NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
510 reports83,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LUNGE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LUNGE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE CONSUMER STATED BEFORE SHE STARTED DRIVING ON THE ROAD, SHE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY AS SHE WAS BACKING UP, WHEN THE VEHICLE TRIED TO LUNGE FORWARD THEN BACKWARD. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY, STOPPED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT TURN IT OFF AND THE FAIL SAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE TRIED TO BACK UP AGAIN, BUT IT STILL WASN'T RUNNING CORRECTLY, BUT SHE MANAGED TO FINISH BACKING OUT AND STRAIGHTENED OUT THE VEHICLE. THE FAIL SAFE MODE LIGHT STAYED ON. SHE SAT FOR A MINUTE AND BEGAN TO EXIT THE PARKING LOT. SHE ONLY DROVE 500 FEET, WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. UPDATED 10/01/12
NHTSA ODI #10462698
67,407 miles · Jun 20, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND LOST ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND LOST ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,407.
NHTSA ODI #10462410
47,000 miles · Jun 18, 2012
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE SHIFTS HARD WHEN HITTING PASSING GEAR ON HIGHWAY LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OR GOING OUT. LOSE ALL POWER AND CAR WILL BUCK BACK AND FORTH. ALSO DOES IT WHEN TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS AND THEN TRIES TO UPSHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING AND ENGINE WARM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10462087
105,200 miles · Jun 13, 2012
Equipment
WHILE CHANGING A TIRE THE JACK COLLAPSED UNDER MY VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT UNDER THE CAR AND THE WHEEL WAS STILL ON THE CAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE FEMALE THREADS ON THE JACK STRIPPED AWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461432
126,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FAIL SAFE MODE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, AS IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FAIL SAFE MODE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, AS IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A FULL DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA ODI #10460755
106,000 miles · May 29, 2012
Engine
WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL STOP ACCELERATING AND A FAIL SAFETY MODE LIGHT COMES ON, IF YOU PULL OVER AND RESTART IT, IT WILL RESTART AND HAPPENS A FEW MINUTES LATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459872
75,000 miles · May 25, 2012
Engine
ENGINE RANDOMLY ACCELERATES DURING HOT WEATHER AND COLD STARTS. TOOK TO FORD GARAGE WHO REPORTED DEFECTIVE SPARK PLUG WIRE. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM WHICH HAS RECURRED. GT ERROR CODE FROM PARTS STORE. FORD DEALER DECLINED EXISTENCE OF SUCH CODE. ONLINE SEARCH REVEALED REPORTS OF THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN BE TREATED WITH…
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ENGINE RANDOMLY ACCELERATES DURING HOT WEATHER AND COLD STARTS. TOOK TO FORD GARAGE WHO REPORTED DEFECTIVE SPARK PLUG WIRE. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM WHICH HAS RECURRED. GT ERROR CODE FROM PARTS STORE. FORD DEALER DECLINED EXISTENCE OF SUCH CODE. ONLINE SEARCH REVEALED REPORTS OF THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN BE TREATED WITH FUEL ADDITIVE. SEEMED TO STOP IT FOR A WHILE BUT HAS RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ANOTHER NON DEALER REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND DEFECT. PROBLEM HAS AGAIN RECURRED WITH FIRST HOT(OVER 90) WEATHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459710
48,000 miles · May 25, 2012
Power Train
VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHILE ASCENDING HILL. I HAD TO PULL OVER COMPLETELY AND STOP, SHIFT INTO LOW AND SLOWLY BACK INTO DRIVE. THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME AS I HAD LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING. CAR ONCE WARMED STARTS TO BUCK VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT AN EVEN SPEED, BUCKS VIOLENTLY WHEN COMING TO …
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VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHILE ASCENDING HILL. I HAD TO PULL OVER COMPLETELY AND STOP, SHIFT INTO LOW AND SLOWLY BACK INTO DRIVE. THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME AS I HAD LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING. CAR ONCE WARMED STARTS TO BUCK VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT AN EVEN SPEED, BUCKS VIOLENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND RANDOMLY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITH NO WARNING. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2009 AND HAVE POT LESS THEN 20000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER TELLS ME THE COMPUTER DOES NOT READ ANY PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459656
76,000 miles · May 24, 2012
EngineVehicle Speed Control
MY WIFE, SON AND I WERE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD RANDOM ACCELERATION WHILE AT FULL STOPPED. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER AFTER A FULL STOP THE VEHICLE HAD ANOTHER ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT. ONCE STALLED OUT THE COMPUTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING ERROR "FAIL SAFE ENGINE". AFTER DOING AN ONLINE REVIEW …
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MY WIFE, SON AND I WERE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD RANDOM ACCELERATION WHILE AT FULL STOPPED. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER AFTER A FULL STOP THE VEHICLE HAD ANOTHER ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT. ONCE STALLED OUT THE COMPUTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING ERROR "FAIL SAFE ENGINE". AFTER DOING AN ONLINE REVIEW I NOTICED THAT MANY OTHER FORD FIVE HUNDRED OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY "THROTTLE BODY". PLEASE NOTE THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS ON PARK AND PUT INTO REVERSE, THE HIGHER ACCELERATION TAKES PLACE. I ALWAYS HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL. I HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHILE DRIVING AS I AM AFRAID FOR ACCELERATION AND STALLING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459598
175,000 miles · Apr 20, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THEIR OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THEIR OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #10455915
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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