NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
104 reportsClear category filter149,355 miles · Jul 9, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
I JUST PURCHASED A 05 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND WAS ON MY WAY FROM CALIFORNIA TO GEORGIA. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT WOULD SHIFT IT WOULD REV UP EVEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IF THE AC WAS ON IT GOT WORSE. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. …
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I JUST PURCHASED A 05 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND WAS ON MY WAY FROM CALIFORNIA TO GEORGIA. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT WOULD SHIFT IT WOULD REV UP EVEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IF THE AC WAS ON IT GOT WORSE. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 4 CHILDREN, I'M DISABLED AND ON A VERY FIXED INCOME AND BUYING A VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE IS A MUST. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, IT IS NOT SAFE I ASKED THEM WHAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE FOR THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL, INJURY OR EVEN A DEATH, AND HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WAS NOT UP TO THEM BUT UP TO THE NHTS. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE WITH THESE VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THE CONSUMERS SHOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART. EVEN A MECHANIC AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY THEY JUST DON'T REPLACE IT INSTEAD. PLEASE HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE HAS TO PAY NOT WITH MONEY BUT WITH THERE LIFE! IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD REPLACE IT AND HAVE THE ECM UPDATED BUT THAT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME DUE TO MY FINANCES. PLEASE PUT OUT A RECALL ON THE THROTTLE BODY AND MAKE THE UPDATES ON THE SYSTEM FREE. HAVEN'T WE PAID ENOUGH FOR OUR VEHICLES? THESE ARE THINGS THAT ARE NOT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE BUT DEFECTIVENESS OF A PART. THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE THROTTLE BODY IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS SO THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING. AND THE UPDATES SHOULDN'T COST IF IT MAKES THE VEHICLE RUN LIKE IT SHOULD. I BELIEVE IF ALL OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES COME TOGETHER WE CAN ACTUALLY FIX THIS DEADLY PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD SOMEONE HAVE TO PAY WITH THEIR LIFE JUST FOR SOMEBODY TO BECOME AWARE OF THIS DEADLY, DEFECTIVE PART. SO PLEASE HELP! THEY SAY THE RECALLS COME FROM YOU, SO ISSUE A RECALL AND INCLUDE THE ECM UPDATE THAT GOES WITH IT. THANK YOU, CONCERNED OWNER WITH CHILDREN *TR
NHTSA ODI #10609167
96,651 miles · Apr 6, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, CAR SHOOK A COUPLE TIMES THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. WHEN RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN, TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS PEDAL AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS STILL ON. THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577790
129,928 miles · Mar 2, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN PE11018 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IRREGULARLY AND THEN IT PLACED ITSELF INTO "FAIL SAFE" MODE AND ILLUMINATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE FORD DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTRO…
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APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN PE11018 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IRREGULARLY AND THEN IT PLACED ITSELF INTO "FAIL SAFE" MODE AND ILLUMINATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE FORD DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL WAS AT FAULT BUT WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE SERVICE THEY PERFORMED ON THE SAME COMPONENT JUST WEEKS EARLIER. DEALER CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY ALSO CLAIMED THE TWO WERE NOT RELATED REGARDLESS OF THE SIMILAR CLAIMS FOUND ONLINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566671
94,903 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE-HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICE UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED AND THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE-HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICE UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED AND THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,903. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,797. UPDATED 12/24/13*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10551875
157,000 miles · Nov 9, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I STARTED IT UP AND TRIED TO TAKE OFF IT STALLED OUT AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551609
153,000 miles · Oct 31, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON SECONDARY STREET WHEN VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD TRIED TO PUSH ACCELERATOR TO RAISE RPM. RPM REMAINED AT 1000 AND NOT ENOUGH POWER TO PULL BACK ON THE ROAD. I TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED THE ENGINE BACK UP WHEN POWER WAS RESTORED AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT W…
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DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON SECONDARY STREET WHEN VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD TRIED TO PUSH ACCELERATOR TO RAISE RPM. RPM REMAINED AT 1000 AND NOT ENOUGH POWER TO PULL BACK ON THE ROAD. I TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED THE ENGINE BACK UP WHEN POWER WAS RESTORED AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550435
187,910 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR SPUUTERED AND LOST ALL POWER. AT THAT POINT THE CAR WOULD ONLY IDLE WHICH BARELY ALLOWED ME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A DRIVEWAY. I TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR A FEW MILES THEN ,WHILE TURNING OFF A MAIN ROAD THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I TURNED…
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I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR SPUUTERED AND LOST ALL POWER. AT THAT POINT THE CAR WOULD ONLY IDLE WHICH BARELY ALLOWED ME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A DRIVEWAY. I TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR A FEW MILES THEN ,WHILE TURNING OFF A MAIN ROAD THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I TURNED IT OFF AND ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED IT FOR CODES AND IT BROUGHT UP A P212 AND P2104 CODE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO TRACY FORD WHERE THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AT $690+/- PLUS LABOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547295
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE MANU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10547129
36,820 miles · Jul 25, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CAR UNTIL AFTER RECALL 12N03. RETURNED 3 DAYS LATER FOR REPAIR. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. TOOK TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE PART THAT WAS RECALLED AND CHARGE ME APPROXIMATELY $800.00. MAIN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM …
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NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CAR UNTIL AFTER RECALL 12N03. RETURNED 3 DAYS LATER FOR REPAIR. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. TOOK TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE PART THAT WAS RECALLED AND CHARGE ME APPROXIMATELY $800.00. MAIN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM WITH ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING MY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10531901
86,947 miles · Jul 21, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
A THROTTLE BODY WARRANTY REPAIR WAS DONE ON THIS PART ON 1-26-13. ON 6-6-13 VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO GO FORWARD AS I DROVE TO WORK. PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND GOT IT OFF THE ROAD. WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND CAR STILL DID NOT RESPOND. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF STAYING IN PARK I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT DID MOV…
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A THROTTLE BODY WARRANTY REPAIR WAS DONE ON THIS PART ON 1-26-13. ON 6-6-13 VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO GO FORWARD AS I DROVE TO WORK. PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND GOT IT OFF THE ROAD. WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND CAR STILL DID NOT RESPOND. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF STAYING IN PARK I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT DID MOVE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. GOT AN APPOINTMENT AT FORD DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. WAS TOLD AFTER CAR WAS PUT ON DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS STICKING, AND NEEDED REPLACED.. SERVICE ADVISOR ATTEMPTED TO GET BODY REPAIRED UNDER LAST RECALL BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL . I THEN APPLIED FOR THE FORD SERVICE CREDIT CARD AND PUT THE REPAIR ON IT.. I THINK REPAIR OF PART SHOULD OF BEEN COVERED UNDER RECALL.. IF THIS ISN'T REGARDED AS A SAFETY ISSUE, PLEASE DIRECT ME TO THE THE CORRECT PLACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525988
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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