NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
587 reportsClear category filter105,600 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT (1000 MILES FROM HOME) AND MY 2005 FREESTYLE LURCHED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEN THE WRENCH LIGHT AND FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE WARNINGS APPEARED ON THE DASH. I CAREFULLY DRIVE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART WAS IN NA…
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I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT (1000 MILES FROM HOME) AND MY 2005 FREESTYLE LURCHED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEN THE WRENCH LIGHT AND FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE WARNINGS APPEARED ON THE DASH. I CAREFULLY DRIVE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART WAS IN NATIONAL BACKORDER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348353
59,994 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE ENGINE SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE ENGINE SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59994. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61000.
NHTSA ODI #10348322
120,000 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2005 FORD FREETSTYLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN GEAR AND SOMETIMES WHEN SITTING AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. ALSO LUNGES BACKWARD WHEN IN REVERSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348275
36,000 miles · Aug 5, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. SHE CONTINUED DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSING THE FAILURE BUT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. SHE CONTINUED DEPRESSING THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSING THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE PROPERLY DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #10347417
75,000 miles · Aug 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
2005 FORD FREESTYLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, QUICK ACCELERATION ON ITS OWN DURING IDLE OR AS SOON AS YOU LET GO OF THE BRAKE, DEALER HAS ALREADY LOOKED AT VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THROTTLE BODY, CLEANED, NEW AIRFILTERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THIS HAS BEEN AN OCCURRING PROBLEM FOR HE LAST 5 MONTHS VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES AND THE DEAL…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, QUICK ACCELERATION ON ITS OWN DURING IDLE OR AS SOON AS YOU LET GO OF THE BRAKE, DEALER HAS ALREADY LOOKED AT VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THROTTLE BODY, CLEANED, NEW AIRFILTERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THIS HAS BEEN AN OCCURRING PROBLEM FOR HE LAST 5 MONTHS VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES AND THE DEALER MENTIONED THEY HAVE 6 OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347397
40,000 miles · Aug 4, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD SPORADICALLY SURGE BEFORE INDEPENDENTLY SHUTTING OFF. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD SPORADICALLY SURGE BEFORE INDEPENDENTLY SHUTTING OFF. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #10347349
40,000 miles · Aug 4, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. SPORADICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN THE CAR HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS ONLY WHILE IT IS HOT, WENT TO LOCAL DEALER AND TH…
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WHEN ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. SPORADICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN THE CAR HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS ONLY WHILE IT IS HOT, WENT TO LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. I HAVE NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. I T SEEMS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347347
61,500 miles · Aug 4, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND ON OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STALL, THE CONTACT W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND ON OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STALL, THE CONTACT WOULD ABRUPTLY APPLY THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO PARK TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL WIRES. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN THREE DAYS AFTER REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10347324
72,000 miles · Aug 4, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlInjury
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND NUMEROUS TIMES IT HAS LUNGED WHEN I WAS IN A STOPPING POSITION IN MANY OCCASIONS. WHEN I AM IN THE CAR AND IN DRIVE WITH THE BRAKES ON THE CAR WILL INSTANTLY REV UP AND MOVE FORWARD. ONE OCCASION I WAS AT A DRIVE THRU AND THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY HIT A POLE IN THE DRIVE THREW. ANOTHER TI…
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I CURRENTLY OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND NUMEROUS TIMES IT HAS LUNGED WHEN I WAS IN A STOPPING POSITION IN MANY OCCASIONS. WHEN I AM IN THE CAR AND IN DRIVE WITH THE BRAKES ON THE CAR WILL INSTANTLY REV UP AND MOVE FORWARD. ONE OCCASION I WAS AT A DRIVE THRU AND THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY HIT A POLE IN THE DRIVE THREW. ANOTHER TIME, MY WIFE WAS WALKING AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT MY WIFE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND ONE PERSON HIT SOMEONE IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. AT TIMES THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND WHEN THE GAS IS PUSHED. I WILL PUSH THE GAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WILL ONLY GO 3-7 MILES AN HOUR. AFTER READING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IT SEEMS THAT IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY ON THE FORD FREESTYLE. FORTUNATELY MY WIFE DID NOT GET SERIOUSLY HURT, JUST A MINOR BRUISE, HOWEVER I FORESEE SOMETHING HAPPENING. NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY BUT FORD STATES THIS PRODUCT IS ON BACK ORDER AND IS UNKNOWN WHEN IT WILL ARRIVE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT OF FORDS VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347244
71,000 miles · Aug 3, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD ABNORMALLY INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE CONTROL WAS YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD ABNORMALLY INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE CONTROL WAS YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT AND AFTER LONG DRIVES. UPDATED 11/04/10 ONLY ONCE OCCURANCE SINCE NEW THROTTLE BODY REPLACED, THAT AFTER A 6 HOUR DRIVE IN HIGH HEAT, SITTING AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE STARTED REVVING. SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED, WAS OK; NO OCCURENCES SINCE THEN. SMCH
NHTSA ODI #10347091
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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