Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
640–25K
7625–50K
8750–75K
8875–100K
79100–150K
49150K+
443 reports with mileage · 67 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 136 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports6 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
510 reports
200 miles · Aug 5, 2005
Structure
DT: CONSUMER STATES HE HAS A NEW 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE DASH REFLECTS SO MUCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT HE CANNOT SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. HE DOES NOT KNOW IF IT IS DUE TO THE COLOR OF THE DASH OR IF IT IS THE WINDSHIELD ITSELF. THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOW IS THE SAME COLOR AS THE DASH, A TAN COLOR. HE NOTICED …
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DT: CONSUMER STATES HE HAS A NEW 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE DASH REFLECTS SO MUCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT HE CANNOT SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. HE DOES NOT KNOW IF IT IS DUE TO THE COLOR OF THE DASH OR IF IT IS THE WINDSHIELD ITSELF. THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOW IS THE SAME COLOR AS THE DASH, A TAN COLOR. HE NOTICED THIS THE FIRST SUN DAY AFTER HE BOUGHT THE CAR BACK IN FEBRUARY. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SUGGESTED HE TRADE VEHICLES. HE SAYS THAT AT NIGHT AND ON CLOUDY DAYS HE CAN SEE JUST FINE. IT'S JUST WHEN THERE'S A LOT OF SUNSHINE ON THE WINDSHIELD. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10127901
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I NOTICED SHIMMY IN FRONT END WHILE APPLYING BRAKES, AND GRINDING NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR AT THE SAME TIME.THERE WAS A SQUEAK IN THE REAR SUSPENSION GOING OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS. THE CAR HAD 1443 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR THE DAY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS, CUSTOMER STATES VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING, TEST DROVE A…
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I NOTICED SHIMMY IN FRONT END WHILE APPLYING BRAKES, AND GRINDING NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR AT THE SAME TIME.THERE WAS A SQUEAK IN THE REAR SUSPENSION GOING OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS. THE CAR HAD 1443 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR THE DAY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS, CUSTOMER STATES VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING, TEST DROVE AND RESURFACED FRONT ROTORS. CUSTOMER STATES RIGHT REAR BRAKE GRABS, TEST DROVE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMERS CONCERN AT THIS TIME. CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A SQUEAK NOISE GOING OVER BUMPS, SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE REAR. PER SSM18479, FORD ENGINEERING IS LOOKING INTO THIS CONCERN, WE HAVE APPLIED KRYTOX GREASE TO SUSPENSION. THE 2ND VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, 3429 MILES ON CAR, IT HAD A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, STILL HAVING RIGHT REAR BRAKE GRINDING, EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST ON RIGHT REAR WHEEL. DEALER RESPONSE, CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, TEST DROVE TO VERIFY CONCERN/VEHICLE DID HESITATE ON ROLLING TAKE OFF. DIAG. SYSTEM AND FOUND NO CODES/CHECKED PIDSALL OK CHECKED OASIS AND FOUND TSB 05 11 08 PERFORMED TSB REPROGRAMMED PCM/TCM, RECHECKED, ALL OK. CUSTOMER STATES RIGHT REAR BRAKES SEEM TO BE DRAGGING, EXCESSIVE DUST. CHECKED RIGHT REAR BRAKE FOR STICKING/CHECKED EBRAKE SYSTEM AND FOUND WORKING OK/CHECKED BRAKE CALIPER FOR BINDING AND CALIPER SLIDES AND PAD SLIDES, ALL OK. COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMERS CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE CAR HAS 4700 MILES ON IT NOW, STILL HAS EXTREMELY HEAVY BRAKE DUST ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL, STILL FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GRINDING, STILL NO SATISFACTION WITH DEALER'S RESPONSE THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH RIGHT REAR WHEEL/BRAKE SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #10130161
5,000 miles · Jul 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT: CONSUMER SAID THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAPPENED FOR A MONTH BUT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. THE ENGINE FELT LIKE IT WAS SKIPPING. THE SPEED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING WAS NOT A FACTOR NOR WERE THE ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHI…
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DT: CONSUMER SAID THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAPPENED FOR A MONTH BUT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. THE ENGINE FELT LIKE IT WAS SKIPPING. THE SPEED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING WAS NOT A FACTOR NOR WERE THE ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TWICE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE A COMPUTER RELATED ISSUE. THE OWNER HAD THE BLACK BOX INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING. THE PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. OWNER IS TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER NEXT WEEK FOR ADDITIONAL TESTING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10127792
375 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Seat Belts
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW FORD 500 LIMITED. THIS VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM THAT I FEEL IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO CHILDREN. THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR ARE POSITIONED IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CROSS CHILDREN'S NECKS. THE SEAT BELTS HIT OUR 9 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS TALL FOR HER AGE, ON HER NECK AND WE ALSO HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW FORD 500 LIMITED. THIS VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM THAT I FEEL IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO CHILDREN. THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR ARE POSITIONED IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CROSS CHILDREN'S NECKS. THE SEAT BELTS HIT OUR 9 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS TALL FOR HER AGE, ON HER NECK AND WE ALSO HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WHO IS VERY TALL AND THE BELT RIDES HIS KNECK EVEN WITH HIM IN A BOSTER SEAT. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE EQUIPED WITH "COMFORT GUIDES" LIKE THE ONES FOUND IN GM CARS. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR SMALL ADULTS OR CHILDREN WHO NO LONGER NEED CAR SEATS TO RIDE IN THE BACK OF THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE RETROFITTED BY FORD AT THEIR EXPENSE.
NHTSA ODI #10127593
714 miles · Jun 2, 2005
Suspension
PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION ON 2005 FORD 500'S. NUMEROUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESS REAR BRAKE AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. LEMON LAW CRITERIA MEET IN COLORADO, SUBMITTED CERTIFIED MAIL AND IT TOOK FORD OVER A WEEK TO ACCEPT LETTER, ONLY AFTER I VISITED ATTORNEY GENERAL. CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AT SPEED LIMIT ON I-80 CREATING …
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PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION ON 2005 FORD 500'S. NUMEROUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESS REAR BRAKE AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. LEMON LAW CRITERIA MEET IN COLORADO, SUBMITTED CERTIFIED MAIL AND IT TOOK FORD OVER A WEEK TO ACCEPT LETTER, ONLY AFTER I VISITED ATTORNEY GENERAL. CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AT SPEED LIMIT ON I-80 CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AS OF TODAY THE CAR IS AT THE FORD DEALER AGAIN. FORD REGIONAL REP SAYS THEY WON'T TAKE IT BACK. TUESDAY 4/19/2005 MILES IN TO DEALER 2091 MILES PROBLEMS GOING TO LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, COULD NOT HOLD SPEED LIMIT ON I-80 BECAUSE OF HANDLING PROBLEMS AND SUSPENSION REPORTING VIBRATIONS AND NOISES TO DRIVER. NO TROUBLE FOUND BALANCED 1 TIRE WITH OZ OF WEIGHT. FRIDAY 5/06/2005 MILES IN TO DEALER 2523 MILES SAME STORY AS ABOVE. REPLACED REAR BRAKE PADS, MACHINED ROTORS INSTALLED FORD PART # 5F9Z-2200-B KIT BRAKE SHO FORD PART # 5G1Z-18125FA REAR STRUTS TIMES 2 LUBRICATED E-BRAKE CABLE PER FORD TSB SERVICE MANAGER TOOK FOR TEST RIDE AND PROBLEMS PERSIST WITH SERVICE MANAGER DRIVING. MONDAY 5/16/2005 MILES IN TO DEALER 2556 SAME STORY AS ABOVE FAILED TEST RIDE BY SERVICE MANAGER ON 5/06/2005 SERVICE TICKET FORD PART # 5F9Z-5500-AR ARM ASSEMBLY RIGHT REAR FORD PART # 5G1Z-5A772-B BAR STABILIZER REAR (2 TIMES) THIS TIME I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT USE OF THE VEHICLE OR LOANER SINCE FRIDAY MAY 6 2005. 11 DAYS.
NHTSA ODI #10123895
1,500 miles · Mar 16, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICHLE CONSISTENTLY FAILS TO START ON THE FIRST TRY. HARD STARTS, DIESELING, AND STALLING ARE CONSTANT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10114186
560 miles · Mar 16, 2005
Power Train
VEHICHLE CONSTANTLY SHIFTING. "SEARCHES" FOR FOR CORRECT GEAR. HAD COMPUTER REPLACED AND A WEEK LATER REOCCURRED. REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER AGAIN AND REOCCURRED. FORD UNABLE TO REPAIR. LOSING 6-8 MPG.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10114184
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2005
Interior Lighting
THE CONSUMER'S 2005 FORD 500 PROVIDED INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING IN THE DASH. *NM THIS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE CONSUMERS VIEW OF THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGE AND THE OIL UNIT(S). *JB
NHTSA ODI #10114921
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2005
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
UPON PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL PUT ITSELF INTO REVERSE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. GOING DOWN HILL THE AT 50 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER WILL DROP TO 20 MPH. LOSING TWO TO TWO AND ONE HALF MILES TO A GALLON. CONTACTED THE DEALER. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. FORD HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR WEEKS. FORD STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE …
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UPON PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL PUT ITSELF INTO REVERSE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. GOING DOWN HILL THE AT 50 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER WILL DROP TO 20 MPH. LOSING TWO TO TWO AND ONE HALF MILES TO A GALLON. CONTACTED THE DEALER. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. FORD HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR WEEKS. FORD STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10111539
2,800 miles · Jan 5, 2005
Visibility
THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER DOES NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER'S SIDE PROPERLY. THIS CONDITION CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE OR CORRECT THIS ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS CONDITION ALM…
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THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER DOES NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER'S SIDE PROPERLY. THIS CONDITION CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE OR CORRECT THIS ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS CONDITION ALMOST CAUSED HIM TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH.*AK *JB
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.
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
2
PE11018 · 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
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.
2005 Ford Five Hundred Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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