NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reportsMileage unknown · Oct 12, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE, WHEN EITHER AT A STOP LIGHT, OR PARKING OR WAITING IN THE CARPOOL LINE MY FREESTYLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. SOME INSTANCES ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS WITH MORE FORCE, BUT I AM ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PRESSING HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE ALMOST HIT A COUPLE …
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I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE, WHEN EITHER AT A STOP LIGHT, OR PARKING OR WAITING IN THE CARPOOL LINE MY FREESTYLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. SOME INSTANCES ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS WITH MORE FORCE, BUT I AM ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PRESSING HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE ALMOST HIT A COUPLE OF CARS IN THE DRIVE THRU LANES AT RESTAURANTS. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED MY FREESTYLE CUTTING OFF WHILE AT A LIGHT, AND EVEN ONCE WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAR JUST DIED. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE THROTTLE BODY STICKING AND ITS WAY OF CORRECTING ITSELF IS TO LUNGE THE CAR AND ATTEMPT TO RIGHT THE ISSUE. THEY QUOTED ANYWHERE FROM $100 TO TRY TO CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY AND POSSIBLE HAVE TO REPLACE IT TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $700. IF THIS PROBLEM IS SO WELL KNOWN THAT MY DEALER KNOWS ABOUT IT, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND RECALLED? *KB
NHTSA ODI #10429589
53,000 miles · Oct 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
CAR WOULD "SURGE" WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HAD TO BREAK TO STOP. ALSO, WOULD STALL OUT WHEN SHIFTED BACK FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR. ULTIMATELY HAD TO HAVE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10429876
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE LURCHED AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, FRONT END SHUDDERED. RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD DRIVE, BUT WOULD ONLY ACHIEVE 20 MPH WITH VERY HIGH RPMS. DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AS I UNDERSTAND READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS, THEY DON'T …
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CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE LURCHED AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, FRONT END SHUDDERED. RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD DRIVE, BUT WOULD ONLY ACHIEVE 20 MPH WITH VERY HIGH RPMS. DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AS I UNDERSTAND READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS, THEY DON'T MAKE THIS UNIT ANYMORE. I AM FACED WITH A VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T DRIVE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10429540
85,000 miles · Oct 7, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON TUESDAY, OUR CAR LOST ENGINE POWER IN TRAFFIC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" APPEARED ON THE DASH. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON, AND IT WORKED FINE. SHE CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND IDENTICAL PROBLEMS, AND SOLUTIONS IN TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON. I CHECKED ONLINE, FOUND IDENTICAL FAILURES, A LO…
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ON TUESDAY, OUR CAR LOST ENGINE POWER IN TRAFFIC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND "ENGINE IN FAILSAFE MODE" APPEARED ON THE DASH. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON, AND IT WORKED FINE. SHE CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND IDENTICAL PROBLEMS, AND SOLUTIONS IN TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON. I CHECKED ONLINE, FOUND IDENTICAL FAILURES, A LONGSTANDING SHORTAGE OF THROTTLE PARTS, PRESUMED A DEFECT IN THE THROTTLE CONTROL, FOUND NO FHTSA RECALLS, BUT DISCOVERED SURGING DOCUMENTED IN PE11-018 (OPENED MAY 11, 2011). OUR CAR HAS ALSO HAD HIGH RPM SURGES, OCCURRING INFREQUENTLY, BUT USUALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. OUR AU PAIR EXPERIENCED SURGING 2 WEEKS EARLIER WHEN SHE BACKED OUT OF A GARAGE PARKING LOT AND BUMPED ANOTHER CAR. BELOW ARE REPRESENTATIVE WEBSITES THAT DOCUMENT 21 INSTANCES OF SUDDEN POWER LOSS AND ENGINE WARNING "FAILSAFE MODE" IN THE FORD FREESTYLE DESCRIBED AS SUDDEN STALLING, CAR GOING TO IDLE, ENGINE DYING, RUNNING LIMP, AND GOING INTO "NEUTRAL." MY WIFE'S EXPERIENCE IS CONSISTENT WITH THESE DESCRIPTIONS. ALSO, MANY COMPLAINTS REPORT SURGES (PE11-018) AND LOSS OF POWER IN THE SAME VEHICLE COMPLAINT, ALSO CONSISTENT WITH OUR EXPERIENCE: HTTP://WWW.MYFORDFREESTYLE.COM/FORUMS/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=1&T=2197&SID=78CBEB4F4AAA7DD9C571F0CF9C804D74&START=0 15 COMPLAINTS: FRAGGLE, TMAD, MRDINMN, LMARQUELING, FORDMAN351, SANLEN, FUXXY, GAVIN, STOCK MACH, SCOUTMAN97, LMTECH, METALAGES, INDIEFILMGUY, BOSTON_FREESTYLE, MKRAMER HTTP://ANSWERS.EDMUNDS.COM/QUESTION-FORD-FREESTYLE-THROTTLE-CONTROL-TRANSMISSION-LIGHT-CAME-ON-ALSO-ENGINE-FAILSAFE-MODE-ACTIVATED-WHAT-S-WRONG-40589.ASPX 1 COMPLAINT: BOOTS7714 HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/FREESTYLE/2005/ENGINE/THROTTLE_BODY_MALFUNCTION.SHTML 4 COMPLAINTS: MICHELLE O, DENNAL, SALLY W, OLDSCHOOL77 HTTP://WWW.FIXYA.COM/CARS/T1531392-ENIGINE_FAIL_SAFE_MODE 1 COMPLAINT: HANDYT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10429088
68,000 miles · Oct 4, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTED LUNGED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MAD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTED LUNGED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10428665
45,600 miles · Oct 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAR WONT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND WILL SURGE FROM A STOP AND WHEN BACKING UP. TOOK IT TO MCCARTHY FORD IN CHICAGO WHERE THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS THE MASS FLOW SENSOR, SIX DAYS LATER I'M HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND NOW BEING TOLD IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428161
85,980 miles · Sep 29, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD, ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I WAS UNABLE TO ANTICIPATE THE MOVE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS UNANTICIPATED MOVEMENT HAS OCCURRED SPORADICALLY OVER THE LAST MONTHS AND WE HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED HITTING CHILDREN IN SCHOOL ZONES AND CROSS …
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THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD, ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I WAS UNABLE TO ANTICIPATE THE MOVE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS UNANTICIPATED MOVEMENT HAS OCCURRED SPORADICALLY OVER THE LAST MONTHS AND WE HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED HITTING CHILDREN IN SCHOOL ZONES AND CROSS WALKS. SOMETIMES THE JUMP OCCURS WHILE THE BRAKE IS BEING DEPRESSED, BUT MOSTLY IT HAPPENS WHEN I START TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY TO NOT HAVE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10428550
61,400 miles · Sep 28, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
THE CAR LUNGES/LURCHES (ACCELERATES SUDDENLY) ON IT'S OWN RANDOMLY, USUALLY RIGHT AFTER PUTTING INTO GEAR, ESPECIALLY IN REVERSE, BUT ALSO IN DRIVE. COMPLETELY UNPREDICTABLE. I HAVE TO KEEP MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE WHEN I START TO GO BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL LURCH AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURE SOMEONE. IT SEEMS TO B…
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THE CAR LUNGES/LURCHES (ACCELERATES SUDDENLY) ON IT'S OWN RANDOMLY, USUALLY RIGHT AFTER PUTTING INTO GEAR, ESPECIALLY IN REVERSE, BUT ALSO IN DRIVE. COMPLETELY UNPREDICTABLE. I HAVE TO KEEP MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE WHEN I START TO GO BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL LURCH AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURE SOMEONE. IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE WHEN THE AC IS RUNNING, BUT THAT ISN'T ALWAYS THE CASE, EITHER. MY 17 YEAR-OLD SON IS EXPERIENCING IT, TOO, AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING IT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10427697
123,000 miles · Sep 27, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10427586
73,000 miles · Sep 27, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTED INTO LOW GEAR AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTED INTO LOW GEAR AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $700. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED HIM HE DOES NOT NEED TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR BOTH FAILURES. THE OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #10427550
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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