NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
120 reportsClear category filter105,857 miles · Sep 19, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
1. DRIVING CAR AT 45MPH..CAME TO RED LIGHT. WHEN PUSHING A CELERATOR TO FLOOR , CAR SUDDENLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL. WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED. NOTICE CHECK E GINE ON DISPLAY PANEL AND WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND WORDS "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" DISPLAY. 2. WHEN STANDING STILL, ENGINE YRUNNING... FOOT ON …
Read full complaint
1. DRIVING CAR AT 45MPH..CAME TO RED LIGHT. WHEN PUSHING A CELERATOR TO FLOOR , CAR SUDDENLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL. WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED. NOTICE CHECK E GINE ON DISPLAY PANEL AND WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND WORDS "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" DISPLAY. 2. WHEN STANDING STILL, ENGINE YRUNNING... FOOT ON BRAKE . ENGINE IDLING. ..CAR BEGINS TO LUNGE FORWARD, ENGINE REVS UP WHEN LUNGING. 3. DURING 90 DEGREE WEATHER, DRIVING AT 55 MPH, TURNED ON AC. CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER AND FAILSAFE MODE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI #10765288
112,000 miles · Aug 16, 2015
Engine
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 45 MPH ROAD, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, NO ACCELERATION, THERE WAS A TRUCK BEHIND US THAT ALMOST HIT US. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER , WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND STARTED BACK UP AND CONTINUED DRIVING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MECHANIC AND THEY DIAGNOSTICALLY TESTED IT AND HE SAID IMMEDIATLEY FOUR CODES PULLED UP POINTIN…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 45 MPH ROAD, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, NO ACCELERATION, THERE WAS A TRUCK BEHIND US THAT ALMOST HIT US. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER , WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND STARTED BACK UP AND CONTINUED DRIVING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MECHANIC AND THEY DIAGNOSTICALLY TESTED IT AND HE SAID IMMEDIATLEY FOUR CODES PULLED UP POINTING TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. WITH RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT EVEN IF YOU DID PAY FOR A NEW THROTTLE BODY OR CLEANING, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE THE THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTIONS ON ITSELF, IN ADDITION THROTTLE BODY WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH THE TRANSMISSION, TYPE CVR WHICH IS NOT MADE ANYMORE DO TO ITS FAILURES. FORD FAILED TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND ITS ELECTRONIC ENGINE ETB ON A CAR WHICH FORD ONLY MANUDACTURED FOR THREE YEARS, I WONDER WHY..... WELL WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, THANK GOD WE WEREN`T, BUT THE INVESTIGATION ON THE ETB SHOULD BE REOPENED FOR SAFETY ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #10749007
100,000 miles · Jul 27, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT REVVING UP WANTED TO GO FORWARD WHEN PARKING. WE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED , HELPED FOR A LITTLE WHILE.PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD COMPRESSOR REPLACED, THEN STARTING HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (FAILURE SAFE MODE ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN) WHILE DRIVING . HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED BECAUSE ALL ELE…
Read full complaint
WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT REVVING UP WANTED TO GO FORWARD WHEN PARKING. WE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED , HELPED FOR A LITTLE WHILE.PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD COMPRESSOR REPLACED, THEN STARTING HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (FAILURE SAFE MODE ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN) WHILE DRIVING . HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED BECAUSE ALL ELECTRICAL STARTING SHUTTING DOWN AND TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING ALSO TRANSMISSON WAS TRYING TO GO IN REVERSE WHILE DRIVING REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON VERY DANGEROUS. REPLACED BODY COMPUTER STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM TO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT . IT WAS PAID OFF BUT NO ONE COULD FIX THE PROBLEMS, HOW CAN YOU HAVE A VEHICLE THAT NO ONE CAN FIX,WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT FORD KNEW OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THEM. VERY DISAPPOINTED WE REALLY LIKED THE CAR WHEN WE GOT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10743579
68,500 miles · Apr 28, 2015
Engine
KEPT HAVING ISSUES STARTING THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY NOT BEING ABLE TO GET UP TO THE SPEED NEEDED. TOOK IT TOO BEECHMONT FORD IN OHIO TODAY AND BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN GO OFF . WHEN I SPOKE TO SOMEBODY I WAS TOLD $100 FOR AN HOUR TO DIAGNOSE THEN I WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TWO MORE H…
Read full complaint
KEPT HAVING ISSUES STARTING THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY NOT BEING ABLE TO GET UP TO THE SPEED NEEDED. TOOK IT TOO BEECHMONT FORD IN OHIO TODAY AND BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN GO OFF . WHEN I SPOKE TO SOMEBODY I WAS TOLD $100 FOR AN HOUR TO DIAGNOSE THEN I WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TWO MORE HOURS. I FINALLY GET A CALL AND THEY SAY I MIGHT NEED AN ENTIRE NEW ENGINE ! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE WITH NOT EVEN 69 THOUSAND MILES ON IT: I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST ! HOW CAN THESE CARS BE OUT THERE WITH SUCH PROBLEMS? A NEW ENGINE! ALL BECAUSE OF CODE PS305 AND PS 316. NOT TO MENTION EVERYTIME I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING TAKEN CARE OF ON MY CAR I NEVER WAS GIVE AN ANSWER CLEARLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713466
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2015
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN DRIVER'S FOOT HAS THE BRAKE PRESSED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE PRIOR TO SHIFTING INTO PARK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703424
100,000 miles · Feb 24, 2015
Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10690337
98,000 miles · Feb 7, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringCrash
WHERE TO BEGIN.... THE BRAKES ARE SHOT. DON'T WORK AT ALL. DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO "FAILSAFE MODE" AND JUST STOP. IT HAS TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON AND WILL GENERALLY DO THIS UP TO 8 TIMES BEFORE I JUST SHUT IT OFF AND LEAVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT…
Read full complaint
WHERE TO BEGIN.... THE BRAKES ARE SHOT. DON'T WORK AT ALL. DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO "FAILSAFE MODE" AND JUST STOP. IT HAS TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON AND WILL GENERALLY DO THIS UP TO 8 TIMES BEFORE I JUST SHUT IT OFF AND LEAVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. DURING THESE MONTHS IT WILL ALSO GET A MIND OF IT'S OWN AND JUST LEAP FORWARD. I HAVE TO STOP 2 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND ANY CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP, OTHERWISE IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD (EVEN THOUGH I HAVE MY FOOT FIRMLY APPLIED ON THE BRAKE) AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. OH, AND WILL JUMP CURBS, HIT GARAGE DOORS, ALL THAT GOOD STUFF TOO WHEN IT GETS THIS SURGE. THEN, DURING THE WINTER MONTHS THE DOOR LATCH GETS STUCK AND THE CAR DOORS ARE LITERALLY FROZEN OPEN. I CAN'T DRIVE ANYWHERE WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND CAR DOORS THAT WON'T SHUT. OH, AND MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO I CAN'T GET IT FIXED. OH AND DID I MENTION THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK? LIKE WON'T HOLD BRAKE FLUID, AIR IS ALL IN THE LINES, AND HARDLY NO BRAKES. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED DRIVING WITH NO BRAKES?? IT SUCKS! AND FORGET DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THIS CAR. I DON'T TRUST IT AT ALL!! *JS
NHTSA ODI #10681861
135,000 miles · Jan 29, 2015
EnginePower Train
THROTTLE BODY STUCK CLOSED, FORCING LIMP HOME MODE - STALL IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, FORD RECALL 12N03 DID NOT WORK - AFTER IDLING, THERE IS A POWER SURGE WHICH LUNGES VEHICLE FORWARD WHILE IN DRIVE AT A STOP SIGN, HAPPENED DIRECTLY AFTER SERVICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679826
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED, SURGED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE WOULD REV. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED, SURGED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE WOULD REV. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SPECIFICS OF THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10664924
115,000 miles · Dec 8, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AGO, I FILED A COMPLAINT REGARDING A SURGING WITH MY FORD FREESTYLE. WE HAD OUR VEHICLE SERVICED AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED. THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED FOR A WHILE, BUT WE RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES AGAIN. THIS TIME THE FREESTYLE WOULD LOSE ACCELERATION, THE RPMS DROPPED, AND A WRENCH-SHAPED WARN…
Read full complaint
A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AGO, I FILED A COMPLAINT REGARDING A SURGING WITH MY FORD FREESTYLE. WE HAD OUR VEHICLE SERVICED AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED. THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED FOR A WHILE, BUT WE RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES AGAIN. THIS TIME THE FREESTYLE WOULD LOSE ACCELERATION, THE RPMS DROPPED, AND A WRENCH-SHAPED WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED. AT FIRST IT SEEMED TO BE AN ISSUE ONLY WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, BUT HAS SINCE HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. WE TOOK OUR CAR INTO THE DEALER, AND THEY COMPLETELY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY FOR A TOTAL OF $900, BUT WE ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662974
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.
Illustration