NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
104 reportsClear category filter62,000 miles · Jul 9, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THEN VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO INCREASE SPEED AND EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THEN VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO INCREASE SPEED AND EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10464713
70,000 miles · Jul 6, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE-HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE-HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10464442
135,453 miles · Jul 1, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
DURING WARM WEATHER WITH THE A/C OPERATING, THE RPMS SURGE AND THE VEHICLE LUNGES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TRANSMISSION LEVER SELECTION (FORWARD OR REVERSE) WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE RPMS SURGE UP TO APPROX. 1,500 FROM IDLE AT A DEAD STOP WITHOUT…
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DURING WARM WEATHER WITH THE A/C OPERATING, THE RPMS SURGE AND THE VEHICLE LUNGES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TRANSMISSION LEVER SELECTION (FORWARD OR REVERSE) WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE RPMS SURGE UP TO APPROX. 1,500 FROM IDLE AT A DEAD STOP WITHOUT INPUT FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL. DIFFERENT INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON AND OFTEN THE ENGINE DIES AFTER THE SURGE. IF DRIVER DOES NOT KEEP APPROPRIATE PRESSURE ON BREAK PEDAL WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT INPUT FROM GAS PEDAL. THIS SURGE ALSO HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING TO A STOP. VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND RPMS DECREASE TO APPROX 600 (IDLE), AND WITH PRESSURE APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL, ENGINE RPMS WILL INCREASE, WITHOUT INPUT FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FORCING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL OR RISK UNCONTROLLED FORWARD MOVEMENT. INITIAL REPORTS INDICATE A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY AS REFERENCED IN NHTSA INVESTIGATION # PE110818. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463909
69,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION. ENGINE REVES UP WHILE PLACING THE CAR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL, UP TO 1.5 ON THE RPM'S ON THE SPEEDOMETER. THIS IS VERY SCARY, A CHILD CROSSED IN FRONT OF ME WHILE I WAS WAITING AT A STOP SIGN. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST REVED UP. IT LUNGED FORWARD AND I…
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THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION. ENGINE REVES UP WHILE PLACING THE CAR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL, UP TO 1.5 ON THE RPM'S ON THE SPEEDOMETER. THIS IS VERY SCARY, A CHILD CROSSED IN FRONT OF ME WHILE I WAS WAITING AT A STOP SIGN. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST REVED UP. IT LUNGED FORWARD AND I HD TO REALLY PUT THAT BREAK ON. SCARED ME AND THE CHILD TO. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAD ALL SERVICE DONE FROM THE FORD DEALER IN THE SERVICE PERSON THERE TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THIS PART "THROTTLE BODY" WAS MADE BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER THAT MADE THE TOYOTA PARTS THAT WENT BAD "STICKING GAS PEDALS" ? AND THAT TOYOTA RECALLED THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE AND FIXED IT. UNLESS MY HUSBAND MISUNDERSTOOD THIS GENTLEMAN, WHICH I DON'T THINK HE DID. I SPOKE TO FORD AND PLACED A COMPLAINT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN COMPLAINTS, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED AS YET, BUT HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPT IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL ISSUED IN THE FUTURE. THIS WILL COST $850.00, "WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE PICKED UP BY FORD". PRESSING NORMALLY ON THE BREAKS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, YOU HAVE TO ALMOST PUT IT TO THE FLOOR SO THAT YOU DO NOT MOVE AND PRAY THAT IT DOESN'T LUNGE FORWARD IN THE TRANSITION FROM BREAK TO GAS PEDAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462755
83,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LUNGE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LUNGE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE CONSUMER STATED BEFORE SHE STARTED DRIVING ON THE ROAD, SHE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY AS SHE WAS BACKING UP, WHEN THE VEHICLE TRIED TO LUNGE FORWARD THEN BACKWARD. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY, STOPPED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT TURN IT OFF AND THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE TRIED TO BACK UP AGAIN, BUT IT STILL WASN'T RUNNING CORRECTLY, BUT SHE MANAGED TO FINISH BACKING OUT AND STRAIGHTENED OUT THE VEHICLE. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT STAYED ON. SHE SAT FOR A MINUTE AND BEGAN TO EXIT THE PARKING LOT. SHE ONLY DROVE 500 FEET, WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. UPDATED 10/01/12
NHTSA ODI #10462698
76,000 miles · May 24, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
MY WIFE, SON AND I WERE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD RANDOM ACCELERATION WHILE AT FULL STOPPED. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER AFTER A FULL STOP THE VEHICLE HAD ANOTHER ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT. ONCE STALLED OUT THE COMPUTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING ERROR "FAIL SAFE ENGINE". AFTER DOING AN ONLINE REVIEW …
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MY WIFE, SON AND I WERE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD RANDOM ACCELERATION WHILE AT FULL STOPPED. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER AFTER A FULL STOP THE VEHICLE HAD ANOTHER ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT. ONCE STALLED OUT THE COMPUTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING ERROR "FAIL SAFE ENGINE". AFTER DOING AN ONLINE REVIEW I NOTICED THAT MANY OTHER FORD FIVE HUNDRED OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY "THROTTLE BODY". PLEASE NOTE THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS ON PARK AND PUT INTO REVERSE, THE HIGHER ACCELERATION TAKES PLACE. I ALWAYS HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL. I HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHILE DRIVING AS I AM AFRAID FOR ACCELERATION AND STALLING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459598
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
I NOTICE YEARS AGO THAT WHEN I WOULD BE BACKING UP OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT THAT MY CAR WOULD WANT TO ACCELERATE OR JUST SPEED UP. I WOULD BE BARELY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE I WAS LETTING THE CAR USE IT'S IDLENESS SPEED TO BACK OUT OF THE SPACE OR PULL INTO THE PARKING SPACE. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS US…
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I NOTICE YEARS AGO THAT WHEN I WOULD BE BACKING UP OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT THAT MY CAR WOULD WANT TO ACCELERATE OR JUST SPEED UP. I WOULD BE BARELY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE I WAS LETTING THE CAR USE IT'S IDLENESS SPEED TO BACK OUT OF THE SPACE OR PULL INTO THE PARKING SPACE. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS USING THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. HE DOES NOT DRIVE THE CAR VERY MUCH. SHORTLY AFTER THIS ALL STARTED WE PURCHASED ME ANOTHER CAR, I STOP DRIVING MY FORD 500 VERY MUCH. IT SITS IN THE GARAGE A LOT. I LET MY DAUGHTER USE THE CAR ONCE AND SHE COMPLAIN OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO HER AND HOW IT SCARED HER. I AM ALSO SCARED OF IT AND ONLY DRIVE IT IN EMERGENCY AND I ALWAYS TRY TO BE PREPARED TO EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN. IT HAS NO PATTERN OF WHEN OR HOW IT HAPPENS IT ALL UNEXPECTED, WORKING PROPERLY ONE MINUTE AND SPEEDING UP THE NEXT. THIS CAR HAS ONE OTHER ISSUE WHEN IT RAINS IT LEAKS WE FIND WATER IN THE FLOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR. THIS CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR TESTING IF NEEDED BECAUSE WE HAVE A 2ND CAR THAT I DRIVE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. WE KEEP IT BECAUSE IT IS PAID FOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451586
88,000 miles · Mar 12, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
SINCE 2007 THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WILL PERIODICALLY LUNG FORWARD AND IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE 2007 (88,000 MILES). EVEN HARD BRAKING DOES NOT NECESSARILY STOP THE CAR...I HAVE HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE REVS UP AS IF I AM TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR (AND …
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SINCE 2007 THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WILL PERIODICALLY LUNG FORWARD AND IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE 2007 (88,000 MILES). EVEN HARD BRAKING DOES NOT NECESSARILY STOP THE CAR...I HAVE HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE REVS UP AS IF I AM TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR (AND MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE PEDAL) AND I SHUT THE CAR OFF. TURNING THE CAR BACK ON DOES NOT NECESSARILY REMEDY THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE CAR ROUTINELY GOES INTO FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE OR CUTS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING AT A REASONABLE RATE OF SPEED BOTH ON RURAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. THIS CAR IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE, MORE SO IN THE WARMER MONTHS...MY THOUGHT IS SOMETHING MUST GET OVERHEATED BUT WHAT I DO NOT KNOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451283
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES (MEANING MORE THAN 5 TIMES) DURING THE SUMMER OF 2011. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT POSTED SPEED LIMITS AND CAR SUDDENLY LURCHES THEN DROPS INTO FAILSAFE MODE (AS INDENTIFIED BY ALERT POSTED ON THE DASH). PULL OVER, READ OWNER'S MANUAL. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS HOW TO CLEAR FAILSAFE AND IMPLEMENT THEM. A F…
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THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES (MEANING MORE THAN 5 TIMES) DURING THE SUMMER OF 2011. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT POSTED SPEED LIMITS AND CAR SUDDENLY LURCHES THEN DROPS INTO FAILSAFE MODE (AS INDENTIFIED BY ALERT POSTED ON THE DASH). PULL OVER, READ OWNER'S MANUAL. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS HOW TO CLEAR FAILSAFE AND IMPLEMENT THEM. A FEW TIMES IT WORKED FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. OTHER TIMES, IT WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. TWICE THE CAR WAS RUNNING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND SUDDENLY GO INTO FAILSAFE MODE THEN STALL OUT. ESPECIALLY DURING STREET/CITY DRIVING, CAR SUDDENLY KICKS FORWARD THEN FAILSAFE AND WILL SOMETIMES STALL OUT IN MIDDLE OF STREET. UNABLE TO RESTART. LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED CAR REQUIRED TOWING TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. INITIALLY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE SENOR FOR A COST OF $300. WHEN I OK'D THAT REPAIR, THE DEALERSHIP CALLED BACK LATER AND STATED IT WAS THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY AND REPAIR WOULD COME AT A COST OF $1000. THE CAR NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO AND SITS FOR SAFETY REASONS. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE COME TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH FORD AND AN ANNOUNCED RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10446635
81,000 miles · Jan 20, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
DRIVING IN TOWN, AT APPROX 25MPH. CAR JERKED/LURCHED SUDDENTLY, THEN ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TURNS OUT IT IS A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. SHOP SAYS THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION - THE CAR COULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE/DECELERATE WITHOUT NOTICE. LOOKING AT O…
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DRIVING IN TOWN, AT APPROX 25MPH. CAR JERKED/LURCHED SUDDENTLY, THEN ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TURNS OUT IT IS A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. SHOP SAYS THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION - THE CAR COULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE/DECELERATE WITHOUT NOTICE. LOOKING AT ONLINE FORUMS - IT SEEM A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE, AND SOMETHING FORD SHOULD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL ON. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10444639
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.