IllustrationTHIS FREESTYLE HAS SURGED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. WE REPLACE A FAILED THROTTLE BODY IN 2010. RECENTLY IN SHOP IN 9/11 FOR NONSTART. *TR
2005 Ford Freestyle
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Freestyle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 893.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Freestyle years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reports2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGING FORWARD, STALLING OUT, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WRENCH ICON LIGHT COMING ON. IT WAS DANGEROUS TO BE ON THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN STOPPING, AND VERY PORE ACCELERATION. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES AT READING CODES DISCOVERED IT WAS A BAD THROTTLE BODY. I NOTICED ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT WERE POSTED ON L…
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGING FORWARD, STALLING OUT, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WRENCH ICON LIGHT COMING ON. IT WAS DANGEROUS TO BE ON THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN STOPPING, AND VERY PORE ACCELERATION. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES AT READING CODES DISCOVERED IT WAS A BAD THROTTLE BODY. I NOTICED ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT WERE POSTED ON LINE ABOUT THIS SAME VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED YOUR INVESTIGATION OPENED IN 2011. REPAIRS WERE MADE BY MYSELF AT THE COST OF $608.00. ALSO, I NOTICED THE NEW REPLACEMENT PART HAD AN ENGINEERING CHANGE THAT ELIMINATED THE ANTI FREEZE HEATER SECTION. I FEEL SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BY RECALLING THE THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM USED IN THIS FORD VEHICLE. I ALSO WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED THE THROTTLE BODY ,THAT THIS PART WAS COMMON TO BE REPLACED. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,905 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,910. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,905 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,910. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ UPDATED 02/17/12
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
AFTER HAVING THE CAR SEVICED FOR STALLING , AND HAVING THE THROTTLE CLEANED, THE CAR AGAIN WOULD NOT START.. THIS TIME IT HAD DRAINED THE BRAND NEW BATTERY AS WELL. *TR
WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, I HAD TO PRESS VERY HARD ON BREAK TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM LAUNCHING. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ALWAYS WHEN STOPPED BUT NOT IN PARK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND WOULD LUNGE BACKWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND WOULD LUNGE BACKWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY IN THIS VEHICLE AROUND 2008. I CAN CHECK WITH MY MECHANIC FOR AN EXACT DATE. IT WAS SURGING INTO TRAFFIC, LIGHT POLES IN PARKING LOTS, AND EVEN PEDESTRIANS, ALL WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I NOW HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY FAILING AGAIN. THIS KIND OF CAR IS GOING TO IN…
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I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY IN THIS VEHICLE AROUND 2008. I CAN CHECK WITH MY MECHANIC FOR AN EXACT DATE. IT WAS SURGING INTO TRAFFIC, LIGHT POLES IN PARKING LOTS, AND EVEN PEDESTRIANS, ALL WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I NOW HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY FAILING AGAIN. THIS KIND OF CAR IS GOING TO INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER 800 DOLLARS THAT THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. WITH NO WARNING THIS CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO REGARD TO WHAT OR WHO IS IN FRONT OF IT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER. I AM FULLY AWARE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO ALSO OWN THIS SAME TYPE OF CAR WHO HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ADVOCATE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CANNOT CONTINUOUSLY AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLVE IN THE END. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT GOES INTO FAIL SAFE MODE KINDA LIKE STALLING IT DOES THIS UP TO 4 OR 5 TIMES WITH ONLY GOING A FEW MILES AND DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS IN TOWN OR HIGHWAY IT DOES IT EVERYWHERE. WE HAVE TO PULL OVER SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. *TR
THROTTLE BODY IS GIVING ME TROUBLE. WHEN I AM AT A LIGHT OR STOPPED MY CAR ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS SOMETIMES I AM AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK OR JUST AT A LIGHT. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *KB
Official recalls
206V383000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Oct 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.
05V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
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.