NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports109,000 miles · Mar 19, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AWD WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AWD SYSTEM FAILED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AWD WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AWD SYSTEM FAILED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10695321
30,000 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PROCEEDING AFTER A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PROCEEDING AFTER A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ABRUPTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHOM LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #10691072
100,000 miles · Feb 24, 2015
Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10690337
136,000 miles · Feb 9, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING THE WRENCH LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LOST ALL POWER TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REFUSED TO GO ABOVE 2K ROMA. TURNED CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES. TURNED IT BACK IN AND LIGHTS WERE STILL ON AND CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. STILL GIVING THE…
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WHILE DRIVING THE WRENCH LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LOST ALL POWER TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REFUSED TO GO ABOVE 2K ROMA. TURNED CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES. TURNED IT BACK IN AND LIGHTS WERE STILL ON AND CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. STILL GIVING THE SAME CODES AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO CLEAR THE CODES. PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION IN THE PAST. NOW THE BATTERY WON'T HOLD A CHARGE, THE LIGHTS ARE COMING ON WHEN THEY ARE ALL TURNED OFF AND IT SEEMS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM I'D GOING CRAZY. IT'S NOW FEBRUARY AND I'M BEING TOLD THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SINCE MY THROTTLE BODY HAD THE COLD WEATHER SYSTEM ON IT THAT MEANS ANOTHER THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT WITH NO GUARANTEE IT WILL FIX THE ISSUE. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR AT ALL. I CAN'T BACK IT OUT OF ITS PARKING SPACE WITHOUT IT STALLING OUT AND ALL THE LIGHTS INSIDE ABD HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. I'VE SPENT TILL MUCH MONEY TO KEEP PUTTING MORE INTO IT WHEN REPLACING THE PARTS THAT HAVE THE CODE ISSUES ISN'T WORKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10682392
98,000 miles · Feb 7, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringCrash
WHERE TO BEGIN.... THE BRAKES ARE SHOT. DON'T WORK AT ALL. DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO "FAILSAFE MODE" AND JUST STOP. IT HAS TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON AND WILL GENERALLY DO THIS UP TO 8 TIMES BEFORE I JUST SHUT IT OFF AND LEAVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT…
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WHERE TO BEGIN.... THE BRAKES ARE SHOT. DON'T WORK AT ALL. DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO "FAILSAFE MODE" AND JUST STOP. IT HAS TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON AND WILL GENERALLY DO THIS UP TO 8 TIMES BEFORE I JUST SHUT IT OFF AND LEAVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. DURING THESE MONTHS IT WILL ALSO GET A MIND OF IT'S OWN AND JUST LEAP FORWARD. I HAVE TO STOP 2 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND ANY CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP, OTHERWISE IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD (EVEN THOUGH I HAVE MY FOOT FIRMLY APPLIED ON THE BRAKE) AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. OH, AND WILL JUMP CURBS, HIT GARAGE DOORS, ALL THAT GOOD STUFF TOO WHEN IT GETS THIS SURGE. THEN, DURING THE WINTER MONTHS THE DOOR LATCH GETS STUCK AND THE CAR DOORS ARE LITERALLY FROZEN OPEN. I CAN'T DRIVE ANYWHERE WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND CAR DOORS THAT WON'T SHUT. OH, AND MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO I CAN'T GET IT FIXED. OH AND DID I MENTION THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK? LIKE WON'T HOLD BRAKE FLUID, AIR IS ALL IN THE LINES, AND HARDLY NO BRAKES. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED DRIVING WITH NO BRAKES?? IT SUCKS! AND FORGET DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THIS CAR. I DON'T TRUST IT AT ALL!! *JS
NHTSA ODI #10681861
163,000 miles · Feb 3, 2015
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
NHTSA ODI #10680862
135,000 miles · Jan 29, 2015
EnginePower Train
THROTTLE BODY STUCK CLOSED, FORCING LIMP HOME MODE - STALL IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, FORD RECALL 12N03 DID NOT WORK - AFTER IDLING, THERE IS A POWER SURGE WHICH LUNGES VEHICLE FORWARD WHILE IN DRIVE AT A STOP SIGN, HAPPENED DIRECTLY AFTER SERVICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679826
110,000 miles · Jan 20, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD FREEZE IN COLDER TEMPERTURES, PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM BEING OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD FREEZE IN COLDER TEMPERTURES, PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM BEING OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED AND THE DOOR WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10676671
182,997 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
TRAVELING ON HWY AT APPROX 60 MPH, WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE" MESSAGE APPEARED AND CAR POWERED DOWN. PULLED OVER, TURNED CAR OFF, WAITED 1 MIN, RESTARTED CAR. MESSAGE WAS CLEARED AND CAR DROVE AS NORMAL. ABOUT 20 MILES LATER, SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MESSAGE APPEARED. PULLED OVER, TURNED …
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TRAVELING ON HWY AT APPROX 60 MPH, WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE" MESSAGE APPEARED AND CAR POWERED DOWN. PULLED OVER, TURNED CAR OFF, WAITED 1 MIN, RESTARTED CAR. MESSAGE WAS CLEARED AND CAR DROVE AS NORMAL. ABOUT 20 MILES LATER, SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MESSAGE APPEARED. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF CAR, RESTARTED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MESSAGE REMAINED. VERY LOW POWER UPON ACCELERATION. PROBLEM CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. RECEIVED ENGINE CODE P2111, P2112 RELATING TO THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. ETB HAD BEEN CLEANED 11/13 BY DEALER PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY FORD. NO PROBLEMS UNTIL 12/14. SERVICE PERFORMED TO REPROGRAM ETB, NO CLEANING WAS NEEDED. PROBLEM RECURRED 12/23/14. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND NO POWER UPON ACCELERATION PERSISTS. CODES INDICATE ETB NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670132
124,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LATCH WILL FREEZE UP WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING. DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, OR IF IT SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS CLOSED PROPERLY CAN POP OPEN WHEN DRIVING. TALKED TO FORD AND THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE ONCE, THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COST TO FIX AGAIN. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669479
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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