NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
447 reportsClear category filter57,445 miles · Aug 7, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
RECENTLY, MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE BEGAN LUNGING FORWARD AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND YESTERDAY IT DID IT TWICE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO BIG COUNTRY FORD AND THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL ME IT IS MY WATER-PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. THEY ALSO SAID MY MOTOR MOUNT WAS BROKEN, WHICH WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FREESTYLES AND TAU…
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RECENTLY, MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE BEGAN LUNGING FORWARD AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND YESTERDAY IT DID IT TWICE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO BIG COUNTRY FORD AND THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL ME IT IS MY WATER-PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. THEY ALSO SAID MY MOTOR MOUNT WAS BROKEN, WHICH WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FREESTYLES AND TAURUS X MODELS. AS I READ ONLINE, THE LUNGING PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE COMMON WITH THESE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469581
48,000 miles · Aug 6, 2012
EnginePower Train
LUNGING WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469382
57,000 miles · Aug 5, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CAR (2005 FORD FREESTYLE) WOULD NOT ACCELERATE/MAINTAIN SPEED AND QUICKLY DECELERATED AND HAD TO BE PULLED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TRAVELING THE 3 HOURS LEFT IN THE 9 H…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CAR (2005 FORD FREESTYLE) WOULD NOT ACCELERATE/MAINTAIN SPEED AND QUICKLY DECELERATED AND HAD TO BE PULLED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TRAVELING THE 3 HOURS LEFT IN THE 9 HOUR TRIP BACK HOME. THE FORD SERVICE SHOP SAID THE THROTTLE BODY ($900), AC COMPRESSOR ($1,300), AND TOP ENGINE MOUNT ($330) NEED TO BE REPLACED. BASED ON WHAT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A RECURRING AND DANGEROUS THEME WITH THIS FORD VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469260
105,000 miles · Aug 5, 2012
EnginePower Train
I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY FREESTYLE(05)BECOME INCREASINGLY HORRIBLE LUNGING IN PARKING LOTS,DRIVE THRU'S,ETC. UPON READING ABOUT IT ON YOUR WEBSITE I REALIZED HOW MUCH OF THE SAME PROBLEMS ARE OCCURING FOR ALL THE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. IT JUST RECENTLY HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE I JUST HAD THE A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469236
65,000 miles · Aug 4, 2012
Power Train
VEHICLE HAS BEEN LUNGING FORWARD AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, USUALLY WITH FOOT LIGHTLY ON BRAKE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED ON 8/3/12, THE VEHICLE LOST CONSIDERABLE POWER AND THE DASH INDICATED "SAFE MODE". MECHANIC ADVISED THROTTLE BODY NEEDS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469184
92,115 miles · Aug 4, 2012
Power Train
CAR BEGUN ACCELERATING WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE. NOTICED THAT IT WOULD ACCELERATE OR LUNG AT LOW SPEED. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENS GOING FORWARD OR REVERSE. ALSO REVS UP MOTOR WHILE STOPPED. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES (HAVE ALMOST WENT OVER A HILL SIDE AT WORK PARKIN…
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CAR BEGUN ACCELERATING WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE. NOTICED THAT IT WOULD ACCELERATE OR LUNG AT LOW SPEED. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENS GOING FORWARD OR REVERSE. ALSO REVS UP MOTOR WHILE STOPPED. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES (HAVE ALMOST WENT OVER A HILL SIDE AT WORK PARKING), STOPPING AT STOP LIGHTS (SEVERAL TIMES RUN UP ON THE BACK OF CARS AT STOP LIGHTS), PULL INTO GARAGE (HAVE ALMOST DROVE THRU MY WALL) AND BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY. THIS HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS. TOOK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE CHECKED FOR PROBLEM WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. COSTING AROUND $600. I AM NOW UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL PEOPLE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE IN MANY CASES CAME CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. DRIVING THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND I WAS EVEN TOLD THAT BY THE CAR DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD SUGGEST THAT I RENT A CAR UNTIL MY CAR WAS FIXED. UNDER THE AFFECTED PARTS THIS PART IS NOT LISTED IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469179
102,153 miles · Aug 2, 2012
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
1. PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, STEERING WAS TURNED SHARPLY AT THE TIME AND FOOT ON BRAKE 2. PULLING IN GARAGE AND VEHICLE SURGED WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469046
77,859 miles · Aug 2, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
VEHICLE LUNGES WHEN STARTING OUT FROM PARKED, LUNGES IN FORWARD GEAR, AND IN REVERSE GEAR. I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAD THIS PROBLEM MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE AND HAVE NEARLY INJURED SOMEONE WHEN HE STEPPED BEHIND MY VEHICLE AS I PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A…
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VEHICLE LUNGES WHEN STARTING OUT FROM PARKED, LUNGES IN FORWARD GEAR, AND IN REVERSE GEAR. I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAD THIS PROBLEM MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE AND HAVE NEARLY INJURED SOMEONE WHEN HE STEPPED BEHIND MY VEHICLE AS I PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING PLACE. THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO STOP. HOWEVER THE BRAKING IS NOT SUFFICIENT WHEN BACKING IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THIS DESERVES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FOR 40+YRS. AND ASSURE YOU THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR FORDS NOT HANDLING THIS. THEY ARE WELL AWARE THAT THIS EXISTS AND ARE IGNORING A SERIOUS HAZARD. ANY FORD SERVICE WILL ADMIT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL. I SEE NOW THAT THERE IS A REDESIGN DUE TO THE PROBLEM. YOUR POWER CAN FORCE THEM TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, AND SAVE SERIOUS INJURY FROM THIS POINT ON. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AND SOMEONE HAS BEEN INJURED SERIOUSLY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469025
140,000 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
DURING HOTTER WEATHER IF THE CAR IDLES AT A STOP LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC, IT STARTS SURGING UNCONTROLLABLY UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED VERY FIRMLY. USUALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE FAIL SAFE MODE ENGAGE. THE ENGINE SPEED SURGES UP AND DOWN AND TRIES TO MOVE THE CAR. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT DEPRESSED VERY FIRMLY CAR HAS …
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DURING HOTTER WEATHER IF THE CAR IDLES AT A STOP LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC, IT STARTS SURGING UNCONTROLLABLY UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED VERY FIRMLY. USUALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE FAIL SAFE MODE ENGAGE. THE ENGINE SPEED SURGES UP AND DOWN AND TRIES TO MOVE THE CAR. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT DEPRESSED VERY FIRMLY CAR HAS HIT CURB AND TRIED TO CLIMB ONTO THE SIDEWALK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468877
67,000 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE IN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE IN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,300.
NHTSA ODI #10468187
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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