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2005 Mercury Monterey

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

106 reports with mileage · 13 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

119 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2012
Power Train

2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. CONSUMERS WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL CONCERNING TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE 2ND QUARTER, WHICH HAS SINCE PASSED AND THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL # 12V006000. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10476161

86,368 miles · Sep 16, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train

STALL ENGINE WITH NO POWER FOR FORWARD OR REVERSE. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START FOR MORE THAN COUPLE SECONDS. MULTIPLE ABS AND DRIVE CODES BASED ON THE EEC TEST. REPAIR SHOP INSPECTS THE VEHICLE AND FOUND WATER INTRUSION TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AND THE CONNECTOR PINS WHERE SHORT…

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STALL ENGINE WITH NO POWER FOR FORWARD OR REVERSE. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START FOR MORE THAN COUPLE SECONDS. MULTIPLE ABS AND DRIVE CODES BASED ON THE EEC TEST. REPAIR SHOP INSPECTS THE VEHICLE AND FOUND WATER INTRUSION TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AND THE CONNECTOR PINS WHERE SHORT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475523

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2012
EnginePower Train

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE - 11S25/NHTSA RECALL 12V-006 IN MARCH, 2012. THIS RECALL RELATES IS REGARDING A WORN SPLINE IN THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. FORD CLAIMS PARTS WOULD BE IN 2ND QUARTER OF 2012. I CALLED MY DEALER, AND TOLD PARTS WILL NOT BE IN UNTIL 1ST WEEK IN JUNE. WAITED. CALLED DEALER AND FORD - PARTS NOW…

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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE - 11S25/NHTSA RECALL 12V-006 IN MARCH, 2012. THIS RECALL RELATES IS REGARDING A WORN SPLINE IN THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. FORD CLAIMS PARTS WOULD BE IN 2ND QUARTER OF 2012. I CALLED MY DEALER, AND TOLD PARTS WILL NOT BE IN UNTIL 1ST WEEK IN JUNE. WAITED. CALLED DEALER AND FORD - PARTS NOW WILL BE IN THE END OF JUNE. SO I CALLED [XXX] AT VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE CASE # [XXX] AND MADE COMPLAINT. CALLED FTC ON 6/7/12 AND ALSO MADE COMPLAINT. REFERENCE # [XXX]. JUNE AND THEN JULY CAME AND WENT - NO PARTS. AUGUST - I RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THE PARTS ARE IN, AND THEY WANT TO HAVE THE "RECALL PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" CALLED MY FORD DEALER THE DAY THE LETTER ARRIVED- THEY CLAIM THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS YET, AND THEY WOULD CALL. IT IS SEPTEMBER 4. LABOR DAY HAS COME AND GONE - NO FIXED VAN. OBVIOUSLY THEY SAY RECALL, BUT HAVE NO INTENTION OF FIXING MY VEHICLE. FEBRUARY 19, 2009 MY VAN BROKE DOWN. I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO "ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION DIAG NO PUMP PRESSURE HAS INTERNAL BROKEN PART NEED TO R&I TRANS-AXLE. FOUND STRIPPED PUMP SHAFT INTO TORQUE. REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER" THIS COST ME $1829.60. I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT. MY DEALER IS CLAIMING I CANNOT EVEN SUBMIT THIS BILL TO FORD FOR "POTENTIALLY" REIMBURSEMENT, (BY A FORD COMMITTEE OF COURSE) FOR THIS UNTIL MY VAN IS WORKED ON - ONCE HE PARTS FROM THE RECALL ARE IN. I FEEL I HAVE PAID FOR THIS RECALL ALREADY, AND AM BEING TOTALLY SCREWED. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME - INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473845

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2012
Power Train

2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT 75,000 MILES THREE MONTHS AGO. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THE TORQUE CONVERTER MAY FAIL DUE TO WORN GEARS IN THE CONVERTER. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABL…

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2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT 75,000 MILES THREE MONTHS AGO. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THE TORQUE CONVERTER MAY FAIL DUE TO WORN GEARS IN THE CONVERTER. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND HE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THEY BECAME AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, ON JULY 10, 2012 THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 68 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AT ABOUT 200 YARDS FROM AN EXIT RAMP. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE INTERSTATE TO A SAFE PLACE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SECOND GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10473381

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2012
Power Train

2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A CHECK FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR $1,450.00 TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED HE PAID $ 2077.11 AND WOULD LIKE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT TO BE PAID. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10471044

52,000 miles · Jul 15, 2012
Power Train

MY VAN BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, ALMOST SKIPPING AT TIMES. I TOOK THE VAN TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC, WHOM INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE FOR 4 DAYS, AND RULED OUT THE ENGINE, HE STATED THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. A FEW DAYS LATER, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD INFORMING ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMING UNDER RECALL …

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MY VAN BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, ALMOST SKIPPING AT TIMES. I TOOK THE VAN TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC, WHOM INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE FOR 4 DAYS, AND RULED OUT THE ENGINE, HE STATED THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. A FEW DAYS LATER, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD INFORMING ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMING UNDER RECALL FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER. APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM TO INVESTIGATE. THE DEALERSHIP OPENED AT 7 AM, AND WHEN THEY CALLED ME AT 7:29 AM, THEY SWORE IT WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THEY CLAIMED IT WAS THE MOTOR AND COULD NOT PIN POINT ANY SPECIFIC REASON AS TO WHY. THEN THEY CLAIMED THAT THE #6 PLUG WAS MISFIRING 16% OF THE TIME?? I CONSULTED WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED VERY CLEARLY THAT IF THAT WAS TRUE, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON. IT HAS NOT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO WORSEN EVERY DAY WITH THE SKIPPING OR STUTTERING. IM NOW ONLY GETTING 13 MPG WHETHER IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST TO CONFIRM OR NOT. APPARENTLY, FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED, FORD DOES NOT WANT TO HONOR THEIR RECALL, AND IS USING THE SCAPE GOAT, " YOUR VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO YOU HAVE TO PAY. " *TR

NHTSA ODI #10465740

68,000 miles · Apr 26, 2012
Power Train

OUR TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION FAILED ON OUR 2005 MONTEREY. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ROUTE 1 IN EDISON, NJ AND IT LOST ALL GEARS. I CALLED FOR EMERGENCY TOWING (IT WAS A SATURDAY EVENING 4/21) AND HAD IT BROUGHT TO A REPAIR SHOP. I WENT TO FORD'S WEB SITE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. I ENTERED THE VIN AND NO RECALL…

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OUR TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION FAILED ON OUR 2005 MONTEREY. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON ROUTE 1 IN EDISON, NJ AND IT LOST ALL GEARS. I CALLED FOR EMERGENCY TOWING (IT WAS A SATURDAY EVENING 4/21) AND HAD IT BROUGHT TO A REPAIR SHOP. I WENT TO FORD'S WEB SITE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. I ENTERED THE VIN AND NO RECALL SHOWED UP. NONE. SO, I PROCEEDED TO HAVE THE REPAIR SHOP START TO WORK ON IT ON (4/23). NOW I FIND THAT THERE IS A RECALL (4/26) VIA A SHADY, INTENTIONALLY MISLEADING EMAIL FROM FORD. FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN EVASIVE AND NOT HELPFUL. THEY TOLD ME THAT LATER IN THE YEAR TORQUE CONVERTERS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT, BUT MINE HAS UNFORTUNATELY ALREADY FAILED. FURTHERMORE, IF WE HAD KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, WE WOULD HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, NOT A LOCAL SERVICE SHOP. BUT THEIR WEB SITE SPECIFICALLY SAID THAT NO RECALL EXISTED FOR THE VEHICLE. WE NOW HAVE A VEHICLE 90 MILES AWAY FROM OUR HOME IN A REPAIR SHOP THAT IS GOING TO NEED MAJOR WORK AND THE VAN ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT. FORD HAS FAILED TO HELP US WITH THIS. WE HAVE 5 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR ONLY FAMILY VEHICLE. THEY SOLD A FAULTY PRODUCT, ACKNOWLEDGED IT AND STILL WILL NOT HELP US WITH IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456630

17,000 miles · Apr 3, 2012
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. AFTER UTILIZING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. AFTER UTILIZING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE WIRING OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN DRIED THE WIRING BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AGAIN, WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE COMPUTER BUT THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ALSO A FAILURE WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR, WHICH WOULD SPORADICALLY OPEN WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED AND THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE AMOUNT OF FUEL AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 5/11/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE COMPUTER ALSO WAS WET AND CAUSED SYSTEM FAILURE IN FEBRUARY 2010. IT WAS REPLACED THEN. LAST BRAKES TWICE. MARCH 12, 2012 VEHICLE WOULD NOT REVERSE AND RACED IN NEUTRAL, TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. HANDICAP LIFT FAILED. UPDATED 06/14/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10453917

77,175 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES SEIZED AND THE BRAKES WERE UNABLE TO BE DEPRESSED. THE TRANSMISSION AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES SEIZED AND THE BRAKES WERE UNABLE TO BE DEPRESSED. THE TRANSMISSION AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,175 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,215.

NHTSA ODI #10449678

31,000 miles · Jan 30, 2012
Power Train

MY VAN WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD GARAGE WHERE WE BOUGHT 5 YEARS AGO THIS PAST SATURDAY. I WAS TOLD TODAY THE PROBLEM IS IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR TRANSMISSION. I JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT BROUGHT UPON FORD BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS IN 2005 MONTEREY'S. JUST A BRIFE REVIEW SHOWS ME THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF …

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MY VAN WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD GARAGE WHERE WE BOUGHT 5 YEARS AGO THIS PAST SATURDAY. I WAS TOLD TODAY THE PROBLEM IS IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR TRANSMISSION. I JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT BROUGHT UPON FORD BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS IN 2005 MONTEREY'S. JUST A BRIFE REVIEW SHOWS ME THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE EXPERIANCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I AM. I ALSO BELIEVE NHTSA INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THAT I JUST GOT DONE PAYING THIS CAR OFF AND THE LOW MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO GET RELIEF ? SHOULD I PHONE THE ATTORNEYS WHO HANDLED THE ORIGINAL CASE? CAN YOU GIVE ANY OTHER INFORMATION SUCH AS OTHERS WHO MY HAVE ALSO FILED COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE? *TT

NHTSA ODI #10445943

Official recalls

3

13V081000 · Seats

Mar 7, 2013

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, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

12V006000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

Jan 9, 2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

06V069000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Mar 9, 2006

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

6

EQ12010 · Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing

Opened Sep 28, 2012 · Closed Dec 31, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.

EA12003 · Corrosion Of Third-Row Seat Attachment

Opened Apr 23, 2012 · Closed May 2, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:mid/rear Assembly; Structure; Structure:body

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Seats

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.

Structure:body

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.

Structure

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.

PE11033 · Service Jack Failure

Opened Sep 13, 2011 · Closed Dec 7, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift

The subject vehicles (SV) are all automatic transmission, front wheel drive vehicles with hand actuated mechanical park brakes. The investigation focused on allegations that the service jack failed and caused the vehicles to fall. The subject scissors-type jack appears to fail at the slotted hinge joints where the jack screw is located (bends at mid-point). The failures occur while the jack is in use, and vehicle movement (forward or backward) is typically reported coincident with the failure. Ford reported that most MY 2003 Windstar and all MY 2006-2007 Freestar/Monterey also use the subject jack, an additional 223,246 vehicles.NHTSA has received six consumer complaints (VOQs) involving three injury incidents and a fatality.Ford reported 26 complaints for the SVs involving an additional 4 injuries. In the fatal incident, the van fell on a person working on the engine under the otherwise unsupported vehicle; ODI was unable to determine whether the vehicle was adequately chocked or the park brake was properly set. Reported injuries include a broken arm, head and hand injuries, arm and rib bruises, and muscle strains. NHTSA has received just one new report since opening this investigation. The complaint trend in ODI and Ford data is flat if not declining.Ford provides instructions and warnings in the owner's manual, on a placard placed with the jack, and on the jack itself. These instruct consumers to put the vehicle gear selector in Park, properly set the parking brake, chock the opposite wheel, use the jack only for changing a tire, loosen the lug nuts prior to jacking, and to not get under a vehicle supported by the jack only (NHTSA also recommends that jacks only be used for tire changing).In the VOQs, roughly half the consumers were using the jack for something other than tire changing, half had not chocked a wheel, and half had not properly set the parking brake. ODI notes that since the front wheels are drive wheels (with an open center differential) the Park gear cannot provide vehicle stability (longitudinally) when a front wheel is raised. All NHTSA complaints and most of the complaints to Ford involved failures while a front wheel was raised.In response to ODI's inquiry, Ford conducted testing on a 2004 Freestar. Ford's tests showed that when a front tire was raised the service jack held without failing under various scenarios except when a rocking force was applied and the parking brake was not properly set. Based on its testing and its analysis of field data, Ford concluded that the type of jack failure evidenced in this investigation (bending at mid-point) was likely caused by vehicle movement due to an improperly secured vehicle, or other misuse of the jack. Ford notes that rates in this investigation were similar to those in another investigation (EA91-049) which ODI closed. ODI also analyzed jack data for MY 2003 and newer vehicles to compare to the SV population. To assist with this analysis, ODI requested data from the jack manufacturer (actually its successor company) who provided limited data but did identify other models using the same design jack. ODI was unable to identify a significant difference in the incidence of jack failures (including those involving bending failures) between the SVs, other vehicles which used the same jack, or other vehicles where the jack type was unknown or different.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, investigation PE11-033 is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist and ODI reserves

PE10033 · Engine Stalling

Opened Aug 23, 2010 · Closed Jul 15, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Vehicle Speed Control

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to NHTSA, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to NHTSA, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.

Vehicle Speed Control

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to NHTSA, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.

EA09016 · Transmission Torque Converter Failure

Opened Nov 10, 2009 · Closed Feb 2, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will abruptly lose motive power.This problem affected model year 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Monterey minivans.During the investigation NHTSA identified 532 complaints alleging incidents of vehicle stall while driving due to torque converter failure.These failures were sudden and without any prior warning.Of the 490 complaints that reported the speed at the time of the failure:218 (44%) occurred at or above 55 mph; and 344 (70%) occurred at or above 40 mph.Of the 382 complaints that reported the position of the vehicle relative to traffic after it came to a stop following the loss of motive power: 122 (32%) alleged that the vehicle came to a stop in the flow of traffic and remained in the flow of traffic until pushed or towed out of the way; 225 (59%) reported that the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the roadway and remained there until towed; and 35 (9%) reported that they were able to maneuver to a location away from the flow of traffic, such as a parking lot.Two crashes were allegedly caused by torque converter failure, including an incident in which a Freestar suddenly lost power in 65 mph traffic in an area where there was no shoulder available.As a result, the Freestar stopped in a travel lane and when trailing traffic maneuvered to avoid the stalled vehicle, a four vehicle collision occurred.In these types of circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and so advised Ford.In its Defect Information Report, Ford refers to its response to NHTSA's Preliminary Evaluation information request, which stated that a vehicle that loses motive power due to torque converter malfunction remains readily controllable; the vehicle will coast during which it can be safely maneuvered and stopped because the engine continues to run.Because the engine continues to run, steering and braking are unaffected, and the vehicle's electrical system and directional signals remain functional.In view of the foregoing, NHTSA does not agree with this statement.This investigation is closed based on Ford's recall.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will abruptly lose motive power.This problem affected model year 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Monterey minivans.During the investigation NHTSA identified 532 complaints alleging incidents of vehicle stall while driving due to torque converter failure.These failures were sudden and without any prior warning.Of the 490 complaints that reported the speed at the time of the failure:218 (44%) occurred at or above 55 mph; and 344 (70%) occurred at or above 40 mph.Of the 382 complaints that reported the position of the vehicle relative to traffic after it came to a stop following the loss of motive power: 122 (32%) alleged that the vehicle came to a stop in the flow of traffic and remained in the flow of traffic until pushed or towed out of the way; 225 (59%) reported that the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the roadway and remained there until towed; and 35 (9%) reported that they were able to maneuver to a location away from the flow of traffic, such as a parking lot.Two crashes were allegedly caused by torque converter failure, including an incident in which a Freestar suddenly lost power in 65 mph traffic in an area where there was no shoulder available.As a result, the Freestar stopped in a travel lane and when trailing traffic maneuvered to avoid the stalled vehicle, a four vehicle collision occurred.In these types of circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and so advised Ford.In its Defect Information Report, Ford refers to its response to NHTSA's Preliminary Evaluation information request, which stated that a vehicle that loses motive power due to torque converter malfunction remains readily controllable; the vehicle will coast during which it can be safely maneuvered and stopped because the engine continues to run.Because the engine continues to run, steering and braking are unaffected, and the vehicle's electrical system and directional signals remain functional.In view of the foregoing, NHTSA does not agree with this statement.This investigation is closed based on Ford's recall.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will abruptly lose motive power.This problem affected model year 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Monterey minivans.During the investigation NHTSA identified 532 complaints alleging incidents of vehicle stall while driving due to torque converter failure.These failures were sudden and without any prior warning.Of the 490 complaints that reported the speed at the time of the failure:218 (44%) occurred at or above 55 mph; and 344 (70%) occurred at or above 40 mph.Of the 382 complaints that reported the position of the vehicle relative to traffic after it came to a stop following the loss of motive power: 122 (32%) alleged that the vehicle came to a stop in the flow of traffic and remained in the flow of traffic until pushed or towed out of the way; 225 (59%) reported that the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the roadway and remained there until towed; and 35 (9%) reported that they were able to maneuver to a location away from the flow of traffic, such as a parking lot.Two crashes were allegedly caused by torque converter failure, including an incident in which a Freestar suddenly lost power in 65 mph traffic in an area where there was no shoulder available.As a result, the Freestar stopped in a travel lane and when trailing traffic maneuvered to avoid the stalled vehicle, a four vehicle collision occurred.In these types of circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and so advised Ford.In its Defect Information Report, Ford refers to its response to NHTSA's Preliminary Evaluation information request, which stated that a vehicle that loses motive power due to torque converter malfunction remains readily controllable; the vehicle will coast during which it can be safely maneuvered and stopped because the engine continues to run.Because the engine continues to run, steering and braking are unaffected, and the vehicle's electrical system and directional signals remain functional.In view of the foregoing, NHTSA does not agree with this statement.This investigation is closed based on Ford's recall.

PE09033 · Torque Converter Output Shaft Failure

Opened Jul 15, 2009 · Closed Nov 17, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

ODI HAS RECEIVED 227 OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.OF THOSE COMPLAINTS, 124 CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT SPLINES STRIPPING CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN.THE REMAINING 103 COMPLAINTS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER BUT THE SPECIFIC INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN.ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-016) TO CONTINUE ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

ODI HAS RECEIVED 227 OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.OF THOSE COMPLAINTS, 124 CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT SPLINES STRIPPING CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN.THE REMAINING 103 COMPLAINTS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER BUT THE SPECIFIC INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN.ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-016) TO CONTINUE ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

ODI HAS RECEIVED 227 OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.OF THOSE COMPLAINTS, 124 CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT SPLINES STRIPPING CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN.THE REMAINING 103 COMPLAINTS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER BUT THE SPECIFIC INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN.ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-016) TO CONTINUE ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.