NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports104,000 miles · Jul 22, 2011
Power Train
THE CAR SURGES IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR. IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. IT SEEMS WORSE WHEN THE ENGINE IS "COLD", BUT IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE ONLY SOLUTION HAS BEEN TO APPLY THE BREAK AND ATTEMPT TO CONTROL THE SURGE WHEN IT H…
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THE CAR SURGES IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR. IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. IT SEEMS WORSE WHEN THE ENGINE IS "COLD", BUT IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE ONLY SOLUTION HAS BEEN TO APPLY THE BREAK AND ATTEMPT TO CONTROL THE SURGE WHEN IT HAPPENS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10414651
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2011
Unknown Or Other
WITHOUT WARNING, WHEN MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT SURGES AND I HAVE TO BE READY TO BRAKE OR CRASH INTO SOMETHING. FOLLOWING THE SURGE, THE ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, AND THEN IT WILL GO AWAY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER C…
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WITHOUT WARNING, WHEN MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT SURGES AND I HAVE TO BE READY TO BRAKE OR CRASH INTO SOMETHING. FOLLOWING THE SURGE, THE ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, AND THEN IT WILL GO AWAY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE. THEY SCANNED THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THERE WERE NO CODES. THEY ADVISED THAT UNLESS I CAN MAKE THE SURGE HAPPEN, NOT TO LEAVE THE CAR. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10414628
90,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS SEPTEMBER 2010. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH IN NASHVILLE TN. IT WAS HOT AND AC WAS RUNNING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. ON THE DATE I REPORTED ABOVE SAME SITUATION, IN A PARKING LOT, TEMP OUTSIDE W…
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THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS SEPTEMBER 2010. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH IN NASHVILLE TN. IT WAS HOT AND AC WAS RUNNING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. ON THE DATE I REPORTED ABOVE SAME SITUATION, IN A PARKING LOT, TEMP OUTSIDE WAS OVER 90 AND AC WAS RUNNING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE IT ACCELERATED FORWARD. MY WIFE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS SIMILAR BUT SHE WAS ONLY AWARE THAT THE AC WAS RUNNING WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. WE WERE FORTUNATE EACH TIME THERE WAS ENOUGH SPACE TO PRESS THE BRAKE AND STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10414568
9,900 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR LURCHES FORWARD IF MY FOOT IS NOT FULLY ON THE BRAKE OR WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON. I WAS RUNNING MY AC IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER THIS LAST TIME. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414043
117,380 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WE HAVE AN 2005 FREESTYLE. MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP OUR GRANDSON FROM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ON 7/19/2011. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN OVER SOME OTHER KIDS CROSSING OVER THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER. THE CROSSING GUARD FRANTICALLY WAVED HIS ARMS FOR MY WIFE TO STOP WHICH SHE WAS TRYING TO DO. BY LUCK THE ENGINE DIED. SOMEONE …
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WE HAVE AN 2005 FREESTYLE. MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP OUR GRANDSON FROM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ON 7/19/2011. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN OVER SOME OTHER KIDS CROSSING OVER THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER. THE CROSSING GUARD FRANTICALLY WAVED HIS ARMS FOR MY WIFE TO STOP WHICH SHE WAS TRYING TO DO. BY LUCK THE ENGINE DIED. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE FROM THIS YET AND THEN FORD WILL HAVE A BIG LAWSUIT ON THERE HANDS WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ON THE SIDE OF THE PLAINTIFF. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND FORD'S POSITION ON THIS ISSUE SINCE THEY ARE RATED HIGHLY FOR QUALITY. THEY HAD THE PUBLICS SUPPORT WHEN THEY DIDN'T TAKE A BAILOUT. WHY DAMAGE A GOOD REPUTATION? *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414042
78,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE SURGES WHEN AT IDLE. COMMONLY HAPPENS WHEN BACKING UP OR MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY (IE, IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVING INTO A GARAGE). BECAUSE THIS IS OCCURRING AT IDLE SPEEDS SO FAR MY FOOT HAS BEEN EITHER ON THE BRAKE OR CLOSE TO THE BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER THIS WILL ALSO HAPPEN IF IN A TRAFFIC JAM OR SLOW M…
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THE VEHICLE SURGES WHEN AT IDLE. COMMONLY HAPPENS WHEN BACKING UP OR MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY (IE, IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVING INTO A GARAGE). BECAUSE THIS IS OCCURRING AT IDLE SPEEDS SO FAR MY FOOT HAS BEEN EITHER ON THE BRAKE OR CLOSE TO THE BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER THIS WILL ALSO HAPPEN IF IN A TRAFFIC JAM OR SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC SITUATIONS (IE, DROPPING THE KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL, SLOWING DOWN DUE TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, ETC). I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH THE DEALER THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE IGNORANT TO THE PROBLEM. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414029
70,423 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND IMMEDIATELY IT SURGED. THOUGHT IT WAS ME BUT THEN IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE AND/OR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY. JUST STARTED HAPPENING THIS MONTH. TOOK THE MECHANIC TO CHECK, BUT HE COULD NO REPRODUCE ISSUE. I AM NOT SURPRISED THOUGH, AS IT SEEMS …
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TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND IMMEDIATELY IT SURGED. THOUGHT IT WAS ME BUT THEN IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE AND/OR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY. JUST STARTED HAPPENING THIS MONTH. TOOK THE MECHANIC TO CHECK, BUT HE COULD NO REPRODUCE ISSUE. I AM NOT SURPRISED THOUGH, AS IT SEEMS TO BE INTERMITTENT. PROBLEM BEST DESCRIBED AS VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT CERTAINLY SEEMS AS IF IT IS INEVITABLE. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414012
80,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE "SURGES" WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING BUT MY CAR IS NOT MOVING. I HAVE TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR FOR FEAR IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD, OR BACKWARD, WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE PUT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I AM AFRAID TO LET ANYONE DRIVE THE CAR, EVEN WITH ME TELLING THE PERSON ABOUT THE SURGES, SIN…
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE "SURGES" WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING BUT MY CAR IS NOT MOVING. I HAVE TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR FOR FEAR IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD, OR BACKWARD, WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE PUT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I AM AFRAID TO LET ANYONE DRIVE THE CAR, EVEN WITH ME TELLING THE PERSON ABOUT THE SURGES, SINCE IT IS NOT WHAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY BE THINKING ABOUT WHEN STARTING A CAR AND PUTTING IT INTO GEAR. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS SITUATION. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP YET SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CHARGE WILL BE FOR REPAIR. THE SURGING HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 10 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS. EACH TIME I THINK IT IS JUST A ONE TIME THING, BUT NOW I KNOW IT IS NOT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414006
8,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN NO PRESSURE WAS BEING APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE EFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE DURING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN NO PRESSURE WAS BEING APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE EFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE DURING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY LOCATED A FAILURE WITHIN THE EGR VALVE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION OPEN UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE11018 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,600. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10413926
70,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED TO A VERY HIGH RPM. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED TO A VERY HIGH RPM. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10413909
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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