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Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding issuance of a recall.
Please note that recalls are issued on items that may cause Safety or Emissions concerns with the vehicle. Many factors are used to determine recalls such as warranty status, vehicle history, customer contacts, dealership comments and so forth. Please keep in mind that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is the federal agency responsible for motor vehicle safety, and is the only organization with the authority to order a recall.
Moreover, Ford and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) work together to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealer feedback. However, we regret to inform you that Ford and NHTSA's investigation of consumer and dealer feedback are considered proprietary and therefore, is unavailable to the public. Consequently, we are unable to provide you with the information you are seeking.
Thank you for contacting Ford.
Sometimes e-mail communication does not allow us to gain additional information that may be helpful in responding to your inquiry. Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday. Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952.
It is obvious to me that whatever information Ford/ NHTSA will not provide to you is not favorable to Ford and is likely the evidence we need to take an action against Ford and, potentially, NHTSA itself. In my opinion, NHTSA, having been made aware of this issue and still failing to act, is just as liable as Ford.
Also, apparently Ford is not aquainted with the Freedom of Information Act. Under the Act, they are obligated to provide you with the information because it is information that is shared with a federal agency. Please write them back and advise them that you are making your request under the Freedom of Information Act and that their failure to comply is in violation of the law. This is something an attorney would likely be happy to assist you with because it is one of those cases where the law is CLEARLY on your side and, even though Ford/NHTSA might fight it, they will eventually lose and, in the meantime, your attorney would likely get lots of free publicity because, as we all know, this has the potential to be a very high-profile case. All it takes is one action like this to get the attention of one media outlet and it will take on a life of its own from there. This could be the break we need to get this thing out there!
Keep us posted!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
In the meantime, I sent a FOIA to NHTSA seeking any information about the Ford Freestar. I am also looking at the Federal Register for any hearing that took place with NHTSA and Ford about these vehicles. Anyone can access the site because it is in the public domain.
This problem has existed since 1999 with the the powertrain control module getting wet and then, if you get rear ended, your air bags will not deploy. What was Fords philosophy - something like let them crash and burn?
Great work! You are on top of your game. As for Ford's philosophy, I believe that the statement was more along the lines of; "It is cheaper to let them crash and burn," (than to fix the problem). That was nearly 40 years ago. In this case, it is absolutely amazing to me that, in the age of the internet and consumers being more educated and sophisticated than ever before, that Ford maintains essentially the same philosophy. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. It is no wonder that they continue to lose market share. We are not asking them to hold our hands, we are just asking them to build a safe product and, in the event of a defect such as this one which is HUGE, inform the public and fix the problem. By the way, the problem is not just the PCM, it is also the undersized transmission that eventually, literally, comes apart with no warning. Thatis what left my family stranded in the middle of an intersection like sitting ducks. It is a miracle that no one got hurt. It would be more than a shame for Ford to get away with what I believe to be criminal behavior. Afterall, our decision to buy this vehicle was greatly influenced by Ford's marketing of its "safety rating." What else can that be than criminal?
Keep up the good work and, as always, thank you and please keep us posted!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Look at it this way, unlike Ford, you are doing the right thing and you might actually save someone's life! Also, you are very fortunate that you got the dealer to replace your transmission. The rest of us weren't so lucky. My family is out almost 4K between the repair and the rental for the week. All we have been able to do is make minimum payments on the loan we had to take out to pay for this mess since November of '07 when this happened. We havn't even touched the principal balance. We actually owe more on just the repair itself than our van is actually worth! Plus, we have the added benefit of driving in constant fear that it will quit again. The irony of this thing is that the salesman, yes, THE SALESMAN, actually tried to talk me out of buying this thing when it was brand new! I should have listened and probablywould have if he would have been more specific about why he was trying to talk me out of it. Anyway, keep up the good work. Maybe we will all meet in person at the hearing?
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
This is the email that I received from Ford Motor Company.
"Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company in regards to this issue. Our records indicate that a decision has been made and the Customer Relationship Center (CRC) can not overturn this decision. However, to ensure our records are complete we have documented your feedback."
I want to know what decision? They never told me that had made any decision.
I am going to put signs on my lawn, vehicles, and make fliers that say," FORD-Pinto, Explorer, Freestar, Firestone tires-Let them crash and burn-Ask me why you should not buy a Ford!
Many of my friends are going to do the same. I would suggest that we all become activates. Maybe that will get their attention and possibly the news media too.
You are absolutely right, Nadine. The suggestions you are making are excellent and are good ways to get the attentionof somebody. All it takes is one decent lawyer or news person to get ahold of this story for it to take hold and take off. I, for one, tell everyone I know and everyone I meet about Ford and what they have done to us. As sson as I can afford it, I am going to have either a wrap or a magnetic sign made up, as large as the tailgate on my defective F150, (Yes, I am blessed with 2 defective Ford products), stating, "Don't buy Ford. Ask me why." Followed by my phone number. Unfortunately, until I pay off the new transmission and the rental I needed to haul my family around in for a week, (Toyota Sienna - a work of art compared to the Freestar), I can't afford any more expenses.
In the meantime, keep up the good work and don't forget to let us know the results of your Freedom of Information Act Request.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Kris.
The April addition of Consumer Reports in the Used Cars section states that, "These models have piled up below-average records of reliability. Used cars to avoid." We had one dealer who told us that he would only give us $2500 for the thing. We paid over $9300 for it less than a year ago. This is like some vicious cycle of raping the consumer, and usually, it someone who can not afford the economic hit. Just like most of us.
Any wonder why the foreign manufactures are taken over the car industry. Did you know that Ford made tanks and other equipment for the [non-permissible content removed]? A friend on mine who happens to be Jewish told me that his family will not buy Ford based on that information. Wish I knew that sooner.
I'm looking at a $3500.00 bill. I'm picking it up tomorrow. Just thankful I wasn't on a two lane road passing another vehicle when it happened.
Why isn't there a class action suit against Ford for this obvious and dangerous defect?
Glad to see a few people like Jim G. still giving them hell. :sick:
Congress is our tool to change what is happening. They work for us and as I was told by Ford, "NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for motor vehicle safety, and is the only organization with the authority to order a recall." Let your senators, congressperson, and the white house know what is happening to us.
You have asked the $64,000.00 question. Why isn't there a class action against Ford? Better yet, why hasn't there been a recall? I think the lawyer nadine referred to hit the nail on the head - somewhat. I do think the economy has something to do with it but, at the end of the day, its all about the money.
From an attorney's perspective, the likelyhood of collecting an award or getting paid is slim, regardless of how good a case we have.
From the perspective of the individual consumers, it is impossible to do it alone. We need to stick together and keep this thing going until either a reporter/media outlet takes an interest or an attorney who is motivated by something in addition to the money, (like principal, the moral component, or just plain doing the right thing). Take heart however; I'm sure the Pinto and Explorer victims faced the same odds before someone took up their cause.
From NHTSA's perspective, I can only imagine there is some behind the scene's deal where Ford is claiming that a recall will bankrupt them and that is the last thing this country needs is the 3rd of the "Big Three" going under, blah, blah, blah...
Think about it; How much more dangerous of a defect can you imagine? When your transmission fails, without warning, and you have no control of your vehicle, that is about as perilous as it gets. It is no less dangerous than say, your brakes failing without warning. There either has to be some kind of backroom deal or the people at NHTSA are just as incompetent as the baffoons at Ford who designed this deathtrap on wheels.
From my perspective, I consider the conduct of Ford and NHTSA, given what Ford knew when they built and sold this vehicle and what NHTSA knows at this point, nothing short of criminal. I will not rest until somebody steps up and does the right thing. Ford put my family in harms way and NHTSA, through their negligence, continues to put other families in harms way. Anyone that knows me will tell you; If you know nothing else about me, understand this; Do not mess with my wife and children.
Our day will come. It is just a matter of time. Unfortunately, while Ford cowers in the corner and slithers through the grass, and NHTSA buries its collective head in the sand, families are still in grave danger and the odds are somebody will lose their life because of this defect. That is why it is critical that we keep this forum going and keep spreading the word.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Do we not live in America? For the people, by the people. I do not remember the Constitution saying for the corporation by the corporation. Ford and other automobile manufactures are making billions of dollars from hard working Americans by defrauding us and selling us defective products. It is really unconscionable that they can do this. Where are our public servants? I believe that NHTSA is a government agency not a corporate tool.
NHTSA told me that there is not a "magic" number for them when they decide to take action in these cases. What is the criteria for protecting us from this abuse of power? What about the children who are so put at risk?
Does anyone know if the car is stalled will the airbags deploy?
We must stick together!
"Reliability Issues: 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."
After sadly joining this group in November 2008, I submitted my complaint with the NHTSA. Today I got an email from the NHTSA
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for reporting to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the transmission problem on your 2004 Ford Freestar.
To assist us in evaluating this issue, please email or fax (202-366-1767) me a copy of the repair invoice. Thank you.
Have you or anyone else gotten such an email. I am hoping that this is not a joke/hoax but the real thing, finally.
Cathy
I received the same e-mail today from Steve Chan (Safety Defects Engineer) from the NHTSA and have e-mailed him my repair invoice.
My 2004 Freestar had just under 40,000 miles when the transmission failed in December, 2008. I had it rebuilt with aftermarket parts for $1,600 at a local transmission shop. I asked them to look at the PCM and gave them the service bulletin that I found in this message thread. They looked at it and said it was fine. A few months later, the motor died out again on the road. This time, they checked the transmission and it was fine. They then looked at the PCM and sure enough, it was full of water. They followed the sealing repair provided in the service bulletin and tested it several times by hosing the van down with water. For about 3 days of work, they only charged me $100. I think they must have felt bad because I raised the PCM issue the first time around. Everything works fine now. I just drove from Chicago to Detroit and back with no problems. I was extremely nervous because I had my wife, 3 little kids and my parent in the van, but the van drove fine. Hopefully the combination of the rebuilt transmission with aftermarket parts and properly sealed PCM solves the problem.
Lastly, my mechanic told me to save the repair invoice because in the event there is a recall, I would be reimbursed by Ford the amount I paid for the repair. I don't know if this is true, but it would be nice to recoup the cost.
After all that, my husband drove the vehicle to Long Island from Delaware, the check engine light was on, and the transmission hesitated as he was inclining over bridges. Having been rear ended over a year ago in a different vehicle and just getting ready to have surgery for a torn rotator cuff, I could not drive that vehicle. We were told that if the vehicle looses power like this one, the air bags will not deploy if you are rear ended and pushed into another vehicle so we disclosed all the issues with the vehicle to a dealer and traded it in on a different vehicle (not a Ford). I will never own another Ford!
My senator told us to keep track of the vehicle. They just held hearing concerning lemon vehicles that are taken back by the company and then, resold. Several dealers told us that when vehicles are manufactured, and there is a problem on the line with a worker getting a part to fix, the line will keeps moving. The worker jams the part in the vehicle, but they never solve the problem. Our American car manufactures keep moving the vehicles through. Japanese manufacturers will stop the line and figure out what the difficulty is before they allow any other vehicles to go through solving the problems. Wonder why imports are a better quality?
Keep the pressure on NHTSA and Ford! I plan to keep doing my civic duty.
I've lost so much money on this vehicle that I can not afford, but I have a vehicle that I can drive now. I pray that they retire this vehicle, but I believe it will be back on the roadway again.
I am not giving up on this issue. I believe that I have been economically and criminally raped by Ford when they will not correct these sever issues that have the potential to seriously injury families. Any wonder why are car manufactures are going bankrupt?
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
After what I have been reading my story won't sound any different than anyone else. I have a 2005 Freestar with about 85,000 miles on it. My wife and daughter were driving the vehicle on the highway Thursday June 4th when the transmission failed. As others have described, it was if the car went into neutral. The rpm's would increase when she stepped on the pedal but the car would not accelerate. Luckily she was close to an off ramp. I had it towed to my mechanic.
It did not seem right to have the transmission fail already. I started to do some research today and came across this site. I am glad I found this site! Thanks to those who have not let this issue die. This is a major safety issue and I will not feel comfortable after the repair. I have taken your advice and have already emailed NHTSA. I will be calling the Ford dealership next to let them know what I think about this issue.
David
Can maintance help extend the life of the trans?
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Ford will not give me a copy of my warranty repairs. Can I find this another way? I didn't keep the receipts because I kept thinking it was the last time I would have to take it in. Ha
If I just give NHTSA my VIN number can they look it up?
Has anyone else when it is raining or really humid have a metal sound like a barrel being rubbed with other metal. I was told it was nothing now wondering what it could be.
"If you are interested in filling a complaint you may call our Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you." :lemon:
After reading most of the posts here, I know my story is not unique. I only hope that since there are so many similar failures the NHTSA will take notice before the first fatality. I have lodged my complaint with them and hope everyone else has also. It is a simple procedure to do online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/.
YOU ARE A PITIFUL COMPANY FORD! :mad:
When I get a chance, I'll crawl under my wife's Freestar to double check.