NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports52,781 miles · Oct 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE 53,000 MILES EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WITH WRENCH LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TRIP TO DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED AIR FILTER INDICATING THAT THE FILTER HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE HOUSING AND WAS BLOCKING AIR FLOW. WITHIN 2 WEEKS WE HAVE DROPPED THE CAR OFF FOR A SEC…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE 53,000 MILES EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WITH WRENCH LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TRIP TO DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED AIR FILTER INDICATING THAT THE FILTER HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE HOUSING AND WAS BLOCKING AIR FLOW. WITHIN 2 WEEKS WE HAVE DROPPED THE CAR OFF FOR A SECOND VISIT FOR SAME POWER FAILURE ISSUE. WHEN WILL FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS WIDESPREAD MECHANICAL PROBLEM? HOW MANY CRASHES, OR DEATHS HAVE RESULTED FROM THIS ISSUE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10359231
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2010
Fuel System, Other
2005 FORD FREESTYLE SURGES FORWARD AND IN REVERSE AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR IS BEING DEPRESSED. ONCE, WITH MY TWO-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE RETAINING WALL; THE DAMAGE WAS SIMPLE A BUCKLED LICENSE PLATE BUT WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY/ROAD. FORD CLAIMS THE…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE SURGES FORWARD AND IN REVERSE AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR IS BEING DEPRESSED. ONCE, WITH MY TWO-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE RETAINING WALL; THE DAMAGE WAS SIMPLE A BUCKLED LICENSE PLATE BUT WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY/ROAD. FORD CLAIMS THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE LINE SURGING UNEXPECTEDLY ALTHOUGH I'VE DESCRIBED WHAT HAPPENS IN DETAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358942
114,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE- WITH A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER- NO RENTAL GIVEN BY COMPANY. "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ONE BECAUSE OF IT- THEY INSIST THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE (I DRIVE 75 MILES BACK AND FORTH TO WORK EVERYDAY). I AM SORRY- BUT DRIVING THAT MANY MILES- WITH MY CHILDREN IN …
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HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE- WITH A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER- NO RENTAL GIVEN BY COMPANY. "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ONE BECAUSE OF IT- THEY INSIST THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE (I DRIVE 75 MILES BACK AND FORTH TO WORK EVERYDAY). I AM SORRY- BUT DRIVING THAT MANY MILES- WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AS WELL- WHILE THE ENGINE IS FAILING- IS NEVER SAFE. BECAUSE OF THE JOLTING FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHILE IN THIS MODE- I CAN'T EVEN COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR, OR A PEDESTRIAN! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE DOES FAIL- IS FORD GOING TO REPLACE THAT? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358431
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2010
Fuel System, Other
CAR LUNGES AND SURGES WHILE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. RPM REV WHEN IN REVERSE OR DRIVE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT HAS DONE THIS REPEATEDLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. IT USED TO HAPPEN MORE IN THE HEAT NOW IS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY. PERHAPS NOW THE DEALERSHIP WILL BELIEVE ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357970
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN AND LUNGE'S FORWARD WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE TRIES TO LUNGE, STALLS DASH DISPLAYS "FAIL SAFE MODE". THIS OCCURS MOSTLY WHEN GOING IN REVERSE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OFF AND ON FOR OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE PAST MONTHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357859
72,034 miles · Sep 24, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN SITTING IDLE WITH A/C ON, ENGINE REVS ON IT'S OWN AND HAS GONE INTO FAILSAFE MODE. WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, CAR LUNGES WHILE IN REVERSE CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IF THE BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED QUICK ENOUGH. THE CAR ALSO LUNGES FORWARD WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE CAR HAS A TENDENCY TO LUNGE AT A STOPLIGH…
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WHEN SITTING IDLE WITH A/C ON, ENGINE REVS ON IT'S OWN AND HAS GONE INTO FAILSAFE MODE. WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, CAR LUNGES WHILE IN REVERSE CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IF THE BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED QUICK ENOUGH. THE CAR ALSO LUNGES FORWARD WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE CAR HAS A TENDENCY TO LUNGE AT A STOPLIGHT AND THEN SHUT OFF AND GO INTO FAILSAFE MODE FORCING A RESTART OF THE CAR ONCE IT HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF DRIVE AND BACK INTO PARK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW MONTHS, BUT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT UNTIL NEXT MONTH. EVEN WHEN WE DO GO TO ORDER A NEW THROTTLE BODY THROUGH FORD, WHICH IS WHAT WAS RECOMMENDED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, IT'S APPARENTLY ON A HORRENDOUS BACKORDER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357300
16,590 miles · Sep 21, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF DUST COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION AT 11,000 MILES AND THE LOCAL TECHNICIAN INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR BRAKES PADS WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE REPLACED BY A FORD DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. ONE YE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF DUST COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION AT 11,000 MILES AND THE LOCAL TECHNICIAN INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR BRAKES PADS WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY WERE REPLACED BY A FORD DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. ONE YEAR LATER THE PADS WERE DEFECTIVE AGAIN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TSB 10021463 WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE; THEREFORE, IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,590. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,652. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN THE BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES. UPDATED 04/25/11
NHTSA ODI #10356733
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I BOUGHT MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE NEW IN JANUARY 2006. BY NOVEMBER 2008 THE REAR BRAKES BEGAN GRINDING. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP; IT WAS STILL UNDER THE 3 YEAR/ 36,000 MILES WARRANTY. NOW, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON…
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I BOUGHT MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE NEW IN JANUARY 2006. BY NOVEMBER 2008 THE REAR BRAKES BEGAN GRINDING. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP; IT WAS STILL UNDER THE 3 YEAR/ 36,000 MILES WARRANTY. NOW, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT BUT IS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY. THE BRAKES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE REPLACED THIS OFTEN. HOWEVER, IN JULY 2007 WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THAT THE REAR BRAKES WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE ORIGINAL 3 YEAR/ 36,000 MILES WARRANTY. THIS RAISES A RED FLAG THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT THE BRAKE ISSUES BUT DID NOTHING ABOUT IT, AND STILL HASN'T DONE ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356676
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
HAVE BEEN HAVING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CAR LUNGING, SUDDEN ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPED. TODAY IT STARTED AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BUT WENT AWAY WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. LATER IT STARTED SURGING VERY BADLY AGAIN AND I PUT FUEL CLEANER IN THE TANK WHEN I FILLED IT UP. A FEW HOURS LATER I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND…
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HAVE BEEN HAVING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CAR LUNGING, SUDDEN ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPED. TODAY IT STARTED AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BUT WENT AWAY WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. LATER IT STARTED SURGING VERY BADLY AGAIN AND I PUT FUEL CLEANER IN THE TANK WHEN I FILLED IT UP. A FEW HOURS LATER I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND IT SURGED AND MOVED FORWARD A FEW FEET AND DIED IN THE ROAD. I WILL BE CONTACTING A FORD DEALER IN THE MORNING BUT WHEN I GOT ONLINE TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS THAT WAS BEING RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY(CLEANED, REPLACED). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356225
42,000 miles · Sep 17, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS OR ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHTS. IN MAY OF 2009 THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED A ROD" CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO EXPLODE LEAVING PIECES OF THE T…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS OR ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHTS. IN MAY OF 2009 THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED A ROD" CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO EXPLODE LEAVING PIECES OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD WAY. DURING THE EXPLOSION, PIECES FROM THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGED OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REQUIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356206
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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