NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
61 reportsClear category filter77,000 miles · Oct 27, 2011
Power TrainStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #10433012
69,269 miles · Aug 21, 2011
Structure
1. ANY TIME IT RAINS 2. PASSENGER CARGO FLOOR IS SWAMPED WITH WATER CREATING MILDEW AND RUST IN CAR 3. VACUUMED OUT BUT WATER RETURNED BECAUSE IT SETTLES IN THE FRAME OF THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10420900
52,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
1- THE ENGINE CRADLE TOTALLY RUSTED OUT REPLACEMENT EST. 3,000.00 . DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED 2-THE HOOD IS PITTED DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED EST.1000.00 3- RADIATOR COOLANT TUBE MADE FROM STEEL RUSTED OUT AND COOLANT LEAKED . EST 250.00 4-DOOR LATCHES FAIL IN COLD WEATHER DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED .DEALER SAYS ITS BEEN FIXED UN…
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1- THE ENGINE CRADLE TOTALLY RUSTED OUT REPLACEMENT EST. 3,000.00 . DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED 2-THE HOOD IS PITTED DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED EST.1000.00 3- RADIATOR COOLANT TUBE MADE FROM STEEL RUSTED OUT AND COOLANT LEAKED . EST 250.00 4-DOOR LATCHES FAIL IN COLD WEATHER DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED .DEALER SAYS ITS BEEN FIXED UNDER RECALL .ITS STILL A PROBLEM .
NHTSA ODI #10412706
51,000 miles · Jun 22, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
THE VEHICLE ON A VERY HOT DAY 95 DEGREES OUT WITH THE A/C ON HIGH WAS PUT INTO REVERSE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARDS AND WENT INTO SAFETY MODE. HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME IN SAFETY MODE. MY WIFE SAYS IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES TO HER ALSO. THE UPPER MOTOR MOUNT ON THE ENGINE HAS TOTALLY FELL APART, THE RUBBER…
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THE VEHICLE ON A VERY HOT DAY 95 DEGREES OUT WITH THE A/C ON HIGH WAS PUT INTO REVERSE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARDS AND WENT INTO SAFETY MODE. HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME IN SAFETY MODE. MY WIFE SAYS IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES TO HER ALSO. THE UPPER MOTOR MOUNT ON THE ENGINE HAS TOTALLY FELL APART, THE RUBBER BUSHING DRIED OUT AND IS GONE. CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THE PART IS $230.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10408462
76,000 miles · Dec 27, 2010
StructureSuspension
2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL. 76,000 MILES. RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM SHEERED OFF FROM FRAME AT MOUNTING POINT WHILE TRAVELING AT ~20 MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE FAILURE POINT WAS THE SHEET METAL ON THE FRAME WHERE THE CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO, NOT THE ACTUAL CONTROL ARM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372524
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineStructure
ON MAY 2009, THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AFTER HITTING A BAD POT HOLE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. ON JULY 1, 2009 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR A BRIEF TIME. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE AND SAID IT APPEARED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH AN OVERSENSITIVE FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE. WHENEVER WE HIT A BUM…
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ON MAY 2009, THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AFTER HITTING A BAD POT HOLE. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. ON JULY 1, 2009 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR A BRIEF TIME. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE AND SAID IT APPEARED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH AN OVERSENSITIVE FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE. WHENEVER WE HIT A BUMP NOW, THE CAR THREATENS TO STALL AND THEN SURGES. IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. IT STALLED RECENTLY, IN AUGUST 2010, WHEN BACKING UP VERY SLOWLY, BUT RESTARTED. THE CAR DOES NOT FEEL RELIABLE. ALSO, WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND IT RAINS, THE BACK OF THE CAR IS FLOODED DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE DRAINAGE AROUND THE MOON ROOF. THIS HAS LED TO RUSTING IN THE SPARE TIRE AREA, WHICH WE WERE TOLD IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355053
40,000 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Structure
WATER LEAKING ON DRIVERS SIDE HEAD AROUND MOONROOF, SOAKING DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR, POURING OUT OF DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHEN OPENED, COLLECTING IN SPARE TIRE WELL. AFTER 4 VISITS TO DEALER, STILL UNABLE TO REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343397
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2009
StructureVisibility
WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAK INSIDE THE CAR CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS OF THE CAR TO FOG REAL BAD. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF I - 65 BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WINDOWS FOGGED SO FAST THAT I COULD NOT SEE THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPEN TO US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295536
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2009
Structure
A DEFECT IN FORD FREESTYLE 2005. BASICALLY, INTERIOR LEAK THAT IS HIDDEN UNTIL A PERSON HAS A NEED TO LOOK AT THE SPARE TIRE IN THE TRUNK AREA. I NOTICED MOISTURE MONTHS AGO, BUT FIGURED THAT IT WAS RAIN WATER THAT FELL IN WHEN I OPENED THE HATCH. RECENTLY, I NEEDED TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND FIGURED THAT IT WAS TIME …
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A DEFECT IN FORD FREESTYLE 2005. BASICALLY, INTERIOR LEAK THAT IS HIDDEN UNTIL A PERSON HAS A NEED TO LOOK AT THE SPARE TIRE IN THE TRUNK AREA. I NOTICED MOISTURE MONTHS AGO, BUT FIGURED THAT IT WAS RAIN WATER THAT FELL IN WHEN I OPENED THE HATCH. RECENTLY, I NEEDED TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND FIGURED THAT IT WAS TIME TO VACUUM, ETC., SINCE I MAINTAIN MY PROPERTY. SURE ENOUGH, THERE HAS BEEN RUSTING AND ROTTING--HIDDEN--FOR A LONG TIME. THE CARPETS WERE WETTER--AND SINCE I DRIVE WITH SHOES ON, I NEVER DETECTED THE MOISTURE THROUGHOUT THE FLOOR AREA--FROM DRIVING AREA DOWN TO THE TRUNK--MOSTLY ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE IS TREMENDOUS RUST ON THE SPARE AND IN THE SPARE COMPARTMENT--THE CARPETING IS MOLDY UNDERNEATH AND THE FLOOR BOARD HAS BEEN DESTROYED BY RECURRENT WATER DAMAGE/MOLD. I NOTICED THAT BROWN MARKS ON THE CARPET WERE NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BUT RUST STAINS. THIS WOULD REMAIN A HIDDEN PROBLEM IF I DID NOT ACTUALLY PULL UP SOME CARPET AND LOOK. I CHECKED ON-LINE AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO COMPLAIN OF TREMENDOUS LEAKAGE--THROUGHOUT THE 2005 MODEL. MANY OF THESE CANNOT BE FOUND OR REPAIRED. THIS CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS MOLD AND RUST DAMAGE AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO LIFE SAVING FEATURES SUCH AS BRAKES, ETC. THE CAR RECEIVED A GREAT REVIEW SO MY EX-HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED IT. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THEY WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER HELPING ME HERE SINCE I REPORTED THE PROBLEM AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. MIND YOU, IF I HAD MONEY FOR A FORENSIC SCIENTIST TO ASSESS THE DAWN OF THE DAMAGE, I AM SURE THAT THE RUST WOULD TELL A TALE THAT CLAIMS LEAKAGE HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE FOR YEARS. I BELIEVE THAT THESE CARS SEEM TO BE TIME BOMBS WAITING TO DECONSTRUCT. THERE ARE MANY ON-LINE SITES WHERE PEOPLE REPORT LEAKAGE. THERE ARE MANY T.B.A.S FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT LEAKAGE IS NOT ONE OF THEM, ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DEAL UNLESS FORCED TO DO SO. I READ AT LEAST 50 DESCRIPTIONS OF WATER/LEAKAGE TO BODY/ROTTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293654
25,000 miles · Jun 30, 2008
Structure
ONE OF THE TWO GAS CHARGED LIFT GATE SUPPORTS THAT HOLD THE BACK HATCH FAILED. THE LIFT GATE WILL NO LONGER STAY UP. LUCKILY THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE LIFT GATE WAS ALREADY CLOSED AND NOT WHEN IT WAS OPEN IN THE RAISED POSITION BECAUSE THE LIFT GATE IS QUITE HEAVY AND COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE SOMEONE HAD IT FELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232777
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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