NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
9 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 8, 2023
SteeringSuspensionWheels
While driving the front end suspension slips, bounces up and down very harshly, tires slip, squeak, and slide in an hard to control way, sometimes into oncoming traffic when in slightly damp conditions an on roads with any amount of bumps, to the point that I need to drive extremely slow to avoid danger which in turn puts my and…
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While driving the front end suspension slips, bounces up and down very harshly, tires slip, squeak, and slide in an hard to control way, sometimes into oncoming traffic when in slightly damp conditions an on roads with any amount of bumps, to the point that I need to drive extremely slow to avoid danger which in turn puts my and my passengers and my kids in danger by goin to slow in regards to the traffic around us. When hitting relatively small bumps the suspension bounces the car severely up and down and across the road into harms way.
NHTSA ODI #11531095
295,000 miles · Feb 22, 2017
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF AT 25 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THEN SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO JAM INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL AND DAMAGE LOWER PART OF BODY AND FENDER. THE VEHICL WAS TOTALLY DISABLE AT THIS POINT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. SI…
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FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF AT 25 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THEN SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO JAM INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL AND DAMAGE LOWER PART OF BODY AND FENDER. THE VEHICL WAS TOTALLY DISABLE AT THIS POINT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO YEARS AGO WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED AND SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT AT 45 MPH AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO TURN 180 DEGREES BLOCKING TWO LANES OF HWY. THAT TIME FRONT WHEEL DAMAGED WHEEL WELL AND SENSOR WIRES ON THAT SIDE FO THE ENGINE BAY
NHTSA ODI #10956245
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2016
SteeringStructureVehicle Speed Control
WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR CONTINUES TO JERK AND DRIVE. IT ALSO DOES IT WHILE REVERSING WHICH IN BOTH CASES HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OR BEHIND ME. IT TAKES A WHILE TO PICK UP SPEED AFTER STOPPING. IT JERKS WHILE PICKING UP SPEED. THE PASSENGER DOOR INSIDE HANDLE …
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WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR CONTINUES TO JERK AND DRIVE. IT ALSO DOES IT WHILE REVERSING WHICH IN BOTH CASES HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OR BEHIND ME. IT TAKES A WHILE TO PICK UP SPEED AFTER STOPPING. IT JERKS WHILE PICKING UP SPEED. THE PASSENGER DOOR INSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT CLOSE ON ITS OWN. IT RAINS IN THE CAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE PANEL KEEPS POPPING OUT OF PLACE.. THE THING UNDER THE CAR THAT KEEPS YOU FROM HITTING THE CURB, IS FALLING APART.
NHTSA ODI #10924411
74,000 miles · Aug 13, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering
TRIED TO PULL OUT ON TO HWY. THE FAIL SAFE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHUT DOWN ENGINE. COULD NOT STEER OR CONTROL CAR AT ALL, WAS VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A BAD ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10622073
95,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
EngineService BrakesSteering
WHILE STUCK IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN TRYING TO LET OFF THE GAS, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ALMOST PLOWING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURRED ON 06/20/2012. DURING SUMMER 2011, THIS SAME TYPE OF BEHAVIOR OCCURRED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. THE ENTIRE PROCESS BEGINS WITH THE CAR BEING …
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WHILE STUCK IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN TRYING TO LET OFF THE GAS, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ALMOST PLOWING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURRED ON 06/20/2012. DURING SUMMER 2011, THIS SAME TYPE OF BEHAVIOR OCCURRED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. THE ENTIRE PROCESS BEGINS WITH THE CAR BEING AT A COMPLETE STOP, THEN WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS, THE CAR'S ENGINE REV'S AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO SLAM ON THE BREAKS FROM HITTING OTHER DRIVERS/PEDESTRIANS. WHEN THE VEHICLE DOES THIS LURCHING FORWARD MOTION, SEVERAL RED LIGHTS COME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALSO THE COMPUTER READS AN ERROR OF "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE". POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES HAVE BEEN LOST WHILE THIS EVENT OCCURS AS WELL. SEEMS AS IF IT COULD BE AFFECTED BY WARMER WEATHER BECAUSE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE TWO YEARS AND HAVE ONLY HAD THIS HAPPEN DURING WARMER (90 DEGREE OR MORE) WEATHER. DURING SUMMER 2011, TWO OCCURRENCES HAPPENED THAT ALSO ALMOST CAUSED COLLISIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON A SUMMER NIGHT IN A PARKING GARAGE. AS I WAS COMING INTO A STOP IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE LURCHED FORWARD AND CAME APPROXIMATELY 4-5 INCHES FROM HITTING A CONCRETE WALL. DURING THE OTHER OCCURRENCE, I WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT AND CAME CLOSE TO RUNNING OVER A PEDESTRIAN DUE TO LURCHING FROM CAR. WHEN CAR ENTERS "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE' AND LURCHES FORWARD, CAR MUST BE PARKED AND RESTARTED FOR THE VEHICLE TO RUN NORMALLY AGAIN. ALSO, IT ONLY HAPPENS AT LOW SPEEDS (I.E. WHEN SLOWING THE CAR BELOW 5 MPH OR FIRST BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR WHILE STILL BELOW 5 MPH). OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTP://WWW.FORDTAURUS.NET/FORUMS/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=5&T=9366 AND ALSO: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/FORD/FIVE+HUNDRED/10439966 *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462801
47,000 miles · Mar 26, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension
I OWN A 2005 FORD 500. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT TIGHTENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER DOES NOT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE. THE BALL JOINT BECOMES LOOSE CAUSE THE FRONT END TO COME OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WILL JERK THE CAR ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392980
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2010
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHE COULD HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF AN UNKNOWN BRAKE RECALL SO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHE COULD HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF AN UNKNOWN BRAKE RECALL SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE BUT SHE INSTALLED WINDOW RAIN GUARDS ON ALL FOUR WINDOWS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH SHE COULD FEEL THE VEHICLE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE OEM MOTOR MOUNT AND BRACKET WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER BUT THERE WAS ONLY MINOR AIR FLOW COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A NEW COMPRESSOR AND EXPANSION VALVE WERE INSTALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ THE BLEND DOOR MOTOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/06/11 UPDATED 05/26/11 *BF UPDATED 05/31/11
NHTSA ODI #10353757
50,076 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
I HAVE A FORD FIVE HUNDRED LIMITED. THE CAR HAS STOP RUNNING WHILE THE CAR IS IN GEAR AND MOVING. IT ALSO STOPPED WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE FROM A STOP LIGHT. WHILE IT WAS BEING FIXED AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP IT STOP (DIED) ON THEM SEVERAL TIMES. THE FORD DEALER COMPANY THOUGHT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP BECAUSE THE POWER STE…
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I HAVE A FORD FIVE HUNDRED LIMITED. THE CAR HAS STOP RUNNING WHILE THE CAR IS IN GEAR AND MOVING. IT ALSO STOPPED WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE FROM A STOP LIGHT. WHILE IT WAS BEING FIXED AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP IT STOP (DIED) ON THEM SEVERAL TIMES. THE FORD DEALER COMPANY THOUGHT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. THEY ALSO NOTICED THAT IF THEY WAS TO TURN THE WHEEL IT WOULD USUALLY DIE ON THEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY, POWERSTEERING PUMP, BELT AND THE THROTTLE AND THE CAR STILL DIES. MY UNDERSTANDING FROM THEM IS THAT THEY HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. WHAT MADE ME TAKE THE CAR IN TO BEGIN WITH WAS THAT I WENT TO START THE CAR AFTER PLAYING TENNIS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES AND IT WOULDN'T START. THE BATTERY WAS SOMEWHAT DEAD AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234387
6,000 miles · Feb 1, 2006
Steering
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A CURB AND THE STEERING FAILED. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE KNUCKLE, PISTON, AND SPRING WERE REPL…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A CURB AND THE STEERING FAILED. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE KNUCKLE, PISTON, AND SPRING WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/28/06
NHTSA ODI #10149187
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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