NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
602 reportsClear category filter71,089 miles · Jun 23, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING THE FORD REVS UP AND DOWN, WHILE IT IS DOING THIS IT LURCHES FORWARD AND I LOSE ALL DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS, I CANNOT USE THE AIR CONDITIONING BECAUSE IT MAKES THE PROBLEM WORSE.THE SCARY PART IS I HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENS. ON THURSDAY JUNE 21 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 50MILES AN HOUR …
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WHILE DRIVING THE FORD REVS UP AND DOWN, WHILE IT IS DOING THIS IT LURCHES FORWARD AND I LOSE ALL DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS, I CANNOT USE THE AIR CONDITIONING BECAUSE IT MAKES THE PROBLEM WORSE.THE SCARY PART IS I HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENS. ON THURSDAY JUNE 21 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 50MILES AN HOUR WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR RPM REVVED UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT, THE LIGHTS ALL FLASHED. THE CAR WAS LURCHING FORWARD, AND IT WAS WORSE WHEN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN. MY DAUGHTER STATED"I AM SCARED" I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED, WHEN WE WERE AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM WE TOLD THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING, THEY DIDN'T EVEN OFFER TO LOOK AT THE CAR OR SEEM TO CARE. THE PROBLEM IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE, ONE DAY IT RUNS GOOD THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT FREAKS OUT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462856
90,000 miles · Jun 21, 2012
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REVERSE FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND PROCEED WITHOUT THE FAILURE RECURRING. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REVERSE FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND PROCEED WITHOUT THE FAILURE RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. ....UPDATED 08-24-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY AND TOP MOTOR MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 08/29/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10462610
87,000 miles · Jun 19, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE LURCHES AND LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED NEARLY A YEAR AGO AND HAVE HAD THE LURCHING PROBLEM AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. IT IS SPORADIC AND UNEXPECTED EACH TIME IT HAPPENS. I HAVE COME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO HITTING OTHER PARKED CARS, PARKING BARRIERS AND…
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VEHICLE LURCHES AND LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED NEARLY A YEAR AGO AND HAVE HAD THE LURCHING PROBLEM AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. IT IS SPORADIC AND UNEXPECTED EACH TIME IT HAPPENS. I HAVE COME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO HITTING OTHER PARKED CARS, PARKING BARRIERS AND EVEN MY OWN GARAGE DOOR. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I HAVE NOT HIT A PERSON. TODAY IT HAPPENED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AT THE MALL. I HAD NEVER HAD THE PROBLEM IN REVERSE AND IT CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD. I WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTRAORDINARILY FRIGHTENING AND WITH VERY LITTLE RESEARCH I WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT IT IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM. I AM APPALLED THAT A PROBLEM THIS WIDESPREAD AND DANGEROUS HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY FORD. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10462353
60,000 miles · Jun 18, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN JUST STARTING TO MOVE OR SOMETIMES WHILE COMING TO A STOP.
NHTSA ODI #10462648
85,000 miles · Jun 18, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE IDLING THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD AND (REVERSE IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS) ALL BY ITS SELF. THIS CONTINOUSLY HAPPENS. I HAVE EVEN HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT DOES THIS. I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY CONSISTENCY WITH THE INCIDENTS OTHER THAN WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON IT IS WORSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT HAPPENS NO …
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WHILE IDLING THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD AND (REVERSE IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS) ALL BY ITS SELF. THIS CONTINOUSLY HAPPENS. I HAVE EVEN HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT DOES THIS. I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY CONSISTENCY WITH THE INCIDENTS OTHER THAN WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON IT IS WORSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT HAPPENS NO MATTER WHERE I AM, IN THE DRIVE WAY OR PARKING LOT AT PRESCHOOL WHERE THERE ARE PEDESTRIANS AROUND AND I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER MY CAR. SOMETIMES AFTER THE CAR LUNGES (AND IT HAPPENS FORWARD AND REVERSE) THE CAR WILL STALL AND THEN WHEN I TURN IT ON THE WRENCH/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL DRIVE BUT FEELS LIKE IT IS BOGGING DOWN. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS AND THEY CLAIM THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10462069
58,500 miles · Jun 15, 2012
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AT LOW SPEED BOTH WHEN MOVING FORWARD AND WHEN BACKING UP. THIS SOMETIMES RESULTS IN A STALL. VEHICLE ALSO LOST LOW END POWER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10461843
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
THE CAR IDLED HIGH WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH LINE WITH A FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IT DID THIS TWICE. AFTER IT IDLED BACK DOWN AND MY WIFE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. LUCKILY, THERE WAS ENOUGH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CARS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. SHE SLAMMED HER FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR IDLED A LITTLE…
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THE CAR IDLED HIGH WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH LINE WITH A FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IT DID THIS TWICE. AFTER IT IDLED BACK DOWN AND MY WIFE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. LUCKILY, THERE WAS ENOUGH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CARS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. SHE SLAMMED HER FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR IDLED A LITTLE LONGER THEN DIED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10461753
80,000 miles · Jun 13, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,0…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10461452
97,000 miles · Jun 13, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY OR PARKING SPACE WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON VEHICLE LUNGES WITHOUT FOOT ON ACCELERATOR, SOMETIMES LOOSES POWER. HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461409
112,000 miles · Jun 12, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
CAR WAS SITTING, PARKED IN A LOT, IDLING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING. WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AS THE RPM'S FIRST REVVED AND THEN DROPPED. THE CAR DID THIS A FEW TIMES, BUT ONCE I GOT TURNED AROUND TOWARD THE EXIT OF THE LOT, IT STOPPED DOING IT. ABOUT…
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CAR WAS SITTING, PARKED IN A LOT, IDLING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING. WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AS THE RPM'S FIRST REVVED AND THEN DROPPED. THE CAR DID THIS A FEW TIMES, BUT ONCE I GOT TURNED AROUND TOWARD THE EXIT OF THE LOT, IT STOPPED DOING IT. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER, IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING SPACE, IT DID THE SAME THING AS I WAS BACKING OUT TO LEAVE. THE CAR HAD SAT RUNNING FOR ANOTHER 10 MINUTES OR SO WITH THE AIR ON. THIS TIME HOWEVER, THE CAR IDLED UP AND THEN DOWN, LUNGED IN REVERSE, AND THEN IDLED SO LOW IT DIED. ONCE I RESTARTED IT AND FINISHED BACKING OUT OF THE SPACE, I TURNED THE AIR DOWN TO LOW FAN SPEED AND THE CAR WAS FINE THE REST OF THE TRIP BACK HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461401
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