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
84,689 miles · Aug 28, 2011
Unknown Or Other
MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT (BRAKE IS APPLIED) OR DRIVING SLOW IN THE PARKING LOT. IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND LUNGES FORWARD AS IF THE ACCELATOR IS BEING PUSHED QUICKLY, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE TO EITHER BE STOPPED OR TO SLOW DOWN IN A PARKING LOT. I TYPICALLY PRESS THE BRAKE VERY HARD TO TRY TO …
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MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT (BRAKE IS APPLIED) OR DRIVING SLOW IN THE PARKING LOT. IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND LUNGES FORWARD AS IF THE ACCELATOR IS BEING PUSHED QUICKLY, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE TO EITHER BE STOPPED OR TO SLOW DOWN IN A PARKING LOT. I TYPICALLY PRESS THE BRAKE VERY HARD TO TRY TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR TO AVOID HITTING ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. IT DOES CONCERN ME THAT I IF IT OCCURS, THAT I COULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT A LIGHT OR POSSIBLE A PERSON WALKING THROUGH A PARKING LOT. WHEN DRIVING HOME THE OTHER DAY (45 - 50 MPH), MY CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE CAR LUNGING AND THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT COMING ON. THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE LUNGING ISSUE AND THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT ISSUE. THEY PUT THE NEW ALTERNATOR IN (WHICH WAS NOT CHEAP) AND I NOTICED ON THE WAY HOME THAT THE CAR WAS STILL LUNGING. I WAS DRIVING THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY MORNING AND NOTICED THE CAR CONTINUED TO LUNGE WHEN STOPPLED AT A LIGHT. ALSO, WHEN I STOPPED AT MY MAILBOX THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CHARGING SYSTEM, ENGINE OIL, AND EMISSION CONTROL LIGHTS ARE COMING ON. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE CAR IS GOING BACK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP MONDAY MORNING. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10422324
80,000 miles · Aug 27, 2011
Unknown Or Other
WHILE AT IDLE IN REVERSE OR FORWARD CAR LUNGES AND ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN IF FOOT IS NOT ON BRAKE 1THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR INJURY IVE SEEN MORE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SIGHT AND RELIZE THAT THIS IS BECOMING A SERIUOS PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES WHAT CAN BE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10422283
77,123 miles · Aug 26, 2011
Unknown Or Other
WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE AND SOMETIMES WHEN SITTING AT A LIGHT THE CAR WILL LURCH SEVERAL FEET WITH OUT PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE ACELERATOR
NHTSA ODI #10422208
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2011
Unknown Or Other
MY FORD FREESTYLE, LUNGES ALL THE TIME. IT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO PARALLEL PARK. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT I HAVE BEEN VERY CLOSE TO HITTING OTHER PARKED CARS. I LUNGES WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE IF IT'S IN REVERSE IT LUNGES BACKWARDS. IF IT'S IN DRIVE IT LUNGES FORWARD. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME, MY CA…
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MY FORD FREESTYLE, LUNGES ALL THE TIME. IT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO PARALLEL PARK. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT I HAVE BEEN VERY CLOSE TO HITTING OTHER PARKED CARS. I LUNGES WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE IF IT'S IN REVERSE IT LUNGES BACKWARDS. IF IT'S IN DRIVE IT LUNGES FORWARD. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME, MY CAR IS A 2005. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 2 YEARS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10421578
38,800 miles · Aug 25, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE LUNGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,800 AND THE CURRENT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE LUNGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,067.
NHTSA ODI #10421499
93,000 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. UPON SHIFTING OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE ETC FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE WARNING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. UPON SHIFTING OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE ETC FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE WARNING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #10421277
60,000 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE OR DRIVE AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT IS UNCONTROLLABLE AND SOMEONE CAN GET HURT. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN…
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SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE OR DRIVE AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT IS UNCONTROLLABLE AND SOMEONE CAN GET HURT. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. NOW, IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM, THE CAR WILL JUST LOSE POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HAVE TO HOPE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE TO TURN THE TRUCK OFF AND THEN TRY RESTARTING A FEW TIMES TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. THESE ARE CONTINUING PROBLEMS FOR MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10422035
86,500 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,500.
NHTSA ODI #10421176
76,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE CLEANED BUT THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANING DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE CLEANED BUT THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANING DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNAWARE OF THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #10421042
69,269 miles · Aug 21, 2011
Structure
1. ANY TIME IT RAINS 2. PASSENGER CARGO FLOOR IS SWAMPED WITH WATER CREATING MILDEW AND RUST IN CAR 3. VACUUMED OUT BUT WATER RETURNED BECAUSE IT SETTLES IN THE FRAME OF THE CAR. *TR
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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