NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
22 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 26, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING #06V383000 WITH MY 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE IT WAS NOT A FORD RECALL THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT GET EXTREMELY COLD OUT. SOME TIMES I HAVE TO DRIVE TO WORK HOLDING THE DOOR UNTIL THE LATCH CATCHES. ANY AND ALL HE…
Read full complaint
THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING #06V383000 WITH MY 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE IT WAS NOT A FORD RECALL THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT GET EXTREMELY COLD OUT. SOME TIMES I HAVE TO DRIVE TO WORK HOLDING THE DOOR UNTIL THE LATCH CATCHES. ANY AND ALL HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384595
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH IN COLD WEATHER AND OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING; WE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAD THAT RECALL BUT NOT IN MY STATE, SAID IT WASN'T COLD ENOUGH IN OUR AREA; WELL , IT IS AND IT HAPPENS EVERY WINTER WITH THIS CAR. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS AS IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CON…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH IN COLD WEATHER AND OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING; WE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAD THAT RECALL BUT NOT IN MY STATE, SAID IT WASN'T COLD ENOUGH IN OUR AREA; WELL , IT IS AND IT HAPPENS EVERY WINTER WITH THIS CAR. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS AS IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10383160
84,000 miles · Mar 10, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
I PURCHASED A 2005 FORD 500 LTD. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM ATLANTIC CITY. THE DASHBOARD LIT UP LIKE I WAS STARTING THE CAR AND WENT INTO FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE. AFTER PULLING OVER, THE CAR RAN NORMAL. THE NEXT OCCURRENCE WAS WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS DONE THIS ON NUMEROUS OCC…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED A 2005 FORD 500 LTD. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM ATLANTIC CITY. THE DASHBOARD LIT UP LIKE I WAS STARTING THE CAR AND WENT INTO FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE. AFTER PULLING OVER, THE CAR RAN NORMAL. THE NEXT OCCURRENCE WAS WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS DONE THIS ON NUMEROUS OCCASTIONS. THEN THE DASHBOARD LIT UP AGAIN AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS STAYED ON. THIS WINTER SEASON THE DOOR LATCHES WOULD NOT CATCH TO KEEP THE DOORS SHUT. AFTER IT RAINS THE REAR DOORS HAVE WATER SITTING INSIDE OF THEM. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THESE PROBLEMS WERE ON FORD'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLITEN (TSB). I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS WORK DONE PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I ALSO HAD THE CAR WORKED ON FOR THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS FIXED. THE CAR IS STILL EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS. I DON'T HAVE THE FINANCES TO CONTINUE TO HAVE WORK DONE AND THE PROBLEMS NOT BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318440
3,000 miles · Dec 4, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE SECURELY. THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE LATCH SYSTEM. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HAD TO BE HELD IN ORDER TO SECURE THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE SECURELY. THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE LATCH SYSTEM. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HAD TO BE HELD IN ORDER TO SECURE THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL; HOWEVER, THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNABLE TO BE FOUND. THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,753.
NHTSA ODI #10250752
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages
I PURCHASED MY FIRST FORD PRODUCT IN THE SPRING OF 2007. IN DECEMBER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THERE WAS A TSB DATED 06-25-04 FOR WHICH SERVICE WAS CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. ON FEBRUARY 11, 2008 AGAIN THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH. I HAD TO DRIVE IT UP TO FAMILY FORD IN WATERBURY, HOLDING THE DOOR CLOSED. ALL…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED MY FIRST FORD PRODUCT IN THE SPRING OF 2007. IN DECEMBER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THERE WAS A TSB DATED 06-25-04 FOR WHICH SERVICE WAS CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. ON FEBRUARY 11, 2008 AGAIN THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH. I HAD TO DRIVE IT UP TO FAMILY FORD IN WATERBURY, HOLDING THE DOOR CLOSED. ALL THEY DID ON THAT DAY WAS SPRAY SOME SORT OF LUBRICANT IN THE DOOR LATCH. TODAY, FEBRUARY 28TH AT 5:30 AM WHILE TAKING A RIGHT TURN ON MY WAY INTO WORK, THE DOOR FLEW OPEN. IT HAD NOT LATCHED. I HAD TO SLAM THE DOOR FIVE TIMES TO GET IT TO LATCH CLOSED. THIS IS NOW THE THIRD INCIDENT WITH THIS DOOR. I FEEL THIS NOW FALLS INTO THE LEMON LAW CATEGORY. FAMILY FORD JUST WANTS TO SPRAY LUBRICANT AND TRY TO BLAME DAMP WEATHER. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED GM VEHICLES AND NEVER HAVE I HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219359
44,444 miles · Feb 6, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkages
PURCHASED MY 500 9/05 IT ONLY HAD 5 MILES ON IT. 6 MONTHS LATER LOUD EXPLOSION IN ENGINE WHICH BEGAN TO LEAK SOME SORT OF FLUID GOT THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER PURCHASED WAS TOLD A/C LEAKING OIL AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD I WASN'T EVEN USING THE A/C WAS MARCH!!! MY DASH CONSOLE HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS DEFECTIVE AN…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED MY 500 9/05 IT ONLY HAD 5 MILES ON IT. 6 MONTHS LATER LOUD EXPLOSION IN ENGINE WHICH BEGAN TO LEAK SOME SORT OF FLUID GOT THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER PURCHASED WAS TOLD A/C LEAKING OIL AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD I WASN'T EVEN USING THE A/C WAS MARCH!!! MY DASH CONSOLE HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE COMPUTER ALSO HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED SINCE THE CAR WOULDN'T START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER THIS HAPPENED IN JAN06......MY FUEL STRAPS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL AND MY DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL AND I HAD 22K MILES WHEN THE BACK BRAKES BEGAN MAKING A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP TOOK TO DEALER SAID THAT ALTHOUGH CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY BRAKES ARE UNDER WEAR AND TEAR AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED NOW WHICH DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE SINCE THE FRONT BRAKES WERE GOOD HOW COULD BACK BRAKES GO BAD BEFORE FRONT BRAKES UNLESS YOU ONLY DRIVE YOUR CAR IN REVERSE????? I PAID THE $400 TO FIX SINCE WAS INFORMED 500 ROTORS CANT BE TURNED EVER WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO PURCHASE NEW ONES......THEN 6 MONTHS LATER BRAKES WERE RECALLED AND I DID REQUEST REFUND WHICH I DID RECEIVE. HOWEVER I NOW HAVE 44K NO LONGER HAVE WARRANTY SINCE EXPIRED AND I DIDN'T BUY EXTENDED WARRANTY BROUGHT CAR IN TO FORD SINCE TRANSMISSION LIGHT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF ALONG WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT THEN HAD TRANS CENSOR REPLACED WAS TOLD THAT WAS PROBLEM THEN 2 DAYS LATER LIGHT STILL TURNING ON AND CAR WILL NOT REVERSE TOOK INTO DEALER AGAIN WAS TOLD TRANS AXLE BROKE IN HALF AND NEED NEW TRANS WHICH COSTS $5300 CAR IS ONLY WORK 9K!!!! FORD COMPANY SAID THEY WILL OFFER ASSISTANCE ONLY OF 3K SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT HAD I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I WOULD ONLY BE PAYING $100 NOTHING LIKE THROWING THAT IN YOUR FACE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY IT NEED A CAR AND AM A SINGLE PARENT OF 2. ALSO BACK DOORS TRIM IS COMING APART PASSENGER SINCE IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217296
38,585 miles · May 14, 2007
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. ON MARCH 26, 2007, THE CONTACT HAD THE REAR BRAKES ON HIS VEHICLE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE BRAKES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. ON MAY 10, 2007, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO FAIL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD THE REAR BRAKES GRINDING METAL …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. ON MARCH 26, 2007, THE CONTACT HAD THE REAR BRAKES ON HIS VEHICLE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE BRAKES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. ON MAY 10, 2007, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO FAIL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD THE REAR BRAKES GRINDING METAL TO METAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE CONTACT HAS THE REAR ROTORS TO SHOW THE UNUSUAL WEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO HAS THE REPAIR ORDERS FROM BOTH REPAIRS. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 38,585. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL FOR THIS CAR WAS PERFORMED ON THE LATCH OF THE DOOR FOR THIS VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/06/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10190662
20,024 miles · Apr 12, 2007
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED WITH A CURRENT MILEAGE OF 29,345 MILES. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 191 MILES THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS CORROSION BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. BOTH REAR BRAKES WERE REPL…
Read full complaint
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED WITH A CURRENT MILEAGE OF 29,345 MILES. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 191 MILES THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS CORROSION BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. BOTH REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 9,319 MILES. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE 90% CORRODED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT CALLED FORD, AND WAS TOLD NOT TO USE THE BRAKES AS FREQUENTLY. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES DOOR LATCH FREEZES AT TIMES, DEALER PERFORMED RECALL ON VEHICLE. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR
NHTSA ODI #10187664
32,000 miles · Mar 9, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages
FORD RECALL NO. 06S45 DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. OUR FORD FIVE HUNDRED DRIVERS DOOR FAILED TO LATCH THE DAY AFTER A TRIP THROUGH THE CAR WASH IN BELOW FREEZING WEATHER. MY WIFE TRIED TO LATCH THE DOOR MANY TIMES AND LOCKED AND UNLOCKED IT SEVERAL TIMES. IT FINALLY LATCHED. THE LOCAL DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND LUBED IT (AGAIN). THE TE…
Read full complaint
FORD RECALL NO. 06S45 DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. OUR FORD FIVE HUNDRED DRIVERS DOOR FAILED TO LATCH THE DAY AFTER A TRIP THROUGH THE CAR WASH IN BELOW FREEZING WEATHER. MY WIFE TRIED TO LATCH THE DOOR MANY TIMES AND LOCKED AND UNLOCKED IT SEVERAL TIMES. IT FINALLY LATCHED. THE LOCAL DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND LUBED IT (AGAIN). THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST ONE HE HAD SEEN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184617
18,600 miles · Jan 9, 2007
Latches/locks/linkagesCrashInjury
RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOCO. TOOK THE WIFES VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN CALLED AND SAID THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WORK THAT EVENING AND WHEN I GOT OFF WORK MY FREIND AND I THAT RIDES TO WORK WITH ME NOTICED THAST THE DOOR STILL WASN'T SHUTT…
Read full complaint
RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOCO. TOOK THE WIFES VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN CALLED AND SAID THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WORK THAT EVENING AND WHEN I GOT OFF WORK MY FREIND AND I THAT RIDES TO WORK WITH ME NOTICED THAST THE DOOR STILL WASN'T SHUTTING PROPERLY. I SLAMMED THE DOOR 3 OR4 TIMES AND THOUGHT IT HAD LATCHED AS THE DOME LIGHT WENT OUT. I DROPPED MY FREIND OFF AT HIS HOME AND WAS HEADING TO A NEARBY CONVENIENCE STORE WHEN THE DOOR POPPED OPEN. I WAS STARTLED AND WAS TRYING TO CLOSE THE DOOR, WHILE I WAS DISTRACTED WITH THE DOOR I WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A POWER POLE AND CHAIN LINK FENCE. I REFUSED AN AMBULANCE RIDE TO THE HOSPITAL BUT HAD TO GO LATER WITH NECH PAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10178157
Official recalls
2Oct 5, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Nov 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. 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
2PE11018 · Idle Instability
Opened May 11, 2011 · Closed Feb 7, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle body and reprogramming the PCM with software containing an updated idle speed control strategy.According to Ford, some of the affected vehicles may experience momentary, intermittent engine idle RPM surge (idle flare) when stopped or during low speed driving maneuvers such as in a parking lot or driveway.Unstable idle speed control (dips and flares) around the target engine speed (700 rpm) can occur in vehicles with deposit build-up in the throttle body when the system adjusts engine speed in response to changes in engine load, typically from power steering application or air-conditioner compressor cycling.Idle speed control logic is only active at vehicle speeds below 3.5 mph and when the accelerator pedal is not applied.Ford testing of a vehicle with a worst case throttle body measured a maximum idle flare of 1360 RPM lasting approximately 1 second, which Ford indicated was consistent with system design to limit vehicle speed and acceleration in idle control mode.Ford indicated that the test vehicle was held in place with normal brake effort and that vehicle speed remained under 4 mph without the brake pedal applied.In addition to throttle body deposit accumulation, symptoms associated with the condition may include Check Engine lamp illumination and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0505, P0506 or P061B.Ford attributed the surge condition to changes in idle air flow resulting from the progressive buildup of deposits in the throttle body from normal Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system operation.This condition was not adequately compensated for in the original Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.Ford issued a technical service bulletin on August 15, 2011 (TSB 11-8-5), releasing an updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with CVT transmissions.On October 19, 2011, Ford issued a second bulletin (TSB 11-10-21) superseding TSB 11-8-5 and including updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with 6-speed transmissions.Prior to Ford issuing the TSB?s, owner?s experiencing the alleged defect either received no repairs, if dealers could not duplicate the condition, or had the throttle body cleaned or replaced, which only provided temporary correction until the throttle deposit build-up returned.Ford?s revised powertrain calibrations appear to be effective remedies for the idle instability caused by build-up of throttle body deposits.However, even after the TSB?s were released, many owners experiencing the condition continued to have difficulty with proper diagnosis and repair as dealers were often either unable to duplicate the condition or were unfamiliar with the new repair procedures.Ford's new program addresses those concerns.NHTSA's testing and complaint analysis indicate that the idle speed control issue in the subject vehicles can only occur at very low speeds, are very brief events, are easily controlled by moderate brake pedal forces and result in minor increases in vehicle speed even with no braking.This investigation is closed.The closing of this in
PE07058 · Instrument Cluster Failure
Opened Nov 16, 2007 · Closed Mar 11, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF PROPER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION.TYPICALLY, THE PROBLEM APPEARS AS THE NEEDLE ON THE GAUGE (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL, AND/OR TEMPERATURE) SWEEPS AND RESETS INTERMITTENTLY.FORD REPORTS THE PROBLEM AS MOMENTARY POWER INTERRUPTION CAUSES THE GAUGES TO SWEEP AND THEN RECOVER TO NORMAL FUNCTION.IN AUGUST 2006, FORD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 06-17-9) TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF THIS CONDITION.ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S RESPONSE TO THE AGENCY'S INFORMATIONREQUEST LETTER REVEALS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS TO FORD (63%) INDICATE THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER.FORD REPORTS THAT THISLASTS FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS.ALSO FORD STATES, THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT FAIL TO ILLUMINATE EVEN IN THE EVENT OF POWER INTERRUPTION TO THE CLUSTER BECAUSE THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE POWERED SEPARATELY AND DO NOT RELY ON ANY SIGNAL FROM THE CLUSTER.ADDITIONALLY, ODI CONTACTED COMPLAINANTS WHO AFFIRMED THE INTERMITTENT CONDITION AND THAT NONE OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY POWER INTERRUPTIONS TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.ODI LAST RECEIVED A REPORT REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2007.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.ODI WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ISSUE AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.