NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
129 reportsClear category filter117,380 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WE HAVE AN 2005 FREESTYLE. MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP OUR GRANDSON FROM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ON 7/19/2011. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN OVER SOME OTHER KIDS CROSSING OVER THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER. THE CROSSING GUARD FRANTICALLY WAVED HIS ARMS FOR MY WIFE TO STOP WHICH SHE WAS TRYING TO DO. BY LUCK THE ENGINE DIED. SOMEONE …
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WE HAVE AN 2005 FREESTYLE. MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP OUR GRANDSON FROM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ON 7/19/2011. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN OVER SOME OTHER KIDS CROSSING OVER THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER. THE CROSSING GUARD FRANTICALLY WAVED HIS ARMS FOR MY WIFE TO STOP WHICH SHE WAS TRYING TO DO. BY LUCK THE ENGINE DIED. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE FROM THIS YET AND THEN FORD WILL HAVE A BIG LAWSUIT ON THERE HANDS WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ON THE SIDE OF THE PLAINTIFF. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND FORD'S POSITION ON THIS ISSUE SINCE THEY ARE RATED HIGHLY FOR QUALITY. THEY HAD THE PUBLICS SUPPORT WHEN THEY DIDN'T TAKE A BAILOUT. WHY DAMAGE A GOOD REPUTATION? *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414042
96,101 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAS BEEN SURGING FORWARD WHEN I AM AT A COMPLETE STOP & THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE WITH A WRENCH HAS SHOWN UP. I HAVE 4 KIDS & THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THEM IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY & IT IS VERY SCARY TO LOSE POWER ON THE HIGHWAY & TRY TO GET TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT GETTING HIT BY A…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAS BEEN SURGING FORWARD WHEN I AM AT A COMPLETE STOP & THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE WITH A WRENCH HAS SHOWN UP. I HAVE 4 KIDS & THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THEM IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY & IT IS VERY SCARY TO LOSE POWER ON THE HIGHWAY & TRY TO GET TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT GETTING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413865
122,438 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGES WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT HAPPENS BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND I MUST STOMP THE BRAKE TO STOP IT. I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. TODAY A "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" MESSAGE CAME ON. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413853
100,000 miles · Jul 19, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL. I AM EXPERIENCING ENGINE SURGES (SUDDEN ACCELERATION) ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER WHERE THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND BLAMED IT ON ENGINE LOAD FROM THE AC SYSTEMS. WHILE I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS YET I HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEEN FORCED TO STAND ON THE BRAKE…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL. I AM EXPERIENCING ENGINE SURGES (SUDDEN ACCELERATION) ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER WHERE THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND BLAMED IT ON ENGINE LOAD FROM THE AC SYSTEMS. WHILE I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS YET I HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEEN FORCED TO STAND ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES AND IN ONE CASE A PEDESTRIAN. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THERE ARE NOT RECALLS. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413546
212,000 miles · Jul 19, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN GO TO BACK IT LUNGES BACK AND IF YOU ARE SITTING IN TRAFFIC IT WILL LUNGES FORWARD AND THEN STALL OUT OR DIE AND THE RPMS GO UP REAL HIGH. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413489
60,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE'S ENGINE SURGES AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN BACKING UP OR GOING FORWARDS. THE PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE, AND IT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS. PRESSING THE BRAKES WILL STOP THE SURGE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENIN…
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VEHICLE'S ENGINE SURGES AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN BACKING UP OR GOING FORWARDS. THE PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE, AND IT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS. PRESSING THE BRAKES WILL STOP THE SURGE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING OFF AND ON FOR A YEAR BUT HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY TO WHERE IT OCCURS NEARLY EVERY DAY. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10413164
52,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
1- THE ENGINE CRADLE TOTALLY RUSTED OUT REPLACEMENT EST. 3,000.00 . DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED 2-THE HOOD IS PITTED DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED EST.1000.00 3- RADIATOR COOLANT TUBE MADE FROM STEEL RUSTED OUT AND COOLANT LEAKED . EST 250.00 4-DOOR LATCHES FAIL IN COLD WEATHER DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED .DEALER SAYS ITS BEEN FIXED UN…
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1- THE ENGINE CRADLE TOTALLY RUSTED OUT REPLACEMENT EST. 3,000.00 . DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED 2-THE HOOD IS PITTED DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED EST.1000.00 3- RADIATOR COOLANT TUBE MADE FROM STEEL RUSTED OUT AND COOLANT LEAKED . EST 250.00 4-DOOR LATCHES FAIL IN COLD WEATHER DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED .DEALER SAYS ITS BEEN FIXED UNDER RECALL .ITS STILL A PROBLEM .
NHTSA ODI #10412706
11,000 miles · Jul 5, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE OR REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE WILL "REV" AND THE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD AS IF I HAD PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR BUT MY FOOT WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 11,000 MILES BUT THE LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED YESTERDAY, J…
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WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE OR REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE WILL "REV" AND THE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD AS IF I HAD PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR BUT MY FOOT WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 11,000 MILES BUT THE LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED YESTERDAY, JULY 4, 2011. UP UNTIL RECENTLY I COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT ON A REGULAR BASIS SO I DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER READING AN ARTICLE ON REUTERS WEBSITE THAT THIS IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA I DECIDED TO REPORT IT HERE. AS THE ARTICLE STATES, IT APPEARS MORE OFTEN WHEN I HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON HIGH. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN FLAT ROCK MICHIGAN AND THEY SAID THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS PROBABLY NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO CORRECT IT. TO DATE, THIS HAS CAUSED NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS BUT IT IS ONLY BECAUSE I TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS (E.G. TURN OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING OR BE PREPARED TO APPLY EXTRA PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE WHEN PARKING) TO ENSURE THE CAR DOES NOT LUNGE FORWARD AND HIT ANYTHING. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10410548
125,000 miles · Jul 4, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
OUR FREESTYLE HAS EXPERIENCED MILD BUT WORSENING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR TWO YEARS NOW, BUT IT WAS ALWAYS "MILD" AND DID NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEN WE HAD A NEW PROBLEM: NO COLD AIR FROM THE AC AT IDLE. WE RESPONDED (6/11) TO A MAILED PROMOTION FROM HERTRI…
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OUR FREESTYLE HAS EXPERIENCED MILD BUT WORSENING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR TWO YEARS NOW, BUT IT WAS ALWAYS "MILD" AND DID NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEN WE HAD A NEW PROBLEM: NO COLD AIR FROM THE AC AT IDLE. WE RESPONDED (6/11) TO A MAILED PROMOTION FROM HERTRICH FORD (EASTON MD) FOR AN AC "TUNE UP." THEY DID NOTHING BUT ADD DYE TO OUR REFRIGERANT AND "CLEAN" OUR AIR DUCTS WITH DISINFECTANT. SO WE TURNED TO THE OWNERS' FORUM, MYFORDFREESTYLE.COM, AND QUICKLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM: A SEIZED-UP PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. APPARENTLY FORD DEALERS REFUSE TO PERFORM THIS SIMPLE REPAIR (PART COST $40) AND WILL ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE AC COMPRESSOR ($800 + LABOR). SO WE ORDERED THE VALVE ONLINE AND HAD A COMPETENT LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACE THE VALVE (1-HOUR LABOR PLUS COST OF REFRIGERANT). THE AC IS "GOOD AS NEW", BUT THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IS NOW MUCH WORSE. THE INCIDENTS ALWAYS OCCUR AT VERY LOW TO NO SPEED AND WHEN MANEUVERING THE CAR (I.E. PARKING, K-TURNING, ETC.). IN ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS, BOTH THE AC AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP ARE DEMANDING/DRAWING NEAR-MAXIMUM POWER FROM AN ESSENTIALLY IDLING ENGINE, NEARLY STALLING THE ENGINE; THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE/IDLE CONTROL THEN KICKS-IN AND HUGELY "OVER-REACTS" BY REVVING THE ENGINE TO 2,000+ RPM. EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AN AUTOMATIC IN DRIVE IS GOING TO SURGE QUITE FAR AT 2000+ RPM. PLEASE LOOK AT THE MYFORDFREESTYLE.COM WEBSITE: NOTE THAT ALMOST ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION COME DURING HOT WEATHER MONTHS AND A FEW ALSO NOTE THE PROBLEM IS MUCH WORSE WITH THE AC ON. IT TOOK US LESS THAN 30 MINUTES ON THE WEBSITE TO DIAGNOSE BOTH THE AC PROBLEM AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM. IT IS INCONCEIVABLE THAT FORD HAS NOT BEEN AWARE OF BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS FOR YEARS. (SURELY FORD'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS STAFF MONITOR OWNER FORUMS).
NHTSA ODI #10411208
82,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS LUNGING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WE NEED TO FIRMLY PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP IT WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS! AT THIS POINT, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT SEEMS CLEAR THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO PERMANENTLY FIX…
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OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS LUNGING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WE NEED TO FIRMLY PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP IT WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS! AT THIS POINT, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT SEEMS CLEAR THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE ISSUE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410088
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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