NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
587 reportsClear category filter59,800 miles · Jul 20, 2010
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TWO INCIDENTS - WHILE MANEUVERING AT PARKING LOTS (EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE AROUND 100 DEGREES), VEHICLE'S ENGINE SURGED AND VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND A SECOND TIME BACKWARD. HAD TO APPLY HEAVY BREAKING TO AVOID HITTING A TREE IN THE FIRST INCIDENT AND OTHER CARS ON THE SECOND INCIDENT. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND…
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TWO INCIDENTS - WHILE MANEUVERING AT PARKING LOTS (EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE AROUND 100 DEGREES), VEHICLE'S ENGINE SURGED AND VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND A SECOND TIME BACKWARD. HAD TO APPLY HEAVY BREAKING TO AVOID HITTING A TREE IN THE FIRST INCIDENT AND OTHER CARS ON THE SECOND INCIDENT. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE MESSAGE ENGINE SAFE MODE APPEARED IN THE PANEL. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND ON AGAIN, THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344176
47,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SURGING FORWARD ESPECIALLY WHEN MOVING SLOWLY BACK AND FORTH INTO A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES RIGHT AFTER THE IDLE SURGES, THE IDLE WILL ALSO SUDDENLY DROP, AND NOW AT TIMES IT EVEN STALLS. THE SURGE CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE AND I'M FORCED TO MODULATE THE BRAKES TO AVOID UN…
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MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SURGING FORWARD ESPECIALLY WHEN MOVING SLOWLY BACK AND FORTH INTO A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES RIGHT AFTER THE IDLE SURGES, THE IDLE WILL ALSO SUDDENLY DROP, AND NOW AT TIMES IT EVEN STALLS. THE SURGE CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE AND I'M FORCED TO MODULATE THE BRAKES TO AVOID UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN CONDITIONS ARE WARM, THE CAR IS WARM, AND THE AC IS ON. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO FORD IN THE PAST, AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT IT. I AM TAKING IT IN AGAIN AS THE STALLING PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED. WHEN I GOOGLED FOR PROBLEMS WITH FORD FREESTYLES DOING THIS, I FOUND OTHERS HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344092
55,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OR DRIVE THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECENTLY RECURRED. THE DEALER AND FORD WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OR DRIVE THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECENTLY RECURRED. THE DEALER AND FORD WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000 WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10344042
82,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON SO THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE THR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON SO THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR OVER A MONTH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10344008
99,106 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO HIS RESID…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO HIS RESIDENCE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $800. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,106. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10343954
95,720 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Fuel System, OtherVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 95,720 MILES. ON JULY 10TH, 2010, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN ME THROUGH THE FRONT WINDOW OF A JEWELRY STORE. MY CAR MESSAGE CENTER THEN WENT IN TO "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE". THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE THROTTLE BODY IS BAD AND THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE NEW PART WILL TAKE AN ES…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE WITH 95,720 MILES. ON JULY 10TH, 2010, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ALMOST RAN ME THROUGH THE FRONT WINDOW OF A JEWELRY STORE. MY CAR MESSAGE CENTER THEN WENT IN TO "FAIL SAFE ENGINE MODE". THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE THROTTLE BODY IS BAD AND THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE NEW PART WILL TAKE AN ESTIMATED 30-60 DAYS TO COME IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343924
40,000 miles · Jul 17, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
AFTER IDLING, THE CAR SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM ACCELERATING VERY QUICKLY. HAPPENS IN REVERSE ALSO OUT OF PARKING SPOTS. FORD SHOP SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS DESPITE THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BY F…
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AFTER IDLING, THE CAR SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM ACCELERATING VERY QUICKLY. HAPPENS IN REVERSE ALSO OUT OF PARKING SPOTS. FORD SHOP SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS DESPITE THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343718
67,000 miles · Jul 16, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATE BACKWARD WHEN THE CONTACT WAS IN REVERSE. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATE BACKWARD WHEN THE CONTACT WAS IN REVERSE. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10343651
106,000 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO MAKE REPAIRS WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WAS ON B…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO MAKE REPAIRS WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WAS ON BACKORDER FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10343520
40,000 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
AT VARIOUS TIMES THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD WHILE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE (PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, INTO A PARKING LOT, IDLING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC). FAILURE STARTED OCCURRING AROUND 40,000 MILES. 8/2009 VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH A USED ONE …
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AT VARIOUS TIMES THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD WHILE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE (PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, INTO A PARKING LOT, IDLING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC). FAILURE STARTED OCCURRING AROUND 40,000 MILES. 8/2009 VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH A USED ONE AS A NEW PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE (APPARENTLY WAS IN A REDESIGN PHASE) WE ARE NOW (7/2010) EXPERIENCING THE SAME SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS WE HAD PRIOR TO IT SHUTTING DOWN IN AUGUST OF 2009. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343396
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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