NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports106,000 miles · Aug 18, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
I JUST PURCHASED MY FREESTYLE IN MARCH FROM A USED CAR DEALER. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS OR SO IT HAS STARTED LUNGING AT SLOW SPEEDS. MULTIPLE TIMES COMING CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AFTER PULLING TO A FULL STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITH FOOT PRESSED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BUT …
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I JUST PURCHASED MY FREESTYLE IN MARCH FROM A USED CAR DEALER. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS OR SO IT HAS STARTED LUNGING AT SLOW SPEEDS. MULTIPLE TIMES COMING CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AFTER PULLING TO A FULL STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITH FOOT PRESSED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BUT SINCE ITS THE ONLY ONE I HAVE AND I'M UNDER CONTRACT, ITS NOT REALLY A CHOICE AT THIS POINT. SEEING HOW MANY OF THIS VEHICLES ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, I AM SURE THAT IT WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. WHY ISN'T FORD DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM??? IF I HAD KNOWN ABOUT THIS BEFORE MAKING MY PURCHASE, I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT. I LOVE FORDS CARS, MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS A TAURUS, BUT IF THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAVE THESE KINDS OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS, I WILL BE RETHINKING ANY FUTURE PURCHASES!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471402
117,000 miles · Aug 18, 2012
Power Train
WHEN HOT AND TYPICALLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON THE CAR WILL SURGE FORWARD DURING BACKUP AND SLOW MANEUVERING. OCCASIONALLY IT WILL ALSO DIE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ALMOST HIT A COUPLE OF STUDENTS WHILE IN PULLMAN. EVEN HAPPENS WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I AM REALLY SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS. THIS …
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WHEN HOT AND TYPICALLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON THE CAR WILL SURGE FORWARD DURING BACKUP AND SLOW MANEUVERING. OCCASIONALLY IT WILL ALSO DIE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ALMOST HIT A COUPLE OF STUDENTS WHILE IN PULLMAN. EVEN HAPPENS WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I AM REALLY SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS. THIS IS PUTTING FORD AND HIGH RISK FOR A MAJOR LAWSUIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471393
18,000 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED WHENEVER COMING TO STOP OR WHEN IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNT HAD FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10470888
82,100 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Power Train
VEHICLE LUNGING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE CAR TWICE NOW. BOTH TIMES WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY WITH ME. HUSBAND AND TWO DAUGHTER OF 10 AND 12. WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, WITH THE AC RUNNING, WE PLACED THE CAR IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WENT HIGH SPEED AHEAD WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PETAL. INSTEAD THE BRAKE PET…
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VEHICLE LUNGING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE CAR TWICE NOW. BOTH TIMES WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY WITH ME. HUSBAND AND TWO DAUGHTER OF 10 AND 12. WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, WITH THE AC RUNNING, WE PLACED THE CAR IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WENT HIGH SPEED AHEAD WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PETAL. INSTEAD THE BRAKE PETAL WAS APPLIED. THANK THE GOOD LORD, NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME OR IN FRONT OF ME ... SINCE I WAS IN A BUSY STORE PARKING LOT BOTH TIMES! THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, AS WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE WOULD SURGE OR LOSE POWER ALONG WITH THE WRENCH(TRANSMISSION) LIGHT COMING ON. THIS WENT ON FOR 3 MILES DOWN ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH THESE PROBLEMS. EVENTUALLY IT FELT BACK TO NORMAL. WE WENT TO A GARAGE AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING IN THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM I SEE IS VERY PREVALENT IN THIS CAR. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED BEFORE THIS IS RESOLVED.. I AM SORRY TO SAY! CAR IS STILL AT GARAGE AND NOT REPAIRED. LAST WORD WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS ON BACKORDER. THERE ARE NONE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. I HAVE BOUGHT 5 FORD VEHICLES AND THIS MAY BE THE LAST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470883
70,000 miles · Aug 15, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #10470745
87,000 miles · Aug 13, 2012
Power Train
SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR TO DRIVE CAUSES A DANGEROUS SPIKE IN RPMS AND THE CAR TRIES TO TAKE OFF WITH NO FOOT ON GAS PEDAL. SEEMS TO BE INCREASING MORE AND MORE AND GIVES A FEELING THAT THE BRAKES WON'T HOLD THE CAR FROM TAKING OFF ON DAY. MAKES ME FEARFUL FOR PARKING LOT AREAS OR DRIVEWAY AREAS. SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS AND…
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SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR TO DRIVE CAUSES A DANGEROUS SPIKE IN RPMS AND THE CAR TRIES TO TAKE OFF WITH NO FOOT ON GAS PEDAL. SEEMS TO BE INCREASING MORE AND MORE AND GIVES A FEELING THAT THE BRAKES WON'T HOLD THE CAR FROM TAKING OFF ON DAY. MAKES ME FEARFUL FOR PARKING LOT AREAS OR DRIVEWAY AREAS. SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAVE HEARD THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT PROBLEM NO MATTER WHAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470503
55,235 miles · Aug 12, 2012
Engine
YESTERDAY I WAS IN LINE AT A DRIVE THRU. AS I TURNED THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO MAKE A TURN AND ROLL FORWARD A BIT IN THE LINE THE CAR MADE A DRAMATIC LUNGE FORWARD WITH VERY NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN THROTTLE, BUT I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL BRAKE TO HOLD THE CAR FROM IMPACTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF…
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YESTERDAY I WAS IN LINE AT A DRIVE THRU. AS I TURNED THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO MAKE A TURN AND ROLL FORWARD A BIT IN THE LINE THE CAR MADE A DRAMATIC LUNGE FORWARD WITH VERY NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN THROTTLE, BUT I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL BRAKE TO HOLD THE CAR FROM IMPACTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT DID IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES AS I WENT THROUGH THE LINE AND GOT MY FOOD. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO DO IT AGAIN AT HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS IS REAL BAD AND HAS TO BE A SERIOUS DEFECT. IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION THE CAR COULD LUNGE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CAUSE A FATALITY. I HAVE THE CAR PARKED AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470292
99,000 miles · Aug 11, 2012
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
WE WERE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO WHERE WE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND US OR WE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT IS LURCHING FORWARD WHEN WE ARE AT SLOW SPEEDS FOR NO REASON, I AM WORRIED THAT IF SOMEONE IS IN FRONT OR BACK OF US WE WILL HIT THEM. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 2 SUMME…
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WE WERE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO WHERE WE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND US OR WE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT IS LURCHING FORWARD WHEN WE ARE AT SLOW SPEEDS FOR NO REASON, I AM WORRIED THAT IF SOMEONE IS IN FRONT OR BACK OF US WE WILL HIT THEM. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 2 SUMMERS AGO BUT A PART WAS REPLACED AND IT HAD NOT BEEN A PROBLEM AGAIN UNTIL NOW. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT BECOMES AN ISSUE ON HOT DAYS WHEN MY A/C IS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470203
55,000 miles · Aug 10, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD OR IN REVERSE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK GEAR, OR DRIVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING, AND RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD OR IN REVERSE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK GEAR, OR DRIVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING, AND RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE TO HIGHER SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT INSPECTED SINCE THE FAILURE WAS NOT PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10470079
130,000 miles · Aug 8, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE IDLING WAITING TO PICK UP MY CHILDREN AT SCHOOL. THE CAR STARTED TO LUNGE / ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY. HAD I NOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MY CAR WOULD HAVE MOVED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR A PERSON LEAVING THE SCHOOL TO GO TO THE PARKING LOT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE RECENT MONT…
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WHILE IDLING WAITING TO PICK UP MY CHILDREN AT SCHOOL. THE CAR STARTED TO LUNGE / ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY. HAD I NOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MY CAR WOULD HAVE MOVED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR A PERSON LEAVING THE SCHOOL TO GO TO THE PARKING LOT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE RECENT MONTHS AND I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO HIT SOMEONE WHILE IN THE STOP POSITION AT A LIGHT OR IN THE PARKING LOT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469724
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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