt breaking so the seat is no longer secure. Owners also report that parts for the related seat recall were unavailable when they contacted a dealer. Reported from roughly 100,000 to 150,000 miles, in vehicles with visible rear-corner rust, and some owners received recall notices without having a failure.
What to check: Inspect the third-row seat anchors and rear wheel-well area for rust or cracking, and ask whether the seat recall work was completed if the vehicle was registered in a covered state.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11462138, filed 2022-04, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. While the vehicle was being reversed with passengers seated in the third row, the third row seat attachment bolt fractured. The contact stated that the seat shifted and was no longer securely fastened to the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11109689, filed 2018-07, 150,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the transmission and its service history is worth the cost, along with a check for rust around the rear seat anchors and water intrusion near the cowl. Records showing recent transmission or computer work are useful to review before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2007 Ford Freestar. 55 of the complaints include a mileage, and 5% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,250 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Vehicle speed control10 16%
- Electrical system5 7.8%
- Engine cooling5 7.8%
- Engine4 6.3%
- Body and structure4 6.3%
- Seats3 4.7%
- Suspension2 3.1%
- Air bags1 1.6%
- Brakes1 1.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Driven car started to sound like broken axle,took to Ford dealer george wall shrewsbury,n.j. It cost a $ 150.00 they held car for 2 days and told us that there was nothing wrong with the car. Noise kept getting worst frend for chrysler listened to it and drove it he said it was transmission problem. I had new transmission put in car at cost of $3500.00. I kept calling Ford with no luck. This vehicle was manufactured in june06,2006”
NHTSA complaint #10734521, filed 2015-07, 98,000 milesVehicle speed control: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10505431, filed 2013-04, 140,000 milesElectrical system: “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 complaint #11163095, filed 2018-12, 68,000 milesEngine cooling: “I was at a busy intersection in my town. When the light turned green, I started through the intersection but suddenly there was no power. I was stalled but eventually discovered that I could put the vehicle into 3rd gear and could eke my way through the intersection. I had my 5 year old son in the car, people were honking, it was a mess. Fortunately, we didn't get hit. I took the Ford Freestar to two shops that both told me the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454792, filed 2012-04, 80,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
5% of the 55 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 75,000 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Ford Freestar. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestar · hatchback FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Ford Freestar version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestar Cargo Van FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Freestar Cargo Van FWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Freestar Wagon FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Freestar Wagon FWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V081000Mar 7, 2013SeatsCovers: Ford Freestar 2004–2007, Mercury Monterey 2004–2007
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware…
Recall details for the 2007 Ford Freestar → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA12003Corrosion of Third-Row Seat AttachmentClosed · Apr 23, 2012
- PE10033Engine StallingClosed · Aug 23, 2010
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 8 on record; the latest 8 are shown.
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016Engine cooling, Engine. The 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 diagnose possible ETB…
- 10205034Apr 21, 2016Seats. Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action
- 10183770Apr 21, 2016Seats. For 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 metal that supports the…
- 10058103Sep 9, 2014Equipment, Seats. Ford/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 move. Model 2004-07…
- 10023292Nov 8, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. Damaged spark plug electrode/mil dtc p030x, rough idle, engine knock/ping on acceleration.
- 10021907Jun 25, 2007Engine cooling. Advanced traction control system - short duration activation.
- 10021217Mar 23, 2007Steering. Power steering hose leak near cooler extreme cold climate areas only -4 degrees and cooler.
- 10020701Dec 28, 2006Steering. Advanced traction control system - duration activation.
Other model years of the Ford Freestar
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 64 | 91,250 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 356 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 886 | 81,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,227 | 85,880 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Ford Freestar model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Ford Freestar?
Owners of this model year most often report transmission problems, with many complaints describing a sudden loss of drive at cruising or highway speed and a torque converter needing replacement. The issues reported most often: Transmission loss of drive / torque converter failure; Low-speed surging, lunging, or stalling; Stalling or loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Ford Freestar have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2007 Ford Freestar as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Ford Freestar is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 37 complaints (58% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 10.
Has the 2007 Ford Freestar been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Ford Freestar get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Ford Freestar (Freestar Cargo Van FWD, 3.9L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Ford Freestar reported?
Among the 55 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,250 miles and the middle half falls between 75,000 and 115,000 miles; 5% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.