Our 2007 Ford Freestyle has begun lurching when at a slow speed both in reverse and in drive. Tonight it lurched forward while I was parking and I nearly hit the car in front of me. This kind of thing has also happened while backing up. It has happened several times recently. It then displayed the wrench warning light on the dash, which, according to the manual means there's a transaxle problem.

- Oak Ridge, TN, USA

When driving my 2007 Ford Freestyle with A/C on the car will surge or accelerate. When surges occur brakes must be applied quickly. This occurs after idling as well. I have also experienced ignition failure, slow acceleration, engine light and wrench light warnings. First experienced it in summer 2010 and took it to my dealer for a check, and they could not find any issues. Another mechanic also stated that this was common in this make and model. This seems to occur during the hot summer months, whenever the car is driven since I am experiencing again this summer, 2011.

- Warminster, PA, USA

Unexpected lunging forward or reverse at low speeds, with brakes applied.

- Boiling Springs, SC, USA

I own a 2007 Ford Freestyle. It has in recent weeks begun to unexpectedly surge in both drive and reverse. This is not a "little" surge but a powerful lunge in whatever direction the wheel is turned. It is always at low speed, and very random in when it occurs. It is very unnerving around pedestrians and also in tight spaces like a garage.

- Plano, TX, USA

2007 Ford Freestyle with 66K miles, purchased at 50K miles. From beginning the car would often lurch hard forward or backward when putting into gear. My wife and I learned to firmly hold the brake when moving the car. The condition has gotten worse and today the "wrench" light came on and the car would not accelerate above 40 mph. After searching Ford Freestyle forum, I discover this is a well known condition to Ford and Ford Freestyle customers. Ford has not taken responsibility even though it's a serious safety issue. Most customers report a bad throttle body which Ford could not provide (most of 2009). This certainly qualifies for a recall. We like the vehicle but looks like it's time to get rid of it. Shame on Ford!

- Williamston, SC, USA

Vehicle is a 2007 Ford Freestyle ltd with continuously variable transmission. The haldex traction control coupler between the front and rear wheels seems to work normally when on slick pavement and the traction control 'active' light on the dash flashes to show it is working. However, the same light comes on on dry pavement and will not go off until the engine is turned off. It may come on each driving cycle, or only occasionally or even while parked and idling. The dealer has replaced the pump in the haldex coupler but the erroneous tc light still comes on at random times. Others on the Ford forums have reported the same symptoms and and obdii code of P1889 (oil pump failure.)

- Fort Collins, CO, USA