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2005 Ford Freestyle

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Freestyle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 893.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,299 reports with mileage · 160 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 587 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 447 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports

Structure complaints

61 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2025
Electrical SystemStructure

When temperature get below freezing car doors will not latch shut and come back open. Car doors work fine when temp are higher. There is a recall already for this NHTSA# 06v383000 Ford# 06545. I have a Ford Case# XXX My car was not included in recall and either should be or needs to be further investigated. I don't want my kids …

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When temperature get below freezing car doors will not latch shut and come back open. Car doors work fine when temp are higher. There is a recall already for this NHTSA# 06v383000 Ford# 06545. I have a Ford Case# XXX My car was not included in recall and either should be or needs to be further investigated. I don't want my kids falling out while I go down the highway and I can't wait 45 min for the car to warm up. This had done this all last winter and is doing it again and Ford refuses to do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11704107

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2025
Structure

PASSANGER DOOR LATCH- DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING, WILL NOT STAY CLOSED CHECKED SAID RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2006, LATCH IN NOT CLOSING

NHTSA ODI #11637411

170,000 miles · Aug 23, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance however, the contact was informed that the motor mount torque strap needed to be replaced. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact state…

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The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance however, the contact was informed that the motor mount torque strap needed to be replaced. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the motor mounts had been replaced four times. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI #11610391

75,000 miles · Jan 30, 2019
Structure

CAR DOORS WILL NOT RELATCH IN FREEZING TEMPS. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY BUT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE CAR DOOR WAS INITIALLY OPENED. IF I DRIVE TO WORK AND THE TEMP DROPS IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SEE THAT THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THIS REASON BUT MY VIN WAS NOT. OBVIOUSLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DEALERSHIP APPLIED A LU…

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CAR DOORS WILL NOT RELATCH IN FREEZING TEMPS. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY BUT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE CAR DOOR WAS INITIALLY OPENED. IF I DRIVE TO WORK AND THE TEMP DROPS IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SEE THAT THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THIS REASON BUT MY VIN WAS NOT. OBVIOUSLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DEALERSHIP APPLIED A LUBRICANT (AT MY EXPENSE) BUT THAT DID NOT WORK.

NHTSA ODI #11173037

160,000 miles · Jan 23, 2019
Structure

DOOR LATCHES FREEZE OPEN IN COLD WEATHER AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 06V383000. THE DOORS HAVE FAILED TO LATCH WHEN ENTERING THE CAR AS WELL AS IN MOTION AT 50MPH. A SEARCH OF THE CARS VIN SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS HOWEVER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS ISSUE BUT CLEARLY FALLS UNDER THE RECALL. RECALL NOTICED WAS N…

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DOOR LATCHES FREEZE OPEN IN COLD WEATHER AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 06V383000. THE DOORS HAVE FAILED TO LATCH WHEN ENTERING THE CAR AS WELL AS IN MOTION AT 50MPH. A SEARCH OF THE CARS VIN SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS HOWEVER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS ISSUE BUT CLEARLY FALLS UNDER THE RECALL. RECALL NOTICED WAS NEVER RECEIVED FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR PURCHASE AND REGISTERED IN OHIO SO IT IS UNCLEAR WHY IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THIS RECALL. FORD HAS ALSO STATED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE ISSUE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11171653

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2018
Structure

ANYTIME THE WEATHER DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES, WHICH IT MOST OFTEN DOES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN MA, MY DOOR LOCKS FREEZE. IT COULD BE RIGHT WHEN I START THE CAR OR WHILE I'M DRIVING, IT'S VERY SPORADIC. I CAN OPEN THE DOORS, BUT THEY WILL NOT CLOSE AGAIN, WHICH IS CLEARLY VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU'RE DRIVING AND THE DOOR LATCHES DO…

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ANYTIME THE WEATHER DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES, WHICH IT MOST OFTEN DOES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN MA, MY DOOR LOCKS FREEZE. IT COULD BE RIGHT WHEN I START THE CAR OR WHILE I'M DRIVING, IT'S VERY SPORADIC. I CAN OPEN THE DOORS, BUT THEY WILL NOT CLOSE AGAIN, WHICH IS CLEARLY VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU'RE DRIVING AND THE DOOR LATCHES DON'T HOLD BECAUSE OF ICE. IT SEEMS ALMOST EVERY OTHER CAR THAT IS MY YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME REASON MINE HAS NOT! NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, IT'S MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. THROW MY KUDS IN & JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST WHILE WE'RE OUT DRIVING?

NHTSA ODI #11153278

101,000 miles · Dec 24, 2017
StructureSuspension

DURING SAFETY INSPECTION, FRONT ENGINE SUBFRAME RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR WHERE STEERING GEAR IS ATTACHED. DICK MASHETER FORD IN COLUMBUS OHIO PROVIDED DIAGNOSIS WHEN PERFORMING OTHER REPAIRS. REPLACEMENT FRAME IS UNAVAILABLE FROM FORD DIRECTLY; THE ONLY ALTERNATIVES ARE GETTING A USED SUBFRAME OR HAVING A NEW PIECE OF STEEL WELDED…

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DURING SAFETY INSPECTION, FRONT ENGINE SUBFRAME RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR WHERE STEERING GEAR IS ATTACHED. DICK MASHETER FORD IN COLUMBUS OHIO PROVIDED DIAGNOSIS WHEN PERFORMING OTHER REPAIRS. REPLACEMENT FRAME IS UNAVAILABLE FROM FORD DIRECTLY; THE ONLY ALTERNATIVES ARE GETTING A USED SUBFRAME OR HAVING A NEW PIECE OF STEEL WELDED IN. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION.

NHTSA ODI #11056316

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2017
Structure

MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT IN COLD WEATHER. THE LOCKS STICK ON, AND THE DOOR BOUNCES BACK OPEN WHEN I TRY TO SHUT THE DOOR. I PAID TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCKS REPLACED, A FEW YEARS AGO. THE ISSUE STILL HAPPENED ON ALMOST EVERY COLD DAY. AROUND 15F TO 32F. THE FORD DEALER WHO REPLACEMENT THE LOCKS, GOT NEW LOCKS COVERED U…

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MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT IN COLD WEATHER. THE LOCKS STICK ON, AND THE DOOR BOUNCES BACK OPEN WHEN I TRY TO SHUT THE DOOR. I PAID TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCKS REPLACED, A FEW YEARS AGO. THE ISSUE STILL HAPPENED ON ALMOST EVERY COLD DAY. AROUND 15F TO 32F. THE FORD DEALER WHO REPLACEMENT THE LOCKS, GOT NEW LOCKS COVERED UNDER THE LOCK WARRANTY, BUT THIS ISSUE STILL HAPPENS. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR 4 YEARS. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE WITH A DRIVER SIDE DOOR THAT DOES NOT CLOSE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE DOOR CLOSED WITH MY HAND UNTIL THE DOOR LOCKS DECIDE TO UNSTICK AND I CAN CLOSE THE DOOR. THE FORD DEALER CANNOT GET THIS PROBLEM SOLVED OR FIXED EVEN AFTER 4 YEARS AND MANY MANY MANY TRIPS BACK TO THE DEALER WITH THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11054851

52,000 miles · Oct 11, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THE INSPECTOR NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO OR THREE YEARS BEFORE, RUST WAS DISCOVERED DURING ANOTHER STATE SAFETY INSPECT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THE INSPECTOR NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO OR THREE YEARS BEFORE, RUST WAS DISCOVERED DURING ANOTHER STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED WELDING WORK TO THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. PRIME FORD SACO (857 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072 (207) 282-0300) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE RUST FAILURE. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *BF UPDATED 7/26/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11032843

194,000 miles · Mar 31, 2017
SteeringStructureInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION TO THE FRONTAL LOBE OF HER HEAD AND SUSTAINED A CONTUSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10969678

Official recalls

2

06V383000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 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.

05V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

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

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

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.