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2007 Ford Freestar Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Ford Freestar has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Water intrusion into powertrain control module.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Ford Freestar.

Reported to NHTSA

Water intrusion into powertrain control module

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-04 → 2013-11

“MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN NO WARNING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING, HE LOSES ALL GEARS AND SPEED. THERE WAS A LOT OF CARS BEHIND HIM, THE ROAD HE WAS ON IS VERY BUSY WITH SEVERAL HILLS AND BLIND SPOTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10433190
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE COMPUTER AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10495991
“I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS ISSUE ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT RAINS. I HAVE TAKE IT TO SEVERAL MECHANIC AND THEY WHERE NOT ABLE TO PIN POINT THE ISSUE SINCE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN REGULARLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10398072

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Torque converter failure causing loss of power

POWER TRAIN

36 NHTSA complaints · 2007-12 → 2018-09

“WAS DRIVING AND PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THE VAN WAS NO LONGER RESPONSIVE TO THE GAS PEDAL. THE VAN COASTED TO A STOP, AND I HAD TO THEN PUSH THE CAR OUT OF MOVING TRAFFIC INTO A PARKING LOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672211
“I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY 5 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN I LOST ALL POWER TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. FORTUNATELY I HAD GAINED ENOUGH SPEED FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN TO BARELY AVOID ON COMING TRAFFIC. THREE SECONDS EARLIER AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TRAGEDY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10443640
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH HAD SPLINED OFF AND SENT METAL SHAVINGS INTO THE TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10444524

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during reverse-to-drive shifts

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-07 → 2015-07

“VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AND TACHOMETER SHOWS MOMENTARY ENGINE RPMS UP TO 2500 CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. USING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO CONTROL THE UNEXPECTED MOTION STALLS OUT THE ENGINE WHICH WHEN RESTARTED CAN ONLY DRIVE AT VERY REDUCED SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10466884
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN HE WOULD SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10343473
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY JERK FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,258. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461052

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Third-row seat mounting and underbody corrosion

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2024-09

“The contact owns a 2007 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that he discovered two large holes located on both sides of the third-row seats”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462138
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED WITH PASSENGERS SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW, THE THIRD ROW SEAT ATTACHMENT BOLT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT SHIFTED AND WAS NO LONGER SECURELY FASTENED TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109689
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS SEIZED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10892416

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 1990–2024

How the 15 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

15

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Ford Freestar reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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