Owners filed 1,459 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
07772177,721 milesMedian miles at failure
1,295 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2005 Ford Freestyle problems
472 of the 1,459 complaints (32%) are about the throttle and acceleration.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
472
14
0
5
Power Train · transmission
220
1
0
1
Electrical System
94
1
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
88
1
0
0
Engine
71
4
1
1
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
69
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
60
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
57
2
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
31
1
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
30
0
0
0
2005 Ford Freestyle throttle and acceleration problems
32% of all complaints
472 of the 1,459 complaints are about the throttle and acceleration. This is what owners describe:
accelerates on its own31% · 146
stalls15% · 71
sets off warning lights on the dash12% · 58
jerks, lurches or bucks9% · 42
turns on the check engine light9% · 41
Share of the 472 throttle and acceleration complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
Typical mileage
75,000 mi
median of 426 reports
Peak year of filing
2011
227 throttle and acceleration complaints that year
“My car has begun to accelerate when I am braking, and it is a powerful and sudden acceleration! It seems to happen more often when I am backing up and turning, but will happen at any time. It started last week and is happening with greater frequency, making it unsafe to drive. Last night it went into fail safe mode, but upon restarting the car today, it has returned to normal.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 7, 2020 at 168,009 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 FORD freestyle. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 27, 2015 at 81,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the throttle and accelerationRecall (red: the throttle and acceleration)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2005 Freestyle peaked in 2011, with 447 filed that year. No recall on file covers the throttle and acceleration, the subject of 32% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Oct 5, 2006139,537 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting05V515000
Filed Nov 9, 2005123,206 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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).
Risk. 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.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2005 Freestyle.
Opened May 11, 2011Closed Feb 7, 2013throttle and acceleration
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 …
Opened Nov 16, 2007Closed Mar 11, 2008electrical system
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 …
Technical service bulletins
43 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Freestyle. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 8transmission 7engine 7equipment 5suspension 4brakes 3visibility 2body and frame 2
05179Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 7, 2005throttle and acceleration
INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION AND/OR SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET. *TT
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2005 Ford Freestyle 5-DR
—
—
—
★★★★★
13.3%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 2026WI
Our 2005 Ford Freestyle often accelerates or surges forward on its own when applying the brake or parking. It is a very dangerous malfunction that looks to be a wide spread problem for this make and model (based on online reports).
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 9, 2025PA
When temperature get below freezing car doors will not latch shut and come back open. Car doors work fine when temp are higher. There is a recall already for this NHTSA# 06v383000 Ford# 06545. I have a Ford Case# XXX My car was not included in recall and either should be or needs to be further investigated. I don't want my kids falling out while I go down the highway and I can't wait 45 min for the car to warm up. This had done this all last winter and is doing it again and Ford refuses to do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 31, 202597,000 milesCT
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side door independently unlatched and opened. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts for the repair were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 21, 2025CT
PASSANGER DOOR LATCH- DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING, WILL NOT STAY CLOSED CHECKED SAID RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2006, LATCH IN NOT CLOSING
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Dec 6, 2024150,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that all four door latches failed to latch while attempting to close the doors. The contact had to make several attempts to close and lock the doors before the doors latch and remained closed. The failure had reoccurred intermittently. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) but was unsure if the VIN was included. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Structure
Filed Aug 23, 2024170,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance however, the contact was informed that the motor mount torque strap needed to be replaced. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the motor mounts had been replaced four times. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2024160,000 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle revved high. While driving at high speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several times, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and replaced the throttle body. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 27, 2023IL
Doors will not close in cold weather. This is a safety issue that was not resolved with prior recall.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 24, 2023MI
Driving my 2005 Ford Freestyle today when I suddenly heard a loud explosion or crash sound overhead. At first I thought something had fallen from the sky and crashed into the top of our vehicle. I immediately slowed down and pulled the car off the side of the road. My husband was a passenger in the vehicle. He carefully got out of the vehicle and looked on top of and around the vehicle. That is when we discovered that the glass in the sunroof had literally exploded and blown out of the vehicle. The track was still in place and operating normally. The glass was completely blown out of the vehicle. Because the Ford Freestyle was only in production for 3 years (I believe), there probably are not many still in use. Thus, there are probably not many Ford Freestyle owners having or reporting this problem. Besides being scared, the potential for being hit by the exploding glass and suffering substantial injuries to our heads, eyes, face, shoulders, bodies, could have been tremendous, if not deadly. I reported the incident to Ford Motor Company. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the sunroof glass failure.
Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2022MO
Says transmission data error check engine and trac control all display and only allow me to drive 20-35 MPH some time I can turn the car off and back on and the codes will shut off but they come back on in the middle of the highway what usually takes me 30 minutes takes me an hour and a half to get to some times 2 hours I can't run my AC cuz that over does my alternator and heats my car I've only had it a year and it's been giving me problems 5 months after getting it I have kids and it gets rough going slow in the heat and hoping if I press to much on the gas please help I am broke and have nothing but this car left and I've spent $2000 for people to tell me nothing is wrong with it
Power Train
Filed Jul 2, 2021179,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
EngineFire
Filed Mar 12, 2021202,000 milesAR
I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. INSTEAD HE TOLD ME IT WAS JUST SOME RATTLING THAT WAS COMING FROM SOMETHING LOOSE AND NOT IMPORTANT. ITS RATTLING LIKE CRAZY UNDER MY CAR. I LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR IT AND THERE IS AN IMPORTANT RECALL THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED ON IT. PLEASE. IT CAN HARM MY NEWBORN CHILD AND MELT WIRES AND IS GONNA COST SO MUCH MONEY THAT I DON'T HAVE TO FIX IT. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR. PLEASE. ITS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT ON EXACTLY WHAT ITS BEEN DOING. EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GONNA FALL APART AND INSIDE THE CAB IS GETTING HOTT AND HARMFUL FUMES ARE COMING INTO THE CAB. ITS DANGEROUS. THE HEAT SHIELD IS BROKEN I GUESS.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2021159,229 milesME
JUST GOT THE CAR AND IT STALLED ON ME TODAY, ACCELERATED AND SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALOT GOING ON IV READ OTHER PEOPLE'S COMMENTS ABOUT THE FORD CAUSING ACCIDENTS I DON'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO ME I'M A NEW DRIVER
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2021257,000 milesPA
STATIONARY AND IN MOTION MY AWD MALFUNCTION LIGHT WILL COME ON, IT DOES THIS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY, I JUST GOT THIS FORD THE OTHER DAY, NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THE ISSUE IS, BUT I'VE SEEN THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE. THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT TODAY IN THE SNOW. NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT, AND I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I GOT IT. I'M LUCKY IT'S NOT TOTALED.
Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2020122,000 milesTX
DRIVING JUST FINE WHENEVER I GOT IT. NOT EVEN 20,000 MILES LATER AT ABOUT 122K MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND GOING OUT. IT DRIVES AT HIGH RPM BUT LOW SPEEDS AND WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PROPER GEAR. MAKES A FUNNY AIRPLANE NOISE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN KEPT UP WITH BY ME.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 7, 2020168,009 milesOH
MY CAR HAS BEGUN TO ACCELERATE WHEN I AM BRAKING, AND IT IS A POWERFUL AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION! IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN WHEN I AM BACKING UP AND TURNING, BUT WILL HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT STARTED LAST WEEK AND IS HAPPENING WITH GREATER FREQUENCY, MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LAST NIGHT IT WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, BUT UPON RESTARTING THE CAR TODAY, IT HAS RETURNED TO NORMAL. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING. AS IT SO HAPPENS, I HAD MY AIR CONDITIONER FIXED LAST WEEK.
Power Train
Filed Apr 22, 2020233,000 milesKS
CHECK TRANSMISSION KEEPS POPPING UP AND THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND CARS RPMS GO TO 3000 YO 5000 ON ITS OWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 29, 202062,445 milesPR
THIS VEHICLE TRANSMISSION DOESNT WORK AND CAN NOT BE FIX. THIS PROBLEM CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. IT MAKE NOISE LIKE A HELICOPTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDNT DO ANYTHING AND TO CALL FORD MOTOR AS THERE IS RECALL IN THIS MODEL..
EngineCrash
Filed Dec 3, 2019136,000 milesTX
THE CAR STOPS RANDOMLY AT TIMES AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT EVEN STARTUP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND I RECENTLY HIT SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO JERKING OR LERCHING WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT. VERY DANGEROUS
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 4, 201914,650 milesME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL YEARS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. OVER TIME, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME TOTALLY INOPERABLE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE SPEED, FUEL LEVEL, OR OTHER GAUGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VARNEY FORD (LOCATED AT 237 MOOSEHEAD TRAIL, NEWPORT, ME 04953, (888) 460-7356) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR DAYS TO WEEKS AT A TIME. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DIELECTRIC GREASE WAS ADDED TO THE WIRE CONNECTORS AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE MORE PREVALENT WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 60-68 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE THE FIRST FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1200 MILES IN 2007 AND AGAIN BY 2012. *TP
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2019109,000 milesFL
MY VEHICLE STALLS EVERY WEEK STEERING AND BRAKES HARD TO CONTROL, MY WIFE DRIVES THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO MANY SHOPS, NO CODES STORED IN COMPUTER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. I HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED, REPLACED FUEL PUMP, SAME FAULT. THE CAR IS UNSAFE HARD TO STOP SOMETIMES WHEN ENGINE SHUTS OFF. FORD DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 9, 2019151,215 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD SPONTANEOUSLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,215.
Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 2019170,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE IDLING WITH THE GEAR IN REVERSE, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND SPRADLEY FORD (2828 HWY 50 WEST, PUEBLO, CO) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 19, 2019120,000 milesIL
THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN BACKING AND WHEN STOPPING GOING FORWARD. IT FEELS LIKE SEONE IS PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR EVEN THOUGH YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE.
Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2019115,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL BUZZING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY FORD SANDY SPRINGS (7555 ROSWELL RD, ATLANTA, GA 30350, (678) 809-5711) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 15, 2019200,000 milesNC
FUEL LINE JUST SNAPPED OFF THE CAR , ALSO THE TRANSMISSION LINE SNAPPED OFF AND THE TRANS SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, THE DOOR LOCKS SHUT DOWN AND STOPPED WORKING . THE TRANSMISSION AND FUEL LINE SNAPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2019250,000 milesWA
DASH CLUSTER DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. FOUND PROBLEM TO BE SHODDY SOLDER WORK ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD CAUSING MULTIPLE FAILURES IN THE DASH CLUSTER AND FUEL SYSTEM. HAPPENED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 MPH.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 3, 2019172,000 milesVA
MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES ON ITS ON CAUSING THE CAR TO JUMP FORWARD AND TAKE OFF SLOW WITH VERY LITTLE POWER IT DOES IT WHEN SITTING IN PARK WITH THE CAR TURNED ON AND WHILE DRIVING
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 30, 2019160,000 milesAK
WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. I AM STILL ABLE TO ACCELERATE, STEER AND STOP; HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS, HEATER AND RADIO SHUT OFF AND ALL OF MY GAUGES QUIT WORKING. MY DASHBOARD SAYS "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" BUT THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE STARTER (WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AT TIMES), BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON DIFFERENT ROAD TYPES AND VARYING SPEEDS.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2019138,000 milesIL
ALL ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AT VARIOUS TIMES WITH NO WORKING GAUGES, BUT CAR DRIVES. WITHING PAST YEAR, HAD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED 2 TIMES, ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE, INJECTOR COILS & SPARK PLUGS, CLEANED/REPLACED, BATTERY REPLACED, THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY & GASKET, . HAD DIAGNOSED AT 2 FORD DEALERS IN DIFFERENT STATES AND NEITHER CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO STAY ON. BOTH DEALERS WERE ADAMENT IT WAS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHICH CLEARLY IT IS NOT SINCE THE ERROR LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. HAVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE ELECTRICAL OR RCM, BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO TEST FOR EITHER. DEALER WANTS ME TO FOOT THE (HOURLY / UNION) LABOR RATE WHILE THEY TRY TO FIGURE IT OUT. CURRENTLY CAR IS CURRENTLY WITH LOCAL MECHANIC WHO IS GOING OVER THE CAR TO FIGURE IT OUT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DETERMINED YET.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 5, 2019190,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A TRACTOR TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND BACK AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER WEBB FORD 9809 INDIANAPOLIS BLVD, HIGHLAND, IN 46322 (219) 924-3400. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO PROVIDED CASE NUMBER CAS-21715175 AND REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 20, 2019150,000 milesNY
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LOST POWER THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. THE REAR WIPER DOESN'T WORK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 19, 201990 milesOK
THE CAR IS LUNGING FORWARD AT LOW SPEED WHILE BRAKING, THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE ADDRESSED IN A RECALL THAT HAD BEEN COMPLETED IN DECEMBER OF 2016.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 5, 201940 milesPR
LA GUAGUA SE APAGA EN PLENA RUTA LUEGO DE HABERLE SUPLIDO DE GASOLINA. NO APAGA LA LUZ INTERIOR DEL TECHO Y TECHO FRENTE AL CONDUCTOR. ESTE AUTO LO ADQUIR HACE UN AO MS O MENOS A TRAVS DE VENTA DIRECTA DEL DUEO. SOLICITO ME REGISTREN PARA TODA CORRESPONDENCIA.
Power Train
Filed Mar 31, 2019SD
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE CVT TRANSMISSION IT SEEM TO NEVER SHIFT RIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL ALWAYS ACTED FUNNY SHIFTS HIGH OR SHIFT HARD AND THEN IT FINALLY GAVE OUT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHT IT MADE A LOUD CLUNK AND I HAD NO GEARS I COSTED TO A STOP
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 2019188,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, PLACE THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL, AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE THROTTLE BODY, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Power Train
Filed Feb 4, 2019WA
THE TRANSMISSION STOP WORKING WHILE GOING UP A HILL
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 30, 201975,000 milesKY
CAR DOORS WILL NOT RELATCH IN FREEZING TEMPS. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY BUT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE CAR DOOR WAS INITIALLY OPENED. IF I DRIVE TO WORK AND THE TEMP DROPS IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SEE THAT THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THIS REASON BUT MY VIN WAS NOT. OBVIOUSLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DEALERSHIP APPLIED A LUBRICANT (AT MY EXPENSE) BUT THAT DID NOT WORK.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 2019164,100 milesMI
VEHICLES SAYS AWD MALFUNCTION AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WON'T SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE POWER LOCKS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED SHORTLY BEFORE THE AWD MALFUNCTION, MAKING IT WHERE IT WAS UNABLE TO SHUT. THE POWER LOCK WAS UNLOCKED/LOCKED A COUPLE TIMES FIXING THE ISSUE FOR NOW.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 2019160,000 milesOH
DOOR LATCHES FREEZE OPEN IN COLD WEATHER AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 06V383000. THE DOORS HAVE FAILED TO LATCH WHEN ENTERING THE CAR AS WELL AS IN MOTION AT 50MPH. A SEARCH OF THE CARS VIN SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS HOWEVER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS ISSUE BUT CLEARLY FALLS UNDER THE RECALL. RECALL NOTICED WAS NEVER RECEIVED FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR PURCHASE AND REGISTERED IN OHIO SO IT IS UNCLEAR WHY IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THIS RECALL. FORD HAS ALSO STATED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE ISSUE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 9, 201914,235 milesCA
IT LUNGES WHEN I'M TURNING FROM STOP ,TAPPING ON THE BRAKE,TURNING RIGHT CORNERS, BACKING UP WHEN CAR IS WARMED UP, IT LUNGES OUT OF NOWHERE.IM AFRAID I'M GOING TO HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 2018MA
ANYTIME THE WEATHER DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES, WHICH IT MOST OFTEN DOES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN MA, MY DOOR LOCKS FREEZE. IT COULD BE RIGHT WHEN I START THE CAR OR WHILE I'M DRIVING, IT'S VERY SPORADIC. I CAN OPEN THE DOORS, BUT THEY WILL NOT CLOSE AGAIN, WHICH IS CLEARLY VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU'RE DRIVING AND THE DOOR LATCHES DON'T HOLD BECAUSE OF ICE. IT SEEMS ALMOST EVERY OTHER CAR THAT IS MY YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME REASON MINE HAS NOT! NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, IT'S MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. THROW MY KUDS IN & JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST WHILE WE'RE OUT DRIVING?
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 10, 201810 milesNJ
DRIVING MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO REV FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. I SEE THE "ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE APPEAR AND A LIT UP WRENCH ALSO APPEARS AND THE ENGINE STARTS STALLING OR SURGING, FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER.
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Sep 4, 2018255,000 milesMA
WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THEN WHEN I SLOWLY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO MOVE, THE ENGINE REVVED UP, THEN SURGED FORWARD VERY QUICKLY, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN, BUT IT WASN'T ENOUGH TO STOP THE CAR. I NEVER TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL. THIS RESULTED IN ME SLAMMING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME
Electrical System
Filed Aug 22, 2018TX
I AM HAVING THE ISSUES THAT THE INVESTIGATION WITH THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE BODY. THEY HAVE A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM CALLED 12N03 AND IT DIDN'T LAST LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO GET THE CAR THAT I PURCHASED (THIS YEAR) FIXED. I HAVE 66K MILES ON THE CAR AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE USING THE 10 YEARS OR 150000 MILES TO MEAN THAT SINCE MY CAR IS OLDER THAN 10 YEARS I DON'T QUALIFY TO GET MY CAR FIXED TO WORKING ORDER. WHEN I USE THE KEY TO START THE CAR, IT DOESN'T ACCELERATE. THE RPMS LURCH LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO GO SOMEWHERE AND IT DOESN'T AND THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON. I GOT THIS CAR 3 WEEKS AGO AND THE DEALERSHIP ISN'T FIXING IT AND THE FORD DEALERSHIPS AREN'T FIXING IT. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER WHETHER THE PREVIOUS OWNER GOT THE MESSAGE TO GET IT FIXED OR NOT OR WHETHER THEY TOOK THE CAR TO GET FIXED. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT I CANNOT DRIVE AND IF IT DOES "RESET" (BECAUSE TURNING IT OFF AND WAITING A WHILE USED TO KIND OF RESET IT TO WHERE IT WOULD WORK) THERE IS A CHANCE IT WILL TURN OFF ON ME/NO LONGER ACCELERATE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 25, 201863,000 milesTX
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MY 05 FREESTYLE LUNGES FORWARD, TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND WHEN IN REVERSE, IT ALSO LUNGES. OFTEN WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT WILL STUMBLE ALL OVER ITSELF AND DIES. I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT ON A COUPLE OCCASIONS BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET ACROSS AN INTERSECTION OR OUT OF THE WAY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, IT LOSES POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. HAD A A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE SAID THE THROTTLE BODY WAS GUMMED UP AND HE CLEANED IT. IT RAN GOOD FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND IT'S BACK TO DOING THE SAME THING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 72310 MILES ON IT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE YEARS AND HAS GOTTEN SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 1, 2018100 milesTX
VEHICLE KEEPS JUMPING. THROTTLE BODY
Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2018120,000 milesKY
ENGINE SURGES AT IDLE AND WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, COULD EASILY REAR END SOMEONE OR RUN OVER SOMEONE WORSE WHEN AC IS RUNNING
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 29, 2018149,000 milesKS
AT LOW SPEED OR STOPPED WHILE IN DRIVE THE CAR LUNGES FORWARDS. I WAS AT A DRIVE THROUGH AND IT LUNGED FORWARD ALMOST HITTING A PEDESTRIAN. ALSO WHILE DRIVING IN A LOWER SPEED ZONE 20-35 (SCHOOL ZONES AND NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS) THE RPM'S START PULSING CAUSING THE CAR TO LUNGE EVERY TIME.
Wheels
Filed Jun 15, 2018161,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CHECK TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 1,459, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Owners filed 1,459 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few Freestyle years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the throttle and acceleration (32%).
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
The throttle and acceleration: 472 of the 1,459 complaints (32%) are about it. Owners most often say it accelerates on its own (31%), stalls (15%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (12%). The typical report comes at 75,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Freestyle have?
2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 5, 2006. The largest, 06V383000, covered 139,537 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Freestyle problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 77,721 miles. For the throttle and acceleration the midpoint is 75,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, PE11018 ("Idle instability"), was opened May 11, 2011 and closed Feb 7, 2013.
Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
The manufacturer filed 43 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (8), the transmission (7) and the engine (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 5, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.