WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS (5-10 MPH), WHETHER IN FORWARD OR REVERSE, THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD (OR BACKWARD IF IN REVERSE). THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES OVER THE LAST 4 DAYS, RESULTING IN SEVERAL NEAR-MISS ACCIDENTS WITH VEHICLES, AS WELL AS ALMOST HITTING A PEDESTRIAN MULTIPLE TIMES. THE ENGINE LUNGING HAS ONLY OCCUR…
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WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS (5-10 MPH), WHETHER IN FORWARD OR REVERSE, THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD (OR BACKWARD IF IN REVERSE). THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES OVER THE LAST 4 DAYS, RESULTING IN SEVERAL NEAR-MISS ACCIDENTS WITH VEHICLES, AS WELL AS ALMOST HITTING A PEDESTRIAN MULTIPLE TIMES. THE ENGINE LUNGING HAS ONLY OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS, MOSTLY WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 85 DEGREES. THE ENGINE LUNGING OCCURS WHEN I'M DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS WHEN I'M BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, OR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC IN WHICH I'M DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. THE TIME BEFORE LAST, IT WAS IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT WHEN I WAS PICKING UP MY SON FROM SUMMER SCHOOL. BOTH THESE TIMES, A PEDESTRIAN WAS ALMOST HIT WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. TODAY, I WAS IN TRAFFIC IN THE WALMART PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHECK ENGINE SYMBOL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, AS WELL AS THE ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE COMING ON. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND BACK ON TO GET THESE LIGHTS OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10466526
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2012
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2005. IN HOT DAYS WHEN THE AC IS ON THE CAR LUNGES FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. IT JUST DEPENDS IF YOU HAVE IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN THE CAR'S RPMS GO HIGH FOR A MINUTE THEN THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AND STOPS. THERE HAS BEEN TIMES WHERE IT LUNGES …
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THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2005. IN HOT DAYS WHEN THE AC IS ON THE CAR LUNGES FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. IT JUST DEPENDS IF YOU HAVE IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN THE CAR'S RPMS GO HIGH FOR A MINUTE THEN THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AND STOPS. THERE HAS BEEN TIMES WHERE IT LUNGES FORWARDS SO HARD IT ALMOST HITS THE CAR OR WHATEVER IS IN FRONT OF YOU. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE A DEATH RESULTS. IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND FORD IS TOO THEN WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10466328
103,000 miles · Jul 7, 2012
Power TrainService Brakes
1.) WHILE PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE,WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE CAR LUNGES BACKWARD WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE & SPEED. 2.) WHILE SITTING WITH 'DRIVE' ENGAGED & FOOT ON BRAKE CAR WILL LUNGE IN THE SAME MANNER. IF A/C OR HEAT IS ON IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE & MORE DANGEROUS!! THIS HAPPENS VERY UNEXPECTEDLY & SURGES/LUNGES QUITE A DISTA…
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1.) WHILE PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE,WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE CAR LUNGES BACKWARD WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE & SPEED. 2.) WHILE SITTING WITH 'DRIVE' ENGAGED & FOOT ON BRAKE CAR WILL LUNGE IN THE SAME MANNER. IF A/C OR HEAT IS ON IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE & MORE DANGEROUS!! THIS HAPPENS VERY UNEXPECTEDLY & SURGES/LUNGES QUITE A DISTANCE BEFORE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE STOPPED. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUT ITSELF OFF WITH SOME TYPE OF A FAIL SAFE ERROR DISPLAYED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY ON A DAILY BASIS! I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO BACK OUT OF ANY PARKING SPACE WITH THE FEAR OF HITTING A PEDESTRIAN! AS WELL AS THIS ISSUE, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACTS LIKE IT WILL STALL. MEANING THAT YOU MAY BE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 20-60MPH & IT HESITATES - NOT ONLY WHEN ACCELERATING, BUT WHEN AT A CONSISTENT SPEED AS WELL. THIS TOO INCREASES WITH HEATING & COOLING ON. ALL INCIDENTS COULD CAUSE GREAT HARM! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464549
82,531 miles · Jul 6, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR STARTED LUNGING WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND I'D HAVE TO JAM ON BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM HITTING ANOTHER CAR, BUILDING, ETC. HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN A/C IS ON ALSO. LOSES POWER ON ACCELERATION, BUT LUNGES WHEN APPLYING SLIGHT GAS IN BOTH REVERSE AND FORWARD. SCARY BEYOND BELIEF. I HAVE A HEART CONDITION, AND NEARLY FAINTE…
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MY CAR STARTED LUNGING WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND I'D HAVE TO JAM ON BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM HITTING ANOTHER CAR, BUILDING, ETC. HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN A/C IS ON ALSO. LOSES POWER ON ACCELERATION, BUT LUNGES WHEN APPLYING SLIGHT GAS IN BOTH REVERSE AND FORWARD. SCARY BEYOND BELIEF. I HAVE A HEART CONDITION, AND NEARLY FAINTED WHEN IT HAPPENED LAST TIME, AT AN INTERSECTION WITH WILD TRAFFIC, AND I HAD TO JAM THE BRAKES TO KEEP THE CAR FROM GOING INTO TRAFFIC. SEEN ENOUGH SIMILAR REPORTS ONLINE THAT MY NEXT STOP WILL BE NEWS MEDIA. PLEASE HELP US! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464416
131,000 miles · Jul 3, 2012
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPOT VERY SLOWLY AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARD ABOUT A FOOT, I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND STOP IT. THE FAIL SAFE MODE THEN ENGAGED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND SAT FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND RESTARTED IT AND STARTED BACKING OUT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, THE SURGE BACKWARD AND THE FAILSAFE …
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I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPOT VERY SLOWLY AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARD ABOUT A FOOT, I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND STOP IT. THE FAIL SAFE MODE THEN ENGAGED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND SAT FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND RESTARTED IT AND STARTED BACKING OUT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, THE SURGE BACKWARD AND THE FAILSAFE MODE ENGAGED. I ONCE AGAIN STOPPED AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND SAT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BUT I WAS ABLE TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE ALL RIGHT, AND THE FAILSAFE MODE DID NOT COME BACK ON. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY HOT 100 DEGREES DAY, AND THE A/C WAS ON. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY. I COULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10464123
88,000 miles · Jul 3, 2012
Service Brakes
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MIL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA ODI #10464063
120,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
EngineService Brakes
CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHEN IN DRIVE THRU. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND AIR CONDTIONING WAS RUNNING, CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A SURGE OF POWER CAUSING THE CAR TO LUNG FORWARD AND THEN CAR CUT OFF. THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN AUGUST OF 2008 AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ON AC…
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CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHEN IN DRIVE THRU. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND AIR CONDTIONING WAS RUNNING, CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A SURGE OF POWER CAUSING THE CAR TO LUNG FORWARD AND THEN CAR CUT OFF. THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN AUGUST OF 2008 AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ON AC UNIT, BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENING. DEALERSHIP AND FORD CONSUMER CARE WAS CONTACTED,BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM OR FIX IT. THE PROBLEM HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION NEEDED ONLY A NEW IN PUT SHAFT, BUT FORD FAILED TO TELL CUSTOMERS THAT THEY CLOSED THEIR PLANT THAT MAKES THE PARTS FOR FREESTYLE. NO INPUT SHAFT COULD BE FOUND, SO HAD TO PAY FOR A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $6000.00. AGAIN FORD WAS CONTACTED, COULD ONLY SAY OH WELL. *TT
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.
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
2
PE11018 · 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
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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