NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports112,000 miles · Nov 8, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD AS THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR SYMBOL ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD AS THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR SYMBOL ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA ODI #10434874
100,000 miles · Nov 7, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT CERTAIN TIMES. MOST NOTABLY WHILE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE. SOMETIMES LUNGES WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING; SO WHILE IN REVERSE. SEEMS TO HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH TIGHT TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. MENTION HAS BEEN MADE OF A POSSIBLE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR PROBLEM. WHEN TA…
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CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT CERTAIN TIMES. MOST NOTABLY WHILE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE. SOMETIMES LUNGES WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING; SO WHILE IN REVERSE. SEEMS TO HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH TIGHT TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. MENTION HAS BEEN MADE OF A POSSIBLE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR PROBLEM. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC HOWEVER; IT WOULD NOT LUNGE, SO NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. ONLY DOES IT ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434763
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringTraction Control System
TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES OF THE CAR BEING TURNED ON (DOES NOT HAVE TO BE IN MOTION). STEERING GETS REAL SENSITIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433613
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
LUNGING, SURGING, AND JUMPING WHILE A/C IS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433612
77,000 miles · Oct 27, 2011
Power TrainStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #10433012
123,000 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH OUR FREESTYLE, AND AT THIS POINT ARE FACED WITH A FAILED THROTTLE BODY, WHICH WILL COST $900 TO REPLACE (DEALER QUOTE). SEARCHING THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON, KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FREESTYLE, AND ITS SISTER CARS (THE 500 & SABLE) ALL BUILD BY FORD WITH THE SAME ENG…
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WE HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH OUR FREESTYLE, AND AT THIS POINT ARE FACED WITH A FAILED THROTTLE BODY, WHICH WILL COST $900 TO REPLACE (DEALER QUOTE). SEARCHING THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON, KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FREESTYLE, AND ITS SISTER CARS (THE 500 & SABLE) ALL BUILD BY FORD WITH THE SAME ENGINE. THE PROBLEM CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH WHILE AT IDLE, TO PERHAPS 5-10 MPH, ENDANGERING ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE'S PATH (IE, PEDESTRIANS, CARS AHEAD IN A DRIVE-THRU LANE, ETC.) FORD HAS PRODUCED SEVERAL SUCCESSIVE VARIANTS OF THE THROTTLE BODY, INDICATING THE NEWER ONES DO NOT HAVE THE FATAL DESIGN FLAW THAT PLAGUES THE ORIGINAL. WHY AM I FORCED TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT FOR AN OBVIOUSLY (AT THIS POINT) BADLY DESIGNED PRODUCT? THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AND WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE EXPENSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432630
79,800 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE BODY FAILURE VEHICLE BEGAN LURCHING FORWARD WHILE IN DRIVE WITH BRAKE APPLIED THIS WAS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS ESPECIALLY AT DRIVE THROUGH FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. I REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY FOR $653.00 AT MY LOCAL MECHANIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432614
73,000 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM, CAR DOESN'T START. WHEN IT DOES START BLACK, SMELLY SPOKE COMES OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. ISSUE STARTED AROUND MARCH BROUGHT TO GARAGE SAID IT WAS IN NEED OF A TUNE UP. HAD THAT DONE $400 CAR STILL DID THEY SAME THING NOT STARTING. WORKED FINE FOR AWHILE. AGAIN THE COLD WEATHER HIT. NOT STARTING AGAIN. BROU…
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THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM, CAR DOESN'T START. WHEN IT DOES START BLACK, SMELLY SPOKE COMES OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. ISSUE STARTED AROUND MARCH BROUGHT TO GARAGE SAID IT WAS IN NEED OF A TUNE UP. HAD THAT DONE $400 CAR STILL DID THEY SAME THING NOT STARTING. WORKED FINE FOR AWHILE. AGAIN THE COLD WEATHER HIT. NOT STARTING AGAIN. BROUGHT CAR IN AGAIN. TOOK 5 DAYS TO FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. $600 PART PLUS LABOR $500 PLUS RENTAL FOR 5 DAYS $400. AFTER READING SEVERAL COMPLAINT ON THE SAME ISSUE I AM VERY SURPRISED THIS HASN'T BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ALREADY. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FORD SHOULD REFUND ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432605
62,400 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Power Train
MY VEHICLE HAS A CVT (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION). THE "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT COMES ON, CAR ONLY GOES ABOUT 30 MPH WITH ENGINE AT 4,000 RPM. TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE PROBLEM IS GONE FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT THEN RECURS. WHILE THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING THE CAR IDLES AT 2,000 RPM (INSTEAD OF 800). IF YOU TAKE …
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MY VEHICLE HAS A CVT (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION). THE "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT COMES ON, CAR ONLY GOES ABOUT 30 MPH WITH ENGINE AT 4,000 RPM. TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE PROBLEM IS GONE FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT THEN RECURS. WHILE THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING THE CAR IDLES AT 2,000 RPM (INSTEAD OF 800). IF YOU TAKE YOU FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHILE SITTING STILL THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP (ALLAN VIGIL IN MORROW, GA) QUOTED $5,800 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY DID NOT TELL ME THAT IT WOULD BE A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED AND FORD CAN ONLY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. THERE SEEM TO BE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE YET FORD SAYS THEY ARE "VERY SURPRISED" AT THE FAILURE. INTERESTINGLY, I DID NOT MENTION THE "LUNGING" ISSUE TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR. BEFORE MY CAR WAS MOVED FROM THE SERVICE LANE HE NOTED LUNGING ON THE REPORT. IF THE PROBLEM ISN'T WIDESPREAD HOW DID HE KNOW THAT? BASICALLY, I HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD CAR THAT HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AND A COMMON POINT OF FAILURE IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED AND I HAVE TO PAY ALMOST $6000 TO HAVE THE CVT REBUILT. THE FREQUENT CVT FAILURE AND THE LUNGING ISSUE IN MY OPINION SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432552
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN GEAR, THE CAR LUNGS (ACCELERATES). THIS HAPPENS IN REVERSE OR FORWARD MOTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432396
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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