NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
16 reportsClear category filter51,000 miles · Apr 20, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH. WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO INCREASE SPEED SIMILAR TO DRIVING WHILE IN NEUTRAL. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY. …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH. WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO INCREASE SPEED SIMILAR TO DRIVING WHILE IN NEUTRAL. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER RESET THE VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10326674
20,000 miles · Aug 3, 2009
Fuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic
1CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (GAS EMISIONS) 2. FAILURE IS ONCE A MONTH THEN LIGHT GOES OFF 2 NO PARTS OR REPAIRS AS THE DEALER SHIP WILL NOT REPLACE WILL THE RECALL REPAIR? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279196
16,113 miles · May 15, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MERCURY MONTEGO WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED AFTER 16,000 MILES, AND THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AFTER 26,000 MILES. SHE BELIEVES THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE TYPE OF METAL THAT IS BEING USED. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10228416
86,000 miles · May 8, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
IN THE 86K MILES MY MERCURY MONTEGO HAS BEEN DRIVEN THE REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. JUST THIS WEEK THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE CALIPER HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227115
32,000 miles · Jan 9, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE BRAKE PADS. MOISTURE WOULD ENTER INTO THE BRAKE PADS AND THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED NEW ROTORS IN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. FOUR WEEKS LATER, THE AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS WERE RUSTED EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT TH…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE BRAKE PADS. MOISTURE WOULD ENTER INTO THE BRAKE PADS AND THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED NEW ROTORS IN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. FOUR WEEKS LATER, THE AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS WERE RUSTED EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FEATURE WAS COSMETIC AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
NHTSA ODI #10214310
42,000 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I NOTICED A LOT OF DUST FROM THE BRAKES ESPECIALLY ON THE REAR, AT 42,533, I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND THE ROTORS RE-SURFACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10200156
18,000 miles · Jul 27, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
PREMATURE BRAKE PAD DEPLETED TOTALLY BY 18750 MILES RESULTING IN NO REAR BRAKING ACTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10197625
21,000 miles · Jun 28, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE HAD INCREASED WHEN BRAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT ALLOW THE DEALER TO…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE HAD INCREASED WHEN BRAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT ALLOW THE DEALER TO INSPECT ANY FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 21,700 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA ODI #10194880
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. I WAS DRIVING, APPLIED MY BRAKES AND THERE WAS A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN WILSON FORD, FAIRMONT, WV FOR REPAIRS. ONE CALIPER HAD LOCKED UP AND DESTROYED THE ROTOR AND THE OTHER CALIPER HAS BADLY DAMAGED THE OTHER ROTOR. ALSO, BRAKE PADS…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO. I WAS DRIVING, APPLIED MY BRAKES AND THERE WAS A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN WILSON FORD, FAIRMONT, WV FOR REPAIRS. ONE CALIPER HAD LOCKED UP AND DESTROYED THE ROTOR AND THE OTHER CALIPER HAS BADLY DAMAGED THE OTHER ROTOR. ALSO, BRAKE PADS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM TO FORD/MERCURY THAT THE BRAKES ARE FAILING ON FORD 500S AND MERCURY MONTEGOS. I HAVE GONE ON MESSAGE BOARDS AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS FAILING. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT I WAS LUCKY TO GET 33000 MILES OUT OF MY CAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I ONLY HEARD THE GRINDING NOISE. THERE WAS NO FEELING THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT IS KNOW TO FORD/MERCURY THAT THESE PARTS ARE FAILING AT A RAPID PACE. IN FACT, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CALIPERS NEEDED FOR MY VEHICLE ARE ON BACKORDER INDEFINITELY. MY CONCERN LIES IN THE FACT THAT THESE BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE SUDDENLY GOING OUT. THIS COULD VERY EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH. THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES NEEDS TO BE NOTIFIED THAT THESE PARTS ARE FAILING AND THAT THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE DESIGN NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS WHY THE RAPID FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10193081
21,000 miles · Feb 9, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO PREMIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MADE EXCESSIVE NOISE, BRAKES WERE DRAGGING, AND THERE WA S BRAKE DUST. THE NOISE USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN TRAVELING IN REVERSE. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE THE CALIPERS WERE NOT RELEASING. THE REAR BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY,AS A RESULT T…
Read full complaint
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO PREMIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MADE EXCESSIVE NOISE, BRAKES WERE DRAGGING, AND THERE WA S BRAKE DUST. THE NOISE USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN TRAVELING IN REVERSE. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE THE CALIPERS WERE NOT RELEASING. THE REAR BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY,AS A RESULT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE DOING ALL THE WORK. THE CONTACT FELT THAT IT TOOK EXCESSIVE FORCE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 21000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10182099
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
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
Illustration