NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports170,000 miles · Dec 21, 2015
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE SAFE FAILURE MODE, THE ENGINE, AND WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE SAFE FAILURE MODE, THE ENGINE, AND WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10811407
103,000 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED COROSSION ON THE FRONT SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10810445
1,000,000 miles · Nov 11, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
I GOT INTO THE CAR TO START IT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND I SMELLED SMOKE, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE
NHTSA ODI #10789774
131,596 miles · Nov 10, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FUEL, SPEEDOMETER, AND OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,596.
NHTSA ODI #10789675
81,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10786279
119,800 miles · Oct 24, 2015
Unknown Or Other
THE TRANSMISSION MAKE A NOISE LIKES BLENDING SOMETHING, IT DOESN'T CHANGE GEARS AND AFTER A WILE DOESN'T ACELERATE.
NHTSA ODI #10785774
130,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, THE NEUTRAL INPUT SHAFT MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, THE NEUTRAL INPUT SHAFT MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10779674
239,000 miles · Sep 27, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other
DOOR LATCH IS FROZEN CLOSED AND CANNOT GET DRIVERS SIDE DOOR TO OPEN. DISMANTLED ENTIRE CAR TO FIX ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10777892
77,950 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Power Train
WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE WHICH IS IDLE ENGINE CONDITION WITH NO ACCELERATOR ACTION. ONLY STEERING AND BRAKING WERE AVAILABLE. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON I-278 WHILE TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF FOUR LANES AND BECAME AN UNSAFE CONDITION WITH NO…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE WHICH IS IDLE ENGINE CONDITION WITH NO ACCELERATOR ACTION. ONLY STEERING AND BRAKING WERE AVAILABLE. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON I-278 WHILE TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF FOUR LANES AND BECAME AN UNSAFE CONDITION WITH NO ABILITY TO SAFELY PULL OVER. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER RADICALLY TO THE SHOULDER WHILE OTHER DRIVERS BLEW THEIR HORNS WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF MY PLIGHT. THE ENGINE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CODE 2012 AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH CORRECTED THE CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI #10766667
105,857 miles · Sep 19, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
1. DRIVING CAR AT 45MPH..CAME TO RED LIGHT. WHEN PUSHING A CELERATOR TO FLOOR , CAR SUDDENLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL. WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED. NOTICE CHECK E GINE ON DISPLAY PANEL AND WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND WORDS "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" DISPLAY. 2. WHEN STANDING STILL, ENGINE YRUNNING... FOOT ON …
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1. DRIVING CAR AT 45MPH..CAME TO RED LIGHT. WHEN PUSHING A CELERATOR TO FLOOR , CAR SUDDENLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL. WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED. NOTICE CHECK E GINE ON DISPLAY PANEL AND WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND WORDS "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" DISPLAY. 2. WHEN STANDING STILL, ENGINE YRUNNING... FOOT ON BRAKE . ENGINE IDLING. ..CAR BEGINS TO LUNGE FORWARD, ENGINE REVS UP WHEN LUNGING. 3. DURING 90 DEGREE WEATHER, DRIVING AT 55 MPH, TURNED ON AC. CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER AND FAILSAFE MODE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI #10765288
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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