NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
59 reportsClear category filter45,500 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Power Train
CHECK SYSTEM LIGHT ON. TURN OFF MOTOR AND LIGHT GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD "MECHATRONICS UNIT" WITHIN TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY 45,000 MILES ON CAR AND WITHIN 60,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT OVER THE 5 YR WARRANTY TIME LIMIT. NHTSA SITE SHOWS SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH POWERTRAIN ON THESE VEHICLES.…
Read full complaint
CHECK SYSTEM LIGHT ON. TURN OFF MOTOR AND LIGHT GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD "MECHATRONICS UNIT" WITHIN TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY 45,000 MILES ON CAR AND WITHIN 60,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT OVER THE 5 YR WARRANTY TIME LIMIT. NHTSA SITE SHOWS SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH POWERTRAIN ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564211
62,600 miles · Nov 26, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
WRENCH INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR BEGAN TO SPOTTER AND SURGE. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE WRENCH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. CAR STALLED OUT 2 TIMES ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER. DEALER WANTS $950 TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553851
126,489 miles · Nov 7, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE PRODUCED A LOUD NOISE AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE EXACT DIA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE PRODUCED A LOUD NOISE AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE EXACT DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,489.
NHTSA ODI #10551378
90,981 miles · Aug 11, 2013
Power Train
THIS FORD 500, LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS I SEE AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, HAS A LUNGING PROBLEM.... I MUST DEPRESS THE BREAK PEDAL FULLY IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS CAR FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE GARAGE. WE HAD A NEAR MISS WITH A PEDESTRIAN WALKING THEIR DOG. WE NOW BACK INTO THE GARAGE AS TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF OUR SIDEWALK. THIS IS A H…
Read full complaint
THIS FORD 500, LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS I SEE AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, HAS A LUNGING PROBLEM.... I MUST DEPRESS THE BREAK PEDAL FULLY IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS CAR FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE GARAGE. WE HAD A NEAR MISS WITH A PEDESTRIAN WALKING THEIR DOG. WE NOW BACK INTO THE GARAGE AS TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF OUR SIDEWALK. THIS IS A HORRIBLE WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THE PROOF IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. WHAT IS FORD WAITING FOR? I HAVE SEVERAL PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT HAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT ASK ANY OTHER FORD FIVE HUNDRED OWNER. WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM? IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10534792
88,000 miles · Jun 23, 2013
EnginePower Train
MY 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED IS ACTING UP. WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT REVS UP AND JUMPS. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I HAVE MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE SO IT DOESN'T CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. NOW IT IS STARTING TO REV UP AND JUMP WHEN IM SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. THIS PAST FRIDAY I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN AND IT REVVED UP AND …
Read full complaint
MY 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED IS ACTING UP. WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT REVS UP AND JUMPS. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I HAVE MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE SO IT DOESN'T CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. NOW IT IS STARTING TO REV UP AND JUMP WHEN IM SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. THIS PAST FRIDAY I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN AND IT REVVED UP AND JUMPED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO REAREND A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY NEED THIS FIXED BEFORE IT GETS WORSE AND IT KILLS ME OR I KILL SOMEONE ELSE. WHEN YOU ARE SITTING WITH THE CAR IN GEAR WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER OFF THE RPM NEEDLE WILL MOVE WITHOUT GIVING IT ANY GAS. IT SHOULD NOT DO THIS. PLEASE HELP ME AND LET ME KNOW IF THEIR IS A RECALL ON SOMETHING THAT COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521240
100,000 miles · Mar 20, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE WITH A SUDDEN INCREASE OF ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED DOWN AN INCLINE AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO S…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE WITH A SUDDEN INCREASE OF ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED DOWN AN INCLINE AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10503812
108,000 miles · Jan 22, 2013
Power Train
WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE THE WHOLE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFULLY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY IS WRONG. BUT THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE LOOKED INTO BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493767
77,898 miles · Dec 19, 2012
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
AT VERY LOW SPEEDS (EXAMPLE IN A PARKING LOT) TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IT WILL SURGE REALLY HARD EVEN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE.. MAKES PARKING VERY DANGEROUS.. I ALMOST HIT A PERSON AND ALMOST WRECKED INTO ANOTHER CAR ANOTHER TIME.. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE RPMS GO AWAY UP AND IT IS AS IF SOMEONE IS F…
Read full complaint
AT VERY LOW SPEEDS (EXAMPLE IN A PARKING LOT) TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IT WILL SURGE REALLY HARD EVEN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE.. MAKES PARKING VERY DANGEROUS.. I ALMOST HIT A PERSON AND ALMOST WRECKED INTO ANOTHER CAR ANOTHER TIME.. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE RPMS GO AWAY UP AND IT IS AS IF SOMEONE IS FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489216
55,000 miles · Sep 20, 2012
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
THE VEHICLE SURGES/LUNGES FORWARD/BACKWARD WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE/DRIVE WITHOUT ANY GAS BEING APPLIED. WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED THE VEHICLE STILL DOESN'T STOP AND I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE CAR MAINLY DOES IT WHEN THE AIR CONDITION IS ON, BUT WILL DO IT OTHER TIMES AS WELL. THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF TWICE…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE SURGES/LUNGES FORWARD/BACKWARD WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE/DRIVE WITHOUT ANY GAS BEING APPLIED. WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED THE VEHICLE STILL DOESN'T STOP AND I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE CAR MAINLY DOES IT WHEN THE AIR CONDITION IS ON, BUT WILL DO IT OTHER TIMES AS WELL. THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF TWICE WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. WHEN I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING OFF THE CAR STOPPED SHUTTING OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. I'M HAVING TO PAY OUT $800 FOR A PART THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY THOUSANDS OF OTHER FORD OWNERS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10476511
69,500 miles · Sep 16, 2012
EnginePower Train
CAR ACCELERATES WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON (MORE SO WHEN TURNING WHEEL) WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. ALREADY HAD ACCIDENT IN REVERSE. NOTED SEVERAL COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS FROM OWNERS ON GOOGLE. ALMOST HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN JACK IN THE BOX DRIVE THRU WHERE CAR ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. MISSED CAR IN FRONT OF ME BY INCHES. HAD F…
Read full complaint
CAR ACCELERATES WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON (MORE SO WHEN TURNING WHEEL) WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. ALREADY HAD ACCIDENT IN REVERSE. NOTED SEVERAL COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS FROM OWNERS ON GOOGLE. ALMOST HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN JACK IN THE BOX DRIVE THRU WHERE CAR ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. MISSED CAR IN FRONT OF ME BY INCHES. HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR WAS IN DRIVE BUT NOT MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPEN. ACCELERATION OVER POWERED BRAKE PRESSURE. VERY, VERY SCARY. PLEASE HELP. OTHERWISE LOVE CAR. PLEASE CONTACT MY COUSIN. SEE BELOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475548
NHTSA investigations
1PE11018 · 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
Illustration