NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports78,000 miles · Dec 23, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LOST POWER AND ALL OF THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE LAST FROM A FEW SECONDS TO A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LOST POWER AND ALL OF THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE LAST FROM A FEW SECONDS TO A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THIS DID NOT MEAN THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79000.
NHTSA ODI #10372219
50,000 miles · Dec 22, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOOR LATCHES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AND ONLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOOR LATCHES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AND ONLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED A SECOND TIME BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE LATCHES BY A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10372117
48,000 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Power Train
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 48000 MILES ON SUDDENLY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER GAVE AN OPTION OF SPENDING A $1000 DOLLARS TO "POSSIBLY" FIX IT BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE ELSE WE HAVE TO SPEND $5500 ON A NEW TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH FORD IF AFTER 5 YEARS I HAVE TO SPEND OVER $5K ON A NEW TRANNY AND NOTH…
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 48000 MILES ON SUDDENLY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER GAVE AN OPTION OF SPENDING A $1000 DOLLARS TO "POSSIBLY" FIX IT BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE ELSE WE HAVE TO SPEND $5500 ON A NEW TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH FORD IF AFTER 5 YEARS I HAVE TO SPEND OVER $5K ON A NEW TRANNY AND NOTHING IS COVERED. BASICALLY I PAY IT OR HAVE NO CAR THAT WILL DRIVE. THIS IS COMPLETELY BOGUS AND FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING HERE, SO WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369439
48,000 miles · Dec 3, 2010
Unknown Or Other
AT THE START OF THE WINTER HERE IN MINNESOTA, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ON OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WOULD FAIL TO LATCH INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THIS WOULD OCCUR, THERE WAS NOTHING TO PREVENT THE DOOR FROM SWINGING OPEN WHILE DRIVING. FORD ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (06S45) IN 2006 TO "FIX" THIS KNOWN DEFECT ON THE 2005 FORD FREEST…
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AT THE START OF THE WINTER HERE IN MINNESOTA, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ON OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WOULD FAIL TO LATCH INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THIS WOULD OCCUR, THERE WAS NOTHING TO PREVENT THE DOOR FROM SWINGING OPEN WHILE DRIVING. FORD ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (06S45) IN 2006 TO "FIX" THIS KNOWN DEFECT ON THE 2005 FORD FREESTYLE BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT THE "FIX" IS NOT PREVENTING THE PROBLEM FROM REOCCURRING. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT WHEN THE FAILURE TO LATCH WILL OCCUR AND RESULTS IN A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH PUTS THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGERS THE VEHICLE IN PERIL.
NHTSA ODI #10370016
77,721 miles · Dec 2, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AFTER CAR DID NOT START - 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT, JERKING/LURCHING OF THE VEHICLE ONCE STARTED AND FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. HESITATED TO START ON MANY OCCASIONS IF CAR IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AS IF NO GASOLINE IN VEHICLE. ALSO, ON OCCASIONS, CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, BUT…
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THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AFTER CAR DID NOT START - 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT, JERKING/LURCHING OF THE VEHICLE ONCE STARTED AND FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. HESITATED TO START ON MANY OCCASIONS IF CAR IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AS IF NO GASOLINE IN VEHICLE. ALSO, ON OCCASIONS, CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, BUT STARTED UP AFTER SEVERAL TRIES. DURING REPLACEMENT, FORD REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT THE PART JUST WENT OUT - NOTHING COULD HAVE PREVENTED IT. COST $600+ TO FIX WHICH ALSO CAUSED ADDITIONAL PARTS (SPARK PLUGS, FUEL SENSOR) REQUIRED. DIAGNOSIS INDICATED, THROTTLEBODY PLATES STUCK, FUEL SENSOR INJECTOR PRESSURE REPLACED). DEALERSHIP KEPT OLD PARTS EXCEPT SPARK PLUGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368657
98,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Power Train
I BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE USED WITH 81,000 MILES A COUPLE MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WITH THE BRAKE ON. THEN AT 98,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FOUR-LANE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY QUIT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE SAYING THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED (F…
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I BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE USED WITH 81,000 MILES A COUPLE MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WITH THE BRAKE ON. THEN AT 98,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FOUR-LANE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY QUIT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE SAYING THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED (FOR $6000). OBVIOUSLY FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, WHY ISN'T FORD DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. ARE THEY WAITING ON SOMEBODY TO DIE FIRST??? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368457
45,554 miles · Nov 28, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE NEW, DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND NO FAULT CODES. LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED 11/28/10. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368023
100,000 miles · Nov 28, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 FORD FREESTYLE. SURGING ENGINE. SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES. GOES INTO ENGINE SAFE MODE. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND REFUSES TO RECALL IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THEY ARE WAITING ON MANY DEATHS AND LAWSUITS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368019
70,000 miles · Nov 17, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I BOUGHT A USED 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR UP UNTIL THE PAST 6 MONTHS. WITHIN THOSE MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKET BREAK AND THE CAR, DURING STOP AND GO DRIVING, WILL RANDOMLY LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. WHEN THE CAR DECIDES TO LUNGE, EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK, IT IS NOT STOPPED COMPLET…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR UP UNTIL THE PAST 6 MONTHS. WITHIN THOSE MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKET BREAK AND THE CAR, DURING STOP AND GO DRIVING, WILL RANDOMLY LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. WHEN THE CAR DECIDES TO LUNGE, EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK, IT IS NOT STOPPED COMPLETELY. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DONE NUMEROUS HOURS OF RESEARCH MYSELF. ALL OF THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE POINTS TO THE THROTTLE BODY GOING BAD, HOWEVER, FORD DENIES THAT THERE IS ANY KIND OF A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. FORD WILL HOWEVER, GLADLY CHARGE ME 600.00 TO REPLACE IT. WHEN THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE, AND RANDOM, UNCONTROLLABLE LUNGES ARE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE DEALER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THE DEFECTIVE PART. WITH THE HUNDREDS OF POSTS THAT I HAVE READ BY OTHER FREESTYLE OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, MOST OF WHICH HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST 2 YEARS, THE PART SHOULD DEFINTELY BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366639
50,000 miles · Nov 17, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE "CHECK ENGINE LOW FUEL LEVEL" WARNING LIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE WRENCH WARNING SYMBOL AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE FAILU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE "CHECK ENGINE LOW FUEL LEVEL" WARNING LIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE WRENCH WARNING SYMBOL AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. ALSO, BOTH TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETECT A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10366503
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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