NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
447 reportsClear category filter48,000 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Power Train
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 48000 MILES ON SUDDENLY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER GAVE AN OPTION OF SPENDING A $1000 DOLLARS TO "POSSIBLY" FIX IT BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE ELSE WE HAVE TO SPEND $5500 ON A NEW TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH FORD IF AFTER 5 YEARS I HAVE TO SPEND OVER $5K ON A NEW TRANNY AND NOTH…
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 48000 MILES ON SUDDENLY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER GAVE AN OPTION OF SPENDING A $1000 DOLLARS TO "POSSIBLY" FIX IT BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE ELSE WE HAVE TO SPEND $5500 ON A NEW TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH FORD IF AFTER 5 YEARS I HAVE TO SPEND OVER $5K ON A NEW TRANNY AND NOTHING IS COVERED. BASICALLY I PAY IT OR HAVE NO CAR THAT WILL DRIVE. THIS IS COMPLETELY BOGUS AND FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING HERE, SO WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369439
98,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Power Train
I BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE USED WITH 81,000 MILES A COUPLE MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WITH THE BRAKE ON. THEN AT 98,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FOUR-LANE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY QUIT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE SAYING THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED (F…
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I BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE USED WITH 81,000 MILES A COUPLE MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WITH THE BRAKE ON. THEN AT 98,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FOUR-LANE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY QUIT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE SAYING THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED (FOR $6000). OBVIOUSLY FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, WHY ISN'T FORD DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. ARE THEY WAITING ON SOMEBODY TO DIE FIRST??? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368457
111,000 miles · Nov 10, 2010
Power TrainTraction Control System
2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS "AWD MALFUNCTION" MESSAGE (FORD DIAGNOSTIC CODE: P1889). MALFUNCTION MESSAGE COMES ON SPORADICALLY. NO CLEAR REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE REVERTS TO 2WD. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING (ESPECIALLY IN WET, SNOWY, ICY CONDITIONS) AND HAPPENS…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS "AWD MALFUNCTION" MESSAGE (FORD DIAGNOSTIC CODE: P1889). MALFUNCTION MESSAGE COMES ON SPORADICALLY. NO CLEAR REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE REVERTS TO 2WD. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING (ESPECIALLY IN WET, SNOWY, ICY CONDITIONS) AND HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER, WITH NO SUCCESS IN FIXING. THE DEALER FOLLOWED WHAT FORD SAYS TO DO ACCORDING TO THE CODE AND CAN'T FIX PROBLEM. DEALER HAS REPLACED OIL PRESSURE AND TEMP SENSOR WITH NO CHANGE IN ISSUE. NOW WANTS TO TRY TO CHANGE THE TRACTION COUPLER AT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEE THAT WILL WOK EITHER. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR FIX FOR ISSUE AND WILL NOT COVER COSTS OF REPAIRS FOR AWD DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #10365323
1,000 miles · Nov 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE OFF NEW CAR LOT BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH ENGINE SURGING WHILE A/C WAS RUNNING. HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND THE YEAR 2010 IS NOW ENDING. ON MANY OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE HAS SURGED AND THE C…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE OFF NEW CAR LOT BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH ENGINE SURGING WHILE A/C WAS RUNNING. HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND THE YEAR 2010 IS NOW ENDING. ON MANY OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE HAS SURGED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD SO FORCEFULLY THAT I HAD TO HOLD THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR TO AVOID A COLLISION. REPEATED VISITS TO FORD DEALER HAS RESULTED IN NOTHING BUT A $50-$100 LABOR BILL AND NO REPAIR. I AM AFRAID THAT IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10363916
90,000 miles · Oct 8, 2010
Power Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE CONSISTENTLY SURGES BOTH IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT IS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED AND IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN OCCURS. IT CAN HAPPEN AT A DEAD STOP OR WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVER, PASSENGER AND ANY ONE AROUND CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT LURCHES FORWARD OR BACK AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF I…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE CONSISTENTLY SURGES BOTH IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT IS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED AND IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN OCCURS. IT CAN HAPPEN AT A DEAD STOP OR WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVER, PASSENGER AND ANY ONE AROUND CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT LURCHES FORWARD OR BACK AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR SURGE FORWARD IN A PARKING LOT WITH PEOPLE AROUND ME WHO FEEL THREATENED BY MY CAR'S ACTIONS. WE FEEL FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE SINCE WE ARE AWARE OF MANY, MANY OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10359600
55,500 miles · Oct 7, 2010
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN AND LUNGES FORWARD WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE TRIES TO LUNGE MOSTLY WHEN GOING IN REVERSE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OFF AND ON FOR OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE PAST MONTHS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SPUTTERS AND GOES INTO FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE, THE CAR MUST BE RESTAR…
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ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN AND LUNGES FORWARD WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE TRIES TO LUNGE MOSTLY WHEN GOING IN REVERSE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OFF AND ON FOR OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE PAST MONTHS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SPUTTERS AND GOES INTO FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE, THE CAR MUST BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO HAVE ACCELERATION RESUME. HOLDING OFF ON REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY DUE TO HIGH COST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10359542
52,781 miles · Oct 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE 53,000 MILES EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WITH WRENCH LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TRIP TO DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED AIR FILTER INDICATING THAT THE FILTER HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE HOUSING AND WAS BLOCKING AIR FLOW. WITHIN 2 WEEKS WE HAVE DROPPED THE CAR OFF FOR A SEC…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE 53,000 MILES EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WITH WRENCH LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TRIP TO DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED AIR FILTER INDICATING THAT THE FILTER HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE HOUSING AND WAS BLOCKING AIR FLOW. WITHIN 2 WEEKS WE HAVE DROPPED THE CAR OFF FOR A SECOND VISIT FOR SAME POWER FAILURE ISSUE. WHEN WILL FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS WIDESPREAD MECHANICAL PROBLEM? HOW MANY CRASHES, OR DEATHS HAVE RESULTED FROM THIS ISSUE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10359231
114,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE- WITH A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER- NO RENTAL GIVEN BY COMPANY. "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ONE BECAUSE OF IT- THEY INSIST THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE (I DRIVE 75 MILES BACK AND FORTH TO WORK EVERYDAY). I AM SORRY- BUT DRIVING THAT MANY MILES- WITH MY CHILDREN IN …
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HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE- WITH A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER- NO RENTAL GIVEN BY COMPANY. "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ONE BECAUSE OF IT- THEY INSIST THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE (I DRIVE 75 MILES BACK AND FORTH TO WORK EVERYDAY). I AM SORRY- BUT DRIVING THAT MANY MILES- WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AS WELL- WHILE THE ENGINE IS FAILING- IS NEVER SAFE. BECAUSE OF THE JOLTING FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHILE IN THIS MODE- I CAN'T EVEN COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR, OR A PEDESTRIAN! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE DOES FAIL- IS FORD GOING TO REPLACE THAT? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358431
42,000 miles · Sep 17, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS OR ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHTS. IN MAY OF 2009 THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED A ROD" CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO EXPLODE LEAVING PIECES OF THE T…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS OR ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHTS. IN MAY OF 2009 THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED A ROD" CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO EXPLODE LEAVING PIECES OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD WAY. DURING THE EXPLOSION, PIECES FROM THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGED OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REQUIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356206
67,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
Power Train
CVT TRANSMISSION VIBRATING EXCESSIVELY AND MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 67,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE WITH A FORD REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355938
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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