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Comments
I just sent the following message to the White House. It may or may not do any good but what the hell...
Dear Mr. President,
For some unknown reason there has been no media attention drawn to the fact that there is a life-threatening defect in the 2004-2005 Ford/Mercury minivans.
The problem with the transmission in the Ford & Mercury minivans is this... the transmission is too small for the Ford Factory installed engine. This causes the torque converter to come apart under stress (normal every day use). The impeller vanes sheer off and the transmission suddenly seizes and fails. If you do not replace the too-small transmission with a bigger one you will continue to have transmission failures. This can happen anytime the van is being driven. Believe me something horrible will happen. Who owns minivans? Moms with kids. Who rides in minvans? Moms with kids. Whose ultimate deaths will come back to haunt those in charge? Unfortunately, Moms with kids. And we have documented everything. Please don't let Ford get away with this.
Thanks so much,
Kelly L.
Everyone needs to follow up.
Thanks so much.
Kelly
Great idea getting this out in any way possible. Just...
....wish you had included the 2006's - I think they have the same problem as I just had my transmission replaced because of the torque converter. Believe we have just started the 2006 problems as they get a bit more mileage. Mine went at 44,000.
Brenda
Thanks.
Kelly
Great job. Keep up the good work. Every report helps and, in the end, just might save someone's life.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Here is the link to contact Obama. Please use it!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Let's inundate the White House. I think maybe Barack may really care. One thing that I neglected to do was give him the link to this Forum. Will someone please do that? Maybe something will get done. No harm in trying.
We may get through this after all. My replacement transmission has been bought and paid for. I really don't expect to ever see a reimbursement. Honestly, compared to saving lives, who cares!
Thanks so much.
Kelly L.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
You are absolutely right! The 2006 models will be hitting the magic failure mileage right about now. I guess Ford's plan is to hide in the corner like the cowards that they are until the last model year, 2007 I believe, failures happen and those owners either pay up or give up. It is up to all of us however; to NEVER GIVE UP! Do not let Ford win. Lives are depending on it!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
You know I love Dads who are manly enough to drive a minivan with pride (not a Ford of course)! I would never leave you guys out on purpose. Please forgive me!
You are the driving force behind all of us. Kick me in the a** if I leave you out ever again!
Love and admire you forever!!!!!
Kelly
Jim M.
Sugar Land, TX
Thank goodness no one got hurt. Another miracle. Hope you get a good repair and that your van lasts a little bit longer anyway. In the meantime, please report your incident to NHTSA via their website. Your report is critical as it is another brick in the wall that is our case for a recall/class action against Ford. Also, tell everyone you know about your experience, especially other Freestar owners who could be
the next victims of this defect.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Thanks for the support. I have reported the incident on the NHTSA site, and will continue to monitor this forum for more information.
Jim M.
Sugar Land, TX
The repair depends on the "problem". That said, as long as you are going to have the tranny pulled and dropped, you might as well replace at least the shaft that transfers the power from the engine to the drivetrain. That is what is going to fail eventually. (Your mechanic will know what this is). You can expect to spend $1500-3000.00 depending on the extent of the "problem" and how much damage has already been done. If, when the rans is pulled, metal filings are found in your pan/fluid, its too late and a total rebuild is going to be recommended. A total rebuild will cost $3000.00. Hope this helps.
If your problem was a sudden failure, no engagement and vehicle will not move, it is essential that you report it to NHTSA via their website. NHTSA is the government agency that it SUPPOSED to be investigating these types of defects but, inexplicably, has failed to take action on this one. It is critical to report every incident to them so that, in the event of a serious injury or fatality as a result of this defect, they cannot say that they didn't know about it. Also, our only chance of a recall/reimbursement for repairs, short of a voluntary recall from Ford, (not likely), is a forced recall from NHTSA.
Keep us posted as to your outcome.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
We have a 2004 Freestar that had suddenly stopped working on the freeway between Grand Junction, Co, and Green River, UT. Luckily, traffic was light, and we coasted to a stop safely off the road. Also luckily, I had a cell phone that worked out there in the desert, and called for help. We were towed back to Grand Junction, and then called the Ford Dealer in the morning. The car had just 45,600 miles on it at the time. He said Ford would not do anything, as the warranty had run out, and it would cost about $3500 to replace the transmission. I told the service manager that was unacceptable, and that I would call the District Ford manager....the service manager said to go right ahead, but you will get the same answer. I dread to visualize what would have happended if we were in Salt Lake City traffic at rush hour when it happened. The car just plain went into neutral, as it were, and coasted to a stop. That is when I joined Edmunds web site and told my story. I knew an honest repair shop in Provo, Utah, and trailered my car to them. I asked if he could rebuild the transmission using after-market parts and a heavy-duty torque converter, which was the main part that fails in these cars. He did as I requested, and the transmission works fine; car has 68,000 miles now and no further problems; moreover, there isn't a single Ford part (except for the case) in the transmission. I have read on this site where others had the dealer replace the transmission, only to have it fail a few thousand miles later. Whatever you do, do not have the Ford dealer rebuid it. Our total cost for a completely rebuilt transmission with after-market parts was $2150, with a one year warranty included. I hope someone files a class-action against Ford. Perhaps it will take another "Ford Explorer" incident to light the fire needed to have the Ford Co. make good for all of us that have had problems. Needless to say, we will never buy another Ford product, and I am scared to take the car into the dealership to have the recalls taken care of; these people cannot be trusted.
Thank God no one got hurt. Another miracle to be sure. Thank you for registering your complaint with NHTSA. Although they likely will do nothing until either someone gets killed or they are forced to in court, your report is another critical brick in the wall that is our case. Like you, every one of us is completely astonished by the lack of responsiveness on the part of Ford, and especially on the part of NHTSA. Afterall, it is NHTSA's job to look out for us, the consumer. I can't help but think that there is some connection between Ford taking no bail out money from Uncle Sam, (that we know of), and this case. The longer this goes on with no response from Ford or NHTSA, the more sinister it seems. In the maentime, keep spredaing the word and let us all know what you decide to do.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
My car is in the dealer now.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
I use to like Fords, but they didn't want to work with me, so I went and bought a 2009 Dodge Journey. It has a lifetime warranty on the motor and tranny. Ford can keep their products, this grandma won't be buying one again.
I have a 2006 Freestar Limited and have already had the PCM issue fixed. Now I am just hoping I don't end up with a tranny issue.
My van is in the shop right now getting its second warranty paint job done on cracking paint.
We are buying a new car next year and you can bet it won't be a Ford. In 20 years my husband and I have only had Ford, but now we are done.
Trading the car into a dealer will just put it back on the road only with another person who may have a family with children. If I sold it myself, I would have to disclose the issues, and I can not afford to donate it. I need the funds to purchase a replacement.
Disappointed with Ford is an understatement.
I would like to know what you are planning to do with your vans. Is there a solution to all of this?
Ford lost me after 25 years of undying loyalty, 9 new Ford purchases, many used, and countless referrals. They obviously do not care and have demonstrated that quite well. What bothers me the most is that they, apparently, knowingly put my family in harms way by selling us this van. The irony of it is that the centerpiece of their advertising campaign for this vehicle was its safety rating. Go figure.....
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Apparently, they bury their heads in the sand and do absolutely nothing. I have asked them many times what the criteria to open an investigation is and they have no direct answer. I asked them how many people have to die before they open an investigation and got the same reply - the standard line. I can't help but think that there is some sort of deal with Ford not to open this can of worms because of the economic crisis. Is it a coincidence that Ford hasn't taken any bailout money? I know that, on the surface, that sounds like a conspiracy theory however; are we to believe that Ford is doing any better than Chrysler or GM or, better yet, that they didn't take the money based on some moral or ethical basis? Based on their handling of the Freestar issue, we all know that this is not the case. Until they come out and address this issue head on, it is only natural that the speculation will continue and we cannot let this issue go away.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
We have the very same ethical dilema. When you distill it all down, however, the only real choice is to either by a replacement, which we cannot afford right now, mainly because we are still paying down the loan we took over a year ago to get our van fixed, or, have faith in the transmission tech that did the work to have done a good job and that God will watch over us until we get out of the financial mess Ford has gotten us into. My wife knows that the danger is always there and that she needs to drive accordingly, always aware, always planning an escape route, etc., That is one heck of a way to live, isn't it? Ford, are reading this? (I know your lawyers are). This is the situation you have put my family in. You must be so proud!
Jim Genovese,
Annapolis, MD
Like you, Jim, I may not have a choice about replacing the vehicle, but I do have the will to keep pursuing what I know to be the right thing. I have to believe that Ford will also do what is ethically moral. Justice will prevail, but I hope it is before a child is injured or killed. To me, it appears that they have all the proof they should need to see that this situation is a disaster waiting to happen. I did email my local television station, but since they do not make this vehicle anymore, I don't know how much concern it will generate.
Does anyone know the amount of these vehicles that Ford produced?
Wikipedia has an interesting description of the Freestar and Monterey. The paragraph about Reliability Issues quotes "The main weak point of the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey is the poorly designed transmission system. Many have had or will have transmissions problems, requiring towing. There is a problem with the power train control module (PCM) as it can easily get wet and malfunction. Limp mode is not automatically engaged on the vehicle, the driver must disconnect the computer manually, allowing the vehicle to move without the computers faulty control. There is also a problem with the clutch, as it will wear out and not engage. The brakes wear out quickly, and problems with the design create a squealing noise." These problems can get you killed!
Amen. Further proof of what we have been saying all along. Ford has been aware of this problem far longer than you would think, however. Why do you think they rebadged this van from the Windstar to the Freestar? Instead of fixing this dangerous defect, they just gave it a different name and then marketed it to families based on its safety rating! In my mind, this is criminal behavior and should be treated as such. Please keep up the good work and communication with your senator and keep us in the loop. Also, if you could provide a name and the mailing address, I and I'm sure all of the others on this site, would be happy to send a letter as well.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Ralph Nader's book The Lemon Book is dated, but it still provides very helpful information on dealing with the dealership, small claims court, and consumer protection units. I checked one out from the library along with twenty other books.
His web site also explains how NHTSA under the previous administration lacked with it responsibilities, but now that we have a new administration, we need to get our voices heard.
I believe that we need to put some more force on NHTSA to do something. Yesterday, I phones some dealerships looking for a new vehicle. They are quite aware of the problems with the vehicle, and when I asked them what they would do with it as a trade in, they commented that if it was sell able, they would put it on their lot-problems and all. No need to disclose. Something is just not right with that situation.
My letters are almost complete!
Who is your senator? If you would like, you can either include my name and hometown in your letter or I will write a separate letter.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau because I do believe that there is fraud on the manufactures part, and the dealership sell these vehicles knowing full well that they have major safety faults that could seriously injure or death.
You want to hear something not so funny? The other day I called a car dealer, and told them that I was thinking about getting a new vehicle. I told him that I was not interested in trading in my vehicle, but he wanted to know the model and make so I told him. When I asked him what he knew about this vehicle, he stated, "I know that they have a lot of problems." Then, I asked him if I did trade it in what he would do with it, and he said that as long as it runs he would put it on the lot for sale.
Contact your senators, congressman, the Board of Directors at Ford, your Attorney General Office, and Consumer Protection units. To Ford, I am writing a demand letter for restitution. One letter can be sent many places. The cost of postage is well worth informing them of this serious situation. I travel along roadways at night with many tractor trailers, and personally, I do not want to be rear ended by one of those hugh vehicles because I may not be able to walk away from an accident with one of them.
Called Ford today. They told me that there were about 200,000 of these vehicles produced in two years. She also told me that she could not disclose the process that Ford uses to issue recalls. Emailed NHTSA and asked for a hearing. I would suggest that you do the same. Under Title 49 of the United States Code 301, we are entitled to this. I am contacting my attorney generals office, senator, and all the rest of those involved to petition for a hearing.
On March 5, 2009, the Committee on Energy and Commmerce held hearing about consumer protection in the used and subprime car market. I would suggest that anyone interested should read this. The Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) presented testimony.
I wonder how much money is made by just re-sellling these vehicles over and over again by the dealers and how much is made by fixing them over and over again while human beings are being subjected to the risk of death or injury by auto accident?
Anyone ever read the transcripts from the "Pinto" hearings? Wasn't it Ford that quoted, "It's cheaper to let their customers crash and burn?" What happens when they run out of customers?
You are exactly the type of consumer we need to help keep this thing going until Ford or NHTSA steps up and does the right thing. Please continue to keep us posted on your progress and let us know if there is anything we can do to help or become more directly involved. If you get a hearing date, please let us know the date, time, and place. This would be an excellent opportunity for us to get together as a group and be heard as a group. I personally would be willing, schedule permitting, to join you at the hearing and would be willing to bet that others would join you as well.
Kepp up the good work. I support you 100%!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Franklin Delano Roosevelt in a message to Congress stated, " The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism: ownership of the government by an individual, by a group or any controlling private power."
Ralph Nader writes in his book The Good Fight, " This loss of control is felt ever more deeply. A Business Week poll in the year 2000 found 72 percent of the people believing that corporations had too much control over their lives. This was before exposure of the ongoing corporate crime wave that has looted or drained trillions of dollars from hardworking people. Society, like a fish, rots from the head down. Our leaders have been delivering for themselves and their circles, not for the people they allegedly serve. In return, too many people have been too trusting of, or resigned to, their leaders' mass media rhetoric. Our static political system often leads our elected officials to do the opposite of what they say." " Powerless people often aggravate their situation by giving up on themselves. They don't believe they're really capable of doing anything about the injustices affecting their families, their neighborhoods, and their communities."
We can not afford to give up. All of us should be asking for a hearing as citizens of this country. I know that my senator really does care about the people he serves, and I know with all my heart that he will do everything in his power to make that happen. We do live in the GREATEST country in the world, and it is owned by the people for the people-not Ford!
When we are able to get the hearing with the Secretary of Transportation, how many of you will be there to have your voices heard? You know Ford will have a large group there plus the attorneys.
If I am able to be there, I will be there. Please let us know the date, time, and place.
You are right about the Customer Relationship Center. What a fraud and a sham that was. They treated me so disrespectfully I couldn't believe it. It was a maddening experience. I am just as angry and disillusioned about it today as I was back in November '07 when all of this started. I couldn't believe a company the size of Ford would take a 25 year loyal customer like me for granted and have such an unprofessional, immoral, and unethical approach to customer service.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
NO MORE FORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!