NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Freestyle. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT RELEASE THE LOCK. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER BECAME STUCK IN THE SEAT AND WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE WITH THE FIRST TIME OCCURRING IN APRIL OF 2006. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT OTHER CONSUMERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SEAT BELT IS ALSO LOCKING UP AGAIN. FORD STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS CURRENTLY NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,450 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE AIR BAG LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES FELL TO ZERO. THIS LASTED FOR A FEW SECONDS, BUT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. UPDATED 10/06/06.*JB
ON THE FORD FREESTYLE THERE IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. WHEN TRYING TO PASS,GO UP HILL, OR JUST AS TEMPERATURE RISES IN TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO INTO TRACTION CONTROL SETTING. YOU WILL LOOSE SPEED POWER AND RPM WILL GO UP AND RED LINE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO PASS ON TWO LANE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN ALMOST RAN OVER ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS OCCURS. FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I CHECKED ON EDMONDS DOT COM AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PEOPLE ARE TOLD THEY MUST BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION. FOR BETWEEN $5000-$7000 DOLLARS. I HAVE SPENT 2000 ALREADY AND STILL NOT FIXED PROBLEM. MINE FAILED AT 74,800 MILES , BUT I WAS OUT OF TOWN IN THE BOOM DOCKS AND BY THE TIME I GOT BACK I WAS OVER MILEAGE, THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE OVER A 120,000 MILES NOW AND THEY CAN NOT FIX IT, I LIVE IN NEBRASKA WHERE THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR UNDER 40 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I STARTED SEEING A WRENCH APPEAR ON THE CONSOLE BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY COMPUTER PROBLEM. SO THEY IGNORED IT A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM. THANKS SCOTT MANLEY THIS PROBLEM CAN AND WILL CAUSE A DEATH. *TR
INSPECTION OF REAR BRAKE NOISE SHOWED PADS WORN AND ROTORS DAMAGED AFTER JUST 8000 MILES ON NEW FORD FREESTYLE 2005 LTD AWD. PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. AT 19000 MILES REAR PADS ARE AGAIN COMPLETELY WORN WITH ONE PAD SCRAPING ROTOR. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS MODIFIED TO ALLOW THE DRIVER TO BE SEATED IN A WHEEL CHAIR. SHORTLY AFTER THE MODIFICATION A PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO LOWER THE RAMP. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AUTOMATICALLY TO ENGAGE THE RAMP FOR EXIT OR ENTRY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WERE THE MOTHER BOARD WAS REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PART DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES WERE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REMOTES DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ORIGINAL MODIFICATION DEALER WERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND WAS DETERMINED THE REMOTES WERE OBSTRUCTED BY A FOREIGN BODY WHICH WAS REMOVED. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MOBILITY DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENTIRE FLOORING MATERIALS NEEDED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SECURE THE LOCK DOWN FOR THE FRONT SEAT WHEEL CHAIR. THIS PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED TO REMEDY A SECOND PROBLEM THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE EXISTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE INDEPENDENT MOBILITY DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE MOTHER BOARD BECAUSE OF UNPREDICTABILITY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT BOARDS WERE NOT THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FOR USE IN THE CONVERSION. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE USE OF A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BRAND OF MOTHER BOARD. THE DEALER ORDERED THE NEW MOTHER BOARD AND IS AWAITING SHIPMENT. CURRENTLY THE ONLY WAY THE DOOR AND RAMP CAN BE USED IS BY SOMEONE MANUALLY OPENING THE DOOR AND PULLING OUT THE RAMP. THIS PROCESS RENDERS THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO USE BY THE CONTACT ALONE.
DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS WORSE IN COLD TEMPERATURES, IT WOULD OCCUR IN ANY CLIMATE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE LOUDLY BACK FIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER LET THE VEHICLE WARM UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ACTIVATED THE AIR CONDITIONER. SHE THEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY DURING THE OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE SAME FAILURE RECURRED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING UPON ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEALER REGARDING THE DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
SIDE DOOR LOCKS AND FREEZE DURING THE WINTER. DOOR HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. *JB
TRANS WOULD FUNCTION NORMALLY AND THEN WHEN YOU PUT IT IN PARK IT STARTS BACKING UP! THEN WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE IT REVS LIKE IT'S IN NEUTRAL. YOU HAVE TO SHIFT IT INTO LOW TO GET IT INTO DRIVE. THIS ALSO CAUSES IT TO COME OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. *NM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE CALIPERS, ROTOR, AND REAR BRAKE PADS. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME ON APRIL 14, 2007 WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CHARGED $80 AND THE VEHICLE HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 21,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
CAR ACCELERATES WHEN AT LOW IDLE AND THE A/C IS RUNNING. THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD. I CAN STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES. CAN HAPPEN AT STOP LIGHTS, BUT USUALLY THE BRAKE IS FULLY DEPRESSED AT STOP LIGHTS. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAPPENS WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND SWITCHING TO DRIVE, IT WILL LURCH AT THAT POINT. IT WILL ALSO HAPPEN WHEN PARKING, EITHER PULL-IN PARKING OR PARALLEL. JUST LUCKY I'VE BEEN ABLE TO HIT THE BRAKES IN TIME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND FAILED TO STOP UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR, BUT HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORST THE LAST FEW MONTHS. IT JUMPS MUCH MORE OR FARTHER THAN IT DID BEFORE. UPDATED 10/07/2011 *LN *TR
VIOLENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PULSATION DURING HARD BRAKING ON SLIPPERY ROADS. VEHICLE CANNOT BE STOPPED IN A REASONABLE DISTANCE. *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V515000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. SHE SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED IN DECEMBER 2005. THE NHTSA RECALL, #05V515000 WAS REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING. THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE RECALL HOWEVER THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE RECALL IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
WHEN DEPRESSED, BRAKE PEDAL WILL DESCEND BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS ALLOWS THE FOOT TO CONTACT THE ACCELERATOR (GAS) PEDAL BEFORE THE CAR IS STOPPED. DEALER TECHNICIAN HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY ACTUALLY CONTACT THE FLOOR IN A HARD STOP. WHEN ASKED FOR A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NONE, EXCEPT FULLY MOVING ONE'S FOOT FARTHER TO THE LEFT. WHEN ASKED IF THE PAD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL COULD BE ELEVATED, I WAS TOLD NO. AS THESE TWO SURFACES ARE IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY, ESPECIALLY FOR A LARGE SHOE, AND AS A PANIC STOP MAY NOT ALWAYS ALLOW THE TIME AND SENSE TO FULLY CLEAR THE GAS PEDAL, I CONSIDER THIS A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH SURFACES AT CONTROLLED INTERSECTION STOPS. I TRY TO BE WARY, BUT I AM UNCERTAIN THAT I CAN ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH THE MANEUVER. I DO NOT WISH TO BE DRAWN INTO A HAZARDOUS SITUATION BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THESE DETAILS. *JB
THE REAR OBSTACLE SENSOR INCLUDED IN THIS '05 FORD FREESTYLE HAS A SLOW RESPONSE TIME BEFORE IT SOUNDS THE WARNING TONES, AND CAN ALLOW THE DRIVER TO HIT AN OBSTACLE IN BACK OF THE VEHICLE. IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE HIT A CAR BEHIND IT WHILE BACKING, AND THE ALAM DID NOT SOUND UNTIL THE CONTACT HAD OCCURRED. *NM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED WHILE IN REVERSE OR ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR FAILURE WHERE THE BRAKES HOSES AND BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER UNTIL THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE BACKWARD. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE ABRUPTLY IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION, THE AWD WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A SENSOR DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE VEHICLE JUST DIES FOR NO REASON AND WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM AFRAID I OR MY SON COULD BE TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER AUTO AND THIS ONE DIE AGAIN AND COULD CAUSE A HEAD ON COLLISION. *NM
WHEN VEHICLE IS UNOCCUPIED AT NIGHT, THE HEADLAMPS BLINK ON AND OFF, THE HEADLAMPS ILLUMINATE FOR MILLISECONDS AND THEN SHUT OFF. ALL POWER IS OFF IN THE VEHICLE AND NO KEY OR PERSON IS IN THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT 10 TIMES A MINUTE. THE BATTERY IN THE MORNING IS WEAK. *JB
OPENED REAR DOOR WINDOW AND WIND NOISE AND VIBRATING SOUND SEEMED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO BURST OUR EAR DRUMS,NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE. *NM
WHEN LOWERING REAR DOOR WINDOWS ABOVE 30 MILES PER HOUR WIND NOISE IS UNBEARABLE IT HURTS ALL THE PASSENGERS EARS TO THE POINT YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO BURST YOUR EAR DRUM PLUS YOU CAN'T HEAR UNLESS PASSENGER YELLS AT YOU PAIN IN EARS IS SOME SEVERE. ON STEERING WHEEL THEIR IS TWO PLACES TO BLOW HORN LEFT AREA IS NO LONGER WORKING WILL PUT IN SHOP OCT.18,2005 FOR REPAIRS. ALSO FUEL MILEAGE STINKS WE HAVE AVERAGED APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER GALLON HAVE SPOKEN TO DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM BUT NO RESULTS YET.
2005 FORD FREESTYLE: DANGEROUS IN MILD WINTER WEATHER AND CONDITIONS. VEHICLE DOES NOT PERFORM IN WINTER WEATHER. VEHICLE SLIDES, SLIPS, GRINDING OF BRAKES AND BUCKING OF VEHICLE, VIBRATING OF STEERING WHEEL, ALL IN LESS THAN 3 INCHES OF SNOW. NO SNOW TIRES MADE FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DEALER AND NON-DEALER AFFILIATED VENDORS. *JB
WINDSHIELD GLARE UNSAFE. E.G. ROUNDING CORNER INTO SUNLIGHT CAUSES DASH REFLECTION ONTO WINDSHIELD & UNABLE TO SEE OBJECTS OR VEHICLES IN FRONT. USE OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES HELPS...BUT CAN'T WEAR THEM ALL THE TIME. DIFFICULT TO JUDGE DISTANCE, SEE OTHER VEHICLES.*JB
WE JUST BOUGHT A USED 2005 FORD FREESTYLE AND THE DEALER WE BOUGHT IT FROM TOLD US THE AWD MALFUNCTION ALERT WOULD COME ON, BUT IT WOULD NOT STAY ON LONG ENOUGH FOR A MECHANIC TO CHECK WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. WE DID NOTICE THE ALERT COMING ON, BUT ON OUR 4TH DAY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WE WERE PULLING AWAY FROM A DRIVE THRU WINDOW AND PREPARING TO MANEUVER AROUND TWO VEHICLES STOPPED IN FRONT OF US AND I HAD JUST TAKEN MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND NOT EVEN TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD. I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THEN SLOWLY TOOK MY FOOT AWAY AGAIN AND THE CAR LUNGED AND THE ENGINE DIED. THE CAR STILL HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM AFTER THE ENGINE DIED TO ALLOW ME TO COAST AWAY FROM THE TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND IT LUNGED AND DIED AGAIN. ON THE THIRD TRY, IT STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, BUT I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED. I DID MAKE IT HOME ALRIGHT, BUT THE AWD MALFUNCTION ALERT STAYED ON AND AT TIMES THE ALERT WOULD ALSO READ "FAILSAFE ENGINE MODE". ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL ALERT ICON LIT UP AND A WRENCH WAS LIT UP UNDER IT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WE HOPE FORD WILL HELP FREESTYLE OWNERS SOON BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR
1. I LEASED A 05 FORD FREESTYLE AND IN JUST 3 DAYS THE PCM WAS BROKEN. IN JUST 100 MILES. I WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE HOME THAT NIGHT. 2. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THAT THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS TURNING ON AND THE VEHICLES TURNS ON AND OFF, SO MAYBE THEY CAN TOW THE CAR FROM MY HOME. INSTEAD THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHEN I EXITED THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED INCLUDING THE BRAKES WHICH ALMOST MADE ME FALL OFF THE DITCH. I WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALEARSHIP. 3. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO ORDER A NEW PCM AND WHEN THE PCM ARRIVE AFTER 2 DAYS THEY HAD TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER 2 DAYS SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SOFTWARE TO CALIBRATE THE NEW PCM. THE CAR STAYED LONGER IN THE DEALERSHIP THAN WITH ME WHILE I WAS PAYING THE LEASE EVERYDAY. *JB
DT: 2005 FORD FREESTYLE - THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS USUALLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING UP HILL. ALSO, IT HAPPENED WHILE TRYING TO TAKE OFF FROM A RED LIGHT. AFTER LEAVING THE RED LIGHT IT HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES IN A SPAN OF TWO MILES. THIS HAPPENED SEVEN TIMES TO CONSUMER, AND ONCE FOR THE DEALER. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ONLY ONCE, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO TELL WHAT WAS THE CAUSE THE PROBLEM. THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAID IT MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURE , AND THEY WERE UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AND CONSIDER THIS CAR A LEMON. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER YET, BUT I PLANNED TO DO SO. *AK
AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2005 FORD FREESTYLE I NOTICED THAT THE REAR DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. I WAS TOLD BY FORD DEALER THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS, YOU HAVE TO HIT THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK SWITCH FROM THE DRIVER OR PULL THE LOCK ROD LOCATED AT EACH DOOR. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THE REAR PASSENGERS WOULD BE TRAPPED AND RESCUERS ON THE OUTSIDE COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS. MY WIFE DRIVES DAILY WITH YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN INSIDE AND THEY COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS USING THE LOCK-RODS. IF THIS REALLY WAS A SAFETY SITUATION AS FORD DESCRIBES IT, THEN THE FRONT DOORS SHOULD NOT OPEN EITHER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION OPERATES IN THE SAME MANNER. THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM COULD BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH A SIMPLE COMPUTER CODE CHANGE. AS IT STANDS, I BELIEVE THAT SERIOUS INJURIES COULD BE EXPECTED WITH TRAPPED CHILDREN OR HANDICAPPED IN THE REAR SEATS. *JB
FOR A FEW DAYS, OUR FAMILY HAD BEEN VACATIONING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO. BEFORE HEADING HOME TO TEXAS, WE FILLED THE GAS TANK IN OUR 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING RUIDOSO ON OUR WAY HOME, THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY. WE STOPPED BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD NOT KNOWING IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED TO OUR FUEL TANK BUT KNOWING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD JUMP INTERMITTENTLY FROM INDICATING THAT THERE WAS GAS TO EMPTY WHICH CONTINUED THE ENTIRE TRIP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE CONTROL PANEL AND ALSO A MESSAGE TO CHECK THE ENGINE. THIS CONTINUED THE ENTIRE TIME. WHEN WE RETURNED HOME, WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER KEEPING IT A DAY, THEY INFORMED US THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE FREESTYLE BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. SO, WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT UNTIL FORD COMES UP WITH A SOLUTION WHICH WILL PROBABLY TAKE A FEW MONTHS. THE CHECK ENGINE MESSAGE AND LIGHT, THEY SAID, MUST BE RELATED TO THIS. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS GREATLY BECAUSE WE NEED A RELIABLE CAR AND DISTANCES ARE FAR IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY. WAITING A FEW MONTHS FOR A REPAIR OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VIABLE OPTION BUT POLLARD FORD IN LUBBOCK, TEXAS HAS GIVEN US NO OTHER CHOICE. *JB
DT: CONTACT STATED THE BEIGE COLOR OF THE DASHBOARD CAUSED A REFLECTION IN THE WINDSHIELD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT REDESIGN. THE CAR, AND THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO GET USED TO THE REFLECTION. *AK THE REVERSE SENSOR WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD OVER THE VEHICLE A/C OR RADIO. *NM
CAR WAS AT A FULL STOP AND ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN LUNGING FORWARD. LUCKILY I REACTED QUICK ENOUGH OR I WOULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. MY WIFE THOUGHT IT DID THE SAME THING EARLIER THIS WEEK BUT ONLY BRIEFLY. THIS IS REALLY DISCOURAGING BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORDS AND THIS VEHICLE IS DISSWAYING MY OPINION OF THEIR VEHICLES. IT,S BAD ENOUGH I HAVE TO GET THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE EVERY 25,000 MILES WHICH BY THE WAY IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO. *TR
I PURCHASE MY 2005 FORD FREESTYLE IN JUNE 2005. JULY 2005 TRAVELING TO GEORGIA BETWEEN 55/60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRANSMISSION ICON APPEARED. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE, I COULD NOT MOVE NO MORE THAN 30-40 MPH WITH THE RPM'S RACING. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND LET THE CAR REST APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. UPON STARTING THE CAR AND PUTTING INTO DRIVE GEAR IT WAS VERY HARD AND LUNGED. THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE RACING THE ENGINE WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE FREQUENCY OF THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION LIGHT WITH TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND CAN NOT IS A PERSISTENT ISSUE. IT ALSO LUNGES WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON. ONCE THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND STARTED AGAIN, WHILE YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE WHICH HAS TO BE WITH MORE PRESSURE THAN USUAL TO CONTROL THE LUNGE. SITTING IN TRAFFIC WITH THE AIR ON WITH CARS AHEAD OF YOU IS FRIGHTENING SINCE IT WILL LUNGE THEN ALSO. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED MORE THAN NORMAL. SINCE ACQUIRING THIS CAR. RECENTLY, I'VE GOTTEN THE BRAKES DONE IN FEBRUARY, MAY AND CURRENTLY NEED ANOTHER REPAIR WITH ALL THE SQUEALING. *TR
UPON OPENING EITHER SIDE 2ED ROW WINDOWS HARMOMIC VIBRATION/NOISE BEGINS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30MPH SOUNDS LIKE HELICOPTER INSIDE VEHICLE- VERY ANNOYING, DISTRACTING, HURTS EARS - CONTACTED DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE - BOTH INDICATE THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR CONCERN, NO TSB FOR ITEM - HAVE PRINTOUT FROM DEALER INDICATING PROBLEM IS "CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS TYPE VEHICLE AND CHARACTERISTIC OF OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES" "RECOMMENDED SOLUTION IS FOR CUSTOMER TO OPEN ANOTHER WINDOW" AND THAT FORD HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ON VEHICLES DATING BACK TO 1999 - CUSTOMER SERVICE LI
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 7/16/2005. AFTER BEING DRIVEN OFF THE LOT, TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER WHO COULD NOT LOCATE A PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN 23 MILES WHEN ALL POWER WAS LOST. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER. SERVICE TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR 1 WEEK BEFORE ORDERING A NEW TRANSMISSION. NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED ONE WEEK LATER. UPON PICKING UP VEHICLE, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. VEHICLE WILL NOW NEED TO BE RETURNED ONCE AGAIN. GLARE FROM TAN INTERIOR IS DANGEROUS ALSO, AND ACCELERATOR TENDS TO STICK. *NM
BEGAN WHEN CAR WAS ABOUT ONE YEAR OLD. IT OCCURS JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. I TOOK CAR TO GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT WAS O.K. IT LUNGS IN FORWARD AND REVERSE. *TR
REFLECTION ON WINDSHIELD MAKES VISIBILITY VERY DIFFICULT. THIS CAUSES DRIVING BLIND FOR SHORT INSTANCES AND MAKES MANEUVERING/PARKING IN TIGHT SPOTS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. *NM
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES WHILE DECELERATING THE VEHICLE STALLS. THIS HAPPENS MORE IN WARM WEATHER AND AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES. IF THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THERE IS A WARNING AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THREE DIFFERENT SERVICE DEALERS IN THREE DIFFERENT STATES. THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED AND DEALERS CANNOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER AND THE SERVICE DEALER DO NOT KNOW WHAT SPECIFIC COMPONENT IS THE PROBLEM.*AK
OWNER HAS HAD NUMEROUS SERIOUS REPAIR ISSUES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASED. THIS IS COMPLAINT 2 OF 4. CAR IS 3 MONTHS OLD. OWNER MUST PUSH BRAKE ALMOST TO THE FLOOR TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. BRAKES MAKE GRINDING NOISES AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN DECELERATING FROM 40 MPH OR LESS.
DT: ON JUNE 24, 2005 CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN GAS GAUGE WENT FROM ALMOST FULL TO EMPTY. CONSUMER STOPPED AT GAS STATION, AND THE VEHICLE ONLY TOOK A COUPLE DOLLARS OF GAS. CONSUMER THEN DROVE DOWN A MOUNTAIN TO GET TO FORD DEALER AND FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AGAIN. CONSUMER CONTINUED TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP. BUT IT STILL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN VEHICLE ATTEMPTED PULL OUT IT HESITATED FOR A WHILE BEFORE TAKING OFF. CONSUMER STATED THAT FORD GAVE HER AN EXTRA MILEAGE WARRANTY, EXTENDING IT TO 75,000 MILES. CONSUMER PICKED CAR UP ON JULY 8, 2005, AND THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM WILL FUEL GAUGE UNTIL JULY 10, 2005. CONSUMER SAID THAT AFTER FUELING VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT GAUGE DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. SHE ASSUMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AGAIN.*AK
HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE AWD MALFUNCTION MESSAGE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMING ON. HAD IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT. DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP PRESSURE SENSOR. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT HAS RETURNED. DEALER AGAIN REPLACED THE PUMP PRESSURE SENSOR. MY WIFE GOT 5 MINUTES FROM THE DEALER AND THE MESSAGES REAPPEARED. DEALER NOW SAYS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I JUST SPENT 2 HOURS READING FROM OTHER FREESYTLE OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE SAME THING. FORD DOESN'T SPECIFY THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL SHOULD BE CHANGED AT ANY CERTAIN MILEAGE, BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS WHAT CAUSES THE PUMP TO FAIL. FURTHERMORE, WHEN THIS PUMP GOES BAD IT CAUSES THE COMPUTER TO MESS UP PREVENTING THE ALTERNATOR FROM RE-CHARGING. MY WIFE BARELY MADE IT TO WORK BEFORE THE CARE SHUT DOWN. IF IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR I'D BE TYPING THIS FROM THE HOSPITAL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS I"M NO THE ONLY FREESTYLE OWNER TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. GO TO WWW.MYFORDFREESTYLE.COM TO SEE MORE. *TR
DT: CONTACT STATES THE INTERIOR COLOR OF VEHICLE IS CAUSING A GLARE IN THE WINDSHIELD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. THIS HAPPENS ON A CLEAR AND SUNNY DAY. WHEN IT IS CLOUDY THE REFLECTION IS NOT AS BAD. THE SERVICE DEALER SUGGESTED PUTTING A RUG ON THE DASHBOARD TO ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM.*AK
GLARE ON DASH. NO ACCIDENT YET, BUT WILL BE.
I PURCHASED A FORD FREESTYLE ON MAY 5, 2005. SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS. THE FIRST WAS THE STRUT BEARING AT 5,000 MILES. THEN ANOTHER STRUT BEARING A MONTH OR SO LATER. DURING THIS TIME I NOTICED HEAVY BRAKE DUST ON BACK WHEELS. EVERYTIME I TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE I HAD THEM CHECK THE BRAKES. THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THEIR WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THE HOOD VIBRATING, AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT HOOD LATCH. AT 12,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED, BECAUSE THE PAD WERE DOWN TO METAL, THEY ALSO HAD TO TURN THE ROTORS AT THIS TIME, TOO. A RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WENT OUT AT THIS TIME. NOW THE VEHICLE HAS 13,600 MILES AND ANOTHER (LEFT SIDE) TURN SIGNAL LAMP HAS FAILED. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT AFTER HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS. MY FIVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DOES NOT EVEN FEEL SAFE. *JB
MY NEWLY PURCHASED FORD FREESTYLE DEVELOPED A FLAT, PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND REPLACED WITH SPARE DONUT SUPPLIED BY FORD. UPON INSTALLATION AND START OF DRIVING WITH SPARE DONUT, WITHIN 1/4 MILE THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO9NO REGISTRATION) , THE RPM GAUGE WORKED, THE ANTILOCK ,TRAC CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. DRIVING WAS ALLOWABLE WITHOUT NO SPEEDOMETER, CONFIDENCE OF SAFE DRIVING WITH SPARE TIRE. I BELIEVE FORD PURPOSELY PROVIDED IRREGULAR TIRE TO CUT COSTS. THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD FULL SIZE REPLACEMENT TO BALANCE AND REGULATE COMPUTER FOR NEW VEHICLE
THE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD IMPEDES VISIBILITY OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. GOING FROM THE OUTSIDE (BOTH SUNNY AND CLOUDY DAYS) INTO A GARAGE OR TUNNEL, THE EXTREME GLARE PROHIBITS VISIBLITY THROUGH THE WINDSHEILD. WHEN IN A PARKING LOT AND BACKING OUT OF A SPACE, VISIBILITY IS RESTRICTED SEEING THE ADJACENT CARS.
DT: WHEN WINDOWS IN BACK SEAT ARE ROLLED DOWN THE NOISE IS DEAFENING. IT HURTS THE EARS OF ANYBODY IN VEHICLE. WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN THE WHOLE VAN VIBRATES. TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. HE CALLED FORD,THEY SAID IF THEY DECIDE THERE IS A PROBLEM THEY WILL CALL HIM BACK. CONTACT HAS CONCERNS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE BUYING THIS VEHICLE. CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT.*AK
MANY NOISES ON CAR , MANY TIMES ON SERVICE , REAR NOISE NEVER REPAIRED AND SERVICE TECH SAID " THE FORD DOESN'T HAVE A FIX AT THIS TIME". *JB
I OWN A FORD FREESTYLE. SINCE THE FIRST DAYS I DROVE IT, I CANNOT SEE THE INFORMATION LIGHTED PANELS ON THE DASH WHEN OUTSIDE LIGHT IS NORMAL BRIGHTNESS. THESE LIGHTED LETTER PANELS SHOULD BE MADE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO READ AT A GLANCE, SO THAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR LONG WHEN YOU NEED THE INFORMATION. OTHER CARS, IN THE PAST, AND NOW HAVE PANELS THAT CAN BE READ EASILY ENOUGH. I BELIEVE ACCIDENTS ARE BEING CAUSED BY PEOPLE STUDYING THESE DIM PANELS AND NOT WATCHING THE ROAD AT A CRITICAL TIME. I HAVE PLACED A SEPARATE COMPASS ON THE DASH TO HELP MYSELF, FOR EXAMPLE, SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO TRY TO SEE THE LIGHTED COMPASS. FORD MADE CARS IN YEARS PAST THAT HAD READABLE PANELS. THEY SHOULD DO SO AGAIN. THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT FORD GARAGES CAN DO NOTHING TO HELP THIS CONDITION. SINCERELY, *JB
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WE HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY OOD AUTOMOBILE EXCEPT FOR ONE NOTABLE DEFECT. THIS DEFECT IS DESCRIBED BELOW.*AK THE AUTOMOBILE'S SPECIFICATIONS INDICATE THAT IS HAS A 19 GALLON FUEL TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE AND INSTRUMENTATION PANEL COMPUTER ALL CALCULATE FUEL USAGE BASED UPON A 16 GALLON FUEL TANK. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES 1/2 FULL, THE FUEL USED IS APPROXIMATELY 7.5 TO 8 GALLONS. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL BE AT EMPTY (AND LOW FUEL LIGHT COME ON) AT 15.5 TO 16 GALLONS OF FUEL USED. AFTER NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, A LOCAL FORD SALES MANAGER INDICATES THAT THE FORD FREESTYLE HAS A 3 GALLON RESERVE IN THE TANK. ALL CARS I'VE OWNED HAVE A 0.5 TO 1 GALLON FUEL RESERVE BUT NEVER ANYTHING AS LARGE AS 3 GALLONS. THE OWNERS MANUAL ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE ON PAGE 260 AS FOLLOWS: "THE ADVERTISED CAPACITY IS THE AMOUNT OF THE INDICATED CAPACITY AND THE EMPTY RESERVE COMBINED. INDICATED CAPACITY IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN A FULL TANK AND A TANK WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES EMPTY. EMPTY RESERVE IS THE SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL REMAINING IN THE FUEL TANK AFTER THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES EMPTY" IS 3 GALLONS A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL? THIS AMOUNT OF FUEL PROVIDES ALMOST 60-72 MILES OF ADDITIONAL DRIVING RANGE BASED UPON THE PROJECTED FUEL CONSUMPTION. 3 GALLONS IS ALMOST 16% OF THE TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY!!! THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THIS MUST BE CONSIDERED FALSE ADVERTISING AT A MINIMUM. NUMEROUS WEBSITES (EDMUNDS.COM, ETC.) WILL PUBLISH DRIVING RANGE OF THIS CAR BASED UPON A 19 GALLON FUEL TANK. BASED UPON THE FUEL GAUGE, COMPUTER AND LOW FUEL INDICATORS, THE DRIVING RANGE WOULD BE REDUCED BY ~16%. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT. DEALERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEIR IS NO TECHNICAL PROBLEM. WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AWARE OF THIS CONDITION AND INDICATE THAT A THEY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM VIA A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN.