NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
360 reportsClear category filter62,000 miles · Sep 23, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE PARKED VEHICLE, A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE THROTTLE CONTROL/TRANSMISSION AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE PARKED VEHICLE, A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE THROTTLE CONTROL/TRANSMISSION AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10775345
82,061 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,061.
NHTSA ODI #10762820
130,000 miles · Aug 21, 2015
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
APRIL 2015, MY VEHICLE STARTED MAKING KNOCKING/GRINDING/TICKING NOISES ONCE IT WAS STARTED. SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL TO SHIFT INTO GEAR(S). I PRODEEDED TO PHYSICALLY MOVE MY SHIFTER INTO GEAR(S) A FEW TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION THEN SHIFTED INTO GEAR(S), MAKING A HARD "CLUNK" SOUND. SOUNDING LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAD '…
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APRIL 2015, MY VEHICLE STARTED MAKING KNOCKING/GRINDING/TICKING NOISES ONCE IT WAS STARTED. SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL TO SHIFT INTO GEAR(S). I PRODEEDED TO PHYSICALLY MOVE MY SHIFTER INTO GEAR(S) A FEW TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION THEN SHIFTED INTO GEAR(S), MAKING A HARD "CLUNK" SOUND. SOUNDING LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAD 'DROPPED' INTO GEAR; AS IF IT HAD A LOW TRASMISSION FLUID LEVEL. MIND YOU, RECENTLY, A LOCAL SHOP CHANGED MY OIL AND ALL FLUIDS WERE CHECKED AND REFILLED IF NEEDED. THE SHOP INFORMED ME ABOUT CODE P0942, BECAUSE THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS CODE BEFORE IN THEIR LIFE! ENGINE-CODES.COM STATES: "P0942 - HYDRAULIC PRESSURE UNIT" WITH A RATING OF 3/3 (3=HIGH). I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED ABOUT THIS CODE; WHICH DOESN'T IDENTIFY THE ACTUAL PROBLEM/ISSUE; RESULTING IN NO SPECIFICS. ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO SURGE, AND THE RPM'S CONTINUOUSLY FLUCTUATED (WHILE THE CRUISE WAS ON). MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED TO SHAKE, AND MADE A THUMPING/CRUNCHING NOISE, FOLLOWED WITH THE FORWARD PROPULSION CEASING TO EXIST. I FRANTICALLY TURNED MY FORE WAYS ON, AND DRIFTED UNTIL AT A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SHOLDER OF THE HIGHWAY. AGAIN, WHILE I PHYSICALLY SHIFTED GEAR(S), THE TRANSMISSION SOUNDED LOW ON FLUID, AS IF NO (VALID) SHIFTING OF GEAR(S)S AND ALSO MAINTAINED A HUMMING NOISE. FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT, MY 12 YEAR OLD SON, GRABBED MY HAND AND ASKED ME TO PRAY WITH HIM; PRAY THAT WE'D MAKE IT HOME WITHOUT GETTING HURT (OUR SAFETY). NUMEROUS TIMES OUR VEHICLE SHOOK TREMENDOUSLY WHEN OTHER VEHICLES PASSED BY. ONCE HOME, I WAS STILL CALMING MY SON DOWN, WE BOTH NEEDED TO SLEEP. THAT NIGHT, MY SON AND I EXPERIENCED A TRAMATIC (NIGHTMARE LIKE) SITUATION. NOW, FORD CUSTOMERS ARE FORCED UPON (A) SAFETY HAZZARD(S). YES, PREVENTABLE SAFETY HAZZARD(S), IF DEALT WITH ASAP.
NHTSA ODI #10750219
93,200 miles · Aug 12, 2015
Power Train
THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. NOT SURE WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN AN INVESTIGATION AS OF YET. MY CAR STARTED OUT MAKING A HUMMING SOUND AND NOW HAS PROGRESSED TO THE POINT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER LENGTHY RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS IN OTHER FORD VEHIC…
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THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. NOT SURE WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN AN INVESTIGATION AS OF YET. MY CAR STARTED OUT MAKING A HUMMING SOUND AND NOW HAS PROGRESSED TO THE POINT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER LENGTHY RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS IN OTHER FORD VEHICLES. I HAVE READ OF FAILURES IN THESE TYPES OF TRANSMISSION AS EARLY AS 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON THIS MATTER WHICH AS FAR AS I KNOW IS STILL PENDING. APPARENTLY FORD HAS KNOWN OF THE PROBLEM, HENCE THEY STOPPED USING AND MANUFACTURING THIS TRANSMISSION MAKING THE PARTS TO REPAIR THIS TRANSMISSION OUTRAGEOUSLY PRICED. SO NOT ONLY IS FORD PROFITING FROM THE SALE OF THESE VEHICLES, NOW THEY ARE PROFITING FROM THE SALE OF THE PARTS AS WELL.NOW I HAVE MY VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR FOR AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. FAILURE CAN COME AT ANY TIME UNDER ANY SITUATION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS VEHICLE CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN WORSE BODILY HARM OR EVEN DEATH WHEN THIS TRANSMISSION FAILS COMPLETELY. I AM QUITE SURE BY THE SHEAR NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ THAT SOMEONE HAS CONTACTED YOU IN REGARDS TO THIS PRODUCT. IF NOT I AM. PLEASE HELP THE SMALL GUY OUT.
NHTSA ODI #10748072
190,000 miles · Aug 3, 2015
EnginePower TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #10745901
101,000 miles · Jun 14, 2015
EnginePower TrainSteering
2007 FORD FREESTYLE VIN # [XXX]. HAVE HAD CAR FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. REPLACED BRAKES TWICE. THE THROTTLE SEEMS TO BE STICKING AND TRANSMISSION. WRENCH ON DASH. HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN. CAR WILL ACCELERATE ON OWN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE. IT HAS ALSO JUMPED BACKWARDS. CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED…
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2007 FORD FREESTYLE VIN # [XXX]. HAVE HAD CAR FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. REPLACED BRAKES TWICE. THE THROTTLE SEEMS TO BE STICKING AND TRANSMISSION. WRENCH ON DASH. HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN. CAR WILL ACCELERATE ON OWN WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE. IT HAS ALSO JUMPED BACKWARDS. CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10725154
100,970 miles · Jun 5, 2015
Power Train
PUT CAR IN DRIVE STARTED DOWN THE STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING NOISE AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR THEN TURNED IT OFF, TRY TO START IT BACK UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PUT IN DRIVE. IT WOULD REVERSE BUT IT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. HAD TO CALL FRO A TOW T…
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PUT CAR IN DRIVE STARTED DOWN THE STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING NOISE AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR THEN TURNED IT OFF, TRY TO START IT BACK UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PUT IN DRIVE. IT WOULD REVERSE BUT IT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. HAD TO CALL FRO A TOW TRUCK AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. THE FOLLOWING CODES SHOWED UP WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION: PO 218, PO 701, PO868, PO871, PO961. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEAD. I HAVE LOOKED UP THE FORD FREESTYLE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I COULD HAVE HAD A BAD ACCIDENT I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC HAD TO VEER AROUND ME TO KEEP FROM HITTING ME. I HAD CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WE COULD HAVE DIED. A NEW TRANSMISSION COST ME $2200.00 AND THE COST TO HAVE IT REPLACED WAS $900.00. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD GET SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION FOR A PROBLEM THAT YOU KNEW THE VEHICLE HAS WITH IT'S TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10723732
114,000 miles · Apr 4, 2015
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 01/20/15 FROM A USED LOT IN RALEIGH NC, 'SOMETHING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN THE FIRST PLACE''. I HAD JUST GOT OFF MATERNITY LEAVE AND I NEEDED A CAR SO I COULD BE ABLE TO GET TO WORK. ON THE 4TH OF APRIL 2015. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED TO JERK BACK AND MAKE A VERY LOUD ROARING …
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 01/20/15 FROM A USED LOT IN RALEIGH NC, 'SOMETHING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN THE FIRST PLACE''. I HAD JUST GOT OFF MATERNITY LEAVE AND I NEEDED A CAR SO I COULD BE ABLE TO GET TO WORK. ON THE 4TH OF APRIL 2015. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED TO JERK BACK AND MAKE A VERY LOUD ROARING SOUND. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND JERK BACK AND FORTH IF YOU WENT OVER 20 MILES PER HOUR. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE CAR AND I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT SO I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE CAME. THE CAR COULD STILL DRIVE BUT VERY SLOWLY WHILE MAKING THE SAME SOUND SO HE DROVE VERY SLOWLY BEHIND ME. KEEP IN MIND I HAD MY TWO MONTH OLD IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN ALL OF THIS CRAZINESS WAS HAPPENING. NEXT DAY I COULDN'T EVEN DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE POOR CONDITION IT WAS IN. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO A SPECIALIZED MECHANIC FOR THIS CVT TRANSMISSION IT HAS, THEY NOTIFIED US AFTER WAITING FOUR TO FIVE HOURS TO REPLACE THIS UNIQUE ENGINE IT WOULD COST $4-$6,000 DOLLARS. THAT IS INSANE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY HAVING IT FOR TWO MONTHS AND TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE ''FORD'' IS TOO CHEAP AND INCONSIDERATE TO NOT RECALL THIS PIECE OF CRAP OF A CAR. HOW CAN FORD IGNORE THIS ISSUE THAT IT IS CAUSING WORLD WIDE. IT IS NOT JUST ONE OR TWO MINOR ISSUES IT IS THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WAKE UP FORD!! THIS IS A TERRIBLE VEHICLE TO SELL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!! I WOULDN'T EVEN SALE THIS VEHICLE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES!! MY ADVICE TO ANYONE IS TO NEVER EVER BUY ANY FORD VEHICLES!! THIS WAS A NIGHTMARE!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703692
68,000 miles · Apr 2, 2015
EnginePower Train
I HAVE NOT HAD A CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT, YET, BUT CERTAIN TO AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING FROM THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE. SINCE ABOUT JANUARY 2015, WHILE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, THERE IS A LOUD WHIRRING SOUND, SIMILAR TO A HELICOPTER. AFTER EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT MOST, IF NOT ALL OTHERS W…
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I HAVE NOT HAD A CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT, YET, BUT CERTAIN TO AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING FROM THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE. SINCE ABOUT JANUARY 2015, WHILE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, THERE IS A LOUD WHIRRING SOUND, SIMILAR TO A HELICOPTER. AFTER EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT MOST, IF NOT ALL OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE EVENTUALLY LED TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE COLD WEATHER RELATED ISSUE WHERE ONCE DRIVE IS ENGAGED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR JUST STUMBLES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. LETTING IT RUN FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES TEMPORARILY RESOLVES THE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703331
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
IM NOT SURE IF THESE ARE TWO COMPLETELY SEPARATE ISSUES. STARTING AROUND 2012 THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING. NOW THE CVT TRANSMISSION HAS GONE COMPLETELY OUT AN WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702367
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
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO