IllustrationVEHICLE LUNGES WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. *TR
2005 Ford Freestyle
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Ford Freestyle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 893.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Freestyle years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1140–25K
15325–50K
33950–75K
31275–100K
307100–150K
74150K+
1,299 reports with mileage · 160 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.
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 587 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 447 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
32 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
587 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WANTED TO GO FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE. THE CONSUMER DROVE SLOWLY TO SAFE SPOT. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESSTARTING IT, THE VEHICLE PERFOMRED AS NORMAL. UPDATED 08/01/11
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
CAR LUNGES UP TO TEN FEET WHEN MY FOOT IN NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSING THE PROBLEM.THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE ACCIDENTS. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RECALLS, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE OVER 238 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED. WHEN CAN THIS BE LISTED…
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CAR LUNGES UP TO TEN FEET WHEN MY FOOT IN NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSING THE PROBLEM.THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE ACCIDENTS. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RECALLS, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE OVER 238 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED. WHEN CAN THIS BE LISTED AS A RECALL AND HAVE THE CAR FIXED BY FORD! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHY WAIT TIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR HURT? PLEASE DO SOMETHING AND DO IT TODAY! WE NEED YOUR HELP! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT A LOWER SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD FROM STAND STILL OR WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD FROM STAND STILL OR WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 08/01/1…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 08/01/11
WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE THE ENGINE WILL REV AND THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD OR BACKWARD. IT IS MUCH WORSE WITH THE AC ON, BUT DOES IT AT ANY TIME. IT HAS RECENTLY STARTING DOING THIS AFTER COMING TO A STOP WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WILL THEN SHUT OFF AND GO INTO ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE AND HAS HAS LIMITED POWER. LUCKIL…
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WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE THE ENGINE WILL REV AND THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD OR BACKWARD. IT IS MUCH WORSE WITH THE AC ON, BUT DOES IT AT ANY TIME. IT HAS RECENTLY STARTING DOING THIS AFTER COMING TO A STOP WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WILL THEN SHUT OFF AND GO INTO ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE AND HAS HAS LIMITED POWER. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND US WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE WHEN IN DRIVE OR IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE WHEN IN DRIVE OR IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FUEL RELATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO PERFORM MUCH BETTER. UPDATED 09/01/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,370. UPDATED 08/31/11*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPIAED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.UPDATED 09/12/11
Official recalls
206V383000 · 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
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.