Problems with 2005 Ford Freestyle POWER TRAIN

I have a 2005 ford freestyle with two issues.. issue #1- when shifting into gear (drive or reverse) or starting to accelerate the car lunges forward or backward. it is a requirement to stay a few feet back and foot firmly on the brake at all times as not to hit other vehicles or pedestrians. issue #2- instrument panel randomly began to illuminate lights (ie check engine, seatbelt, air bag) for a period of time and then they would disappear. then the gauges (ie gas, temp, and speedometer) began not working. took it in to shop and they confirmed a faulty instrument cluster. *tr

Car lunges forward (when in drive) or backward (when in reverse) when sitting idling for a period of time. rpms rev without applying gas. occurs especially in hot weather and when a/c is running. engine failsafe mode appears on driver information screen. check engine light then comes on. *tr

Update on odi 10419757: took car to ford dealer because engine light came on after car lunged (while backing up). said it was the throttle control actuator sticking was replaced at a cost of $895.00. two other customers with ford freestyle have had the same problem. *kb

2005 ford freestyle surges and accelerates from a stop or low speed. it is particularly evident when shifting the transmission from drive to reverse or reverse to drive. the acceleration can last for maximum 5 seconds but you better have your foot firmly planted on the brake or the vehicle could lunge forward or backward into oncoming or parked cars and pedestrians. it doesn't happen al the time, often after the car has been run and parked for a 15-30 minute period. *tr

Normal driving conditions-when backing out the car lunges and goes dead. fail safe engine mode is displayed. have had it lunge forward when foot is on brake and engine dies. happens more often when air conditioner is on. check engine light comes on. ford dealer said air compressor was no good. did not replace because we saw complaint about ford freestyle. *kb

Engine / speed surging especially noticeable when parking. whether in drive or reverse engine moderates only slightly but car lurches. this has happened to three different drivers of the same car, same day, similar experiences. extra pressure was needed on brake to prevent car from hitting other cars in parking lot. . . . circumstances: hot day ( 90+ f), air conditioning on, engine at idle speed while maneuvering into / out from parking, turning wheel or holding wheel turned during maneuver. *tr

2005 ford freestyle will accelerate and usually stall. the car hit the garage hitting a person and breaking the side mirror. *tr

Random lunging when, generally, car is placed in reverse. it does it randomly, increasing in frequency. however, today, we got a warning light and the vehicle went into "engine failsafe mode" and was jerking and just not driving appropriately. we went to ford, and were told to turn the car off and back on to reset that particular sensor, but that generally these problems can be attributed to a throttle body issue - and that said issues may continue or worsen until replacement of this part. *kb

Roaring sounds begin to surge in the transmission and the car became unable to drive safely. *tr

For quite some time, my 2005 ford freestyle lunges and will stall when operating at low speeds (parking, and backing up) with the air conditioning on. it either lunges forward or backwards (if in reverse), then stalls and goes into failsafe mode. this is very annoying. the car should not do this. now it's happening when idling at stop lights or in traffic with the air conditioning on...which is great in rush hour traffic in florida when it's 95 degrees outside...having to drive around with the windows down because i can't drive with air on or car will stall is highly annoying. with all the other complaints this should be a recall. the car has 147k miles on it (mostly highway) and i love my car. the lunging is scary though. i'm having to look for parking spaces with limited neighbors so we don't lunge into another car. *tr

2005 ford freestyle transmission surging when placed in reverse. had been minor up to this point but while my wife was driving it last night, engine revved higher than before and stalled . check transmission light came on and 'system failure" message appeared. after doing some research, it seems to be the throttle body problem that is prevalent with this vehicle. of course, my extended warranty expired 2 weeks ago. *kb

I have a 2005 ford freestyle that surges, especially when it is hot and i have the a/c on. this surging occurs several times a day. it happens while i am driving very slowly, backing out of a parking space or waiting in line at the drive-thru. i have almost rear-ended people several times. after researching it on the internet, i have found this to be a common problem with these cars. the issue is with the throttle body but apparently ford will not recognize that a problem exists. *tr

My 2005 ford freestyle is surging/lurching when i am going slowly, i.e. when i am pulling into or out of my garage, when i am parking, when i am approaching a stop sign or stoplight. i've taken it to the local ford dealer service department, for them to look at this issue as well as an "awd malfunction" indicator that comes on periodically while i am driving. the service techs could not identify the source of the lurching/surging, but thought it might be associated with the "awd malfunction", which in turn they thought might be a result of a bad oil pressure pump (however it would have been a multi-thousand dollar repair for them to even investigate further, so i didn't have them do anything). the surging/lurching is getting worse, and i no longer feel safe driving my car. i fear for the safety of my children, myself, and those who might happen to be in front of me when my car surges. *kb

Have a 2005 ford freestyle . in the last month, the car has been surging and taking off without my touching the gas. it surged violently backward while i was parallel parking and ran up on the curb . i stood on the brake and the engine quit and went into a fault mode. it did this three times after re-starting the car each time. it also about two weeks ago surged forward into the community. it is now surging at a third of my stops. i don't try and back it up if at all possible. i am convinced this is a serious safety problem. i am afraid to allow anyone in my family to drive it.i feel this should be re-called and fixed. *tr

We own a 2005 ford freestyle. for the past four years, we have had a vehicle speed control problem. it first started in 2007 when the car started to lunge backwards when shifted into reverse by simply shifting the car into gear, without releasing the brake pedal. the car was taken to ford in 2008 (under warranty) where we were told the "problem" was fixed and so we took the car home. the problem only appeared to become worse than before. ford was once again contacted and they said that they would take the car and take care of it. they said that the problem was how the computer was not reset/recalibrated. eventually, the lunging problem continued and so we went back ford, where we were told the guarantee had expired. corporate ford was contacted and they stated how they agreed with the dealer. the lunging happened only several times a month until it slowly started occurring on a daily basis where we (the drivers) knew to never remove the break pedal completely in order not to crash into other cars or people. the problem is now occurring both when it goes backward and forward. now, the car not only lunges but it stalls and the car goes into failure engine mode. the wrench light also comes on and does not turn off. when the car is turned off for several hours and turned back on the wrench light does not light up and nothing seems to be wrong again. because of this, mechanics tell us that nothing is wrong, after spending several hundreds of dollars for every diagnostic. after reading numerous other complaints on the same exact issue with this model car, we understand that it is a throttle body issue but we refuse to replace it as it is, not only, a costly repair (+$800) but it was already "fixed" or "replaced" by ford when the car was under warranty. *tr

I have a 2005 ford freestyle sel. in the last month, the car has been surging and taking off without my touching the gas. last friday, it surged violently backward while i was parallel parking and ran up on the curb nearly hitting people. i stood on the brake and the engine quit and went into a fault mode. it did this three times after re-starting the car each time. it also about two weeks ago surged forward into the gate of my gated community. it is now surging at a third of my stops. i don't try and back it up if at all possible. i am convinced this is a serious safety problem. i am afraid to allow anyone in my family to drive it. i feel this should be re-called and fixed. *kb

My 2005 ford freestyle unexpectedly lunges forward in drive and reverse. this usually happens in high heat after using a/c for a while. thankfully i've had my foot over the brake during these occurrences, but this issue concerns me. i have also been told by a local ford dealership that my ac compressor is leaking, and wonder if the two are linked somehow. *kb

Bought a ford freestyle in july 2008 took it to the shop july 2009 because it was lunging and stalling. ford kept it on their lot until november. when i got it back i had to replace the tire because they had flat spots they did not move the car. they replaced the throttle body and now july of 2011 it is doing the same problem. i was told that this car engine gets to hot and the alternator can't work correctly. my warranty expired july 27th 2011 and i can't afford to fix this car. something needs to be done about all the problems this car has. *kb

When idling, car would surge briefly as if accelerator were pushed. after several inquires at ford service about recalls, check engine light came on. problem diagnosed as defective throttle body. part replaced at a cost of $706.85. understand there have been several like instances reported. surge could easily cause a collision either front or back. *kb

First incident - hot july day, 2011; idling in traffic with the air conditioning on; car lunged forward a few times; aggressively applied the brakes and the car stalled each time. subsequent incidents - all similar. air conditioner on; proceeding slowly out of a parking spot when the car lunges forward. have not sought service as many blogs indicate the problem has not been properly diagnosed. *tr

For 4 years the car has surged when placing the care in reverse, but i always thought it was the transmission. two days ago the car surged forward 3 times and i was inches from hitting the vehicle in front of me i turned the car off and back on and it was fine. yesterday i placed the car in reverse and it surged back wards so forcefully i could almost not contain it with the breaks. today the car surged back again but i was ready or it and the car stalled stating "failsafe engine mode" i again i turned the car off and on and it worked with out a problem. all 3 times the car was idle in 90+ degree weather for >5 min. *tr

Our 2005 ford freestyle began moving in reserve quickly as soon as the car was placed in reverse and my foot was still on the brake. this happened last night and then the wrench(transmission) light came on. the engine previously had began revving very high like it was possessed while driving on the highway and when i exited the road the car acted as if it was not going to stop and i had to practically stomp on the brake to get the car to stop. the engine sounded as if it was going to explode from revving so high. it was frightening. the vehicle has about 90,000 miles on it. *tr

Car lunges (revs up to high rpm) when trying to park, when backing out, when at lights. can barely hold car by pushing very hard on brake. it has been going on for a while but there does not seem to be any acknowledgement that there is an issue. *tr

2005 ford freestyle lunges when at idle speed, particularly when turning the steering wheel, in both reverse and forward gear. *tr

When turning my car on and switching from different gears, the rpms jump up and down and cause the car to lunge even while holding down the brake pedal. it has been happening off and on for 2 years, but has more recently been happening daily. i did not take it to get repaired yet, but will have no choice. *tr

Our 2005 ford freestyle lunges (car jumps forward and gas pedal drops with no driver action) in first gear and low to no rpm in forward and reverse. this most often occurs at stop lights, parking, and easing out of parking. all of these times have the propensity to cause minor accidents. if it does cause an accident, i will have my lawyers contact yours. this is a well documented issue. *tr

Many occurrences of unexpected surge/vehicle movement over the past 4 months. recently, the car unexpectedly jumped forward resulting in a very unsafe condition when stopped at an intersection with a pedestrian crosswalk. i was very fortunate that no pedestrians were in front of my vehicle at the time that it lunged forward. *kb

The vehicle surges when at idle. commonly happens when backing up or moving forward slowly (ie, in a parking lot or driving into a garage). because this is occurring at idle speeds so far my foot has been either on the brake or close to the brake to prevent an accident. however this will also happen if in a traffic jam or slow moving traffic situations (ie, dropping the kids off at school, slowing down due to pedestrian traffic, etc). i have discussed with the dealer the issue and they are ignorant to the problem. *kb

My car lurches forward if my foot is not fully on the brake or when i begin to accelerate from a stopped position. this has happened several times. my check engine light is now on. i was running my ac in 100 degree weather this last time. *kb

While driving in traffic at 40mph car lurched forward and went into fail safe mode and stalled out. car restarted and at next intersection lurched forward again and went into fail safe mode. *tr

My 2005 ford freestyle lunges when placed in drive or reverse, it happens before the accelerator is pressed and i must stomp the brake to stop it. i have had many close calls in the past two weeks. today a "fail safe engine mode" message came on. *kb

Turned the vehicle on and immediately it surged. thought it was me but then it continued to happen. seems to only happen when foot is on brake and/or when turning the steering wheel all the way. just started happening this month. took the mechanic to check, but he could no reproduce issue. i am not surprised though, as it seems to be intermittent. problem best described as vehicle seems to have someone else pressing the accelerator. has not caused an accident yet, but certainly seems as if it is inevitable. *kb

We have an 2005 freestyle. my wife was picking up our grandson from vacation bible school on 7/19/2011. the car lunged forward and almost ran over some other kids crossing over the road in front of her. the crossing guard frantically waved his arms for my wife to stop which she was trying to do. by luck the engine died. someone is going to die from this yet and then ford will have a big lawsuit on there hands with thousands of people on the side of the plaintiff. i can't understand ford's position on this issue since they are rated highly for quality. they had the publics support when they didn't take a bailout. why damage a good reputation? *kb

I have a 2005 ford freestyle. the vehicle randomly surges in forward an reverse. i have found many complaints online saying it is the throttle body. it seems to happen most often when first shifting out of park to reverse or forward. happens even more often when air is on. it is very disappointing there has been nothing done about this. this vehicle is supposed to be a safe family car!! it has put my son and wife in many close calls. i hope nhtsa makes ford do something about this and soon!! *kb

The car surges in drive or reverse without applying the accelerator. it usually happens after the engine has been turned off. it seems worse when the engine is "cold", but it has also happened after the car has reached operating temperature. the only solution has been to apply the break and attempt to control the surge when it happens. *tt

When go to back it lunges back and if you are sitting in traffic it will lunges forward and then stall out or die and the rpms go up real high. *kb

Started car, put it in reverse, car lunged. not the first time it has done this. each time the lunge, either in reverse or drive, happens with no warning whatsoever. it just about always starts when the car is started or moved into gear after idling. *kb

Vehicle accelerated while in line at the drive through and was lurching forward. then engine light came on. took vehicle to ford they informed i needed a new throttle body. *tt

While sitting in a parking lot on a hot day (a/c running), my 2005 ford freestyle suddenly lunged forward. when the brake was applied, it stopped the engine. a message appeared reading "engine in fail-safe mode." approximately 2 weeks later, this same condition was repeated with the same result. in between these events the car seems to perform as expected. as of now we have taken no action however next wednesday the dealer can look at the vehicle and hopefully have some good news on the repairs. i had the local autozone technician run a diagnostic check and two codes came up he said were unique to ford so a ford service technician would be required to interpret. he lead me to believe these codes read "tac" and something referring to the torque control module. codes may have been "p061b" and a p1202" (?). *kb

The vehicle has been lurching at low speeds & at idle. it is occurring when shifting from park to reverse and drive. my wife and i have to make sure we are pushing down on the brake hard to prevent the lurch from hitting anything. it is also lurching while idling at red lights as well. this problem started about 1 month ago and seems to be getting worse and worse. i researched this issue and it appears that it is not uncommon to freestyle owners. most forums indicate that it is a throttle body issue & that it can either be cleaned or repaired. there are numerous complaints on this website regarding this issue & i am concerned about the safety for my family. if the car were to lurch into an intersection at a red light or possible rear end another vehicle. also, the possibility of hitting a pedestrian in a parking lot and crashing into our garage. *tr

I own a 2005 ford freestyle sel awd. the car lunges out of park. happened about three times in the last 30~ 60 days the car comes to a failsafe engine mode. i have to shut off the engine and restart it to clear the failsafe mode. this is not the first time this has happened. it has happened in the past few years. *tr

I own a 2005 ford freestyle sel. i am experiencing engine surges (sudden acceleration) on a daily basis. the vehicle was taken to a ford dealer where they didn't find any problems and blamed it on engine load from the ac systems. while i have not had any accidents yet i have on several occasions been forced to stand on the brake to avoid hitting other vehicles and in one case a pedestrian. ford won't do anything because they say that they can't find anything wrong and there are not recalls. *kb

The vehicle will slightly accelarate (or lunge) when idling and foot is not on the accelerator. seems to happen when vehicle is first started and/or at very low speeds. this has happened multiple times while vehicle is drive or reverse. *tt

During hotter weather if the car idles at a stop light or in traffic, it starts surging uncontrollably unless the brake pedal is depressed very firmly. usually the check engine light and the fail safe mode engage. the engine speed surges up and down and tries to move the car. if the brake is not depressed very firmly car has hit curb and tried to climb onto the sidewalk. *tr

2005 ford freestyle began lurching forward when at a very low speed (pulling into/idling in a driveway). we were able to stop the vehicle by pressing on the brakes. *kb

The vehicles cvt transmission failed and needed to be replaced. *kb

My 2005 limited edition freestyle has a few issues that i am very concerned about. my throttle is having major issues. the car will surge forward with no warning when i am at a complete stop. it also has caused it to have a lot of difficultly accelerating when in motion and starting the ignition. i'm afraid that it will surge forward and cause me to hit something or someone. i've read online about people that have had this issue where it gets so bad that they've even lost all acceleration while driving down the highway and one person who hit something in his garage sending it flying through the garage wall. my husband has tried cleaning out the throttle with no success. we bought the car used less than a year ago with no warranty and this problem has been getting progressively worse over the last few months . we are also having a problem with water in the car. we've had puddles on the back passenger floor and front driver side. i do not have a moon/sunroof. water has actually pooled out from the car onto the ground when i've opened the door. the doors will be dry and we can't figure out how the water is getting in the car. i'm very concerned about mold as both me and my daughter are allergic to it. there is also a whirling noise that happens when you turn the wheel. we noticed this right after buying the car and the dealer looked at it and said there wasn't anything that could be done to fix it that it's just a noise this model car makes. the first 2 issues seem to have affected a very large group of people and i don't know why ford hasn't recalled the cars as this could lead to severe injury or death. *tr

Engine surging when put in reverse, then surging forward, hard to stop with foot on brake, vehicle towed. *tr

The vehicle is experiencing a surge in the engine performance at a low speed and also when shifting into drive, neutral, reverse & park. the surge of the engine causes the vehicle to lunge forward or rearward (depending on what gear is selected) and when put in neutral or park a sharp increase in engine rpm's is experienced to the extent that the engine stalls. this problem is a constant occurrence, not intermittent or every once in a while. *kb

When parking the vehicle or reversing out of a parking spot the engine will "rev" and the vehicle will lunge forward as if i had pushed the accelerator but my foot was applying pressure to the brake. this has occurred since i bought the vehicle in 2005 at approximately 11,000 miles but the latest incident happened yesterday, july 4, 2011. up until recently i could not reproduce it on a regular basis so i did not take it to the dealership. after reading an article on reuters website that this is being investigated by nhtsa i decided to report it here. as the article states, it appears more often when i have the air conditioning on high. i spoke to the service department at the ford dealership in flat rock michigan and they said they were unaware of this problem and that there is probably nothing they can do to correct it. to date, this has caused no injuries or accidents but it is only because i take extra precautions (e.g. turn off the air conditioning or be prepared to apply extra pressure to the brake when parking) to ensure the car does not lunge forward and hit anything. *kb