NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
61 reportsClear category filter112,000 miles · Jan 17, 2016
Structure
IN COLD WEATHER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE AND LATCH. THIS WAS ADDRESSED IN A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 06S45) SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WERE AN APPARENT "BANDAID" FIX IS USED BECAUSE THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH IN COLD WEATHE…
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IN COLD WEATHER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE AND LATCH. THIS WAS ADDRESSED IN A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 06S45) SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WERE AN APPARENT "BANDAID" FIX IS USED BECAUSE THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH IN COLD WEATHER. I BELIEVE THE LATCH SYSTEM IS FLAWED. WHEN IT DOES LATCH I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IT WILL REMAIN LATCHED WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10820665
103,000 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED COROSSION ON THE FRONT SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10810445
239,000 miles · Sep 27, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other
DOOR LATCH IS FROZEN CLOSED AND CANNOT GET DRIVERS SIDE DOOR TO OPEN. DISMANTLED ENTIRE CAR TO FIX ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10777892
163,000 miles · Feb 3, 2015
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREE STYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
NHTSA ODI #10680862
110,000 miles · Jan 20, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD FREEZE IN COLDER TEMPERTURES, PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM BEING OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD FREEZE IN COLDER TEMPERTURES, PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM BEING OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR LATCH INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED AND THE DOOR WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10676671
118,000 miles · Dec 15, 2014
Structure
WHILE DRIVING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OPENED, ALMOST EXPELLING MY CHILD HAD HE NOT HAD A SEAT BELT ON. THE DOORS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN FREEZING UP AND EITHER DON'T CLOSE OR POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL THAT IS NOT VIN PERTINENT BUT IS ON THE FORD FREESTYLE FOR THESE FREEZING DOOR LATCHES. WHEN I CALL…
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WHILE DRIVING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OPENED, ALMOST EXPELLING MY CHILD HAD HE NOT HAD A SEAT BELT ON. THE DOORS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN FREEZING UP AND EITHER DON'T CLOSE OR POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL THAT IS NOT VIN PERTINENT BUT IS ON THE FORD FREESTYLE FOR THESE FREEZING DOOR LATCHES. WHEN I CALL FORD THEY TELL ME THE VIN HAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS...CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664231
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
I AM VERY FRUSTRATED THAT I HAVE THE SAME MAKE/MODEL THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE 11/8/2006 RECALL BUT FORD AND NHTSA LIMITED THE VEHICLES TO ONLY CERTAIN STATES. DURING COLD WEATHER WATER IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CAR DOOR AND FREEZE THE LATCHES. THE CAR DOOR LATCH THEN FREEZES MAKING IT UNSAFE AND UNDRIVEABLE AS THE DOOR WILL NOT …
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I AM VERY FRUSTRATED THAT I HAVE THE SAME MAKE/MODEL THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE 11/8/2006 RECALL BUT FORD AND NHTSA LIMITED THE VEHICLES TO ONLY CERTAIN STATES. DURING COLD WEATHER WATER IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CAR DOOR AND FREEZE THE LATCHES. THE CAR DOOR LATCH THEN FREEZES MAKING IT UNSAFE AND UNDRIVEABLE AS THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. THIS RECALL WAS DONE ON 10/5/2006 UNDER CAMPAIGN NUMBER PE11018 BUT BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED FORD WILL NOT FIX THE SAFETY ISSUE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10661425
116,265 miles · Nov 8, 2014
SteeringStructureSuspension
2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL FWD - 116K MILES, VERY GOOD CONDITION, 2ND OWNER. ON 11/1, I REQUESTED MECHANIC TO DO A FULL INSPECTION ON THE CAR, NO KNOW ISSUES, BUT JUST TO CHECK IT OVER BEFORE WINTER. UPON INSPECTION, MECHANIC FOUND THE ENGINE CRADLE SUBFRAME TO BE RUSTED/ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR, AND SAID CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. …
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2005 FORD FREESTYLE SEL FWD - 116K MILES, VERY GOOD CONDITION, 2ND OWNER. ON 11/1, I REQUESTED MECHANIC TO DO A FULL INSPECTION ON THE CAR, NO KNOW ISSUES, BUT JUST TO CHECK IT OVER BEFORE WINTER. UPON INSPECTION, MECHANIC FOUND THE ENGINE CRADLE SUBFRAME TO BE RUSTED/ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR, AND SAID CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. ONLY THIS CRADLE SHOWED SIGNIFICANT RUST, IN FACT THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM IS STILL ON THE CAR (THAT IS MOST SHOCKING, THE EXHAUST OUT LASTED THIS SUBFRAME). AS I STATED THE CAR IS IN FANTASTIC SHAPE, AND RUNS GREAT. WE EITHER HAD TO FIX OR SCRAP THE CAR AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ESTIMATES FROM DEALERS TO REPLACE WERE AROUND $3000. WE ENDED UP USING A LOCAL BODY SHOP WE TRUST TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME WITH A USED / RUST FREE ONE FOR $1150. I RETAINED THE SUBFRAME AND CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO TO ISSUE A COMPLAINT. I REALIZE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD WITH OVER 100K MILES ON IT, BUT GIVEN ITS GREAT CONDITION (IF YOU SAW PICTURES YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND) THERE IS NO ACCEPTABLE REASON FOR A SUBFRAME, THAT HOLDS ALL THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING TO BE RUSTED/ROTTED TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10653569
110,000 miles · Oct 2, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE ABRUPTLY CLOSED WITH FORCE DUE TO THE SUPPORT STRUTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BOTH STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE ABRUPTLY CLOSED WITH FORCE DUE TO THE SUPPORT STRUTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BOTH STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10640824
90,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure
PURCHASED USED-WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD THE DOORS WILL NOT SHUT-APPEARS TO BE SOME TYPE OF ELECTRONIC PROBLEM-EVEN WHEN CAR IS WARMED UP THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH SHUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610249
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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