NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
61 reportsClear category filter129,000 miles · Jun 9, 2014
StructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL ON THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND CONTAINED HOLES. AS A RESULT OF THE HOLES, FUMES SEEPED INTO THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BECOME ILL. THE HOLES ALSO CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME WET WHEN IT RAINED AND COLLECT SALT WHEN IT SNOWED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL ON THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND CONTAINED HOLES. AS A RESULT OF THE HOLES, FUMES SEEPED INTO THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BECOME ILL. THE HOLES ALSO CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME WET WHEN IT RAINED AND COLLECT SALT WHEN IT SNOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA ODI #10597197
55,000 miles · Feb 26, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
I WAS SENT THE RECALL FOR DOOR LATCHES FREEZING AND DOORS NOT CLOSING SECURELY AND/OR DOORS OPENING. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE AT FORD DEALER. THE FOLLOWING WINTER WAS MILD AND DOORS WERE NOT WET IN BELOW FREEZING DAYS/NIGHTS ETC THE FOLLOWING YEARS DOORS STILL CONTINUED TO OPEN AND NOT LATCH SHUT WHEN WET AND BELOW FREEZING. F…
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I WAS SENT THE RECALL FOR DOOR LATCHES FREEZING AND DOORS NOT CLOSING SECURELY AND/OR DOORS OPENING. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE AT FORD DEALER. THE FOLLOWING WINTER WAS MILD AND DOORS WERE NOT WET IN BELOW FREEZING DAYS/NIGHTS ETC THE FOLLOWING YEARS DOORS STILL CONTINUED TO OPEN AND NOT LATCH SHUT WHEN WET AND BELOW FREEZING. FOLLOWING THIS DISCOVERY I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THEY SAID "WE DID THE RECALL WORK AND THAT'S ALL WE ARE DOING" I TOLD THEM IT DID NOT FIX ANYTHING --THEY SAID ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS JUNK AT EVERY LEVEL BUT DOORS NOT CLOSING IS THEIR PROBLEM - PLEASE MAKE THEM RE-RECALL THIS ISSUE!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566179
120,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure
CAR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS. THIRD ROW DRIVER SIDE CUP HOLDERS STAY FULL OF WATER, I PULLED PLUG BELOW SPARE TIRE TO KEEP WATER FROM FILLING UP AND RUSTING THE TIRE. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS CAR LEAKING. NOW THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS DAMAGED, THE REVERSE LIGHTS STAY ON, AND THE TAILLIGHTS SOMETIMES HAVE WATER IN THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561641
65,000 miles · Dec 12, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLDER TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT RAINS, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLDER TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT RAINS, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. . ..UPDATED 03-12-14 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10555871
117,000 miles · Aug 13, 2013
EnginePower TrainStructureCrash
MY FREESTYLE SURGES AND LUNGES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. I HIT A CAR WHILE TRYING TO BACK UP AND PARK BECAUSE THE CAR SURGED AND ACCELERATED INTO REVERSE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM IN 2 YEARS AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. I ALMOST HIT PEOPLE IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN SURGE AND ACCE…
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MY FREESTYLE SURGES AND LUNGES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. I HIT A CAR WHILE TRYING TO BACK UP AND PARK BECAUSE THE CAR SURGED AND ACCELERATED INTO REVERSE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM IN 2 YEARS AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. I ALMOST HIT PEOPLE IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN SURGE AND ACCELERATION. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND UNPREDICTABLE. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED! ENGINE MOUNT WAS ALSO CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AS IN MANY OF THE OTHER CASES IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535197
85,000 miles · Jul 11, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER WOULD ACCUMULATE ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EXCESSIVE WATER SEEPED THROUGH THE DOOR PANEL. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V383000 (LATCHES…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER WOULD ACCUMULATE ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EXCESSIVE WATER SEEPED THROUGH THE DOOR PANEL. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); HOWEVER THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10524330
40,760 miles · Jun 2, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
I WENT IN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC FOR TIRE ROTATION AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE MOTOR CRADLE WAS RUSTING OUT WITH A BIG HOLE IN THE CRADLE FRAME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514749
65,000 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
I FILED A COMPLAINT ON JANUARY 3RD, 2012 AND NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE REGARDING THIS. IT IS STILL HAPPENING AND IS STILL AN ISSUE. MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 10442220. I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEA…
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I FILED A COMPLAINT ON JANUARY 3RD, 2012 AND NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE REGARDING THIS. IT IS STILL HAPPENING AND IS STILL AN ISSUE. MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 10442220. I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504433
78,000 miles · Mar 12, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)StructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
CAR STALLS DAILY THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING, DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY STILL STALLS, ANOTHER DEALER CLEANED THE MAF AND CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND CHANGE CVT TRANSMISSION FLUID, STILL STALLING. NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY IT IS A COMMON DEFECT WITH FORD AND VERY DANGEROUS SOME ONE WILL GET KILLED BECAUSE OF IT. MY CVT T…
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CAR STALLS DAILY THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING, DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY STILL STALLS, ANOTHER DEALER CLEANED THE MAF AND CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND CHANGE CVT TRANSMISSION FLUID, STILL STALLING. NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY IT IS A COMMON DEFECT WITH FORD AND VERY DANGEROUS SOME ONE WILL GET KILLED BECAUSE OF IT. MY CVT TRANSMISSION START TO SLIP AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502573
97,000 miles · Feb 21, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCHES FROZE AND THE DOORS COULD NOT BE COMPLETELY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #10499572
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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