NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
587 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 29, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO IT STARTED LURCHING/LUNGING IN FORWARD AND REVERSE. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU RUN THE AC. IF YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE THE MOTOR RACES AND WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE IT LURCHES. WE THOUGHT IT WAS OUR TRANSMISSION AND PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN, AND OF COURSE THAT WAS N…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO IT STARTED LURCHING/LUNGING IN FORWARD AND REVERSE. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU RUN THE AC. IF YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE THE MOTOR RACES AND WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE IT LURCHES. WE THOUGHT IT WAS OUR TRANSMISSION AND PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN, AND OF COURSE THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RESULTS. EVIDENTLY MOST EVERYONE THAT OWNS THIS CAR IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO MAN UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PARTS THAT FORD PUT ON THE CAR AND THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT. I AM SO TIRED OF DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HIT A CAR IN THE DRIVE THRU OF A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. LUCKILY THE CAR I HIT ALREADY HAD A TORN UP BUMPER OR THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE MORE EXPENSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK WITH. FIX THIS PROBLEM FORD!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459916
84,250 miles · May 29, 2012
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
AFTER QUICKLY CROSSING TRAFFIC AND ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY (WHICH IS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE) I RELEASED THE GAS ON ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKE. JUST BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE LURCHED. IT DIDN'T LURCH FAR, BUT ENOUGH FOR ME TO RAPIDLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN SURPRISE. ONE ITEM OF NOTE--THE LOW FUEL INDI…
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AFTER QUICKLY CROSSING TRAFFIC AND ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY (WHICH IS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE) I RELEASED THE GAS ON ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKE. JUST BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE LURCHED. IT DIDN'T LURCH FAR, BUT ENOUGH FOR ME TO RAPIDLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN SURPRISE. ONE ITEM OF NOTE--THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR WAS ON AND MY NEXT STOP WAS TO GET GAS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459902
114,000 miles · May 29, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE STOPPED AT DRIVE THRU WINDOW, VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET, HAS HAPPENED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459875
70,000 miles · May 25, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10459702
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN COMPLETELY IDLE, STILL IN DRIVE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, RPM'S SURGE AND CAR LURCHES FORWARD 2-3 TIMES BEFORE DYING AND INDICATING "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" ON INFO PANEL. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE (IN TEXAS IS OFTEN) AND A/C ON MAX. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN GOING THROUGH PICK UP LINE AT MY KIDS SCHOOL OR AT A LIGHT IN…
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WHEN COMPLETELY IDLE, STILL IN DRIVE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, RPM'S SURGE AND CAR LURCHES FORWARD 2-3 TIMES BEFORE DYING AND INDICATING "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" ON INFO PANEL. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE (IN TEXAS IS OFTEN) AND A/C ON MAX. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN GOING THROUGH PICK UP LINE AT MY KIDS SCHOOL OR AT A LIGHT IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE I COULD HIT ANOTHER CAR OR A CHILD IF MY FOOT IS NOT FIRMLY PRESSING THE BRAKE DOWN AS THE SURGE STARTS. CAN ONLY BE FIXED AT DEALERSHIP AND QUOTED AROUND $900. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10459354
100,000 miles · May 9, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM PARK, MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WILL LUNGE UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS EVERYTIME, BUT HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH TO POSE A SAFETY RISK TO OTHERS AND THOSE IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10457875
40,000 miles · May 3, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
CAR LUNGES WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND SOMETIMES EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED, IT LUNGES FORWARD OR BACK SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO PARK OR REVERSE FROM PARKING. THE LUNGING STARTS HAPPEN WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, SUMMER MONTHS, AND ALWAYS IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. THE LUNGING STARTED OFF SMALL IN THE BEGINNING, NOW ITS AT A POINT TH…
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CAR LUNGES WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND SOMETIMES EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED, IT LUNGES FORWARD OR BACK SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO PARK OR REVERSE FROM PARKING. THE LUNGING STARTS HAPPEN WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, SUMMER MONTHS, AND ALWAYS IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. THE LUNGING STARTED OFF SMALL IN THE BEGINNING, NOW ITS AT A POINT THAT IT STALLS MY CAR. I HAVE ALMOST RUN INTO SOMEONE WHILE I WAS BACKING UP BECAUSE THE CAR LUNGED EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. I FEEL INCREDIBLY UNSAFE DRIVING IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, I AM AFRAID TO TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, BECAUSE THE LUNGING HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY. LUNGING HAS INCREASED FROM 2009 TO PRESENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10457429
60,000 miles · Apr 30, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/05/…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE WHEN STOPPED AND WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AFTER BEING STOPPED. UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10456891
40,000 miles · Apr 25, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
SCARY CAR. A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN CAR IS IDLE/FOOT ON BRAKE THE CAR WOULD SURGE FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THIS IS CREEPY. FIRST TIME HAPPENED WHEN PARKING IN FRONT OF A WALL. LUCKILY, I HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO NOT HIT THE FRONT. I JUST CAME HOME AND ROLLED INTO PARKING SPACE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE BUT OUT OF NOWHERE IT JUST WENT B…
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SCARY CAR. A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN CAR IS IDLE/FOOT ON BRAKE THE CAR WOULD SURGE FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THIS IS CREEPY. FIRST TIME HAPPENED WHEN PARKING IN FRONT OF A WALL. LUCKILY, I HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO NOT HIT THE FRONT. I JUST CAME HOME AND ROLLED INTO PARKING SPACE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE BUT OUT OF NOWHERE IT JUST WENT BY ITSELF SO MY NATURAL RESPONSE WAS TO BRAKE REALLY HARD. IT SLOWED THE SURGING, BUT DANG IT! IT SCARED THE BEGEZZY OUT OF ME. IF I WASN'T ALERT, I THINK THAT WALL WOULD DAMAGE THE FRONT CAR...LET ALONE HIT SOMEONE(S) IF THEY ARE IN FRONT OF THIS IDLE CAR. SECOND TIME WHEN MY HUSBAND ROLLED INTO THE MALL'S PARKING SPACE AND IT DID IT TOO. I SAT NEXT TO HIM AND IT WAS JUST FREAKY WEIRD. IT HAPPENED 3 OTHER TIMES ALSO. FORD BETTER RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM SEEING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE POSTED ONLINE ALREADY. I HAD TO LOOK IT UP ONLINE AND FOUND A MAJOR CAR MAGAZINE STATED IT WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM. IF THEY DON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, I THINK I WILL HAVE TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER CAR MAKER. THIS FORD FREESTYLE 2005 AWD LIMITED IS A SCARY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456500
86,000 miles · Apr 18, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING OR MANEUVERING AT LOW SPEEDS. FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE LIGHTLY AND VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED BUT IT WASN'T. CAR UNDER CONTROL WITH APPLIED BREAK BUT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT IF LATE APPLYING BREAK. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455656
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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