NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Equipment complaints
10 reportsClear category filter18,000 miles · Mar 16, 2012
Equipment
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT BLOW COOL AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT BLOW COOL AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10451921
103,000 miles · Jul 23, 2011
EquipmentVehicle Speed Control
1. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, HAD TO BE REPLACED JUNE 2011. IT JUST GRADUALLY DID NOT COOL THE AIR AT ALL. FAN ON AC WORKED FINE, ALL CONTROLS AS WELL, JUST NO COOL AIR. $850. THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD OR BACKWARD, MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN STARTING TO BACK UP. HAD VALVES CLEANED. WORKED TEMPORARILY. LOOKING AT MAJOR REPAIR …
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1. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, HAD TO BE REPLACED JUNE 2011. IT JUST GRADUALLY DID NOT COOL THE AIR AT ALL. FAN ON AC WORKED FINE, ALL CONTROLS AS WELL, JUST NO COOL AIR. $850. THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD OR BACKWARD, MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN STARTING TO BACK UP. HAD VALVES CLEANED. WORKED TEMPORARILY. LOOKING AT MAJOR REPAIR BILL FOR THROTTLE BODY OR TRANSMISSION, DON'T KNOW WHICH.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10414857
84,000 miles · Jul 18, 2011
Equipment
I HAVE A FORD FREESTYLE 2005 THAT HAS AN A/C ISSUE. AS I HAVE DONE SOME ONLINE RESEARCH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS. IT DOESN'T STAY COOL WHEN THE CAR IDLES. NEITHER DOES IT COOL THE CAR DOWN IN THE 90-100 DEGREE WEATHER. TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WOULD COST $1100 TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR. HE SAID THE PROBLEM …
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I HAVE A FORD FREESTYLE 2005 THAT HAS AN A/C ISSUE. AS I HAVE DONE SOME ONLINE RESEARCH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS. IT DOESN'T STAY COOL WHEN THE CAR IDLES. NEITHER DOES IT COOL THE CAR DOWN IN THE 90-100 DEGREE WEATHER. TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WOULD COST $1100 TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR. HE SAID THE PROBLEM IS THAT YOU HAVE TO GET THE COMPRESSOR FROM FORD AND THEY HAVE A HUGE BACK LOG OF ORDERS AND THEY WEREN'T SURE WHEN HE COULD GET IT. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. ONLINE THERE ARE MANY, MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS EXACTLY LIKE MINE. FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND OFFER SOME KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT TO THOSE OF US WHO OWN THIS VEHICLE. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413467
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2011
Equipment
OUR A/C COMPRESSOR RECENTLY WENT BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS THAT THIS WAS ONE KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FREESTYLES; THE SECOND BEING A LUNGING OR LURCHING PROBLEM THAT INVOLVES THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT FOR THIS ISSUE. WE WERE TOLD THAT NO RECALL HAD BEE…
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OUR A/C COMPRESSOR RECENTLY WENT BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS THAT THIS WAS ONE KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FREESTYLES; THE SECOND BEING A LUNGING OR LURCHING PROBLEM THAT INVOLVES THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT FOR THIS ISSUE. WE WERE TOLD THAT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE COMPRESSOR (OR THE THROTTLE BODY), BUT THAT THESE WERE THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE FREESTYLE. INTERESTINGLY, THE THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXERACERBATED BY THE A/C, AND I VIRTUALLY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH LURCHING AND LUNGING UNTIL THE COMPRESSOR AND OTHER RELATED COOLING COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. AT THAT TIME, THE LUNGING STARTED AGAIN WITH A VENGENCE. THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED AND COSTLY TO REPAIR. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10412402
72,000 miles · Jun 20, 2011
EquipmentVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND IN ORDER FOR THE WARNING LIGHT TO SHUT OFF THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND IN ORDER FOR THE WARNING LIGHT TO SHUT OFF THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE, AS A RESULT THE ENGINE MOUNT AND THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.UPDATED 08/01/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS WORSE DURING HOT WEATHER, AND AFTER IDLING. THE VEHICE LOST POWER DUE TO THE ENGINE GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE. THE AC COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED A MONTH PROR. UPDATED 08/02/11
NHTSA ODI #10407496
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2011
EquipmentPower Train
2005 FORD FREESTYLE-LUNGES FORWARD AND BACKWARD WITHOUT TOUCHING GAS PEDAL. FORD DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE BODY ($700) JUNE 2010 AND WORKED FINE TILL MAY 2011 AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. INTERMITTENT NOW. RPM GAUGE FLUCTUATES WHEN LUNGING. WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON-BURNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10401326
102,000 miles · Aug 10, 2010
Equipment
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR WAS NOT COMING OUT AS COLD AS THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE AND WOULD NOT COOL THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103000.
NHTSA ODI #10348537
70,000 miles · Aug 10, 2010
EquipmentVehicle Speed Control
WHILE THE CAR IS IN IDLE OR NO ACCELERATION MADE, AT A STOP OR IN REVERSE, MY CAR WILL SURGE, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE ON. I CHECKED WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND ALSO WITH FORD.COM. THEY SUGGESTED I SCHEDULE A CHECK UP, WHICH I DID. I WENT TO THE DEALER REPAIR SERVICE AND THEY WERE UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO. ONE MECHANIC SUGGES…
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WHILE THE CAR IS IN IDLE OR NO ACCELERATION MADE, AT A STOP OR IN REVERSE, MY CAR WILL SURGE, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE ON. I CHECKED WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND ALSO WITH FORD.COM. THEY SUGGESTED I SCHEDULE A CHECK UP, WHICH I DID. I WENT TO THE DEALER REPAIR SERVICE AND THEY WERE UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO. ONE MECHANIC SUGGESTED A THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT WHICH IS 700 DOLLARS, BUT SAID HE'S UNSURE OF HOW TO PROCEED. THIS SEEMS TO ME LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD CONSTITUTE INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE TOYOTA. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF INQUIRIES BY CONSUMERS. SOME OF WHICH REAR-ENDED VEHICLES. WHEN WILL NHTSA TAKE ACTION? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348462
73,000 miles · Aug 6, 2010
EquipmentPower Train
FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE SURGING WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AT SLOW SPEEDS. AGAIN YESTERDAY THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THIS IS TYPICAL OF WHEN THE CAR LURCHES/SURGES FORWARD. HOWEVER, YESTERDAY THE CAR ALSO WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE ENGI…
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FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE SURGING WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AT SLOW SPEEDS. AGAIN YESTERDAY THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THIS IS TYPICAL OF WHEN THE CAR LURCHES/SURGES FORWARD. HOWEVER, YESTERDAY THE CAR ALSO WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE". I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS INCIDENT SINCE PRIOR TO THE STANDARD WARRANTY EXPIRING ON THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT DIRECTLY WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY. SINCE THE CAR DOES NOT 'THROW ANY CODES' WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY ACTION TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ALTHOUGH I CONTINUE TO NOTIFY MY DEALERSHIP EVERYTIME THE CAR IS IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, ETC. IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY/THROTTLE BODY CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347755
60,000 miles · Jul 16, 2009
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline
SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHEN FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. CAR THEN IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS DETERMINED THAT THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO REPLACED. THEN WAS TOLD A WEEK LATER THAT THE PART …
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SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHEN FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. CAR THEN IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS DETERMINED THAT THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO REPLACED. THEN WAS TOLD A WEEK LATER THAT THE PART WAS BACKORDERED AND WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR OVER 90 DAYS. DEALER THEN TOLD ME IT WAS OK TO DRIVE. NO WAY I'M PUTTING MY FAMILY IN THIS CAR WHICH COULD GAS FORWARD ON IT'S OWN AS IT IS A DRIVE BY WIRE SYSTEM. MANY PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEMS. FORD EVEN HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM--TSB 05-25-13. SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED TO VOLVO'S WHICH USE SAME PARTS. HOPEFULLY MORE REPORTS OF THIS WILL CAUSE FORD TO RECALL THE PART! AND ALSO AFTER EVERY TWO FILL UPS THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT GOES BAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277062
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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