They may be almost a decade old, but Ford Motor Company is issuing a recall on a select grouping of their Freestar and Monterey minivans. The problem lies within the automatic transmission as the torque converter may not be properly installed. The output shaft that allows the engine to distribute its power to the trans could not be seated right causing it to completely fail. If this happens, the drivetrain simply will not work and forward motion will cease. The lack of power could take place in a sudden fashion without warning.
At the moment, Ford is recalling approximately 205.896 vans. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mercury Monterey and Ford Freestar models affected are 2004 and 2005s. When they were manufactured have yet to be released but Ford will contact specific owners during the second quarter of 2012. Once contacted, minivan drivers will be able to take their vehicles to certified dealers to have the issue remedied. The torque converter will be replaced at no extra cost to drivers.
Source: NHTSA
