NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
37 reportsClear category filter99,905 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,905 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,910. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,905 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,910. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ UPDATED 02/17/12
NHTSA ODI #10442257
24,500 miles · Aug 7, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
THE BACK OF ONE OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS DOES NOT FOLD DOWN WHEN THE LATCH LEVER IS PULLED UP, WHICH MEANS THAT THE ENTIRE SEAT DOES NOT LIFT UP. CONSEQUENTLY, PASSANGERS SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW WILL BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE CAR FROM THE CORRESPONDING SIDE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO RELEASE…
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THE BACK OF ONE OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS DOES NOT FOLD DOWN WHEN THE LATCH LEVER IS PULLED UP, WHICH MEANS THAT THE ENTIRE SEAT DOES NOT LIFT UP. CONSEQUENTLY, PASSANGERS SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW WILL BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE CAR FROM THE CORRESPONDING SIDE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO RELEASE THE LATCH; OVER TIME IT GOT MORE DIFFICULT, AND NOW IT IS INOPERABLE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10417838
90,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH AND OR REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH AND OR REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LATCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE STRIKE PLATE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ONE TIME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE COVERED BY THE CONTACT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 .
NHTSA ODI #10382805
5,000 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ON ALL FOUR DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DOORS OPENING EVEN WHEN IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THEY SPRAYED A SOLUTION ON THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM. ALS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ON ALL FOUR DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DOORS OPENING EVEN WHEN IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THEY SPRAYED A SOLUTION ON THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHSTA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 03/16/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOORS DO NOT CLOSE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 20F OR LOWER. WHEN THEY DID CLOSE, THEY WOULD OPEN WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE CONSUMER HAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER SPRAYED THE INSIDE DOOR. ALSO, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 08/31/11...UPDATE 01/20/12 *BF STATUS UPDATE. UPDATE 01/25/12
NHTSA ODI #10379821
40,000 miles · Jan 31, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
REGARDING CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V383000 DEALER INSTALLED SHIELD OVER FRONT LATCHES. FIX DID NOT WORK. LATCH WON'T RESET CAN'T CLOSE DOOR ALSO WORRIED DOOR CAN POP OPEN. THE ORIGNAL FIX NEVER REALLY WORKED. HAPPENS EACH WINTER. GREASE HAS BEEN RE APPLIED TO LATCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10379723
50,000 miles · Dec 22, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOOR LATCHES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AND ONLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOOR LATCHES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AND ONLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED A SECOND TIME BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE LATCHES BY A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10372117
65,000 miles · Aug 21, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SUDDENLY AND CATASTROPHICALLY FAILS, APPARENTLY DISABLING SEVERAL CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURES. THE MALFUNCTION AT FIRST OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN MORE FREQUENTLY, BUT NOW OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY. A LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TWICE WITHOUT RESOLVING THE PR…
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DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SUDDENLY AND CATASTROPHICALLY FAILS, APPARENTLY DISABLING SEVERAL CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURES. THE MALFUNCTION AT FIRST OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN MORE FREQUENTLY, BUT NOW OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY. A LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TWICE WITHOUT RESOLVING THE PROBLEM, INDICATING THAT ORIGINAL FORD EQUIPMENT MAY BE DEFECTIVE. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES SUDDENLY DROP TO ZERO AND FREEZE. THE DIGITAL DISPLAY SHOWS 'ODOMETER DATA ERROR.' ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COME ON AT ONCE. WITHOUT THESE INSTRUMENTS, THE DRIVER CAN NO LONGER MONITOR VEHICLE PERFORMANCE, SUCH AS SPEED AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE. THE MALFUNCTION DEFINITELY DISABLES THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND TRACTION CONTROL. IT MAY VERY WELL ALSO DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM SINCE THE SELF-CHECK DISPLAY ALSO DOES NOT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10350877
85,000 miles · Jul 30, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 06V383000. DURING THE WINTER, THE LATCH ON MY FRONT DRIVER DOOR FROZE AND MY DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING. AFTER FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL, I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY; I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. …
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 06V383000. DURING THE WINTER, THE LATCH ON MY FRONT DRIVER DOOR FROZE AND MY DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING. AFTER FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL, I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY; I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I ASSUME IT IS POSSIBLE FOR OTHER CARS TO BE DEFECTIVE BESIDES JUST THE ONES THEY REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIR MYSELF; FORD WILL NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE REPAIR CHARGES ARE OUTRAGEOUS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10346308
70,000 miles · Jan 8, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES ARE DEFECTIVE. RECALL NUMBER 06V383000, LATCHES, LOCKS, LINKAGES AND DOOR LATCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DOOR LATCH STICKS AND THE DOOR REOPENS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES ARE DEFECTIVE. RECALL NUMBER 06V383000, LATCHES, LOCKS, LINKAGES AND DOOR LATCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DOOR LATCH STICKS AND THE DOOR REOPENS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE LOCKS AND LATCHES REPAIRED AGAIN; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR COST IS $300 TO REPAIR EACH DOOR LATCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10298761
32,000 miles · Dec 10, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER LOCKING DEVICE, AND DOOR LATCH FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A CONSEQUENCE THE DOOR WOULD NOT FULLY CLOSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE WEATHER TEMPERATURES WERE COOL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER LOCKING DEVICE, AND DOOR LATCH FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A CONSEQUENCE THE DOOR WOULD NOT FULLY CLOSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE WEATHER TEMPERATURES WERE COOL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #10295205
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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