1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,070 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #18

Nov 182019

Freestyle

  • 215,000 miles
Was driving check engine light came on and then a wrench showed up in far left hand corner.my vehicle quit accelerating goes to limp mode while I was still in motion on w butler rd in mauldin SC 29662 doing 40 miles an hour. It scared me.I am 70 yrs young and have been licensed to drive for 52 yrs. This situation was by far one of the worst I have ever been involved in. What if anything is being done about this situation if anything to save lives.

- Mauldin, SC, USA

problem #17

Oct 162018

Freestyle

  • 153,000 miles
My mom's 2006 Ford Freestyle, surges forward when using the air conditioner or defroster. There has been many times it has done this almost rear ending the vehicle in front of hher.this has been going on since beet and my deceased father have own it.(2010?) her instrument panel goes bonkers now, and sometimes the car won't start and the panic alarm goes off when we get out of the car.

- Bozeman, MT, USA

problem #16

Jun 132018

Freestyle

  • 140,000 miles
My car will try to surge forward while at a stop with my foot on the brakes. It will happen while driving, in parked position, and while no gas or brake pedal is pressed. This happened in a pick up line and I could have hit a child if I hadn't hadn't my foot in the brake and done all I could to not move forward. Sometimes I'm in reverse and this happens and it's like I put my foot down hard on the gas. There seems to be a connection to the ac unit, because when that is on it is making a loud sound. I went to carmax 3 years ago (in 2015) with this issue and they replaced the throttle body. Now they are saying it needs to be replaced again. There is clearly an ongoing issue with this part in the car and it is a major safety concern. Sometimes after the surge, my car will 'die'. this happened in the middle of 6 lanes of traffic while stationary at a red light. When it turned green, I couldn't go because my car had just surged and died with my foot on the brake pedal.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #15

Aug 292016

Freestyle

  • 105,400 miles
Safety complaint for Ford Freestyle 2006. The wrench and engine light appear on the dashboard and the engine goes to limp mode and the speed drops to 30 miles per hour from highway speed of 60 to 70 miles per hour with no warning other than the quick drop in speed and wrench light. Driving on a highway with trucks and cars going 70 miles per hour or more is beyond dangerous and asking to get hit. We have had Ford service on this car but they did not have recalls for this problem. Vehicle in motion on highway. Have had car towed, pulled over to breakdown lane and traveled side roads for fear of getting hit by another vehicle. Please do something to Ford Corp to fix this problem before there is tragedy.

- North Andover, MA, USA

problem #14

May 132014

Freestyle

  • 90,000 miles
I'm writing again. I've had a throttle body issue twice. The customer satisfaction program that Ford did was a temporary fix. Ford knew this. Ford dealership mechanics have told them it doesn't solve the issue. Less than a year after I had to the C. S. P. on my car I was stranded on side of road only to find out it was the throttle body I could have it cleaned and reprogrammed again at my cost which was nearly the same cost to replace. I had it replaced at my cost. In my situation the 1st time my car lunged forward toward wall of my home. I had to use both feet and all my weight to stop it. The 2nd time I lost power and control. All while trying to get out of heavy traffic. I could not get my car off the road and in a safe position. After this problem my ac will not work unless accelerating. And my motor went out. All this before I hit 100,000 miles. I've called Ford and filed complaints with NHTSA. All to no avail. Ford is replacing the same part for other vehicles at a full recall and no cost to the consumer my VIN# is not assoc. With recall. I feel Ford and NHTSA is ignoring the complaints from consumers this is a major safety issue. I feel that we consumers that have this problem need to file a class action lawsuit against Ford & NHTSA. Neither is addressing this serious safety issue. Ford needs to take responsibility & NHTSA needs to force them to. Continuing to ignore this issue is going to cause hearings on capital hill & a bad name for both. I will be following up with my state representative & my congress person. I intend to see that both Ford & NHTSA stop ignoring the thousands of complaints regarding this serious safety issue. If you investigate you'll find newer models than mine have the same issue. Same part same part number, mine and others of my year are not recalled while the others are & replaced. Someone better take this serious.

- Dunn, NC, USA

problem #13

Apr 082015

Freestyle

  • 123,653 miles
I just buy a 2006 Ford Freestyle and since day one I have savety problem with this car, some time the speed change with out my knowledge, it goes from 40 to 45 or try to spedd wit out me hitting on the gas. Everyday the car stop and turn off no matter speed I`am driving on. I went to many garage and Ford dealer and they told me is a problem they having with most Ford 2006 Freestyle. I think for the safety of all people who using this 2006 Ford Freestyles with their family on borad, with their kids on board and to save a lifes we have to recall this cars. This 2006 fordstyle can`T be fixe or repair.....

- Baton Rouge , LA, USA

problem #12

Apr 302008

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
Shortly after we purchased the car on Jan 01, 2008 we began to have issues with lunging and high idling. Car was taken to dealership several times before they cleaned the throttle body sensor. It was ok for a few months and started back. We took it back and they replaced the tbs and another part. Car worked great for a while, but had to have the tbs cleaned again in 2011 and 2012 and is now doing the same thing again and more. Now it is extreme. I work about 6 miles from home and have to stop several times to turn the car off and back on to reset the wrench that comes on in order to reset the high idle. If I don't, when I hit the gas, the RPM's go up to 4 and 5K only doing 30 mph. The check engine light is also on. I have had it checked and the error code is P0701 indicating transmission and TB issues. The car also lunges forward a great deal and I have to stay back a safe distance in order to be sure if it lunges I don't hit anyone. The issue is far beyond the throttle body sensor. It has to also do with the cvt transmission which Ford knows is a lemon. Please push this issue so that they will have to recall the faulty parts and protect the safety of the families in their vehicles. If I had another means of transportation I would certainly not be in this car.

- Opelika , AL, USA

problem #11

Mar 042014

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Vehicle purchased used 10/2013 from national used car retail chain. *records, via Ford dealership (as of 07/2014), indicate TB issue (ref. NHTSA PE11018) addressed under Ford csp 12N03; 08/13 [TB cleaned & programming edited by 2nd local Ford dealer.] initial incident occurred 10/2013, less than 72 hours after purchase, codes indicated; as per retail chain repair shop*, a misfire on cylinder 6. repair made via dealer warranty, replacing plug & associated parts.drove car from date of repair, including highway, long distances & locally w/O notable incident. Later, service light began to flash on & off; no codes present. Assumed indicator short. Eng. Light & svc. Lights came on & went off periodically but never readable for codes. Car then began to make noises occasionally upon start up similar to solenoid failure & exhibit "dieseling" upon ignition. Weather related? then; 03/2014, entered highway, accelerating to 60/mph - at half mile up, car "shut down"; RPM flat, speedometer flat, pedal non-reactive, steering impaired, no electricity. Coasted to divide in highway; cranked vehicle, turned & crossed to shoulder; stopping & starting several times. Moving 10/mph to safety. Still no codes. Thought clog in fuel system/ trash in gas. Next attempt to drive, filled tank, new gas; no indicator lights, no problems. Then: Incident:05/2014: Cranked & backed out of driveway, placed G.shift in D.. nothing...no movement, RPM flat, speedometer flat. Service & engine light came on. Rolled back in drive, car sat for several days. Cranked it, eng, & svc. Lights still on; drove to parts store. Codes present indicate TB malfunction. Problem not covered via purchase agreement. Ford says; "problem solved". part/ $500 plus labor.payment:$475/mo. Afraid to drive it. Don't want to be the stalled car hit from behind @ 65/mph by a big rig statistic to fix it. It is still broken.

- Mulberry , FL, USA

problem #10

Mar 022009

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 98,642 miles
Cruise control caused traction control light and wrench light to come on. Transmission went into a variance of neutral. Fixed by turning off car and turning it back on again. Vehicle worked fine without using cruise control until throttle body was replaced via recall. Ever since then battery has had an undue amount of buildup at terminals and sequence above happened at irregular intervals. Interval never more than 100 miles. Always fixable by turning car off and turning it back on. Ford says maybe $7100 will fix it. As of 3/1/2014 transmission went out but restart didn't fix it. This is not only dangerous, but thousands of these cars are doing the same thing. Please help. Most trannies cost maybe $2000, Ford should have a better fix. Otherwise I like the car and wouldn't mind paying a reasonable amount for a transmission replace. Ford is saying $4500 in labor, there's no way it takes a week for a competent qualified mechanic to replace a transmission.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #9

Feb 182013

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
The problem im having is that as the car goes 20-25 mph it complete stops and the wrench light goes on. It happened to me a few times on the highway at a normal high speed it complete went off. It sure has been a nightmare. Now I cant even take the family with me cause im scare to put them at risk. The Ford dealer did not fix the problem im at the point that I don't know what to do or who to call. Every number I call its an operator and the recording hangs up on me after a few times. I had a recall letter that was send to me but the repair dept at the Ford dealer don't want to give it back. I just hope the NHTSA can help me in some way. I was told that the problem im having has to do with the throttle body.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #8

May 102011

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
My car began having problems lunging forward while I was stopped at a school zone cross-walk waiting for children to cross. It lunged forward and stopped just inches from hitting 4 children. It terrified me!!!! it happened several times that day and the next day until I could get it in the shop. I was told it needed the throttle body replaced by the Ford mechanics but luckily I got by with just a throttle body cleaning. The car no longer lunges forward. About the same time, the car had problems feeling like it wouldn't get past 2nd gear and it wouldn't accelerate. I still don't know what caused this. A few months later the car started making a strange clicking noise that would get faster when I would accelerate then slower when I would brake. It quit making the noise by the time I could take it to get it looked at a few days later. The air conditioner won't get cold unless the car is in motion. The heater does the same thing. It only seems to happen on extreme temperature days. Then spontaneously, both these problems seemed to fix themselves. Just this week, my car backfired 2 times, then the next morning when I started it, it smelled horrible! I turned it off immediately, then the next day, it wouldn't start. Took it to my Ford mechanic, and he said everything checked out ok. He now thinks there is something wrong with the computer system. Everything I have read on the internet suggests that these have been huge problems for many Ford Freestyle owners. And yet no recall? come on Ford!! you have lost many loyal customers over this!! please help all of us to get a recall issued for this car!! I am a single mother of three children, and if I get stranded, I, like many people, have nobody to call and no way to pay if I get stranded. Please help before someone gets seriously injured or even killed. Many other probs but no room to list.

- Okc, OK, USA

problem #7

Dec 012010

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Having issues with hard starting issues to the point it got to where it would not start. I have also had issues with acceleration fluctuation without me touching gas peddle. There was even a time where it fluctuated while I was driving. At the time I had the cruise on and it shut off the cruise when it did it. I have had mechanic clean out the throttle body and intake air sensor with electrical contact cleaner which seems to alleviate the problem temporarily. It lasts anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 months and needs cleaned again as it hangs up and my engine begins to self accelerate and is hard starting again. I am very worried that this will self accelerate while we are driving. This first began to give issues Dec. 2010.

- Elma, WA, USA

problem #6

Jul 022011

Freestyle 6-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
On Saturday, July 2, 2011 we had been driving the car for about 40 minutes to our destination when the vehicle started acting up at a stop. I was idling at a stop with my foot on the brake when the vehicle suddenly increased rpms to 3 ' 4K. I had to turn the car off to get it to stop. The indicator light that looks like a wrench and an engine came on during this time. I had a difficult time starting the vehicle shortly after tuning it off. The temperature on that day was right at 100 degrees and I had the air conditioner running while driving and at the stop when this occured.

- O'fallon, MO, USA

problem #5

Jun 102011

Freestyle

  • 60,100 miles
Vehicle will accelerate while foot is on the brake pedal. Happens mostly when backing but will happen also when in drive. Seems to happen as wheel is turned slightly in either direction, but not for sure. Also seems to happen more in very hot weather or after vehicle has been driven for a while. Acceleration is minor to moderate and happens unexpectedly. Ford reprogrammed computer last summer but still occurs. Vehicle is also wearing out right rear brake faster that other brakes.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #4

Aug 192010

Freestyle

  • 42,460 miles
Cv boot failed, motor mounts failed, battery dead, rotten egg smell from exhaust, now putting vehicle into gears with foot on brake vehicle surges like my foot is on the gas pedal but it's on the brake, and does not go over 25 when pulling forward almost got into several accidents from vehicle acceleration, this has been happening everyday now I got my vehicle in 2009 and only had it for a year.

- Carmichael , CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 232010

Freestyle

  • 101,000 miles
While driving the car it would ide up and the spit and sputter alittle after wards. Brake would hardly hold car from taking off. While on vacation it would either take off or die. Took to dealer and they had to replace the throttle body on it if ord knows of this problem then why are they not fixing it" is it like the brakes" (there is no problem with them either.......)

- Neville, OH, USA

problem #2

Sep 152009

Freestyle

  • 99,000 miles
I have a 2006 Ford Freestyle and I need a new throttle body. My car continues to shut off or lunge in forward or reverse. I spoke with Ford and they told me the manufacture that makes the part for my car has gone out of business and they are unable to get the part...they also told me that I will be unable to get a loaner car while mine is sitting there not drivable. Ford has sold me a car that I cannot fix and is unsafe to drive...this is my only vehicle and they will not give me a loaner. There has been records of over 200 of these cases in which this style vehicle has had these problems and it does not have a recall listed. If I do find the part it will cost me $1,000 or more to fix depending on the cost of the throttle.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #1

Jul 242009

Freestyle

  • 46,000 miles
We have had or Freestyle since 7-6-2006 and not an issue until the throttle started acting up on a road trip this year. The car has ~46K miles and has been maintained every 5K miles with synthetic blend oil. The trouble started when we drove to Utah from seattle and hit the heat. It was not bad at first but continued to get worse if the car sat while running. For is well aware of the issue and has issued two tsb's for dealers the number are tsb 05-25-12 and 06-21-1 (www.justford.com). this failure cause the car to surge forward or reverse without touching the gas pedal. Ford is aware of the issue and recommends not driving the car due to the risk of injury but contends it's not a "defect" that they are required to cover. Guess they are waiting until enough people complain or someone is killed to own up to the issue.

- Sammamish, WA, USA