NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports100,000 miles · May 4, 2011
Electrical System
2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL HAS LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF COMPLETELY TWICE. BOTH TIMES, I TURNED THE AC AND RADIO OFF AND IT STARTED BACK UP IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN SURGE OTHERS HAVE DESCRIBED WHEN SLOWING AT AN INTERSECTION FOR A STOP SIGN AND IT DOES REQUIRE A QUICK HARD BREAK TO KEEP FROM ENTERING THE IN…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL HAS LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF COMPLETELY TWICE. BOTH TIMES, I TURNED THE AC AND RADIO OFF AND IT STARTED BACK UP IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN SURGE OTHERS HAVE DESCRIBED WHEN SLOWING AT AN INTERSECTION FOR A STOP SIGN AND IT DOES REQUIRE A QUICK HARD BREAK TO KEEP FROM ENTERING THE INTERSECTION. BOTH OF THESE EVENTS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399124
37,000 miles · Apr 14, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
REAR BRAKES ON MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN. HAVE APPROX. 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE, NOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES 5 TIMES ON THIS CAR. IT IS AN ODD SIZE TIRE SO IT IS HARD TO FIND DECENT ONES FOR THE SNOW AND THEY CAN BE REALLY EXPENSIVE IF YOU …
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REAR BRAKES ON MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN. HAVE APPROX. 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE, NOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES 5 TIMES ON THIS CAR. IT IS AN ODD SIZE TIRE SO IT IS HARD TO FIND DECENT ONES FOR THE SNOW AND THEY CAN BE REALLY EXPENSIVE IF YOU DO FIND THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395942
97,121 miles · Apr 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
CAR SURGES THEN STALLS THEN GOES INTO LIMP MODE. HAPPENS ONCE A MONTH OR MORE. IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT SEEMS TO CLEAR AND WORK FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395545
86,100 miles · Apr 1, 2011
Power Train
USUALLY FROM A DEAD STOP OR WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTING DOWN AS I BEGIN TO STOP, IT WILL REV ON IT'S OWN AND LURCH. MANY TIMES FROM A DEAD STOP THE CAR HAS REVED AND LURCHED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE AND SEEMS RANDOM. I BELIEVE THE DIFFICULTY LIES IN THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH FORD REFUSES TO PRODUCE A RECALL O…
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USUALLY FROM A DEAD STOP OR WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTING DOWN AS I BEGIN TO STOP, IT WILL REV ON IT'S OWN AND LURCH. MANY TIMES FROM A DEAD STOP THE CAR HAS REVED AND LURCHED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE AND SEEMS RANDOM. I BELIEVE THE DIFFICULTY LIES IN THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH FORD REFUSES TO PRODUCE A RECALL ON AND HAS HAD DIFFICULTY BUILDING REPLACEMENT PARTS SO MANY OF US ARE STUCK WITH UNSAFE VEHICLES. TODAY, THE CAR REVED AND LURCHED AND THE "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE" CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST POWER. I REFUSE TO LET MY TEENAGED CHILDREN DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND FEAR THAT THE PROBLEM WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10393999
40,000 miles · Mar 29, 2011
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED THE TORQUE MOUNT FOR THE ENGINE WAS BROKEN. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TORQUE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE COSTS OF REPAIRS. TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED THE TORQUE MOUNT FOR THE ENGINE WAS BROKEN. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TORQUE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE COSTS OF REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #10393629
46,000 miles · Mar 25, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR, THE REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CLUSTER MODULE BEING DEFECTIVE AND N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR, THE REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CLUSTER MODULE BEING DEFECTIVE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 05/04/11 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10392926
65,000 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Electrical SystemPower Train
OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 SUMMERS, THE 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WOULD SURGE WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION OR SLOWING DURING THE APPROACH. THE SURGE WAS A RAPID ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRED A HEAVY, OR A QUICK BRAKE. A QUICK RESPONSE WAS REQUIRED TO AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION, ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, OR STRIKING A …
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OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 SUMMERS, THE 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WOULD SURGE WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION OR SLOWING DURING THE APPROACH. THE SURGE WAS A RAPID ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRED A HEAVY, OR A QUICK BRAKE. A QUICK RESPONSE WAS REQUIRED TO AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION, ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, OR STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN. THE SURGES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE CAR HAD GONE INTO A "FAIL-SAFE" MODE WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE-THRU. I BEGAN USING THE AC SPARINGLY AND WOULD TURN OFF THE AC COMPLETELY WHEN DRIVING IN THE CITY OR APPROACHING AND INTERSECTION. HOWEVER, WHILE APPROACHING A TURN ON A STATE ROUTE, WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTDOWN LEAVING THE VEHICLE EXPOSED TO ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATION. AROUND THE SAME TIME TOYOTA WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH "RUN-AWAY" VEHICLES, I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ALERTING THEM OF THIS HAZARD. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE "COMPUTER" COULD NOT/DID NOT SHOW ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE "FAIL-SAFE". ON-LINE, IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS. DUE TO THE SEASON, I WILL NOT KNOW IF THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. I'M HOPING THAT THE FAMILY ISN'T IN THE CAR IF IT WASN'T. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10386840
68,000 miles · Feb 23, 2011
Power Train
BOUGHT OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE NEW. SUMMER 2010 BEGAN HAVING STALLING AND LURCHING PROBLEMS. FALL 2010, "KNOCK" IN TRANSMISSION WHILE IN NEUTRAL AND REVERSE. WINTER 2010, "KNOCK" BECOMES MORE PROMINENT AND IS NOW BEING HEARD WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. CALLED SEVERAL NON-FORD TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THEY WILL NOT TOUCH THE CVT'S. F…
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BOUGHT OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE NEW. SUMMER 2010 BEGAN HAVING STALLING AND LURCHING PROBLEMS. FALL 2010, "KNOCK" IN TRANSMISSION WHILE IN NEUTRAL AND REVERSE. WINTER 2010, "KNOCK" BECOMES MORE PROMINENT AND IS NOW BEING HEARD WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. CALLED SEVERAL NON-FORD TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THEY WILL NOT TOUCH THE CVT'S. FINALLY GO TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, BEARINGS ARE GOING BAD, BEST CASE SCENARIO $2,000, WORST CASE SCENARIO A RE-MAN TRANNY $5,400+. OF COURSE, AFTER GETTING INTO THE TRANNY, I AM WITH THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE.....END RESULT --SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384185
79,000 miles · Feb 18, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AND IN REVERSE, EVEN WHEN FOOT IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS NEARLY EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND WHILE MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOTS. THE SURGES ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND OCCUR MAINLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INITIALLY PLACED INTO DR…
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VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AND IN REVERSE, EVEN WHEN FOOT IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS NEARLY EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND WHILE MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOTS. THE SURGES ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND OCCUR MAINLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INITIALLY PLACED INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, BUT CAN HAPPEN RANDOMLY WHILE JUST SITTING WITH IT IN GEAR. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW. THE ENGINE SAFE LIGHT HAS COME ON TWO OCCASIONS IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS AS WELL, BUT HAS CLEARED ITSELF AFTER SWITCHING THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. *LN
NHTSA ODI #10383252
90,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH AND OR REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH AND OR REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LATCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE STRIKE PLATE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ONE TIME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE COVERED BY THE CONTACT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 .
NHTSA ODI #10382805
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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