NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
142 reportsClear category filter145,294 miles · Feb 4, 2017
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE NHTSA PRELIMINARY EVALUATION #PE07058 STATUS: CLOSED DATE OPENED: NOVEMBER 16, 2007 DATE CLOSED: MARCH 11, 2008 RECALL: NO RECALL ISSUED COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL SUMMARY: THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF PROPER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION.TYPICALLY, THE PROBLEM APPEAR…
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE NHTSA PRELIMINARY EVALUATION #PE07058 STATUS: CLOSED DATE OPENED: NOVEMBER 16, 2007 DATE CLOSED: MARCH 11, 2008 RECALL: NO RECALL ISSUED COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL SUMMARY: 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. NHTSA: THIS IS WHAT HAPPEND TO ME LASTNIGHT ON A DARK HWY AT 55 MPH
NHTSA ODI #10949554
140,000 miles · Dec 30, 2016
Electrical System
WHEN TRYING TO START CAR. ALL INSTRUMENTS GO OUT AND BATTERY LIGHT GOES OUT. NOTHING WORKS. INTERIOR LIGHTS,LOCKS HEAT RADIO.HAS BEEN IN SHOP 6 TIMES AND HAVE BATTERY REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWICE. CLUSTER REPAIRED AND SMART JUNCTION BOX. CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED. HAS BEEN A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE . THEY SAID HAD TSB OUT FOR IT AND IT WOU…
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WHEN TRYING TO START CAR. ALL INSTRUMENTS GO OUT AND BATTERY LIGHT GOES OUT. NOTHING WORKS. INTERIOR LIGHTS,LOCKS HEAT RADIO.HAS BEEN IN SHOP 6 TIMES AND HAVE BATTERY REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWICE. CLUSTER REPAIRED AND SMART JUNCTION BOX. CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED. HAS BEEN A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE . THEY SAID HAD TSB OUT FOR IT AND IT WOULD HAVE FIXED. DIDNT. PLEASE HELP. AM A MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WHO NEEDS RELIABLE CAR AND CANNOT HAVE THIS TO KEEP HAPPENING . EVERYTIME I GET BACK FROM MECHANIC IT WILL WORK FOR 3 DAYS. THEN DIES AGAIN. LAST TIME IT BROKE WHICH WAS YESTERDAY IT WORKRD FOR OVER 2 WEEKS.
NHTSA ODI #10938803
181,000 miles · Oct 10, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING CAR AT NIGHT LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT BUT BACKUP LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK AND RADIO WENT OUT. CAR EVENTUALLY LOST ALL POWER.
NHTSA ODI #10915147
197,000 miles · Sep 20, 2016
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, STALLED, AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, STALLED, AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000. UPDATED 01/10/17*LJ UPDATED 01/11/17.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10908269
97,000 miles · Aug 2, 2016
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I JUST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AND STARTED NOTICING SOME ISSUES WITH THE CAR RACING/IDLING FAST. SEVERAL TIMES IT WOULD LUNG FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE ALMOST HITTING A CAR, THEN STALLED & REDUCED SPEED AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TOO OREILLYS AND FOUND IT IS THE THROTTLE AND TH…
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I JUST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AND STARTED NOTICING SOME ISSUES WITH THE CAR RACING/IDLING FAST. SEVERAL TIMES IT WOULD LUNG FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE ALMOST HITTING A CAR, THEN STALLED & REDUCED SPEED AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TOO OREILLYS AND FOUND IT IS THE THROTTLE AND THROTTLE SENSOR. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND DANGEROUS. I WANT IT FIXED BY FORD ASAP!
NHTSA ODI #10892689
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
WHEN I TURN ON THE AC IN MY VEHICLE THE VEHICLE STARTS TO LUNGE ALL OF A SUDDEN AND I CAN BE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IT DOES IT. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY AC ON MY TRUCK JUST TURNS OFF AND IT IS SCARY BECAUSE THERE IS NO WARNING IT JUST TURNS OFF. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND THIS IS VERY SCARY TO GO THROUGH. PLEASE HELP ME IN TRYING TO RES…
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WHEN I TURN ON THE AC IN MY VEHICLE THE VEHICLE STARTS TO LUNGE ALL OF A SUDDEN AND I CAN BE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IT DOES IT. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY AC ON MY TRUCK JUST TURNS OFF AND IT IS SCARY BECAUSE THERE IS NO WARNING IT JUST TURNS OFF. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND THIS IS VERY SCARY TO GO THROUGH. PLEASE HELP ME IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM SO THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO THERE IS NO WAY I CAN BE DRIVING WITHOUT MY AC WITH THESE THREE DIGIT WEATHER CLIMATES.
NHTSA ODI #10875695
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2016
Electrical SystemPower Train
RECENTLY PURCHASED MY CAR THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT DEALER. STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN IN PARK OR WHEN REVERSING. BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF RANDOMLY. IF I CUT IT OFF AND TURN IT ON IT GOES AWAY. CAR JUMPS (ACCELERATES) DURING DRIVING. IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME NO MATTER WHERE I AM DRIVING. RUN SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC ON STEERING …
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RECENTLY PURCHASED MY CAR THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT DEALER. STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN IN PARK OR WHEN REVERSING. BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF RANDOMLY. IF I CUT IT OFF AND TURN IT ON IT GOES AWAY. CAR JUMPS (ACCELERATES) DURING DRIVING. IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME NO MATTER WHERE I AM DRIVING. RUN SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC ON STEERING WHEEL AND EVERYTHING COMES BACK OKAY. PURCHASED CAR FOR A FAMILY CAR AND UPSET THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL.
NHTSA ODI #10875076
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2016
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10865687
130,000 miles · Apr 25, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10861299
88,000 miles · Mar 26, 2016
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING, MY '05 FORD FREESTYLE AWD LIMITED THE AIR & RADIO TURN OFF, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH, ALL GAUGES BOTTOM OUT & THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK. THIS LASTS FOR ABOUT 30-45 REPEATEDLY, IN QUICK SUCCESSION. YOU CANNOT SIGNAL A TURN OR KNOW SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE BATTERY AND C…
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WHILE DRIVING, MY '05 FORD FREESTYLE AWD LIMITED THE AIR & RADIO TURN OFF, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH, ALL GAUGES BOTTOM OUT & THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK. THIS LASTS FOR ABOUT 30-45 REPEATEDLY, IN QUICK SUCCESSION. YOU CANNOT SIGNAL A TURN OR KNOW SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON & SOMETIMES IT READS CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS ON LOCAL STREETS AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. I BELIEVE IT COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ITSELF. I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME COMPLAINT FROM MANY OTHERS HAS I RESEARCH THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL, EVEN THOUGH FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS SAFETY CONDITION. THIS STARTED HAPPENING JANUARY 2016.
NHTSA ODI #10851737
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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