NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports54,855 miles · Feb 22, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LUNGING INCIDENTS WHERE THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO LUNG FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN BACKING OUT A PARKING SPACE ETC.. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT WAS ON 08/25/09. THE NEXT TIME WAS ON 09/22/09. THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW THROTTLE BODY. THERE WERE SO MANY ISSUES WITH …
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LUNGING INCIDENTS WHERE THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO LUNG FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN BACKING OUT A PARKING SPACE ETC.. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT WAS ON 08/25/09. THE NEXT TIME WAS ON 09/22/09. THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW THROTTLE BODY. THERE WERE SO MANY ISSUES WITH THE THROTTLE BODY ON THIS CAR THAT THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE DEALER ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE FOR 5697 MILES BEFORE THE PART ARRIVED. I REQUESTED A RENTAL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT JUSTIFY A RENTAL. ON 02/08/10 MY NEW THROTTLE BODY WAS INSTALLED. TODAY IS 02/22/2012 AND I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ALL OVER AGAIN. THE FORD FREESTYLE IS BY FAR THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I AM ON MY SECOND SET OF (REAR) BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED. OUR AIR CONDITIONER ONLY WORKS PROPERLY DURING THE WINTER. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS PAGES OF FORUMS WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES DEALING WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUES ON THE EXACT SAME CARS. I RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST FORD FOR THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. I HAVE PAGES OF DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449008
90,000 miles · Feb 21, 2012
Power Train
I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY IT WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD TRANSMISSION NOISE. I RECEIVED A CALL AT 4PM FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. WHEN I RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLY TO FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON CVT TRANSMISSIONS FROM FOR. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO CORRE…
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I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY IT WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD TRANSMISSION NOISE. I RECEIVED A CALL AT 4PM FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. WHEN I RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLY TO FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON CVT TRANSMISSIONS FROM FOR. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM UNDER RECALL WHICH I FIND TO BE TERRIBLE. WHEN THEY ARE IN FINANCIAL DEFICET THEY GET BAILED OUT BY OUR GOVERNMENT BUT WHEN THEY HAVE FAULTY EQUIPTMENT THEY TURN THEIR HEAD. I AM DISGUSTED WITH THE WAY THEY HAVE DELT WITH THIS PROBLEM. WHO CAN AFFORD TO BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A VEHICLE EVERY 60000 MILES!! I GUESS WE CAN LET THE AMERICAN CONSUMER TAKE THE HIT THAT WORKS FOR ALIVING AND PAYS TAXES SO THAT THEY CAN GET BAILED OUT OF TROUBLE WHEN THEY HAVE PROBLEMS!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448841
60,000 miles · Feb 16, 2012
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND DISPLAYED AN ERRONEOUS READING OF ZERO. IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. NEIT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND DISPLAYED AN ERRONEOUS READING OF ZERO. IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10448195
54,401 miles · Feb 15, 2012
SuspensionWheelsCrash
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH. WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF HIGHWAY AND WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. I TRIED DESPERATELY TO STRAIGHTEN UP AND TO CONTROL THE CAR BUT IT WAS USELESS. THE VEHICLE…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH. WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF HIGHWAY AND WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. I TRIED DESPERATELY TO STRAIGHTEN UP AND TO CONTROL THE CAR BUT IT WAS USELESS. THE VEHICLE WENT SIDEWAYS AND THEN STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN A BERM ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ONLY BY THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD WAS OUR VEHICLE NOT STRUCK BY A PASSING VEHICLE OR DID OUR VEHICLE ROLL. WE WALKED AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT WITH NO INJURIES JUST THANKFUL HEARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION AND THE TECHNICIAN QUICKLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN LOWER LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORT BRACKET. THE CONTROL ARM IS WHAT KEEPS THE REAR WHEELS FROM TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUPPORT BRACKET IS WHAT HELPS TO KEEP THE CONTROL ARM IN PLACE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE PART IS CONSTRUCTED WITH AN INEXPENSIVE AND WEAK GRADE OF STEEL AND IS SUBJECT TO DAMAGE. *TR...UPDATED 08/31/2012 *BF UPDATED 09/05/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10448040
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2012
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
WHEN THE WEATHER FALLS BELOW FREEZING TEMP THE DRIVERS DOOR LOCK MECHANISM JAMS AND NO AMT OF WARM AIR APPLIED TO THE DOOR WILL UNJAM IT. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN MY DRIVERS DOOR FOR THREE DAYS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10447810
40,000 miles · Feb 12, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2005 FREESTYLE, I BOUGHT NEW, AND HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED TWICE FOR THIS SURGING ISSUE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND SHE FREAKS OUT WHEN IT SURGES, SHE HAS ALMOST LOST CONTROL SOMETIMES…
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I HAVE A 2005 FREESTYLE, I BOUGHT NEW, AND HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED TWICE FOR THIS SURGING ISSUE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND SHE FREAKS OUT WHEN IT SURGES, SHE HAS ALMOST LOST CONTROL SOMETIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10447706
83,000 miles · Feb 8, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THAT CONCLUDED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THAT CONCLUDED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10447161
40,000 miles · Jan 30, 2012
Unknown Or Other
WHEN PUTTING CAR INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THE CAR WILL LUNG FORWARD AND AS SOON AS THE BREAKS ARE APPLIED THE CAR GOES DEAD AND THE TROUBLE LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAPPENS A GOOD DEAL OF THE TIME AND IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10445862
135,000 miles · Jan 26, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: 12…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10445432
14,777 miles · Jan 25, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT MOVED THE GEAR SHIFTER TO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARD ABNORMALLY AS THE CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT MOVED THE GEAR SHIFTER TO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARD ABNORMALLY AS THE CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,777. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ UPDATED 02/17/12
NHTSA ODI #10445236
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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