Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1140–25K
15325–50K
33950–75K
31275–100K
307100–150K
74150K+
1,299 reports with mileage · 160 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 587 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 447 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
32 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,459 reports
175,000 miles · Mar 2, 2013
Seat Belts
THE MIDDLE BENCH SEATS CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTED IN WHILE THE SEAT WAS FOLDED DOWN, LOCKED, AND WON'T ALLOW THE SEAT TO COME BACK UP. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION WAS TO UNBOLTED THE SEATBELT, LET THE LOSE END RETRACT INTO THE MECHANISM UNTIL IT RELEASED ALLOWING THE END TO BE BOLTED BACK…
Read full complaint
THE MIDDLE BENCH SEATS CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTED IN WHILE THE SEAT WAS FOLDED DOWN, LOCKED, AND WON'T ALLOW THE SEAT TO COME BACK UP. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION WAS TO UNBOLTED THE SEATBELT, LET THE LOSE END RETRACT INTO THE MECHANISM UNTIL IT RELEASED ALLOWING THE END TO BE BOLTED BACK AGAIN. I'M ON THE THIRD TIME OF UNBOLTED AND BOLTING A LOUSILY (IN MY OPINION) DESIGNED SEATBELT SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501003
97,000 miles · Feb 21, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCHES FROZE AND THE DOORS COULD NOT BE COMPLETELY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #10499572
98,250 miles · Feb 13, 2013
EnginePower Train
ENGINE WENT IDLE DURING RUSH HR ON I95 CENTER LANE TRAFFIC FLYING BY RPMS SOARING AND IM AT A COAST TRYING TO GET OVER SCARED THE BLEEP OUT OF SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS. DASH SAYS ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE AND AS I BRAKE THE CAR IS LURCHING AND JERKING. I SHUT IT OFF. I BREATHE IN AND OUT AND THEN START HER BACK UP AND I LIMP ALONG THE…
Read full complaint
ENGINE WENT IDLE DURING RUSH HR ON I95 CENTER LANE TRAFFIC FLYING BY RPMS SOARING AND IM AT A COAST TRYING TO GET OVER SCARED THE BLEEP OUT OF SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS. DASH SAYS ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE AND AS I BRAKE THE CAR IS LURCHING AND JERKING. I SHUT IT OFF. I BREATHE IN AND OUT AND THEN START HER BACK UP AND I LIMP ALONG THE SHOULDER TO THE EXIT RAMP. ARRANGE A DAY OFF AND TAKE IT TO FORD (WENT IDLE TWICE ON THE WAY) AND THEY "CLEAN OUT THE DEPOSITS" IN THE THROTTLE BODY FREE AS PART OF A RECALL. SO MONDAY BACK ON THE HIGHWAY IT HAPPENS AGAIN.OMG SO I TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL GUY AND HE REPLACES THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FOR ABOUT $700. CAR IS RUNNING GREAT, ACCELERATION IS BACK SHE FEELS LIKE NEW AND IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN ACTING WEIRD FOR A WHILE - OCCASIONALLY THINGS LIKE STARTING THE CAR AND THAT INITIAL ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING FORWARD OR BACK BUT IT NEVER JUST WENT IDLE LIKE THAT - THAT'S JUST DANGEROUS. I THINK IT IS UNFAIR THAT FORD DID NOT REPLACE THIS PART - I LEFT FORD CONFIDENT THAT THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I TOLD THEM OF MY NEAR MISS ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10498076
57,000 miles · Feb 2, 2013
Power Train
WHEN IT GETS BELOW FREEZING, I GET A WRENCH LIGHT AND THEN THERE IS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS STUCK IN A SNOW STORM WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ENDED UP PURCHASING A CARMD DEVICE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT IS A TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY, BUT THE LOCAL FORD MOTOR COMPANY INSISTS THAT IT IS THE COMPLETE TRANSMISSION AND WANTS…
Read full complaint
WHEN IT GETS BELOW FREEZING, I GET A WRENCH LIGHT AND THEN THERE IS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS STUCK IN A SNOW STORM WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ENDED UP PURCHASING A CARMD DEVICE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT IS A TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY, BUT THE LOCAL FORD MOTOR COMPANY INSISTS THAT IT IS THE COMPLETE TRANSMISSION AND WANTS TO CHARGE FOR SOMETHING THAT I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND LISTINGS ON THE WEB FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER READING FURTHER INTO THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS ATTACHED TO A 3.5L SIX CYLINDER ENGINE THAT IS PUSHING MORE HORSEPOWER THAN THE TRANSMISSION CAN HANDLE. THEREFORE THIS IS A DELIBERATE NEGLECT ON THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SHOULD MAKE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIONS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496163
75,000 miles · Feb 1, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LATCHES FREEZE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE DOOR LATCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE V…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LATCHES FREEZE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE DOOR LATCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10496050
59,519 miles · Jan 23, 2013
Power Train
STARTED THE CAR, HEADED OUT AND "CHECK TRANSMISSION" CAME ON. TOOK TO THE DEALER THEY CAME UP WITH 2 CODES, POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION, POSSIBLE MECHATRONICS. DEALER RECOMMENDED TAKE HOME AND IF/WHEN ERROR MESSAGES APPEAR BRING THE CAR BACK. CAR WAS FINE FOR FEW MILES THEN "CHECK TRANSMISSION" FOLLOWED BY "CHECK ENGINE" AND IMMED…
Read full complaint
STARTED THE CAR, HEADED OUT AND "CHECK TRANSMISSION" CAME ON. TOOK TO THE DEALER THEY CAME UP WITH 2 CODES, POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION, POSSIBLE MECHATRONICS. DEALER RECOMMENDED TAKE HOME AND IF/WHEN ERROR MESSAGES APPEAR BRING THE CAR BACK. CAR WAS FINE FOR FEW MILES THEN "CHECK TRANSMISSION" FOLLOWED BY "CHECK ENGINE" AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER. TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER (USED SCANNER TO CLEAR SO I COULD DRIVE). LEFT AT DEALER FOR THEM TO DRIVE AND GET SOME ANSWERS. WAS TOLD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION PARTS + LABOR AROUND $6500-$7000. WITH A FOUR MONTH WAIT DUE TO PRODUCTION BACK LOG. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I LOVED THIS CAR.. HOPING THE DEALER WILL WORK WITH ME ON TRADE IN, CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10494504
80,000 miles · Jan 17, 2013
Visibility
THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWS WARM AIR ONLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493350
95,000 miles · Jan 17, 2013
Power Train
MY AWD MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON AND THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493348
176,690 miles · Jan 15, 2013
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VEER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VEER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION OF THE REAR SUB-FRAME, CAUSING IT TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,690.
NHTSA ODI #10493111
95,000 miles · Jan 15, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS A CONCURRENT …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS A CONCURRENT INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11018 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
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.
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
2
PE11018 · 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
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.
2005 Ford Freestyle Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration