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2005 Ford Five Hundred

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

443 reports with mileage · 67 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 136 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports6 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

510 reports
74,000 miles · Aug 13, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering

TRIED TO PULL OUT ON TO HWY. THE FAIL SAFE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHUT DOWN ENGINE. COULD NOT STEER OR CONTROL CAR AT ALL, WAS VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A BAD ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622073

163,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR CONCERNS AS EARLIER RECALL WHICH SUPPOSEDLY APPLIED FIX TO THE CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. EXCEPT .ALONG WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED A NEW PROBLEM ARISES. MOTOR ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL AND SLOWS TO A CRAWL SPUTTERING TO A STOP.. WRENCH MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. …

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THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR CONCERNS AS EARLIER RECALL WHICH SUPPOSEDLY APPLIED FIX TO THE CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. EXCEPT .ALONG WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED A NEW PROBLEM ARISES. MOTOR ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL AND SLOWS TO A CRAWL SPUTTERING TO A STOP.. WRENCH MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER CARS SITS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME WRENCH DISPLAY GOES OFF AND CAR OPERATES NORMALLY. OWNERS MANUAL INDICATES THAT THIS MAY BE A THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. PRIOR RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS EXPIRED. ON MULTIPLE WEB BOARDS PROBLEM IS MENTION WITH GREAT FREQUENCY FOR THE FORD 500. THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON A SIDE STREET AT 15-20 MPH. IF IT OCCURRED ON NEXT BUST STREET IT COULD HAVE PRESENTED A DANGEROUS SCENARIO. FORD DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT FORD MFG ONLY PROVIDED 1 TIME FIX IN RECALL & SINCE THE THROTTLE CLEANING FIXED THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF RECALL NO FURTHER ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. I MENTIONED THEY DID EXTEND FOR RECURRING PROBLEM BUT THAT EXTENSION 2013. I DON'T FEEL A MFG SHOULD BE ABLE TO TIME LIMIT A PROBLEM RESOLUTION THAT THEY NEVER PERMANENTLY FIX. BY WHAT I READ ON THE WEB THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS AREAL RESOLUTION.....COST ME 900+ DOLLARS TO FIX AND FORD NOTHING! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618003

120,500 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Power Train

2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED THIS PRODUCT WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS FAILING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES CAUSING THE AUTOMOBILE TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE SEEN POSTS OF THOUSANDS OF THIS SAME FAILURE BEGINNING AT 3500 MILES! I CON…

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2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED THIS PRODUCT WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS FAILING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES CAUSING THE AUTOMOBILE TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE SEEN POSTS OF THOUSANDS OF THIS SAME FAILURE BEGINNING AT 3500 MILES! I CONTACTED FORD BECAUSE MINE IS DOING THIS AND THEY BASICALLY SENT A FORM LETTER SAYING OH WELL, SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. MANY OF FORD'S PRODUCTS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION INCLUDING THE FORD FLEX WHICH IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE FIVE HUNDRED SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THIS LAWSUIT AS WELL. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10617188

40,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE MOUNTS TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE MOUNTS TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE POWER CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 09/03/14*LJ UPDATED 09/25/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609246

149,355 miles · Jul 9, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I JUST PURCHASED A 05 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND WAS ON MY WAY FROM CALIFORNIA TO GEORGIA. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT WOULD SHIFT IT WOULD REV UP EVEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IF THE AC WAS ON IT GOT WORSE. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. …

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I JUST PURCHASED A 05 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND WAS ON MY WAY FROM CALIFORNIA TO GEORGIA. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT WOULD SHIFT IT WOULD REV UP EVEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IF THE AC WAS ON IT GOT WORSE. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 4 CHILDREN, I'M DISABLED AND ON A VERY FIXED INCOME AND BUYING A VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE IS A MUST. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, IT IS NOT SAFE I ASKED THEM WHAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE FOR THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL, INJURY OR EVEN A DEATH, AND HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WAS NOT UP TO THEM BUT UP TO THE NHTS. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE WITH THESE VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THE CONSUMERS SHOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART. EVEN A MECHANIC AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY THEY JUST DON'T REPLACE IT INSTEAD. PLEASE HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE HAS TO PAY NOT WITH MONEY BUT WITH THERE LIFE! IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD REPLACE IT AND HAVE THE ECM UPDATED BUT THAT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME DUE TO MY FINANCES. PLEASE PUT OUT A RECALL ON THE THROTTLE BODY AND MAKE THE UPDATES ON THE SYSTEM FREE. HAVEN'T WE PAID ENOUGH FOR OUR VEHICLES? THESE ARE THINGS THAT ARE NOT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE BUT DEFECTIVENESS OF A PART. THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE THROTTLE BODY IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS SO THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING. AND THE UPDATES SHOULDN'T COST IF IT MAKES THE VEHICLE RUN LIKE IT SHOULD. I BELIEVE IF ALL OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES COME TOGETHER WE CAN ACTUALLY FIX THIS DEADLY PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD SOMEONE HAVE TO PAY WITH THEIR LIFE JUST FOR SOMEBODY TO BECOME AWARE OF THIS DEADLY, DEFECTIVE PART. SO PLEASE HELP! THEY SAY THE RECALLS COME FROM YOU, SO ISSUE A RECALL AND INCLUDE THE ECM UPDATE THAT GOES WITH IT. THANK YOU, CONCERNED OWNER WITH CHILDREN *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609167

131,000 miles · Jun 19, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR FIVE MONTHS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH MY CHILDREN IN IT AND WOULDN'T START UP..WORST CAR I'VE EVER BOUGHT SECOND MAJOR INCIDENT THAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I GOT THE CAR.IT SHOULD BE A RECALL MAJOR SAFETY VIOLATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10604654

36,000 miles · May 23, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train

PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES OF ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE (SEE EARLIER REPORTS), INITIAL SYMPTOM WAS THE DASH LIGHTS & NEEDLES SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY (BUT NOW FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SHOWING RANDOM WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "CHECK ENGINE", WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED FIRST TIME AS LOW FUEL LEVEL SENSORS A & B. SINCE …

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PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES OF ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE (SEE EARLIER REPORTS), INITIAL SYMPTOM WAS THE DASH LIGHTS & NEEDLES SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY (BUT NOW FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SHOWING RANDOM WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "CHECK ENGINE", WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED FIRST TIME AS LOW FUEL LEVEL SENSORS A & B. SINCE THAT TIME I'D DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY ON A SUGGESTION OF A MECHANIC FRIEND AND ALL THE ISSUES DISAPPEARED FOR A FEW WEEKS. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK, AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING POORLY (CREEPING WHEN FIRST OFF BRAKES, NOT UP SHIFTING), WHEN THE DASH WAS OPERABLE IT SHOWED ALTERNATING CHECK ENGINE/CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNINGS, AND VEHICLE WAS SURGING/LAGGING NOTICEABLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I AGAIN DID THE BATTERY DISCONNECT LAST NIGHT, AND THE CAR IS OPERATING NORMAL TODAY, BUT I'M SURE IT WILL RECUR SHORTLY. I AM HESITANT TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AS THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SIGNIFICANT ELECTRONICS ISSUE, AND I HAVE ALREADY READ UP ON THE FORD TSB 06-17-9 THAT IS DOCUMENTED ONLINE, NOT ALL OF WHICH ALIGNS WITH MY ISSUES. HAD THE BATTERY RESET HAD NO IMPACT ON THE PROBLEMS I WOULD SAY IT'S A MECHANICAL MATTER, BUT IT SEEMS CLEAR ITS A COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593629

89,600 miles · May 17, 2014
EnginePower Train

ON THE INTERSTATE HEADED TOWARDS DENVER, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, WHEN TO ACCELERATE FROM ABOUT 70MPH TO ASCEND UP THE HILLS, THE ENGINE RPMS ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, IT FEELS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DISENGAGED (SLIPPING) WITH NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN RESULTING IN A DRASTIC LOSS OF SPEED. THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN EFFORTS TO …

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ON THE INTERSTATE HEADED TOWARDS DENVER, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, WHEN TO ACCELERATE FROM ABOUT 70MPH TO ASCEND UP THE HILLS, THE ENGINE RPMS ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, IT FEELS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DISENGAGED (SLIPPING) WITH NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN RESULTING IN A DRASTIC LOSS OF SPEED. THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN EFFORTS TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MAINTAIN SPEED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AS TRAFFIC WAS SOMEWHAT CONGESTED, AND OTHER DRIVERS ARE EXPECTING ME TO ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS IN A DECELERATING MODE. THIS WAS ONLY WITH LIGHT PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE GEARS HAD STRIPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION. WE TURNED AROUND AND HEADED HOME, AUTO WOULD NOT ALLOW SPEEDS OVER 60MPH. LATER THE SAME HAPPENED AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 ON LOCAL ROADS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592189

35,500 miles · May 16, 2014
Electrical System

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED ON 2/21/14 W/31,000+/- MILES, INITIAL ISSUE WAS WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INTERMITTENTLY BLIPPING ON & OFF (SOMETIMES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). THAT ISSUE WAS FOLLOWED BY A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WHICH WHEN ANALYZED SHOWED LOW FUEL SENSORS A&B (OCCURRED IN LATE APRIL 2014). UP TO THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WAS …

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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED ON 2/21/14 W/31,000+/- MILES, INITIAL ISSUE WAS WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INTERMITTENTLY BLIPPING ON & OFF (SOMETIMES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). THAT ISSUE WAS FOLLOWED BY A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WHICH WHEN ANALYZED SHOWED LOW FUEL SENSORS A&B (OCCURRED IN LATE APRIL 2014). UP TO THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE WITH NO IMPACT ON ACTUAL DRIVABILITY. LAST FRIDAY 5/9/14, I WAS AT A LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE OFF, BUT VEHICLE WAS BARLEY MOVING OR RESPONDING TO THROTTLE INPUT, THIS CONTINUED FOR A SHORT DISTANCE & EVENTUALLY BUILT UP TO NORMAL SPEED. IT RECURRED AGAIN AT THE NEXT LIGHT, WITH SAME SYMPTOMS. I CONTACTED A MECHANIC I KNOW AND THE NEXT DAY I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO CLEAR THE SYSTEM, AND AS OF A WEEK LATER ONLY THE DASH LIGHTS ISSUE HAS RECURRED. HOWEVER I FEEL THE LOSS OF POWER IS A SIGNIFICANT CONCERN IF IT WERE TO OCCUR ON A BUSY ROAD OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588788

96,651 miles · Apr 6, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, CAR SHOOK A COUPLE TIMES THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. WHEN RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN, TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS PEDAL AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS STILL ON. THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577790

Official recalls

2

06V383000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 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.

05V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

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

2

PE11018 · 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.