NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports28,000 miles · Jul 22, 2008
Power Train
WHILE STARTING UP AND PULLING AWAY FROM A PARKED POSITION MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE JERKED AND STALLED. WHEN I RESTARTED THE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT UP AND THE ERROR MESSAGE "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" APPEARED. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME ABOUT 4 TO 5 MILES, BUT HAD LITTLE POWER GOING UP HILLS. THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS IN FIRST …
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WHILE STARTING UP AND PULLING AWAY FROM A PARKED POSITION MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE JERKED AND STALLED. WHEN I RESTARTED THE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT UP AND THE ERROR MESSAGE "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE" APPEARED. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME ABOUT 4 TO 5 MILES, BUT HAD LITTLE POWER GOING UP HILLS. THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR THE WHOLE TIME. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE FORD DEALER TOMORROW MORNING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A GROWING COMPLAINT WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235351
25,000 miles · Jun 30, 2008
Structure
ONE OF THE TWO GAS CHARGED LIFT GATE SUPPORTS THAT HOLD THE BACK HATCH FAILED. THE LIFT GATE WILL NO LONGER STAY UP. LUCKILY THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE LIFT GATE WAS ALREADY CLOSED AND NOT WHEN IT WAS OPEN IN THE RAISED POSITION BECAUSE THE LIFT GATE IS QUITE HEAVY AND COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE SOMEONE HAD IT FELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232777
45,000 miles · Jun 9, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR APPROACHING A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE EXCESSIVELY VIBRATES. IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND THE STABILIZER WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE PART (PAR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR APPROACHING A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE EXCESSIVELY VIBRATES. IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND THE STABILIZER WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE PART (PART# 5F926F055CA) TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST OF 2008. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10230321
56,500 miles · May 29, 2008
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES WILL LOOSE POWER AND ALL READ ZERO FOR APPROX 10 SECONDS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROX 20 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 WEEKS. THE CAR AS A RESULT OF THIS HAS STALLED 2 TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229188
42,000 miles · May 29, 2008
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD SEVERAL POWER INTERRUPTIONS - ALL GAUGES MOMENTARILY WENT TO ZERO SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE WOULD SURGE UNTIL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER POWER RETURNED TO NORMAL. DEALERSHIP REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - NOT UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229173
37,411 miles · May 24, 2008
Power Train
ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 AM, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY TWO (2) CHILDREN TO THE MALL WHICH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY SIX (6) MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE. MY WIFE RELATED APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF MILES FROM THE MALL SHE FELT A PULL IN THE FRONT END OF THE CAR AND THEN HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. SHE ATTEMPTED TO M…
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ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 AM, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY TWO (2) CHILDREN TO THE MALL WHICH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY SIX (6) MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE. MY WIFE RELATED APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF MILES FROM THE MALL SHE FELT A PULL IN THE FRONT END OF THE CAR AND THEN HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. SHE ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR WAS THEN PUSHED OFF THE ROADWAY. AFTER MOVING THE CAR A FEW METAL PARTS WERE SECURED FROM THE ROAD SURFACE. I DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD SUSTAINED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE BACK OF THE TRANSMISSION IS MISSING AS WELL AS THE PARTS CONTAINED WITHIN. THE DAMAGE TO THIS UNIT APPEARS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DETONATION. MY WIFE RELATED THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES OR MECHANICAL FAILURES OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. I REPORTED THIS MATTER TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THEY SEEMED TO SHOW SOME LEVEL OF CONCERN AFTER SEEING THE FAILED PARTS AND OFFERED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. FORD LATER ACKNOWLEDGED THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED IN A RURAL AREA. BASED UPON THE AMOUNT OF MATERIAL WHICH BLASTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION, HAD THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED IN TOWN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING STRUCTURES, PROPERTY, AND PERSONS. IN CLOSING, THE FORD CORP. HAS OFFERED TO PAY ONLY HALF OF THE COST AT $2,100.00 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. IN MY OPINION THIS IS AN ADMISSION OF GUILT AS I DID NOT ASK FOR ANY ASSISTANCE, IT WAS VOLUNTEERED. I COUNTER OFFERED TO PAY ONLY THE LABOR COSTS AND REQUESTED AN ANSWER BY COB FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008. IT IS NOT SURPRISING FORD FAILED TO RESPOND. ACCORDINGLY, I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT AND REQUEST A RECALL OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO THE RISK OF PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228812
53,000 miles · May 23, 2008
Seats
2005 FORD FREESTYLE, 2ND ROW SEAT PIVOT HINGE FAILURE TO ALLOW SEAT TO FOLD FORWARD. CONSTITUTES COMPROMISED SAFETY OF THIRD ROW PASSENGERS TO EXIT SAFELY, QUICKLY OR AT ALL. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN TAILGATE FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD CONTENDS THAT THE PIVOT HINGE IS A "WEAR OUT ITEM". ITEM SHOULD NEVER FAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228780
59,100 miles · May 22, 2008
Power Train
EXPERIENCED A LOUD SQUEAL FROM TRANSMISSION WHEN VEHICLE DRIVEN AT 40 MPH OR LESS. FOUND FLUID LEAK ON TRANSMISSION CASE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE REP THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED UPGRADE TO NEW TRANSMISSION CASE BOLTS TO ADDRESS LEAKING PROBLEM AND UPGRADED GEARING TO ADDRESS SQUEAL. TOTAL COST ESTIMATE TO BE …
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EXPERIENCED A LOUD SQUEAL FROM TRANSMISSION WHEN VEHICLE DRIVEN AT 40 MPH OR LESS. FOUND FLUID LEAK ON TRANSMISSION CASE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE REP THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED UPGRADE TO NEW TRANSMISSION CASE BOLTS TO ADDRESS LEAKING PROBLEM AND UPGRADED GEARING TO ADDRESS SQUEAL. TOTAL COST ESTIMATE TO BE $4,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228627
54,000 miles · May 12, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE, 54K MILES, WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SURGE OR HESITATE WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS WEEKEND THE CAR WOULD GO INTO FAIL SAFE MODE AND SHUT DOWN, WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR SLOWING TO A STOP. THE DEALER HAS REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY TODAY AND I POSTED A NOTE ON THE FREESTYLE FORUM TO WARN OTHERS ABOUT T…
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE, 54K MILES, WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SURGE OR HESITATE WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS WEEKEND THE CAR WOULD GO INTO FAIL SAFE MODE AND SHUT DOWN, WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR SLOWING TO A STOP. THE DEALER HAS REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY TODAY AND I POSTED A NOTE ON THE FREESTYLE FORUM TO WARN OTHERS ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS CONTACTED BY DON WILLSON, OF THE VEXED VOLVOS.ORG ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE IN VOLVOS!!!! I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE IN MY FORD WAS DESIGNED BY VOLVO. IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH FAULTY THROTTLE BODIES THAT TELL THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227504
12,521 miles · May 5, 2008
Service Brakes, Electric
BRAKES WERE GOING OUT, CAR WOBBLING BACK AND FORTH, GRINDING SOUNDS. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER THE LAST 15 MONTHS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES ON THE BACK TWICE NOW AND THE FRONT TWICE, THE ROTORS TWICE ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226713
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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