2.1
hardly worth mentioning- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 74,793 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.
Vehicle was discovered to have severe rust on front frame assembly drivers side during routine maintenance on today's date. It appears this has been an issue for some time and has just became painfully apparent. The corrosion/rust/deterioration occurs directly below an area where the air conditioning system dispenses later/condensation. Erosion to structural support is so bad it has eaten away bottom, sides and top of frame assembly. Sometimes known as an engine cradle. In order to replace, the engine must be moved and other front end components removed from vehicle. It is the opinion of complainant that this rust issue could result in a dangerous condition for the driver of the vehicle, the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists on the road and the general public. It is also the opinion of the complainant that this rust issue could result in the structural ability to suspend the engine. Possibly resulting in misalignment of key components or moving parts and could result in excessive wear and damage to other components of the automobile. It is also the opinion of the complainant that the rust issue and weakening of front end support members could possibly impact steering, tire life, tire pattern on roadway during hazardous conditions, etc. Ford Motor Company appears to have similar rust/chassis/frame issues on other models of vehicles after doing quick search online regarding this issue and comparing photographs. Ford Motor Company has issued recalls for other rust/frame/chassis issues, but not for the Ford Freestyle.
- Wilmington, OH, USA
Car was parked for about 10 minutes after running without issue for 20 minutes. When starting again from the parked position, car lost all power steering. Within the 2.1 mile/6 minute ride that followed, the power steering never returned. Checking under the hood revealed serpentine belt failed in a clean break. The car was not driven prior to replacing the belt the next day. Once the belt was installed, a quick run through the system functions included running the A/C. all systems seem functional until the A/C is activated. Within 3 seconds of starting A/C, observed audible motor sound followed by all power failed (full shut-down). Turned off engine, removed key, waited 60 seconds, all was good until again turning on the A/C, when symptom of system failure (audible motor sound change) occurred again, A/C was turned off right away, and engine and all other systems operated as expected.
- Enfield, CT, USA
This happened 3 times before they were able to do anything at the Ford dealership because the lights would be off by the time I was able to reach the dealership, and their response was always technician was unable to duplicate symptom. While driving at 50mph on the interstate there was an intermittent idle surge while driving and then a loud "clunking" noise and then the transmission lost power and the vehicle crawled to a halt. There was no acceleration even though the engine revved up. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver so I was unable to even get it into the emergency lane. I was stuck in the middle lane of the interstate with my child in the car. The check engine light, the wrench light for the cvt transmission, and the passenger air bag light also came on. I had to turn the car off, put it in park, and then restart the car, when I reached the dealership they were finally able to retrieve several fault codes. They performed an R&R transmission and overhaul. This happened 2 other times at (77004 miles, after shifting into park at 0 mph. They replaced a faulty throttle body for this repair- and then at 77238 miles-they replaced the alternator for this repair). It's beginning to happen again. This was and still is a dangerous situation. I now have 3 kids. I thank god we weren't struck from behind while driving on the interstate. I am terrified to drive the vehicle to long distance locations or drive on any parkway, highway, or interstate because it took a while for the vehicle to start up long enough to get it to the dealership that was only 4 miles away.
- Bronx, NY, USA
Our steering is locking up and the battery light stays on and sometimes the doors wont latch the steering is very dangerous it locks up and you cant keep it on the road.
- Mckee, KY, USA
On 9/12/11 my 2006 Ford Freestyle experienced several failures. Driving through a parking lot and my wrench and emission lights came on. Took to mechanic and he diagnosed complete failure of transmission, and that my power steering was whining as any turns were made. Contacted Ford motor and the dealership and was told that while not uncommon, there was nothing they could do. My car has essentially died at 160,000 miles as the cost of repairs are greater than the value of the car.
- Washougal, WA, USA
2006 Ford Freestyle power steering is tight. Had it check out and found out it has a frozen U joints on steering shaft and was told that it is on national back order.will not be able to use vehicle till part is available. Will not be available till 6/15/2011 and probably will not get at that date. I see this as a very serious problem and could cause a fatal accident.
- Mt. Pleasant, WI, USA
- Dunn, NC, USA