NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
587 reportsClear category filter90,000 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING FURTHER BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS SOON AS HER FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS N…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING FURTHER BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS SOON AS HER FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 7/19/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED A MECHANIC CLEANED THE THROTTLE AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AT A COST OF $168. IT IS WORKING BETTER NOW. UPDATED 07/23/12
NHTSA ODI #10464318
80,000 miles · Jul 3, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS. IN ALMOST EVERY OCCURRENCE THAT I CAN REMEMBER, I HAVE EITHER BEEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING "CATCHES" AND THE FREESTYLE MOVES A FEW MORE MILES PER HOUR SUDDENLY. IT'S HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHEN IN DRIVE THAN WHEN T…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS. IN ALMOST EVERY OCCURRENCE THAT I CAN REMEMBER, I HAVE EITHER BEEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING "CATCHES" AND THE FREESTYLE MOVES A FEW MORE MILES PER HOUR SUDDENLY. IT'S HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHEN IN DRIVE THAN WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE. THE ISSUE DOES MAKE ME WORRY ABOUT RUNNING INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR OR INTO MY GARAGE WALL, BUT I TRY TO BE READY FOR IT AND HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE SUDDEN MOMENTUM. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10464163
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 …
Read full complaint
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
118,000 miles · Jul 3, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAD BEEN FOLLOWING A FRIEND ON IH10 IN EAST TEXAS. FRIEND HAD PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, I PULLED IN BEHIND HIM. I STAYED IN MY CAR WITH AC RUNNING FOR APPROX 10 MINUTES I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED TH…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAD BEEN FOLLOWING A FRIEND ON IH10 IN EAST TEXAS. FRIEND HAD PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, I PULLED IN BEHIND HIM. I STAYED IN MY CAR WITH AC RUNNING FOR APPROX 10 MINUTES I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. MY FRIEND SAW ME AND PULLED HIS VEHICLE OVER AND CAME BACK TO CHECK ON ME. I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY THE ACCELERATOR WAS RACING EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE COMPUTER SAID IT WAS RUNNING IN SAFE MODE. ON JULY 2 2012 I TOOK MY SON TO AIRPORT. I PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT ,WE HAD SET IN THE CAR IN PARK WITH ENGINE AND AC RUNNING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES.. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK AND WITH MY BRAKES STILL APPLIED THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD ACCELERATOR RUNNING FULL FORCE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT ENGAGED BY ME AND I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND OPERATING IN SAFE MODE. THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND I THINK COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT HAD ANY CARS BEEN AROUND ME. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT, HAVE AN APPT TO BRING IT BACK IN ON JULY 9 TO HAVE THEM FIX IT. I GOT ON THE WEBSITE OF FORD TODAY FOR ANY RECALLS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CALLED FOR MY CAR-DIDN'T SEE ANY FOR THIS TYPE PROBLEM. HOWEVER IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAD REPORTED IT. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED-AND I PRAY ITS NOT ME. THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING ME $85 TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC THEY ALREADY KNOWS EXISTS. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED OR FIXED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10464082
114,345 miles · Jul 2, 2012
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I PUT CAR IN REVERSE, DRIVE, OR WHEN CAR IS SITTING IDLE THERE IS A SUDDEN ABRUPT THROTTLE IN THE TRANSMISSION GAS. THE ACCELERATION IS SO ABRUPT THAT IT CAUSES THE CAR TO MOVE WITH FORCE WITHOUT HAVING TO PRESS THE GAS. THERE WERE A FEW INCIDENCES WHERE I ALMOST RAMMED THE OBJECTS IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME, FROM THE SUDDEN …
Read full complaint
WHEN I PUT CAR IN REVERSE, DRIVE, OR WHEN CAR IS SITTING IDLE THERE IS A SUDDEN ABRUPT THROTTLE IN THE TRANSMISSION GAS. THE ACCELERATION IS SO ABRUPT THAT IT CAUSES THE CAR TO MOVE WITH FORCE WITHOUT HAVING TO PRESS THE GAS. THERE WERE A FEW INCIDENCES WHERE I ALMOST RAMMED THE OBJECTS IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME, FROM THE SUDDEN THROTTLES/ACCELERATION. IVE NOTICED THAT IF IM SITTING BEHIND THE WHEEL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BREAK AND IF I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. *JS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10463957
89,000 miles · Jun 30, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
WITH THE A/C ON FULL (VERY HOT DAY OUTSIDE), WHEN STOPPING OR STARTING TO REVERSE, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD TWICE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463843
71,456 miles · Jun 28, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,456 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,200.
NHTSA ODI #10463392
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNSURE OF THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNSURE OF THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10463270
95,000 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LAST TWO OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED,THE VEHICLE STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LAST TWO OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED,THE VEHICLE STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10463204
70,000 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH THE SYMBOL OF A WRENCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH THE SYMBOL OF A WRENCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10463141
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.
Illustration