TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD MOMENTARILY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH OR WHEN IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURES ONLY OCCURRED DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD MOMENTARILY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH OR WHEN IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURES ONLY OCCURRED DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10424759
105,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE STARTED SURGING WITHOUT FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS OCCURS AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN STOPPING. HAVE HAD TO RAPIDLY PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HOLD IT TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. WHEN THE SURGING OCCURS, MANY TIMES THE VEHICLE GOES INTO FAIL-SAFE ENGINE MODE WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW ONE TO SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEARS. THIS CAUSED A PR…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE STARTED SURGING WITHOUT FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS OCCURS AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN STOPPING. HAVE HAD TO RAPIDLY PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HOLD IT TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. WHEN THE SURGING OCCURS, MANY TIMES THE VEHICLE GOES INTO FAIL-SAFE ENGINE MODE WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW ONE TO SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEARS. THIS CAUSED A PROBLEM ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN CAUGHT IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. COULD NOT ACCELERATE AFTER SURGE-ENGINE DYING-FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER OCCURRENCE AND FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE WAS SOLVED BY PULLING OVER, KILLING THE MOTOR, WAITING, AND THEN RESTARTING. SURGING IS CAUSING A STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION WHICH NOW APPEARS TO HAVE SLACK IN IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424710
80,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHENEVER THE GEARS BEGAN TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DECREASE TO 35 MPH WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SLOW DOWN. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUME…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHENEVER THE GEARS BEGAN TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DECREASE TO 35 MPH WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SLOW DOWN. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE NOR WERE ANY ERROR CODES DISPLAYED. OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10424699
25,000 miles · Sep 8, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - HAPPENED INFREQUENTLY EARLY IN VEHICLES LIFE AT LOWER MILEAGE. NOW UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAPPENS MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY AND REGULARLY. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT LOW SPEED, IDLE RPM AND DURING PARKING MANEUVERS. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION/SURGE IS MOST COMMON AFTER A COLD START AND WITH STEERING INPUT. THIS BE…
Read full complaint
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - HAPPENED INFREQUENTLY EARLY IN VEHICLES LIFE AT LOWER MILEAGE. NOW UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAPPENS MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY AND REGULARLY. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT LOW SPEED, IDLE RPM AND DURING PARKING MANEUVERS. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION/SURGE IS MOST COMMON AFTER A COLD START AND WITH STEERING INPUT. THIS BEHAVIOR REQUIRES THAT I MAINTAIN ACTIVE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT, WITH THE ISSUE BECOMING WORSE WITH AGE, I MAY LOSE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE OR INJURE AN INNOCENT BYSTANDER. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 95,000 AND ISSUE HAS BECOME MARKEDLY WORSE SINCE 75,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424343
90,132 miles · Sep 7, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
A LITTLE BIT OVER A YEAR AGO HAD SEVERAL INSTANCE OF CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING WHILE PARKING IN BOTH REVERSE AND FORWARD, CAR RPM'S INCREASE AND LOWER SUDDENLY WITHOUT FOOT BEING ON ACCELERATOR AND HAVE TO HOLD FOOT MORE FRIMLY ON BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS OR ANYTHNG ELSE THAT MAY BE CLOSE, CAR THEN …
Read full complaint
A LITTLE BIT OVER A YEAR AGO HAD SEVERAL INSTANCE OF CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING WHILE PARKING IN BOTH REVERSE AND FORWARD, CAR RPM'S INCREASE AND LOWER SUDDENLY WITHOUT FOOT BEING ON ACCELERATOR AND HAVE TO HOLD FOOT MORE FRIMLY ON BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS OR ANYTHNG ELSE THAT MAY BE CLOSE, CAR THEN ENTERS INTO THE FAIL SAFE MODE WHICH IS RESET ON ENGINE RESTART. CONDITION WENT AWAY BUT IN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES. USUALLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING WHILE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE HOT (IN EXCESS OF 90 DEGREES) EVERY TIME THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS BEEN ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424146
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE HAS SEVERE LUNGING WHEN AT IDLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE IN REVERSE OR IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE LUNGES SEVERELY AND UNEXPECTEDLY AND BRAKE MUST BE APPLIED VERY HEAVILY TO STOP IT. I HAVE TRIED TURNING OFF HE AC, HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUND LITTLE TO NO RELIEF WHEN I DO THIS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL NEAR MISSES WHEN SITTING…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HAS SEVERE LUNGING WHEN AT IDLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE IN REVERSE OR IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE LUNGES SEVERELY AND UNEXPECTEDLY AND BRAKE MUST BE APPLIED VERY HEAVILY TO STOP IT. I HAVE TRIED TURNING OFF HE AC, HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUND LITTLE TO NO RELIEF WHEN I DO THIS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL NEAR MISSES WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK, INCLUDING ALMOST HITTING A PEDESTRIAN IN A PARKING LOT. I HAVE CONTACTED MY FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND AM TOLD THERE IS NO EVIDENCE AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THAT FORD HAS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424064
141,300 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE'S BRAKES WERE PRESSED AT A STOP WHEN SUDDEN VEHICLE MOVEMENT OUT OF MY CONTROL APPEARED. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST HIT A PERSON IN FRONT OF ME! THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AND WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE MODE." THIS WAS VERY SCARY AND COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT SOMEONE! THERE WAS A SUDDEN RPM INCREASE AND WAS VERY …
Read full complaint
VEHICLE'S BRAKES WERE PRESSED AT A STOP WHEN SUDDEN VEHICLE MOVEMENT OUT OF MY CONTROL APPEARED. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST HIT A PERSON IN FRONT OF ME! THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AND WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE MODE." THIS WAS VERY SCARY AND COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT SOMEONE! THERE WAS A SUDDEN RPM INCREASE AND WAS VERY SCARY! DEALER SAYS IT IS A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS VIA RECALL!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423951
98,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
ENGINE / SPEED SURGING ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKING. WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE ENGINE MODERATES ONLY SLIGHTLY BUT CAR LURCHES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THREE DIFFERENT DRIVERS OF THE SAME CAR, SAME DAY, SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. EXTRA PRESSURE WAS NEEDED ON BRAKE TO PREVENT CAR FROM HITTING OTHER CARS IN PARKING LOT. . . . CIR…
Read full complaint
ENGINE / SPEED SURGING ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKING. WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE ENGINE MODERATES ONLY SLIGHTLY BUT CAR LURCHES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THREE DIFFERENT DRIVERS OF THE SAME CAR, SAME DAY, SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. EXTRA PRESSURE WAS NEEDED ON BRAKE TO PREVENT CAR FROM HITTING OTHER CARS IN PARKING LOT. . . . CIRCUMSTANCES: HOT DAY ( 90+ F), AIR CONDITIONING ON, ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED WHILE MANEUVERING INTO / OUT FROM PARKING, TURNING WHEEL OR HOLDING WHEEL TURNED DURING MANEUVER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423823
100,222 miles · Sep 4, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
CAR AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH FOOT OFF GAS PEDALS MOVES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY AND RPMS JUMP TO 2000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423204
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
-COMPONENT- THROTTLE BODY!!!!! THE CAR MOVE UP HALF A FOOT FORWARD WITH OUT ME DOING ANYTHING AND BACK AS WELL? *TR
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.
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
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.
2005 Ford Freestyle Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration