2004 Ford Freestar

The 2004 Ford Freestar was Ford’s attempt to compete in the minivan market, offering a spacious interior and relatively comfortable ride. The 2004 Freestar was available with two engine options: a 3.9L V6 producing 193 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque and a 4.2L V6 producing 201 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the Freestar’s affordability and roominess, but common complaints included transmission issues, electrical problems, and relatively poor fuel economy compared to its competitors.

Engine

3.9L V6

• No Issues Found

4.2L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4F50N)

• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt shifting, slipping between gears, complete transmission failure. Often preceded by the “O/D OFF” light flashing on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits noticeably lower than the front, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. Leads to poor handling and ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear springs or addition of helper springs/airbags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Issues (Power Doors)
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors fail to open or close properly, become stuck, or make unusual noises. This can be caused by a faulty motor, worn rollers, or damaged wiring.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sliding door motor, rollers, or repair of wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illuminated on the dashboard. Reduced ABS braking effectiveness.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heater only works on certain settings, such as high. Other speeds may not work at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust Issues (Rocker Panels and Wheel Wells)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation along the rocker panels and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair and panel replacement, or application of rust inhibitor products.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The fabric of the headliner begins to detach from the backing and sag down.
  • Solution: Headliner replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Ford Freestar is a budget-friendly minivan, but it does have some notable issues. The most significant concern is the potential for transmission failure, which can be a costly repair. Other common problems include suspension issues, electrical glitches with the sliding doors, and rust. While not all Freestars will experience these problems, it’s important to be aware of them when considering purchasing one. The severity and cost of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major expenses, so a thorough inspection is recommended.