According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge ($0-$500 repair) and CVT Transmission Failure and Poor Acceleration ($200-$5,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge with 350 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
The Ford Freestyle is subject to a significant safety issue where the vehicle surges or lunges forward unexpectedly at low speeds when in gear, even without the accelerator pedal being applied. The NHTSA investigated 238 complaints about this behavior, finding that a programming error in the engine computer causes the electronic throttle body to malfunction, particularly when the engine is under load from A/C operation, steering at full lock, or carrying heavy loads. In 18 reported cases, the surge caused accidents. Ford eventually issued a recall in December 2012 to reprogram the throttle body or replace it and reimburse owners who had already paid for the repair.
Vehicle lurches or surges forward at low speed without pressing the gas
Sudden unexpected acceleration while in a parking lot or at a stop
Surging is worse when the A/C is running
Surging occurs when the steering wheel is turned to full lock
Engine idles erratically or races when in gear
Check engine light with throttle position sensor codes
How to Fix
Contact your Ford dealer to verify the throttle body recall has been completed on your vehicle. If not, Ford will reprogram the throttle body control module or replace the throttle body assembly free of charge. If you already paid for a throttle body repair before the recall, contact Ford for reimbursement. Until the recall is completed, be especially cautious when the A/C is running and the steering wheel is turned sharply — these are the most common conditions that trigger the surge.
High Confidence350 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
320 owners
The Ford Freestyle shares the same problematic ZF CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as the Ford Five Hundred, and suffers from similar failure modes. The transmission develops poor acceleration, hesitation, stalling, and eventually complete failure, often around 80,000-120,000 miles. The CVT check engine light frequently illuminates as the transmission deteriorates. The manufacturer of the CVT no longer produces new units, making only rebuilt transmissions available at high cost. The Freestyle's heavier weight compared to the Five Hundred (due to its crossover body) puts even more stress on the CVT.
Poor acceleration — vehicle feels sluggish and underpowered
Transmission hesitates or stumbles during acceleration
Check engine light illuminates with transmission codes
Vehicle stalls at low speed or when slowing down
Whining or droning noise from the transmission
Complete loss of drive — engine revs but vehicle does not move
How to Fix
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with the correct CVT-specific fluid. If the transmission begins slipping or stalling, have speed sensors and solenoids tested first ($100-$300 for sensor replacement). For complete CVT failure, rebuilt units are available from specialty shops for $3,500-$5,500 installed. Some owners have opted to sell or trade the vehicle rather than invest in a CVT replacement, as the repair cost often exceeds the vehicle's value.
High Confidence320 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
230 owners
The Ford Freestyle is prone to fuel system problems that cause stalling, rough running, and loss of power. Issues include failing fuel pumps, contaminated fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator failures. The 3.0L Duratec V6 can experience stalling during deceleration or while idling, particularly in hot weather. The fuel pump relay in the fuse box can also fail intermittently, cutting fuel delivery without warning. These problems often overlap with the throttle body and CVT issues, making diagnosis challenging.
Difficulty starting the engine, especially when warm
Loss of power during acceleration
Rough idle with engine surging up and down
Fuel smell from the engine compartment
How to Fix
Have the fuel pressure tested under load — a weak fuel pump is the most common cause of stalling and should be replaced ($400-$700 including labor). Clean the fuel injectors with a professional cleaning service every 50,000 miles ($100-$200). Check the fuel pump relay in the fuse box if the vehicle stalls intermittently and restarts after sitting — a $10 relay swap can fix this. If the fuel pressure regulator is leaking (fuel smell from the engine bay), replace it ($150-$300).
Medium Confidence230 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
The power steering pump develops a loud whine and leaks fluid from the shaft seal or reservoir. Low fluid from the leak makes the whine worse and can lead to pump failure. Common after 60,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
Whining noise when turning
Power steering fluid leak
Heavy steering
Groaning at full lock
How to Fix
Replace the power steering pump and flush the system. Inspect all hoses and the steering rack for leaks. Use Mercon V as the power steering fluid per Ford spec.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Power Steering Pump
Cross-ref20-323
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
The alternator fails prematurely on the 3.0L Duratec engine, often before 100,000 miles. The internal diode pack fails, which can also cause parasitic battery drain even when the vehicle is off.
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Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
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) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
Campaign #05V51500009/11/2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Campaign #06V38300005/10/2006
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According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge, CVT Transmission Failure and Poor Acceleration, Fuel System Issues and Stalling. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Freestyle reliable?
The 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle has 5 known issues documented across 900+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge and CVT Transmission Failure and Poor Acceleration. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Freestyle problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Freestyle issues range from $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge, typically costs $0-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge?
The Ford Freestyle is subject to a significant safety issue where the vehicle surges or lunges forward unexpectedly at low speeds when in gear, even without the accelerator pedal being applied. The NHTSA investigated 238 complaints about this behavior, finding that a programming… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle CVT Transmission Failure and Poor Acceleration?
The Ford Freestyle shares the same problematic ZF CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as the Ford Five Hundred, and suffers from similar failure modes. The transmission develops poor acceleration, hesitation, stalling, and eventually complete failure, often around 80,000-120… Repairs typically run $200-$5,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle Fuel System Issues and Stalling?
The Ford Freestyle is prone to fuel system problems that cause stalling, rough running, and loss of power. Issues include failing fuel pumps, contaminated fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator failures. The 3.0L Duratec V6 can experience stalling during deceleration or whil… Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle Power Steering Pump Whine and Leak?
The power steering pump develops a loud whine and leaks fluid from the shaft seal or reservoir. Low fluid from the leak makes the whine worse and can lead to pump failure. Common after 60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle Alternator Failure and Battery Drain?
The alternator fails prematurely on the 3.0L Duratec engine, often before 100,000 miles. The internal diode pack fails, which can also cause parasitic battery drain even when the vehicle is off. Repairs typically run $250-$500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
