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2007 Ford Freestyle

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Ford Freestyle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 893.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

809 reports with mileage · 84 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 428 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 360 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Power Train complaints

360 reports
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150,000 miles · Jun 20, 2014
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE SPEED NEVER INCREASED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY ONLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE SPEED NEVER INCREASED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY ONLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10604793

102,000 miles · Jun 20, 2014
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION AND HEARD A THUMP. MY 2007 FORD FREESTYLE STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I JUST ABOUT CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. ONE OF THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME RAN OVER A SIDEWALK TO AVOID THIS. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS WALKING. I HAD SOME PEOPLE PUSH ME TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOW…

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I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION AND HEARD A THUMP. MY 2007 FORD FREESTYLE STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I JUST ABOUT CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. ONE OF THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME RAN OVER A SIDEWALK TO AVOID THIS. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS WALKING. I HAD SOME PEOPLE PUSH ME TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. THERE THEY LET ME KNOW MY CVT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $6500. THERE WAS NO WARNING IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK, NO NOISES OR FUNNY THINGS HAPPENED JUST DIED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10604697

33,745 miles · Jun 2, 2014
Power Train

THE CAR IS LUNGING WHEN I INITIALLY PUT IT IN REVERSE AND WHEN PUT IN DRIVE, IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR A WHILE AND MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. WHILE SITTING PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES, I PUT IT IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND IT LITERALLY LUNGED FORWARD ABOUT 5 FT., I PRESSED …

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THE CAR IS LUNGING WHEN I INITIALLY PUT IT IN REVERSE AND WHEN PUT IN DRIVE, IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR A WHILE AND MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. WHILE SITTING PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES, I PUT IT IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND IT LITERALLY LUNGED FORWARD ABOUT 5 FT., I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT DIED. IT TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO RESTART IT. I DID TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IN 2009 AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. IN MAY OF 2010, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY REPAIRED A HARNESS THEY SAID MAY HAVE BEEN CHAFFED AND POSSIBLY GROUNDING OUT AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF FIREWALL BUT ALSO STATED THAT IT MAY STILL HAVE PROBLEMS AND THEY WERE RIGHT. LAST YEAR, THE LUNGING STARTED AGAIN BUT NOT A LOT AND NOW, THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER FREESTYLE OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED THAT I MIGHT HIT ANOTHER CAR WHEN IN A PARKING LOT OR REVERSE INTO SOMETHING OR SOMEONE. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT FORD HAS NOT PUT A RECALL ON WHATEVER IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595638

84,000 miles · May 27, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

STARTED TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE SURGE PROBLEM THAT IS APPARENTLY PRETTY COMMON. MOSTLY OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOPPED POSITION. ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CHECKED CODE AT NAPA STORE. P0109 INDICATING FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR. LOCAL MECHANIC CLAIMED IT TO BE A FUEL FILTER PROBLEM. HAD MECHANIC CHANGE FILTER, PROBLEM…

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STARTED TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE SURGE PROBLEM THAT IS APPARENTLY PRETTY COMMON. MOSTLY OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOPPED POSITION. ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CHECKED CODE AT NAPA STORE. P0109 INDICATING FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR. LOCAL MECHANIC CLAIMED IT TO BE A FUEL FILTER PROBLEM. HAD MECHANIC CHANGE FILTER, PROBLEM RESOLVED FOR VERY SHORT TIME PERIOD. ABOUT MONTH LATER SAME PROBLEM AND ENGINE CODE. REPLACED FUEL SENSOR MYSELF. PROBLEM RETURNED 2 DAYS LATER WITHOUT ENGINE CODE. FROM MY RESEARCH ON THIS SITE AND OTHERS FOUND OUT ABOUT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 12N03. CALLED LOCAL DEALER TO LOOK INTO HAVING VEHICLE CHECKED. WAS INFORMED BY SERVICE OPERATOR THAT MY VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY BUT THEY WOULD LET ME PAY $150.00 DOLLARS TO CHECK OUT PROBLEM. I AM THINKING I WILL EXERCISE MY FREE WILL TO GET RID OF THIS VEHICLE FOR A KIA OR HYUNDAI MODEL THAT I CAN TRUST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594422

150,000 miles · May 24, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE HAD MY 2007 FORD FREESTYLE SINCE 2008. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A MONEY PIT. I HAVE HAD TO GET A WATER PUMP, AC COMPRESSOR, AND THROTTLE BODY, NOW IT NEEDS AN EXPENSIVE FAULTY TRANSMISSION REPLACED CALLED CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED FOR SAFETY AND TO AVOID FURTHER DAMAGE. THE ISSUE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IS WHILE MY…

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I HAVE HAD MY 2007 FORD FREESTYLE SINCE 2008. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A MONEY PIT. I HAVE HAD TO GET A WATER PUMP, AC COMPRESSOR, AND THROTTLE BODY, NOW IT NEEDS AN EXPENSIVE FAULTY TRANSMISSION REPLACED CALLED CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED FOR SAFETY AND TO AVOID FURTHER DAMAGE. THE ISSUE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IS WHILE MY FOOT COMPLETELY ON THE BREAK, THE CAR HAS DARTED FORWARD WITH OUT MY ABILITY TO STOP IT. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN WITH PEOPLE WALKING IN FRONT OF ME IN THE CROSS WALK WHILE AT THE STOP LIGHT AND MY CAR HAS DARTED AT THEM. SCARY!! TO SAY THE LEAST. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HIT SOMEONE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE BECAUSE IT SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE IN TRAFFIC, UNEXPECTEDLY, GRATEFULLY THE PERSON BEHIND ME WAS PAYING ATTENTION. I HAVE FIXED THE AC COMPRESSOR, THROTTLE BODY, AND WATER PUMP, I CANNOT POSSIBLY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND NOW WITHOUT A CAR. I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE EVEN AFTER IT IS FIXED. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS CAR IS MADE FAULTY, AND IS GOING TO FELL ME IN SOME OTHER EXPENSIVE OR DANGEROUS WAY. TO MY KNOWLEDGE FORD HAS DISCONTINUED MAKING THE FREESTYLE AND IS NOW MAKING TAURUS IN ITS PLACE. THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED EVERY SINGLE FORD FREESTYLE, THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!! IT HAS BEEN MADE TO FAIL, I HOPE FORD CAN RESTORE MY TRUST IN THEM. I DO NOT WANT ANY OTHER FORD BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593850

121,492 miles · May 21, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,492 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,692. UPDATED 08/19/14*LJ UPDATED 8/29/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10593148

160,000 miles · Apr 30, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, REVERSE OR PARK, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD NOISE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, REVERSE OR PARK, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD NOISE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10585704

235,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Power Train

THIS HAS HAPPENED ALMOST EVERYDAY, IF YOU STOP FOR A SHORT TIME EITHER LONG LIGHT OR PULL IN SOME WHERE AND TAKE OFF THE WRENCH COMES ON AND AT THAT POINT I KNOW THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 54 MILES PER HOUR AND ACTS LIKE IT WON'T UP SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR EVEN THOUGH I KNOW ITS A CVT , THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS , FO…

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THIS HAS HAPPENED ALMOST EVERYDAY, IF YOU STOP FOR A SHORT TIME EITHER LONG LIGHT OR PULL IN SOME WHERE AND TAKE OFF THE WRENCH COMES ON AND AT THAT POINT I KNOW THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 54 MILES PER HOUR AND ACTS LIKE IT WON'T UP SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR EVEN THOUGH I KNOW ITS A CVT , THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS , FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT , UNTIL ENOUGH PEOPLE DIE OR GET SEVERELY INJURED , I MUST BE LUCKY THOUGH MINE HAPPENS ALL THE TIME I KNOW IF I SHUT THE FREE STYLE OFF AND RE START IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL FOR A WHILE ... PEOPLE NEED TO PETITION FORD .... OR START A MASS LAWSUIT AGAINST WHAT SHOULD BE A MASSIVE RE-CALL , WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT NOT JUMPING IN TO FORCE ACTION , LIKE THEY ARE NOW DOING WITH GM ..... A 35K CAR SHOULD BE BUILT SAFER, TO WORRIED ABOUT EVERYONE WEARING SEATBELTS, BUT NOT ABOUT VEHICLES THAT LUNGE FORWARD OR JUST CAN'T ACCELERATE , THE TRANSMISSION IS JUNK AND WE PAY FOR IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578786

140,000 miles · Apr 2, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

STOPPED AT SIGNAL LIGHT, WRENCH LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, VEHICLE RPM'S MOVED ERRATICALLY AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE ABOVE 35MPH. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD VEHICLE WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE MODE" TRANSMISSION IS NONE REPAIRABLE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PREVIOUSLY HA…

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STOPPED AT SIGNAL LIGHT, WRENCH LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, VEHICLE RPM'S MOVED ERRATICALLY AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE ABOVE 35MPH. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD VEHICLE WENT INTO "FAIL SAFE MODE" TRANSMISSION IS NONE REPAIRABLE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PREVIOUSLY HAD CAR SERVICED UNDER RECALL WITH THROTTLE. ONE DAY PRIOR, THE CAR "SURGED/LUNGED" WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. HAD RECALL DONE 12 MONTHS AGO AND JUST WENT OVER 12000 MILES SINCE WORK DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576669

79,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #10576010

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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

2

PE11018 · 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