NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
120 reportsClear category filter135,147 miles · Aug 29, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,147.
NHTSA ODI #10899184
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
190,000 miles · Jul 18, 2016
Engine
MY ENGINE LITE CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILY TO HAVE IT CHECK OUT. THEY GAVE ME THECODES TO THE THROTTLE BODY. WHEN I CALL FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL ANY MORE. I DID NOT RECIEVE A NOTICE THATTHIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE CAR. IT IDLES IN PARK WHEN YOU ARE AT THE STOP ;LITE AND WHEN ITGOES INT REVERSE. IF YOUR F…
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MY ENGINE LITE CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILY TO HAVE IT CHECK OUT. THEY GAVE ME THECODES TO THE THROTTLE BODY. WHEN I CALL FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL ANY MORE. I DID NOT RECIEVE A NOTICE THATTHIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE CAR. IT IDLES IN PARK WHEN YOU ARE AT THE STOP ;LITE AND WHEN ITGOES INT REVERSE. IF YOUR FOOTNOT ON THE BRAKE IT MOVES. I HAVE SENT A LETTER TO YOU ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO NO RESPONSE. SENT A LETTER TO FORD NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA ODI #10885549
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2016
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS AND THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS AND THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ UPDATED 09/07/16. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10884477
78,955 miles · Jun 22, 2016
Engine
CAR SURGED WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE. TOOK TO THE SHOP AND IT NEEDED THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. I SEE THAT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS A CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN BUT IT EXPIRED 1 YR AGO. WHY DID FORD NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS AND WHY DOES A…
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CAR SURGED WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE. TOOK TO THE SHOP AND IT NEEDED THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. I SEE THAT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS A CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN BUT IT EXPIRED 1 YR AGO. WHY DID FORD NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS AND WHY DOES A KNOWN PROBLEM HAVE AN EXPIRATION?
NHTSA ODI #10875993
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
73,000 miles · Mar 15, 2016
EngineCrashInjury
I DROVE INTO A PARKING SPACE, SET FOR PARK. THE CAR JUST SHOT FORWARD AND HIT A WALL. THE ENGINE RIFFED LOUD, FOR A FEW SECOND. COULD NOT REDO THE BRAKES. THE WALL WAS ONLE ABOUT 8 TO 10 FEET FROM ME.THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION, BECAUSE I JUST PUT IT IN PARK. IT HAPPEN IN A PARKIONG LOT AT CBS PHARMACY. 1588 TRANCAS STREET, NAPA,…
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I DROVE INTO A PARKING SPACE, SET FOR PARK. THE CAR JUST SHOT FORWARD AND HIT A WALL. THE ENGINE RIFFED LOUD, FOR A FEW SECOND. COULD NOT REDO THE BRAKES. THE WALL WAS ONLE ABOUT 8 TO 10 FEET FROM ME.THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION, BECAUSE I JUST PUT IT IN PARK. IT HAPPEN IN A PARKIONG LOT AT CBS PHARMACY. 1588 TRANCAS STREET, NAPA, CA 94558 ON MARCH 14 2016 AT 5:30 PM.THERE SHOULD BE A POLICE REPORT. I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL, TO CHECK MY BACK, BECAUSE I HAD JUST SURGERY 3 WEEKS BEFORE, FEBR. 22 2016. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL, AND I DO MY SERVICE AT FORD LINCOLN DEALER IN NAPA CA, SOSCOL AVN.I THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR OR ???MY RIGHT FRONT END IS DAMAGED.FILED CLAIM WITH THE INSURANCE. I NEED THIS PROBLEM FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #10849803
75,000 miles · Feb 10, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SLOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SLOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10825357
170,000 miles · Dec 21, 2015
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE SAFE FAILURE MODE, THE ENGINE, AND WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE SAFE FAILURE MODE, THE ENGINE, AND WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10811407
1,000,000 miles · Nov 11, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
I GOT INTO THE CAR TO START IT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND I SMELLED SMOKE, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE
NHTSA ODI #10789774
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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