NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
447 reportsClear category filter100,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
Power Train
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN TOOK OFF WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR IN THE PARKING LOT!!!!. SINCE THEN IT DOES IT RANDOMLY SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK AND NOW IT EVEN DOES IT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN DRIVE. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN PARKING LOTS AND IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FORDS NEEDS …
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN TOOK OFF WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR IN THE PARKING LOT!!!!. SINCE THEN IT DOES IT RANDOMLY SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK AND NOW IT EVEN DOES IT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN DRIVE. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN PARKING LOTS AND IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FORDS NEEDS TO RECALL THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355271
112,000 miles · Sep 1, 2010
Power Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN GEAR AND SOMETIMES WHEN SITTING AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. ALSO LUNGES BACKWARD WHEN IN REVERSE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. WORRIED ABOUT THE CAR HITTING A PERSON OR ANOTHER CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10353325
41,000 miles · Aug 31, 2010
Electrical SystemPower Train
THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF THE ELECTRICAL TO THE GAUGES AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE GAUGES WOULD SWEEP TO ZERO AND THEN MOMENTARILY SWEEP BACK. THE LENGTH OF THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL IS INCREASING WITH EACH INTERMITTENT FAILURE. TWICE NOW THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO LOST ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT OF AN INTERS…
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THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF THE ELECTRICAL TO THE GAUGES AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE GAUGES WOULD SWEEP TO ZERO AND THEN MOMENTARILY SWEEP BACK. THE LENGTH OF THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL IS INCREASING WITH EACH INTERMITTENT FAILURE. TWICE NOW THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO LOST ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT OF AN INTERSECTION CAUSING A POTENTIAL COLLISION CONDITION. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED IT ALSO OCCURRED WITH A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SERIOUS CONDITION AS THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE FORD DEALER UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTICS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10353069
45,000 miles · Aug 31, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER SPORADICALLY AND WOULD ENGAGE THE SAFE MODE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER SPORADICALLY AND WOULD ENGAGE THE SAFE MODE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10353004
53,000 miles · Aug 29, 2010
Power Train
PURCHASED A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE TWO YEARS AGO. THIS PAST YEAR (2010) HAVE EXPERIENCED SURGING WHEN PLACING MY CAR IN REVERSE- CONSISTENTLY HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND PLACE INTO REVERSE. THIS PAST WEEK (8.26.2010) I ALMOST REAR ENDED A CAR WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE CAR STARTED SURGING (RPMS WERE GOING…
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PURCHASED A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE TWO YEARS AGO. THIS PAST YEAR (2010) HAVE EXPERIENCED SURGING WHEN PLACING MY CAR IN REVERSE- CONSISTENTLY HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND PLACE INTO REVERSE. THIS PAST WEEK (8.26.2010) I ALMOST REAR ENDED A CAR WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE CAR STARTED SURGING (RPMS WERE GOING UP & DOWN) UNEXPECTEDLY. IT SURGED 4 TIMES THEN THE FAIL SAFE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. I PUSHED THE CAR OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS I RESTARTED- CAR AGAIN SURGED WHILE IN REVERSE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. AWAITING RESPONSE OF THE PROBLEM. AM VERY AFRAID I WILL END UP BACKING INTO SOMEONE OR REAR ENDING A CAR DUE TO THE OVER REVVING WHILE SITTING IDLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352601
65,000 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Power Train
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS IT HAS SURGED UNEXPLAINABLY A DOZEN PLUS TIMES, TO A POINT WHERE MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH SOON AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN STARTED AND, WITH A FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR IS PUT INTO D OR R. THANKFULLY THE CAR BRAKE WAS APPLIED. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS IT HAS SURGED UNEXPLAINABLY A DOZEN PLUS TIMES, TO A POINT WHERE MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH SOON AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN STARTED AND, WITH A FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR IS PUT INTO D OR R. THANKFULLY THE CAR BRAKE WAS APPLIED. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME WHILE BRAKING AT SPEEDS OF 40+ MPH AND HAS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP TO A POINT I HAD TO PPUT THE CAR IN N TO SLOW IT. I HAVE 4 KIDS AND THESE UNEXPLAINED SURGES SURELY ARE OF GREAT CONCERN. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID OT WAS THE AFTERMARKET AIRFILTER AND THAT THEY COULDN'T REPLACATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352432
75,402 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY AND VICE VERSA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY AND VICE VERSA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,402 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,800.
NHTSA ODI #10352273
70,000 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Power Train
FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS, MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS BEEN LUNGING FORWARD IN DRIVE W/O MY CONTROL. IN REVERSE, IT LUNGES BACKWARDS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS BLOGS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM W/FORD. SOME PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY HIT BLDGS & PEOPLE! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT FORD HAS NOT MADE A RECALL. THIS IS A COMPLETE SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO, A…
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FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS, MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS BEEN LUNGING FORWARD IN DRIVE W/O MY CONTROL. IN REVERSE, IT LUNGES BACKWARDS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS BLOGS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM W/FORD. SOME PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY HIT BLDGS & PEOPLE! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT FORD HAS NOT MADE A RECALL. THIS IS A COMPLETE SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO, AFTER THE CAR LURCHES, IT DIES - WHICH CAN HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY AS WELL. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP. THEY TOLD ME ITS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO GET A REPLACEMENT CAR WHILE I WAIT MONTHS FOR THE PART TO COME IN FROM THE NATIONAL BACKORDER. IF THIS WASN'T SUCH A PROBLEM THEN WHY ARE THE PARTS ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351811
60,700 miles · Aug 20, 2010
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGED BACKWARD WHEN PUT IN GEAR. EVEN WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED THE CAR MOVED A FEW FEET. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO PERSON OR OBJECT IN MY PATH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE CAR HAS 60,700 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGED BACKWARD WHEN PUT IN GEAR. EVEN WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED THE CAR MOVED A FEW FEET. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO PERSON OR OBJECT IN MY PATH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE CAR HAS 60,700 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10350821
80,000 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Electrical SystemPower Train
CAR ACCELERATED WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND BRAKE WAS APPLIED, 2005 FORD FREESTYLE ... TOOK TO DEALER... REPLACED THE THROTTLE SENSOR W A KIT. PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED TO THE TUNE OF $700,00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349680
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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