NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
136 reportsClear category filter101,000 miles · Aug 11, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HEAT INDEX WAS ABOVE 80 DEGREES, THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND WRENCH SYMBOLS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE SOME OF ITS POWER WHENEVER THE CONTACT DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND UPO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HEAT INDEX WAS ABOVE 80 DEGREES, THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND WRENCH SYMBOLS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE SOME OF ITS POWER WHENEVER THE CONTACT DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND UPON RESTART IT WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL, BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA ODI #10418541
73,000 miles · Aug 1, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE HAS RPM SURGES AT LOW SPEEDS EITHER IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. I NEARLY HAD 3-4 ACCIDENTS IN 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WILL ACTUALLY INCREASE UP TO 1000 RPMS BY ITSELF WHILE I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS SOON AS I BEGIN TO RELEASE PRESSURE OFF THE BRAKE WHILE TRYING TO PARK OR NEGOTIATE THE VEHICLE AT…
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THE VEHICLE HAS RPM SURGES AT LOW SPEEDS EITHER IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. I NEARLY HAD 3-4 ACCIDENTS IN 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WILL ACTUALLY INCREASE UP TO 1000 RPMS BY ITSELF WHILE I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS SOON AS I BEGIN TO RELEASE PRESSURE OFF THE BRAKE WHILE TRYING TO PARK OR NEGOTIATE THE VEHICLE AT VERY LOW SPEEDS THE ENGINE WILL JUST TAKE OFF. THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED IT I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF BACKWARD CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKES ON. I ALMOST HIT A WOMAN WHO WAS PASSING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LANE. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10416483
233,000 miles · Jul 23, 2011
Power Train
I HAVE THE WRENCH LIGHT UP ON THE DASH BOARD AND IT SAID ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE IN THE MESSAGE CENTRE? THIS STARTED HAPPENING TO ME A FEW WEEKS AGO FROM TIME TO TIME. NO WARNING, I JUST ACCELERATE FROM A RED LIGHT AND I NOTICE I HAVE NO POWER, I LOOK DOWN AND SURE ENOUGH - WRENCH IS LIT AND ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. I PULL OVER, T…
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I HAVE THE WRENCH LIGHT UP ON THE DASH BOARD AND IT SAID ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE IN THE MESSAGE CENTRE? THIS STARTED HAPPENING TO ME A FEW WEEKS AGO FROM TIME TO TIME. NO WARNING, I JUST ACCELERATE FROM A RED LIGHT AND I NOTICE I HAVE NO POWER, I LOOK DOWN AND SURE ENOUGH - WRENCH IS LIT AND ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. I PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN THE PROBLEM IS GONE WHEN I START AGAIN. I COULDN'T FIND ANY SPECIFIC INFO ON WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AROUND THE 'NET - AND EVEN THE MANUAL SAYS, IF IT IS PERSISTS, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. IT HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES, BUT THIS TIME IT SEEMED THE RPM'S WERE REVVING WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE SO NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT DID IT A FEW TIMES, SO I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER LAST WEEK. THEY RAN SOME DIAGNOSTICS AND ULTIMATELY SAID THEY REPAIRED A VACUUM HOSE AT MY AIRBOX. OK, SURE, WHATEVER. NEXT TWO DAYS, NO PROBLEM. THE THIRD DAY, HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, I WAS GOING INTO AN UNDERGROUND PARKING SPOT AND IT STARTED REVVING AND I ENDED UP (VERY LIGHTLY) HITTING THE WALL AS IT LURCHED FORWARD. WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE THE SPOT - IN REVERSE - HAPPENED AGAIN - ALMOST HIT THE PARKED CAR BEHIND, AS IT LURCHED. SO TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THIS MORNING - AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR MENTIONED HE SUSPECTS THE THROTTLEBODY AS HE HAS HAD SOME OTHER 500'S IN FOR THE SAME THING. NO IDEA WHY, BUT THE COMPUTER DIDN'T HAVE A CODE FOR THE THROTTLEBODY PROBLEM LAST TIME - BUT IT DID THIS TIME, SO AS I WRITE THIS, THEY ARE PUTTING THE NEW ONE ON AND I'LL BE THERE IN AN HOUR TO PICK IT UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10414870
160,500 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE BODY BAD ALL MOST HAD WRECK CAR WOULD NOT GO JUST IDLED. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414024
77,778 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY IN A 2005 FORD 500 AWD, CAR STUMBLES THEN LAUNCHED BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. LUCKILY I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE KEPT GOING. "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE" APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS CAR. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413823
70,258 miles · Jul 19, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS IDLING IN PARK. VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ONCE FOOT WAS RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD, THE TACHOMETER READ ABOUT 3000 RPM, WITH NO PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. JUST AS QUICKLY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ENTERED "ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE…
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THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS IDLING IN PARK. VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ONCE FOOT WAS RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD, THE TACHOMETER READ ABOUT 3000 RPM, WITH NO PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. JUST AS QUICKLY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ENTERED "ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE" AND SHUT DOWN. TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING WOULD CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 MORE TIMES SINCE THE REPORTED INCIDENT DATE, ALL WITH THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. THE VEHICLE HAD THE A/C ON AND WAS IDLING IN APPROXIMATELY 90 DEGREE FAHRENHEIT TEMPERATURES WITH +50% RELATIVE HUMIDITY. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413626
50,000 miles · Jul 6, 2011
Power Train
I HAD MY VEHICLE AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THREE TIMED FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD JUMP AND SPUTTER BUT EVERY TIME THE DEALERSHIP CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION, NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WENT TO GET A THIRD OPINION AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD I NEED NEW VALVE BODY. EVERYTIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSH…
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I HAD MY VEHICLE AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THREE TIMED FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD JUMP AND SPUTTER BUT EVERY TIME THE DEALERSHIP CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION, NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WENT TO GET A THIRD OPINION AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD I NEED NEW VALVE BODY. EVERYTIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOW IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THE COST WILL RISE ABOVE $2100.00 THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410787
80,500 miles · Jun 23, 2011
Power Train
THE CAR ENTERED ENGINE "FAILSAFE MODE" AND SHUT DOWN WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON A BUSY RUSH-HOUR HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, OPERATION WAS NORMAL. THIS WAS THE 3RD TIME IN A 2.5 WEEK PERIOD THIS OCCURRED. THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES IN JULY 2010 FREQUENTLY (IT HAD EXISTED FOR 2-3 …
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THE CAR ENTERED ENGINE "FAILSAFE MODE" AND SHUT DOWN WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON A BUSY RUSH-HOUR HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, OPERATION WAS NORMAL. THIS WAS THE 3RD TIME IN A 2.5 WEEK PERIOD THIS OCCURRED. THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES IN JULY 2010 FREQUENTLY (IT HAD EXISTED FOR 2-3 YEAR ON AND OFF BEFORE THEN). FORD APPLIED THE SERVICE ALERT FIX BY REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY AND REFRESHING THE PCM. THIS FIX HAS NOT WORKED. THE CAR WILL SPORADICALLY ENTER FAILSAFE MODE ON WARM DAYS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE/SHIFT GEARS. THE ORIGINAL FIX IN JULY 2010 WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN OCTOBER 2010 THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION CONTROL FAILURE AND THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THE FIX COST $2000. OPERATION WAS NORMAL DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, HOWEVER, WHEN THE WARM WEATHER RETURNED SO DID THE PROBLEM. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BELIEVES THE FAILSAFE MODE ISSUE WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND FORD SHOULD NOT HAVE CHARGED $2000 FOR A NEW COMPUTER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AND CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE DEALERSHIP'S SUGGESTION IS TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR TO CLEAR THE COMPUTER. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY ON MULTIPLE LANE HIGHWAYS. ONCE THE FAILSAFE MODE ENGAGES, THERE IS LITTLE POWER TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. IF YOU ARE ON AN INCLINE IT WILL STOP ALTOGETHER. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A REAR END COLLISION IS GREAT. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, ONLY A SERVICE ALERT FOR A FIX THAT DOES NOT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10408650
47,000 miles · Jun 16, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED SEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY INTERNAL BORE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED SEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY INTERNAL BORE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA ODI #10407086
50,000 miles · Jun 3, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. VEHICLE ENTERS INTO FAILSAFE MODE. OCCURRENCES ARE INTERMITTENT. DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS SHOW SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE REAL CULPRIT WHICH IS A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. DEALER IS ASKING FOR 800.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10404399
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.
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