NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports52,000 miles · Oct 11, 2017
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THE INSPECTOR NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO OR THREE YEARS BEFORE, RUST WAS DISCOVERED DURING ANOTHER STATE SAFETY INSPECT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THE INSPECTOR NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO OR THREE YEARS BEFORE, RUST WAS DISCOVERED DURING ANOTHER STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED WELDING WORK TO THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. PRIME FORD SACO (857 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072 (207) 282-0300) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE RUST FAILURE. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *BF UPDATED 7/26/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11032843
100,000 miles · Sep 14, 2017
Seats
THE 60 PART OF THE 60/40 MIDDLE SEAT IS STUCK IN THE FOLDED DOWN POSITION. THE LATCH WAS ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO USE. I HAD TO REALLY YANK ON IT TO GET IT TO ENGAGE. NOW IT IS JUST BROKEN. I CAN ONLY SEAT 1 PERSON IN THE MIDDLE SEAT AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE 3RD SEAT CAN EXIT OUT OF ONLY 1 DOOR. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS EXPENSIV…
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THE 60 PART OF THE 60/40 MIDDLE SEAT IS STUCK IN THE FOLDED DOWN POSITION. THE LATCH WAS ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO USE. I HAD TO REALLY YANK ON IT TO GET IT TO ENGAGE. NOW IT IS JUST BROKEN. I CAN ONLY SEAT 1 PERSON IN THE MIDDLE SEAT AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE 3RD SEAT CAN EXIT OUT OF ONLY 1 DOOR. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS EXPENSIVE AND FROM READING OTHER POSTINGS, IT WILL BREAK AGAIN. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW.
NHTSA ODI #11023450
131,000 miles · Jun 18, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY, LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON, WAS LUCKY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK IN D AND R, WITH STILL NO RESPON…
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WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY, LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON, WAS LUCKY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK IN D AND R, WITH STILL NO RESPONSE FROM THE THROTTLE. AFTER HAVING TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED HOME SO MY FAMILY AND I WERE OFF OF THE BUSY HIGHWAY, I TRIED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO TRY AND RESET THE SYSTEM, STILL NO LUCK. WE JUST HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED LAST YEAR AT A COST OF 700.00, SIMILAR TO SAME ISSUES WITH THROTTLE BUT NOTHING WITH TRANSMISSION AT THAT TIME. AFTER READING THROUGH MULTIPLE REVIEWS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS CVT TRANSMISSION AND THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL ON THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDING TO BE CLEANED. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM OF WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED, THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT ONLY FAMILY VEHICLES BUT DEATH TRAPS! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOME FAMILY GETS KILLED FROM A FAULTY MISTAKE THAT FORD CO. IS WELL AWARE OF!
NHTSA ODI #10995759
148,508 miles · Jun 5, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AFTER SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VOLUNTARY RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,508. UPDA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AFTER SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VOLUNTARY RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,508. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ *CN
NHTSA ODI #10993252
180,000 miles · May 15, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #10985757
194,000 miles · Mar 31, 2017
SteeringStructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION TO THE FRONTAL LOBE OF HER HEAD AND SUSTAINED A CONTUSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10969678
180,600 miles · Mar 18, 2017
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING 80MPH (POSTED 80 SPEED LIMIT) THE CAR STARTED TO GLIDE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH LITTLE TURNING OF THE WHEEL. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHILE GOING 15-25MPH. THE FEELING IS A COASTING FEELING, LIKE YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF CORRECTING IT WITH THE STEERING. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE ALREADY OF THE SAME FORD OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAM…
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WHILE DRIVING 80MPH (POSTED 80 SPEED LIMIT) THE CAR STARTED TO GLIDE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH LITTLE TURNING OF THE WHEEL. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHILE GOING 15-25MPH. THE FEELING IS A COASTING FEELING, LIKE YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF CORRECTING IT WITH THE STEERING. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE ALREADY OF THE SAME FORD OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10966659
160,000 miles · Feb 24, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
CAR WILL STALL OUT WHILE IDLING, ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING (APPARENTLY FAIL SAFE MODE). MAY OR MAY NOT START AGAIN AFTER SHUTTING OFF AND RESTARTING. ALTERNATIVELY, ENGINE WILL ROAR WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL, WITH NO ACCELERATION; OR WILL JOLT/SHUDDER WHILE MOVING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. NEW FUEL PUMP ALREADY INSTALLED. A…
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CAR WILL STALL OUT WHILE IDLING, ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING (APPARENTLY FAIL SAFE MODE). MAY OR MAY NOT START AGAIN AFTER SHUTTING OFF AND RESTARTING. ALTERNATIVELY, ENGINE WILL ROAR WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL, WITH NO ACCELERATION; OR WILL JOLT/SHUDDER WHILE MOVING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. NEW FUEL PUMP ALREADY INSTALLED. ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS ALREADY GONE OVER AT DEALER. TWICE NEW INERTIA SHUTOFF VALVES INSTALLED. ($800) IF THIS IS RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY, I WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION.
NHTSA ODI #10956858
136,000 miles · Feb 13, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY VEHICLE ENTERS ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, EXPERIENCES IDLE ISSUES AND THE THROTTLE BODY IS RESPONSIBLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL PRESENT - WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE YOU FIND MANY CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE …
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MY VEHICLE ENTERS ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, EXPERIENCES IDLE ISSUES AND THE THROTTLE BODY IS RESPONSIBLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL PRESENT - WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE YOU FIND MANY CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY BUT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PUT IN SERIOUS DANGER DUE TO THE SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS INCLUDING INTERSTATE DRIVING. THE ENGINE FAILSAFE HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE, WHILE ACCELERATING, THERE IS NO WARNING OR SPECIFIC PATTERN.
NHTSA ODI #10954306
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V383000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10949863
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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