NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
484 reportsClear category filter94,000 miles · Oct 11, 2012
EnginePower Train
THE CAR WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN I WOULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE BEFORE I COULD GET MY FOOT TO THE GAS PEDAL. THEN STARTED TO LUNGE AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC...NOW IT WILL LOSE POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN TR…
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THE CAR WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN I WOULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE BEFORE I COULD GET MY FOOT TO THE GAS PEDAL. THEN STARTED TO LUNGE AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC...NOW IT WILL LOSE POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION AND I WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN TRAVELING 65MPH IN TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10479807
97,000 miles · Oct 10, 2012
Power Train
CVT TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED. OUR 2006 FORD FREESTYLE WHINES WHEN IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. THE WHINE CONTINUES (AT A LOWER DECIBEL) WHEN DRIVING. OUR ASE CERTIFIED TECH TOLD US THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR AND IS FULLY DESCRIBED IN FORD'S TSB 06-11-4. FORD IS UNWILLING TO ASSIST US WITH THE COST OF THE R…
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CVT TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED. OUR 2006 FORD FREESTYLE WHINES WHEN IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. THE WHINE CONTINUES (AT A LOWER DECIBEL) WHEN DRIVING. OUR ASE CERTIFIED TECH TOLD US THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR AND IS FULLY DESCRIBED IN FORD'S TSB 06-11-4. FORD IS UNWILLING TO ASSIST US WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH TELLS INTERESTED PARTIES THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION. FURTHER, IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD SINCE MANY, MANY OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS VERY COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10479653
112,000 miles · Oct 9, 2012
EnginePower Train
THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT WAS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRAIN, LURCH, AND ACCELERATE WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED AND THEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER, THE MALFUNCTION RETURNED. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I VIEWED DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SOME AT LOW SPEEDS IN PARKING LOTS, IN WHICH P…
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THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT WAS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRAIN, LURCH, AND ACCELERATE WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED AND THEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER, THE MALFUNCTION RETURNED. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I VIEWED DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SOME AT LOW SPEEDS IN PARKING LOTS, IN WHICH PEDESTRIANS WERE ALMOST STRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10479469
71,154 miles · Oct 5, 2012
Power Train
MY CAR WOULD DIE AND THEN START AGAIN. IT ALSO WOULD SURGE FORWARD WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACED IT, WHICH WAS NOT COVERED ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN. IT IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN (SEPTEMBER OF 2012). I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID THEY HAVE HAD THE …
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MY CAR WOULD DIE AND THEN START AGAIN. IT ALSO WOULD SURGE FORWARD WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACED IT, WHICH WAS NOT COVERED ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN. IT IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN (SEPTEMBER OF 2012). I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME REPLACING THIS PART TWICE DURING THEIR OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. IT SHOULD NOT BE SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES. I FEEL THAT A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478798
74,593 miles · Oct 3, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
.WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THIS VEHICLE WILL, WITHOUT WARNING, LUNGE FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MANY TIMES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE THROTTLE BODY, A PART THAT COST AROUND 900 DOLLARS. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478426
175,000 miles · Sep 28, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO REVERSE OR PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO REVERSE OR PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA ODI #10477355
76,100 miles · Sep 25, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHEN I STOP THE CAR AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR ANY STOP, THE CAR IS ACCELERATED. AND HAVE PROBLEMS TO RUN AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE TO REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10477081
65,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 65,000 AT A COST OF $6000. FORD IS AWARE OF CVT TRANSMISSION DEFECTS AND FAILURE IN IT'S 2005 THRU 2007 FREESTYLES, YET IT HAS DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST ITS CUSTOMERS WITH THIS ISSUE, DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM THE VEHICLE OWNERS INCLUDING MYSELF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475748
119,205 miles · Sep 15, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MY 2006 FORD FREESTYLE LURCHES FORWARD AT 0 TO 5 MPH. THE LURCHING OCCURS EVEN IF I DO NOT PRESS THE PEDAL. IT IS DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS AND WHEN TRYING TO PARK. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE EGR VALVE AND IT IS STILL LURCHING FORWARD..FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WIT…
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MY 2006 FORD FREESTYLE LURCHES FORWARD AT 0 TO 5 MPH. THE LURCHING OCCURS EVEN IF I DO NOT PRESS THE PEDAL. IT IS DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS AND WHEN TRYING TO PARK. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE EGR VALVE AND IT IS STILL LURCHING FORWARD..FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475516
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MY 2006 FORD LUNGES. IT ALSO LOSES POWER AND CUTS OFF WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE. EVEN IF MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD IT DOES NO DISCRIMINATE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. IT'S ALSO WORSE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS SITUATI…
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MY 2006 FORD LUNGES. IT ALSO LOSES POWER AND CUTS OFF WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE. EVEN IF MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD IT DOES NO DISCRIMINATE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. IT'S ALSO WORSE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAYS AND LOCAL STREETS, IF THE CAR IS JUST CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. LUNGING FORWARD/BACKWARD COULD BECOME POTENTIALLY SERIOUS AS WELL. I REALLY HOPE THAT FORD TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE ISSUES. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY STOPPED MAKING THE FREESTYLE WHAT 3 YRS LATER. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THEY REALIZED THERE WAS SOME KIND OF AN ISSUE WHY ELSE WOULD THEY QUIT MAKING IT? I HAVE TO SAY OTHER THAN THAT MAJOR PROBLEM OF LUNGING AND GOING THROUGH REAR BRAKES THE CAR ITSELF IS WONDERFUL AND NOT MY FIRST FORD. I LOVE FORD VEHICLES, UNFORTUNATELY I AM A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS ONE. IF FORD WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX IT THAT WOULD BE GREAT! I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT NOR GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A LEMON ON MY HANDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474253
Official recalls
1Oct 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.
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
1PE11018 · 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
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