NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports57,000 miles · Oct 6, 2012
Power TrainStructureCrash
IN AUGUST 2012, MY 2005 FREESTYLE SURGED WHILE IN REVERSE WITH MY WHEELS AT FULL CUT AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AS I HAVE BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS. AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO SWITCH TO DRIVE FROM REVERSE, THE CAR SURGED IN REVERSE, AND THE RIGHT CORNER OF MY REAR BUMPER IMPACTE…
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IN AUGUST 2012, MY 2005 FREESTYLE SURGED WHILE IN REVERSE WITH MY WHEELS AT FULL CUT AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AS I HAVE BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS. AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO SWITCH TO DRIVE FROM REVERSE, THE CAR SURGED IN REVERSE, AND THE RIGHT CORNER OF MY REAR BUMPER IMPACTED MY NEIGHBORS TRUCK BEHIND HIS FRONT DOOR, CAUSING ME TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO REPAIR HIS VEHICLE. I TOLD THE AGENT AT MY INSURANCE COMPANY I HAD READ ABOUT THIS SURGING PROBLEM IN THE FREESTYLE FORUMS, AND ASKED IF THE ACCIDENT WOULD BE CONTRIBUTED TO MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART, RATHER THAN DRIVER ERROR, AS I STATED BEFORE I HAVE BEEN BACKING OUT OF THIS DRIVEWAY FOR 40 YEARS WITH 70'S LINCOLNS AND CADILLACS, ALL CARS 5 FEET LONGER THAN THE FREESTYLE, WITHOUT INCIDENT. HER REPLY WAS THAT IF THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, THEN YES, IT WOULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO MECHANICAL FAILURE. MY QUESTION IS, I KNOW THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THIS LAST YEAR, HAS THERE BEEN ANY CONCLUSION TO THIS INVESTIGATION? IF ANYONE HAS AN UPDATE, CAN YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME AT FCEJR55YAHOO.COM WITH THE INFORMATION. I KNOW IT SAYS NOT TO USE MY E-MAIL ADDRESS, BUT HOW ELSE WILL SOMEBODY BE ABLE TO CONTACT ME? ANY HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478830
69,000 miles · Oct 5, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
I WAS PARKED. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. AS I STARTED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARD TO STOP THE SURGE. IT SCARED ME. THE NEXT DAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, SEVERAL TIMES. IN REVERSE AND DRIVE, I WATCHED THE RPMS GO UP WITHOUT MY FOOT TOUCHING THE THROTTLE. THIS IS SCARY AND UNACCEPTABLE! …
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I WAS PARKED. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. AS I STARTED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARD TO STOP THE SURGE. IT SCARED ME. THE NEXT DAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, SEVERAL TIMES. IN REVERSE AND DRIVE, I WATCHED THE RPMS GO UP WITHOUT MY FOOT TOUCHING THE THROTTLE. THIS IS SCARY AND UNACCEPTABLE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478688
69,500 miles · Oct 4, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND AND AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND AND AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11018 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.
NHTSA ODI #10478629
98,000 miles · Oct 4, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
RPM SURGE WHILE PARKING. WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR LUNGES. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, CAR HAS ALSO BEEN KNOWN TO LUNGE. MOST ALL INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE AC WAS RUNNING AND WHEEL WAS SHARPLY TURNED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478595
134,000 miles · Oct 4, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
FIRST INCIDENT, 35 MPH DRIVING, WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, ENGINE CUTS OUT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, LOSS OF ACCELERATION ABILITY. HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART. HARD TO RESTART FOR A MOMENT. CONTINUES TO HAPPEN MORE AT HIGHER SPEEDS (55 MPH AND 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE). ALSO, LUNGES WHILE FOOT IS ON BRAKE, FORWARD OR BACKWARD DEPENDING IF…
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FIRST INCIDENT, 35 MPH DRIVING, WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, ENGINE CUTS OUT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, LOSS OF ACCELERATION ABILITY. HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART. HARD TO RESTART FOR A MOMENT. CONTINUES TO HAPPEN MORE AT HIGHER SPEEDS (55 MPH AND 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE). ALSO, LUNGES WHILE FOOT IS ON BRAKE, FORWARD OR BACKWARD DEPENDING IF IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. RESEARCHED ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE, SO CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY AND BEHAVIOR DIMINISHED FOR A WEEK OR TWO. CONTEMPLATING REPLACING THROTTLE BODY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA SEATING FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND IT HAS HAPPENED THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. SO NOW ITS NOT TRUSTWORTHY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO FORCE FORD TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478581
58,000 miles · Oct 3, 2012
Power Train
I STARTED MY CAR BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. WHEN I WENT TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T IN DRIVE. I LOOKED AND IT WAS IN DRIVE AND THEN I LOOKED AND MY ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT WAS ON. I DROVE SLOWLY TO SERVICE STATION AND THEY SAID THAT I NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY AFTER PUTTING IT …
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I STARTED MY CAR BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. WHEN I WENT TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T IN DRIVE. I LOOKED AND IT WAS IN DRIVE AND THEN I LOOKED AND MY ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT WAS ON. I DROVE SLOWLY TO SERVICE STATION AND THEY SAID THAT I NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY AFTER PUTTING IT ON THERE TESTING MACHINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478520
75,000 miles · Sep 29, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
MY CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD SUDDENLY WHEN PUT INTO PARK, AND SOMETIMES REVERSE AND MOSTLY DRIVE. SCARY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10477950
84,000 miles · Sep 28, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO 40 MPH AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO 40 MPH AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT WAS CAUSING THE RECURRING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10477415
86,913 miles · Sep 24, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
AT LOW SPEEDS WITH THE A/C ON, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FOWARD (WHILE IN DRIVE) OR BACKWARD (WHILE IN REVERSE). THIS IS NOTICED MOST WHEN PULLING IN OR OUT OF A GARAGE OR PARKING SPACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10476892
104,000 miles · Sep 9, 2012
Power TrainTraction Control System
WENT TO START MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE - THE RPMS ON THE VEHICLE INCREASED SLIGHTLY, THE WRENCH, TRACTION CONTROL AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THERE WAS A LOUD THUNK NOISE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND TRIED IT AGAIN. SAME THING, I HAD TO DRIVE IT APPROX. 2 MILES, THERE WAS NO POWER, BUT IT GOT ME TO M…
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WENT TO START MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE - THE RPMS ON THE VEHICLE INCREASED SLIGHTLY, THE WRENCH, TRACTION CONTROL AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THERE WAS A LOUD THUNK NOISE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND TRIED IT AGAIN. SAME THING, I HAD TO DRIVE IT APPROX. 2 MILES, THERE WAS NO POWER, BUT IT GOT ME TO MY CLASS. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT TO MY CAR AN HOUR AN A HALF LATER, ONLY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. AT FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A $4000 REPAIR. THE DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE GENERIC AND THEY COULD NOT TELL FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THIS BEHAVIOR USUALLY STARTS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS SAT FOR A FEW HOURS. WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS FIRST COME ON, IT SAYS IT HAS HAD A DATA TRANSMISSION ERROR. I TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART. THIS USUALLY RESETS THE COMPUTER IN SOME WAY. WHEN ONLY THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, IT WILL SAY "CHECK ENGINE, CHECK TRANSMISSION". SOMETIMES NO LIGHTS COME ON. IT DRIVES NORMALLY. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE ISSUE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. THEY HAVE NOW SAID THAT IT IS A SHORT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE REPAIR WILL BE $1025.00, BUT THEY CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE FOR SURE. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED WHERE THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE TO TURN MY VEHICLE OFF IN TRAFFIC TO RESET IT. THIS IS NOT REAL SAFE. I SEE THAT MY YEAR OF CAR AND NEWER HAS HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE AND A LUNGING ISSUE. I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD TOMORROW TO SEE IF I CAN GET SOME HELP ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474400
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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