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
71,456 miles · Jun 28, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,456 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,200.
NHTSA ODI #10463392
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNSURE OF THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNSURE OF THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10463270
95,000 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LAST TWO OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED,THE VEHICLE STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LAST TWO OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED,THE VEHICLE STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10463204
70,000 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH THE SYMBOL OF A WRENCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH THE SYMBOL OF A WRENCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10463141
49,000 miles · Jun 25, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
STARTED CAR AND WAS LEAVING RESTAURANT PARKING SPACE. ENGINE REVVED UP SEVERAL HUNDRED RPM AND CAR WAS LURCHING FORWARD AS I TRIED TO HOLD IT BACK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. PEOPLE WERE WALKING IN FRONT OF CAR HEADING TOWARD RESTAURANT. CAR WAS LURCHING FORWARD TOWARD THEM AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE…
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STARTED CAR AND WAS LEAVING RESTAURANT PARKING SPACE. ENGINE REVVED UP SEVERAL HUNDRED RPM AND CAR WAS LURCHING FORWARD AS I TRIED TO HOLD IT BACK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. PEOPLE WERE WALKING IN FRONT OF CAR HEADING TOWARD RESTAURANT. CAR WAS LURCHING FORWARD TOWARD THEM AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE RPM'S WOULD GO HIGH ENOUGH TO MAKE THE FRONT TIRES SPIN A LITTLE BIT ON THE PAVED PARKING LOT. I KILLED THE IGNITION TO MAKE CAR STOP. THE PEOPLE THOUGHT I HAD BEEN TRYING TO ASSAULT THEM WITH THE CAR BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO WAIT ON THEM TO WALK ACROSS THE PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF ME. MECHANIC CHECKED CAR OUT AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THIS HAPPENS PRETTY FREQUENTLY. IT IS WORSE WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON AND IS MOST COMMON WHEN IN PARKING LOTS OR DRIVEWAY WHEN NOT EVEN USING THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10462994
59,000 miles · Jun 25, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA ODI #10462978
99,125 miles · Jun 25, 2012
Unknown Or Other
AS I PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE IT LUNGED WITHOUT HAVING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND IT LUNGED FORWARD IN THE SAME MANOR. ALL OF THE SERVICE LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH AND A MESSAGE ABOUT EMERGENCY ENGINE FLASHED AND THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME. IF SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN FRONT OR …
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AS I PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE IT LUNGED WITHOUT HAVING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND IT LUNGED FORWARD IN THE SAME MANOR. ALL OF THE SERVICE LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH AND A MESSAGE ABOUT EMERGENCY ENGINE FLASHED AND THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME. IF SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN FRONT OR BEHIND MY VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. NOW MY CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT IS FLASHING ON AND OFF...BUT THEY HAVE CHECKED IT AND ALL PARTS SEEM TO BE IN WORKING ORDER. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE THINGS GO WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND AM GETTING WORRIED THAT IT IS JUST GOING TO TOTALLY STOP WORKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10462961
100,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
WHEN PARKING, DRIVING VERY SLOW (UNDER 10MPH) OR BACKING UP MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH SURGE OF POWER AND FOOT ON BRAKE NOT GAS. SOMETIMES IT DIES AND GAVE ERROR CODE ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. WORSE WHEN ACON, DON'T REMEMBER IT BEING AN ISSUE IN THE WINTER. TOOK TO DOBBS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY THROTTLE BODY AND MY COMPUTER WOULD NE…
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WHEN PARKING, DRIVING VERY SLOW (UNDER 10MPH) OR BACKING UP MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH SURGE OF POWER AND FOOT ON BRAKE NOT GAS. SOMETIMES IT DIES AND GAVE ERROR CODE ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. WORSE WHEN ACON, DON'T REMEMBER IT BEING AN ISSUE IN THE WINTER. TOOK TO DOBBS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY THROTTLE BODY AND MY COMPUTER WOULD NEED RESET. CLEANED THROTTLE BODY TO SEE IF THAT WOULD CORRECT ISSUE. IMPROVED, BUT DID NOT CORRECT. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC, APPROACHING STOP SIGNS, ESPECIALLY IF PEDESTRIANS NEARBY. FEAR COULD LUNGE AT THEM. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462799
116,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY BUT BECAME CONSISTENT AFTER TIME. THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY BUT BECAME CONSISTENT AFTER TIME. THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE PCM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE LUNGING INCREASED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVE. 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 VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA ODI #10462776
112,111 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Engine
WHILE PUTTING THE VEHICLE BOTH INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE IT REVS AND/OR RPMS DROP, AND LUNGES UNTIL I HIT THE BRAKES OR THE MOTOR CUTS OUT AND DISPLAYS ENGINE FAILURE SAFETY. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE, THEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WILL SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER IT DOES CAUSE A BIT OF NERVES WHEN IT …
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WHILE PUTTING THE VEHICLE BOTH INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE IT REVS AND/OR RPMS DROP, AND LUNGES UNTIL I HIT THE BRAKES OR THE MOTOR CUTS OUT AND DISPLAYS ENGINE FAILURE SAFETY. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE, THEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WILL SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER IT DOES CAUSE A BIT OF NERVES WHEN IT HAPPENS. *TT
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
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