NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
447 reportsClear category filter107,000 miles · Apr 23, 2014
Power Train
ON 04/10/2014 AT 10:50AM. I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 22 WEST BOUND. I WAS GOING 65 MPH WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL THE WRENCH LIGHT THAT IS TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME FLASHING ACROSS DASHBOARD "CHECK TRANSMISSION". THE CAR WENT FROM 65MPH TO 25MPH AND I ALMOST GOT KILLED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS BEHIND ME, BECAUSE OF S…
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ON 04/10/2014 AT 10:50AM. I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 22 WEST BOUND. I WAS GOING 65 MPH WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL THE WRENCH LIGHT THAT IS TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME FLASHING ACROSS DASHBOARD "CHECK TRANSMISSION". THE CAR WENT FROM 65MPH TO 25MPH AND I ALMOST GOT KILLED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS BEHIND ME, BECAUSE OF SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER . THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND I COULD NOT TRAVEL MORE THAN 25 MPH AND THE CAR WAS STUCK IN LOW GEAR AND WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 3 RPM'S. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THEY RAN IT THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC, THE CODE THAT CAME UP WAS P0715, WHICH IS POSSIBLE MESONTRANICH UNIT ,TSS INPUT WAS ERRATIC, THE CODE WAS CONSIDER INCONCLUSIVE AND DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO FIX AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON 04/22/2014 I WAS DRIVING PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE GOING NORTH BOUND ON ROUTE 476. WHEN THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED WITH A SPEED OF 50MPH AND WAS STUCK IN GEAR. I HAD TO PULL OVER WITH 2 YOUNG KIDS IN THE VEHICLE. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON. BESIDES TRACTION LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON SAYING CHECK TRANSMISSION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. I WAS ABLE TO VIDEO RECORD THE WHOLE INCIDENT TO SHOW HOW UNSAFE THE VEHICLE I WAS IN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS THE CODES THAT CAME UP WERE P0715, P0701,P2765, THE VEHICLE MOTORMOUNTS WERE BROKEN, WHOEVER FIXED DID AND ILLEGAL FIX, THE MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD OF BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS WAS SUPER GLUED BY RTV SUPER GLUE,WHICH IS ILLEGAL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND THE SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH AN IMPROPER AND ILLEGAL INSPECTION. THE CAR SHOULD OF BEEN FIXED BY DEALERSHIP AND WAS NOT AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY SAFETY AT RISK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584497
142,400 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Power Train
ON MONDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2014, AFTER $3685 IN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, AS WELL AS SOME RECALL WORK, AND A LOAN FOR $5321 FOR MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE LIMITED AWD (WHICH WAS JUST PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2013 AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT A MONTH TOTAL DUE TO NUMEROUS ISSUES), I ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION WHILE PULLING O…
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ON MONDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2014, AFTER $3685 IN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, AS WELL AS SOME RECALL WORK, AND A LOAN FOR $5321 FOR MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE LIMITED AWD (WHICH WAS JUST PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2013 AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT A MONTH TOTAL DUE TO NUMEROUS ISSUES), I ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AS I FINISHED PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, ACCOMPANIED BY A WRENCH LIGHT AND A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING "SERVICE TRANSMISSION SOON." THERE WAS A VEHICLE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BEHIND ME IN THE SAME LANE; HOWEVER, I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY IN TIME BEFORE THE VEHICLE APPROACHED MY CAR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THEIR CVT TRANSMISSIONS AND THAT INCIDENTS LIKE THIS POSE SERIOUS SAFETY RISKS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGERS/OTHERS; HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO THE CARFAX ON MY VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE, SO THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A LITTLE OVER 142,000 MILES. I WAS QUOTED ABOUT $6500 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION TO BE INSTALLED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP; HOWEVER, I CANNOT AFFORD THIS, SO I EITHER RISK THE CHANCE OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT BY CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND HAVING IT LOSE POWER ONCE AGAIN, OR I DO NOT DRIVE IT AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575639
106,439 miles · Mar 26, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2014 AND ADVISED THE DEALER DURING A TEST DRIVE THERE WAS A NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE BELT AND STATED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2014 AND ADVISED THE DEALER DURING A TEST DRIVE THERE WAS A NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE BELT AND STATED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN IT STALLED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT IN OR OUT GEAR. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR COST; HOWEVER, INSTEAD THE DEALER PROVIDED ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE DEALER DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 26, 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE MECHANIC POSSESSION FROM FEBRUARY 26, 2014 TO MARCH 19, 2014; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS REFERRED TO THE CONTACT BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER GAVE THE MECHANIC A TRANSMISSION WITH NO WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THERE IS A LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,439.
NHTSA ODI #10574965
90,000 miles · Mar 23, 2014
Power Train
WELL IT IDLES LOUD. AND IS SLOW TO GO WHEN THEIR IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. THEIR IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE ON THIS CAR AND EVERYONE IS TRYING TO GET A GOVT RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. ALSO THE CAR FIX SHOP SAYS IT COULD BE THE THROTTLE BODY OR TRANSMISSION FILTER. RESEARCHING EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS SA…
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WELL IT IDLES LOUD. AND IS SLOW TO GO WHEN THEIR IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. THEIR IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE ON THIS CAR AND EVERYONE IS TRYING TO GET A GOVT RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. ALSO THE CAR FIX SHOP SAYS IT COULD BE THE THROTTLE BODY OR TRANSMISSION FILTER. RESEARCHING EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WHEN YOU GET THIS FIXED WHICH ALTOGETHER IS 1700 DOLLARS. IT JUST GOES RIGHT BACK OUT. SOMEONE SAID THAT A LAWSUIT WAS BEING FORMED ON FORD BECAUSE THEY WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. AND YOU ARE STUCK WITH THIS CAR. EVEN THE ONES WHO HASN'T DROVE VERY MUCH AND IS BRAND NEW IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ALSO. FROM 2001 TO 2006 YR MODELS. PLEASE HELP US GET FORD TO DO A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF THESE CARS PLEASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10574257
86,000 miles · Feb 19, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
IN DRIVE AT 40 MPH TO 55 MPH THE CAR ALMOST STALLS AND GOES I TO FAIL SAFE MODE. IN FAIL SAFE MODE THE CAR RUNS AT 15 MPH. THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564917
118,000 miles · Feb 6, 2014
Power Train
2005 FREESTYLE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE, BOUGHT IN SUMMER 2013 AS WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK JUST FINE AND OTHER TIMES IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS STRAINING TO KEEP UP THE SPEED IT WAS SET AT. IN NOVEMBER STARTED TO HEAD TO WORK AND THE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON…
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2005 FREESTYLE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE, BOUGHT IN SUMMER 2013 AS WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK JUST FINE AND OTHER TIMES IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS STRAINING TO KEEP UP THE SPEED IT WAS SET AT. IN NOVEMBER STARTED TO HEAD TO WORK AND THE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT TO SHOP AND SPENT 1200.00 TO REPAIR COMPUTER CHIP INSIDE TRANSMISSION HOPING THIS WOULD HELP BUT IT DID NOT. THE CAR WILL ONLY ENGAGE IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION IF WARM BUT TAKES A LONG TIME TO WARM UP AND THEN ONLY GOES A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE MORE PROBLEMS. NOW BEING TOLD 5000 PLUS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS CAUSE NOTHING ELSE FIXES THE PROBLEM. HAVE ONLY TAKEN THE CAR FOR ONE NIGHT A MONTH AGO AND IT HAS BEEN AT THE REPAIR SHOP EVER SINCE SO SINCE NOVEMBER ONLY HAD IT A NIGHT DUE TO THIS MATTER. WAS ADVISED THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER DUE TO THE POSSIBLE COMPLETE FAILURE AT ANY TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563306
170,000 miles · Feb 1, 2014
Power Train
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE NIGHT THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. SHE PULLED INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND CALLED ME ON THE CELL, WE TRIED TO START IT UP BUT THE WHINING NOISE KEPT GOING AND THE CAR WOULD MOVE INTO ANY OF I…
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WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE NIGHT THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. SHE PULLED INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND CALLED ME ON THE CELL, WE TRIED TO START IT UP BUT THE WHINING NOISE KEPT GOING AND THE CAR WOULD MOVE INTO ANY OF ITS GEARS. IT WOULD SHIFT INTO THE GEARS SELECTIONS BUT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL, SO I HAD IT TOWED WITH A RAMP TRUCK THREW MY AAA MEMBERSHIP. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT LEAKING AND WAS FULL AT THE TIME OF THE BREAKDOWN AND NOW ITS GOING TO COST ME AROUND $5,000.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE FORD MOTORS CO. HAD A PROBLEM WITH THERE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN THE MODELS FROM 2005 TO 2007 IN THE FREESTYLES AND 500 MODELS.MY CAR MAY HAVE 170,000 MILES ON IT BUT THE BODY IS IN GREAT CONDITION BECAUSE ITS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND RIGHT NOW I CAN NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR BILL. I COULD PURCHASE A NICE USED CAR FOR THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. FORD MOTORS CO. KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT DUE TO THE TIME LINE THEY WILL NEVER HAVE A RECALL AND THE OWNERS WILL BE STUCK WITH THE COSTLY REPAIRS. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562479
161,693 miles · Jan 29, 2014
Power Train
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE A TAPPING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A TRANSMISSION. USED $2,000 TO $3,000 AND NEW $6,500. HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR COULD GO 50 MILES OR 50,000 MILES BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING BUT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED IF I WERE GOING AT A HIGH RATE …
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I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE A TAPPING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A TRANSMISSION. USED $2,000 TO $3,000 AND NEW $6,500. HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR COULD GO 50 MILES OR 50,000 MILES BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING BUT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED IF I WERE GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS NEVER BEEN FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR AND WON'T FIX FOR ME. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY KIDS ARE IN THE CAR WITH ME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GOES? I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR - SO WHAT DO PEOPLE LIKE ME DO? THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM FOR FORD THEY COULD AND SHOULD REPAIR THEIR DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562091
170,000 miles · Jan 23, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
ME AND MY WIFE CARPOOL ON THIRD SHIFT TO OUR JOBS. UPON BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, AND AN ERROR READING" FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE". I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK, HOWEVER I COULDN'T GO FAST AT ALL NO MORE THAN MAYBE 40. I'M SEEING ONLINE MANY WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL NEED OR HAVE HAD NEW THROTT…
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ME AND MY WIFE CARPOOL ON THIRD SHIFT TO OUR JOBS. UPON BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, AND AN ERROR READING" FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE". I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK, HOWEVER I COULDN'T GO FAST AT ALL NO MORE THAN MAYBE 40. I'M SEEING ONLINE MANY WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL NEED OR HAVE HAD NEW THROTTLE BODY'S PUT IN WITH NO LUCK COMING FROM IT. I'M HOPING THERE'S A RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND A WIFE TO GET AROUND IN THIS ONE CAR.I WANNA KNOW WHAT THE RECALL IS ON IT IF ONE AT ALL IS AVAILABLE. WHY HAVEN'T THEY CORRECTED IT YET AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF PROBLEMS AND SO MANY COMPLAINTS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561116
92,200 miles · Jan 19, 2014
Power Train
CVT FAILURE. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 45 MPH AND BEGAN JERKING. WOULD SIT AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS SOMETIMES FOR 3 TURNS BEFORE CAR WOULD MOVE. BARELY MADE IT HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560537
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.