NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,459 reports80,000 miles · Jul 1, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE HAD MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGE WHILE IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE. LUCKILY NOTHING HAS BEEN DAMAGED AND NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT USUALLY ONLY HAPPENS WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. ALSO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES TRYING TO GET MY VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GEAR SHIFT. IT D…
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I HAVE HAD MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE LUNGE WHILE IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE. LUCKILY NOTHING HAS BEEN DAMAGED AND NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT USUALLY ONLY HAPPENS WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. ALSO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES TRYING TO GET MY VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GEAR SHIFT. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I HAVE JUST STARTED MY VEHICLE OR HAVE BEEN SITTING IN A DRIVE THROUGH. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET THIS RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410282
78,200 miles · Jul 1, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AN ENGINE SAFE MODE ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AN ENGINE SAFE MODE ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,200.
NHTSA ODI #10410264
15,000 miles · Jul 1, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. DURING THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE WOULD REV UNTIL THE TACOMETER DISPLAYED A READING OF 5,000 ROTATIONS PER MINUTE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. DURING THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE WOULD REV UNTIL THE TACOMETER DISPLAYED A READING OF 5,000 ROTATIONS PER MINUTE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPGRADED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF UPDATED 07/28/11
NHTSA ODI #10410189
100,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Unknown Or Other
AS I WAS PREPARING TO TURN, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD CONTINUOUSLY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND THE SURGE CONTINUED, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, AS I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I PUT IT IN PARK AND THE SURGE CONTINUED, AS IT DID AFTER I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE TO GET THE BEAST INTO THE PARKING GARAGE. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A …
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AS I WAS PREPARING TO TURN, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD CONTINUOUSLY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND THE SURGE CONTINUED, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, AS I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I PUT IT IN PARK AND THE SURGE CONTINUED, AS IT DID AFTER I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE TO GET THE BEAST INTO THE PARKING GARAGE. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILED THROTTLE BODY, WHICH WAS REPLACED ON JULY 7, 2010 AT A COST OF $821.33 BY CROWN FORD, NASHVILLE TN.
NHTSA ODI #10411069
79,545 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
MY WIFE AND I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE, 2005 MODEL. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND LUNGES WHEN OUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND THEY SENT IT OUT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CLAIM THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND GAVE IT BACK TO US. THE CAR STILL JERKS AND LUNGES AND IS…
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MY WIFE AND I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE, 2005 MODEL. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND LUNGES WHEN OUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND THEY SENT IT OUT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CLAIM THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND GAVE IT BACK TO US. THE CAR STILL JERKS AND LUNGES AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410149
82,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS LUNGING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WE NEED TO FIRMLY PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP IT WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS! AT THIS POINT, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT SEEMS CLEAR THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO PERMANENTLY FIX…
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OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IS LUNGING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WE NEED TO FIRMLY PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP IT WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS! AT THIS POINT, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT SEEMS CLEAR THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE ISSUE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410088
65,800 miles · Jun 29, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #10409392
70,000 miles · Jun 29, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH LINE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE ENGINE FAILED WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH LINE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE ENGINE FAILED WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. ..UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF UPDATED 09/26/11
NHTSA ODI #10409391
99,000 miles · Jun 29, 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 DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHILE IN REVERSE OR SPORADICALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEA…
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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 DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHILE IN REVERSE OR SPORADICALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10409314
155,635 miles · Jun 28, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
CAR LUNGES UNEXPECTEDLY AT SLOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACES WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. CAR STALLS AFTER IDLING RESTARTS IN FAILSAFE MODE CAR THEN ACCELERATES VERY SLOW WITH UNEXPECTED LUNGES CAR ALSO STALLS AFTER REVERSING. THIS MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH A/C I HAVE NOT HAD AS MANY FAIL SAFE OCCURRENCES DURING THE …
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CAR LUNGES UNEXPECTEDLY AT SLOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACES WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. CAR STALLS AFTER IDLING RESTARTS IN FAILSAFE MODE CAR THEN ACCELERATES VERY SLOW WITH UNEXPECTED LUNGES CAR ALSO STALLS AFTER REVERSING. THIS MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH A/C I HAVE NOT HAD AS MANY FAIL SAFE OCCURRENCES DURING THE WINTER. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR EVERYTIME I DRIVE THE CAR IN WARM WEATHER. WE HAVE TAKEN TO A MECHANIC BEFORE THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. REPLACED COILS ON ONE VISIT BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. PURCHASED VEHICLE USED AND HAD THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIX. PURCHASED CAR IN JUNE 2010. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10409280
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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