2005 Ford Freestyle
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 1,459
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 1,459 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 1,459 |
| 2006 | 1,300 |
| 2007 | 893 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
40% · 587 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On March 4TH 2010 I was backing out of my sisters driveway when my car surged and caused me to back into her neighbors garage across the alley.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-02
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle revved high. While driving at high speeds, the vehicle decelerated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-02
Also filed under Engine
Power train
31% · 451 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Electrical system
10% · 144 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was able to pull the vehicle off the road until the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the cause of the fire was the alternator.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-22
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 129 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Engine
8% · 120 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The car stops randomly at times and sometimes will not even startup. Check engine light is on and I recently hit someone in front of me due to jerking or lerching while at a stop light. Very…
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-03
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-12-01Fuel system, gasoline05V515000 On certain passenger vehicles, the straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle body may break, causing the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield to drop on the driveshaft (All wheel drive vehicles)
Remedy: Dealers will replace both fuel tank straps. The recall began on December 1, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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2006-11-08Latches/locks/linkages06V383000 On certain passenger vehicles currently registered in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland…
Remedy: Dealers will install a shield over the front latches; seal a drain hole in the rear window trim molding on the Freestyle rear side doors; and apply grease to all front and rear side-door latch…
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I
2007-11-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-03-11 Instrument cluster failure
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2011-05-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-02-07 Idle instability
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Ford Freestyle — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 587 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 451 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 144 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V515000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06V383000 · Latches/locks/linkages
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Ford Freestyle reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Freestyle have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.