The 2005 Ford Freestar has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the automatic transmission's torque converter output shaft, which can fail without warning and cause a sudden, complete loss of drive power while the vehicle is moving.
On vehicles equipped with the power liftgate option, the motor disengages once the liftgate reaches the fully open position, relying on the struts alone to hold it up. If a strut fails, the liftgate can drop without warning onto anyone standing beneath it. This issue was filed in multiple submissions but describes the same underlying hazard. There is also a seat-related concern affecting vehicles with the third row seat: the seat latch can corrode in high-moisture states and fail to hold the seat securely. In a rear-end collision, an unlatched third row seat can move forward and strike passengers sitting ahead of it. Rounding out the list, the daytime running lights on some Freestars may be inoperable, making the vehicle harder for other drivers and pedestrians to spot in daylight, though normal headlights are not affected by this condition.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row seat anchor mechanism in the rear wheel well can corrode and degrade, preventing the seat from fully latching into place.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The torque converter output shaft may fail in certain 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the torque converter at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running light system doesn't work, making your vehicle less visible to other drivers and pedestrians during the day. Regular headlights function normally.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the vehicle's electronic module to restore daytime running light operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On vehicles with a power liftgate, a faulty strut can cause the liftgate to drop suddenly after opening. Someone standing underneath could be injured.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the liftgate control software. The new version detects a falling liftgate and automatically engages the motor to lower it safely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power liftgate motor shuts off automatically after opening, which can cause the liftgate to fall unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the liftgate module to prevent the motor from disengaging prematurely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
