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2005 Ford Freestyle transmission complaints

Page 4 of 16: complaints 71 to 100 of 447, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Ford Freestyle transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · PA

On 04/10/2014 at 10:50am. I was driving on route 22 west bound. I was going 65 MPH when the traction light came on as well the wrench light that is transmission light came flashing across dashboard "check transmission". The car went from 65mph to 25mph and I almost got killed by a tractor trailer that was behind me, because of sudden loss of power . The vehicle lost power and I could not travel more than 25 MPH and the car was stuck in low gear and would not go above 3 RPM's. I took it to dealership they ran it through diagnostic, the code that came up was p0715, which is possible mesontranich unit ,tss input was erratic, the code was consider inconclusive and dealership and the warranty company refused to fix and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. On 04/22/2014 I was driving pennsylvania turnpike going north bound on route 476. When the same incident happened with a speed of 50mph and was stuck in gear. I had to pull over with 2 young kids in the vehicle. I shut the car off and turned it back on. Besides traction light that came on and wrench light came on saying check transmission, the check engine light came on as well. I was able to video record the whole incident to show how unsafe the vehicle I was in. I was able to get the vehicle to a ford dealership. They ran diagnostics the codes that came up were p0715, p0701,p2765, the vehicle motormounts were broken, whoever fixed did and illegal fix, the motor mounts should of been completely replaced and the motor mounts was super glued by rtv super glue,which is illegal. This vehicle was inspected by the dealership where purchased and the sold me a vehicle with an improper and illegal inspection. The car should of been fixed by dealership and was not and put me and my family safety at risk.

Filed Mar 29, 2014 · Transmission · 142,400 miles · MI

On monday, march 17th, 2014, after $3685 in repairs and maintenance, as well as some recall work, and a loan for $5321 for my 2005 ford freestyle limited awd (which was just purchased in october 2013 and has only been driven about a month total due to numerous issues), I encountered a problem with my transmission while pulling out of my driveway. As I finished pulling out of my driveway and shifted the vehicle into drive, all of the sudden the vehicle lost power, accompanied by a wrench light and a message on the dashboard saying "service transmission soon." there was a vehicle driving down the road behind me in the same lane; however, I was able to pull the vehicle back into the driveway in time before the vehicle approached my car. It is my understanding that ford is aware of the issue with their CVT transmissions and that incidents like this pose serious safety risks for the driver/passengers/others; however, they have failed to issue a recall for the transmission. According to the carfax on my vehicle, the transmission has already been replaced once, so this is absolutely ridiculous that it needs to be replaced again at a little over 142,000 miles. I was quoted about $6500 for a new transmission to be installed by the local ford dealership; however, I cannot afford this, so I either risk the chance of getting into an accident by continuing to drive the vehicle and having it lose power once again, or I do not drive it at all.

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Transmission · 106,439 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased on february 6, 2014 and advised the dealer during a test drive there was a noise. The dealer stated that there was a loose belt and stated to schedule a service appointment. While driving 25 MPH the vehicle was making a grinding noise and then it stalled and would not shift in or out gear. The vehicle had to be towed to a local mechanic that was recommended by the dealer. The failure nearly caused a crash to occur. The dealer advised the contact that they would pay half of the repair cost; however, instead the dealer provided another transmission. After the transmission was installed the identical failure recurred. The contact was concerned about a potential crash. The dealer did not diagnose the failure. The failure occurred on february 26, 2014. The vehicle was in the mechanic possession from february 26, 2014 to march 19, 2014; however, the failure recurred and was towed back to the local mechanic. The mechanic was referred to the contact by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer gave the mechanic a transmission with no warranty; however, there is a limited warranty provided by the local mechanic. The failure mileage was 106,439.

Filed Mar 23, 2014 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

Well it idles loud. And is slow to go when their is nothing wrong with transmission. Their is a lot of complaints from people on this car and everyone is trying to get a govt recall on this make and model. Also the car fix shop says it could be the throttle body or transmission filter. Researching everyone else is having this same problem and when you get this fixed which altogether is 1700 dollars. It just goes right back out. Someone said that a lawsuit was being formed on ford because they won't fix the problem. And you are stuck with this car. Even the ones who hasn't drove very much and is brand new is having the same problems also. From 2001 to 2006 yr models. Please help us get ford to do a recall on this make and model of these cars please.

Filed Feb 19, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 86,000 miles · PA

In drive at 40 MPH to 55 MPH the car almost stalls and goes I to fail safe mode. In fail safe mode the car runs at 15 MPH. The dealer says they can not duplicate the problem.

Filed Feb 6, 2014 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · OH

2005 freestyle CVT transmission failure, bought in summer 2013 as was never made aware of the issues with the transmissions. Sometimes it would work just fine and other times it seemed like it was straining to keep up the speed it was set at. In november started to head to work and the transmission and check engine light came on, took it to shop and spent 1200.00 to repair computer chip inside transmission hoping this would help but it did not. The car will only engage in the CVT transmission if warm but takes a long time to warm up and then only goes a short distance before more problems. Now being told 5000 plus to replace the transmissions cause nothing else fixes the problem. Have only taken the car for one night a month ago and it has been at the repair shop ever since so since november only had it a night due to this matter. Was advised the car is not safe to drive especially during the winter due to the possible complete failure at any time.

Filed Feb 1, 2014 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · MA

While my wife was driving home from work one night the wrench light came on the dash and the car started to make a loud whining noise from the engine area. She pulled into a shopping plaza and shut the car off and called me on the cell, we tried to start it up but the whining noise kept going and the car would move into any of its gears. It would shift into the gears selections but would not move at all, so I had it towed with a ramp truck threw my aaa membership. The transmission was not leaking and was full at the time of the breakdown and now its going to cost me around $5,000.00 to replace the transmission because ford motors co. Had a problem with there CVT transmissions in the models from 2005 to 2007 in the freestyles and 500 models.my car may have 170,000 miles on it but the body is in great condition because its never been in an accident and right now I can not afford the repair bill. I could purchase a nice used car for that amount of money. I will never buy a ford product again. Ford motors co. Knows about this problem but due to the time line they will never have a recall and the owners will be stuck with the costly repairs. Thank you

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Transmission · 161,693 miles · PA

I took my car to the local ford dealership to diagnose a tapping noise in the engine and was told I needed a transmission. Used $2,000 to $3,000 and new $6,500. He told me that the car could go 50 miles or 50,000 miles before it completely stopped working but it could be dangerous if it happened if I were going at a high rate of speed. After searching the internet this appears to be a common problem that ford has never been forced to issue a recall for and won't fix for me. What happens if my kids are in the car with me when the transmission goes? I can't afford to fix the problem, I can't afford a new car - so what do people like me do? This is not a new problem for ford they could and should repair their defective design and equipment.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 170,000 miles · OH

Me and my wife carpool on third shift to our jobs. Upon backing out of the driveway in reverse, the wrench light came on, and an error reading" failsafe engine mode". I was able to make it to work, however I couldn't go fast at all no more than maybe 40. I'm seeing online many with this year and model need or have had new throttle body's put in with no luck coming from it. I'm hoping there's a recall because I have two children and a wife to get around in this one car.I wanna know what the recall is on it if one at all is available. Why haven't they corrected it yet after all these years of problems and so many complaints?

Filed Jan 19, 2014 · Transmission · 92,200 miles · MD

Cvt failure. Car would not accelerate over 45 MPH and began jerking. Would sit at traffic lights sometimes for 3 turns before car would move. Barely made it home.

Filed Jan 2, 2014 · Transmission · 87,500 miles · PA

Cvt failed at approximately 87,500 miles while my nephew was driving the car. Fortunately, no one was hurt and he was able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. The vehicle continued to operate for another 5 miles of driving before it would no longer shift into forward or reverse gears.

Filed Dec 29, 2013 · Seat belts, Transmission · 150,000 miles · OH

Transmission is going out and can't afford to repair because of ridiculous cost. Seat belt in middle seat is stuck and my children can't sit in that seat because it is stuck. Very unhappy with this ford buy. I do not feel safe in my family vehicle!

Filed Dec 17, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 132,000 miles · OH

When idle in drive the RPM's surge by itself and the vehicle jerks forward.

Filed Dec 13, 2013 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the wrench icon and the traction control warning indicator illuminated as the vehicle exhibited an abnormal reduction in power. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 116,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2013 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that the check engine, wrench icon and the traction control warning indicators illuminated as the vehicle exhibited an abnormal reduction in power. The engine rpms also increased abnormally as the vehicle lunged forward. The failure was recurring over a two year span. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the technician could not diagnose the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure was 90,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2013 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and would not shift out of gear. The contact moved the vehicle off the roadway, shut off and restarted. The vehicle resumed normally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · GA

When stopping, idling, putting car in gear, etc., the car will lunge almost striking car ahead of me. It seems to be worse when the AC is on or if my steering wheel is turned. I usually put my car in neutral while stopping in a drive thru or at a traffic light because I fear I'm going to hit someone. If I put my car in park, the engine revs very high until you turn off the car. This is extremely dangerous!!

Filed Oct 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 79,661 miles · WA

We purchased a used 2005 ford freestyle on april 4, 2013. It had 74,590 miles on it. On october 1, 2013 the ctv transmission began to fail. Check engine and check transmission warnings came on, the car would not accelerate past 10mph, it lurched and crunched at 3500-4000rpms. We made it less than one block before it just stopped in the road. Turning the engine off and back one, I was able to get back to ten MPH and limp it back home. Later that day after disconnecting the battery for ten minutes, the car fired up no problem and was drivable until the october 3, 2013 where this action repeated but it didn't even make it a block before stopping. Again, by turning the engine off and back on I was able to limp it home. My husband was able to get it started one more time and took it to the mechanic. After an afternoon of full diagnoses, we were told it needed a new refurbed (so not even new) transmission for $6400.00! We were able to limp it home from the mechanics while we consider our options. After researching online this appears to be a well known problem with the ctv transmissions that ford is fully aware of and has no plans to correct. We would like to know what our options are with this lemon! We haven't even had it for 6 months and it has low mileage. Thank you.

Filed Sep 15, 2013 · Transmission · 166,000 miles · VT

Transmission died out in traffic on interstate 89. Lost power and went into a low gear.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Transmission · 115,000 miles · CA

While driving on the freeway the wrench light, and check engine light came on. The car lost significant power, almost resulting in accident would only allow me to drive 40mph, pulled over around 11 times and restarted the car. I was an hour away from home. I had the throttle body cleaned a few months ago at the ford dealership, they assured me that this would fix the previous problem because the car was lunging forward (which I have already made a formal complaint). However they also stated that it really should be replaced but they were only instructed to clean it and eventually it would get clogged again. When I spoke to them today they stated that there was nothing they could do and I would have to fix at my own expense. I could understand if it was normal wear and tear on the vehicle. However this is a major safety issue. Someone is going to end up hurt by this. I am a family of six and I am really scared for my families safety while in this vehicle. First the lunging backward and forward.... Now the car loosing significant power while driving on the freeway... Seriously this is not appropriate... Please have ford look further into this or eventually they will be sued by someone. As I was pulled over on the side of the road. Another gentleman stopped and told me that he as well owns a freestyle and he is having same issues and currently is in the process of a lawsuit with ford. Too many safety complaints on the vehicle/transmission for ford not to recall. !!!!!!!!!

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission light illuminated as the vehicle began to decelerate independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford free style. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH. Transmission warning light illuminated and the transmission failed to operate. She pulled off to the side of the road and started the vehicle back up. She was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Transmission · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle came to a complete halt without warning. The contact mentioned that the accelerator pedal failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 150,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2013 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · MD

While driving the car the check transmission light came on and the car started driving rough and wasn't shifting properly. Drove car back home. Barely made it home due transmission problem. Had car towed to shop and was told that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced at accost of $7426. Car is only worth $4500. No way am I spending over $7000 to fix this. I can buy a whole used freestyle for the same price. With all the complaints and failures of this transmission ford needs to replace these free of charge.

Filed Aug 27, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 198,000 miles · MI

2005 freestyle sat parked at idle (in parking lot) for approximately 7 minutes. Brake pedal was then pressed and gear shift put into "drive". Vehicle RPM's immediately went up out of control without foot on accelerator. Vehicle quickly lurched forward about 10 feet before brake pedal was depressed far enough to cease the movement. Speed estimated at 8mph. Rpm's continued to increase and vehicle lurched again and traveled about a foot before brake pedal was further depressed enough to cease movement. For about one-half second after brake pedal was depressed, rpms stayed high and then vehicle shook violently and stalled. Dash readout said, "engine failsafe mode". Fortunately, no persons were in front of vehicle during incident. One hour later, same day, vehicle would not properly accelerate during passing attempt. Unknown if this issue was related. The next morning, vehicle would not start and hasn't started since. Vehicle currently in auto repair shop (we've been afraid to drive vehicle and will not drive it until situation is rectified).

Filed Aug 26, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · TX

I purchased my ford freestyle in june 2011 and shortly after my car began lunging forward when the air conditioner was on. My car began doing it in forward and reverse gear. I have taken my car to the dealer twice before. They replaced the air compressor, cleaned the throttle body, and reset the computer. This will treat the problem for awhile but it will always come back. Last week I nearly hit a pedestrian in a cross walk when my car decided to lunge forward at a red light with my foot on the brake. My wife has nearly hit cars in drive through lines. Again I put my car in the shop and they are doing the same work as before. I have been pushed into intersections and nearly t-boned. I have almost hit cars when trying to back up. This car is not safe because even with my foot on the brake the car can move 5-8 feet. When the car lunges forward or backward it will most of the time rumble then die, which is dangerous when I am sent into an intersection with cars coming at me. Sometimes I am able to depress the gas pedal all the way, driving at 4000 rpms and slowly move out of the way. I worry about my family of six safety as well as any innocent that may get hurt because of fords incapability to fix the problem they have created.

Filed Aug 22, 2013 · Transmission · 163,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, all of which confirmed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 163,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2013 · Transmission · 137,000 miles · AZ

I was backing up out of parking spot, the car lunged backwards. Put the car in drive it lunged forward, idled and the engine fail safe light came on, showing wrench as well. The car stalled out. Luckily I was able to coast into parking lot. I had to let the car sit before being able to start it up again. The car has lunged forward on multiple occasions when at a slow MPH or pulling into parking spaces. I'm afraid to drive the car in case this happens again with my daughter in the car. I continue to read the same complaints on this vehicle so hard to believe ford hasn't done more for the safety of their customers.

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Body, Engine · 117,000 miles · NY · crash

My freestyle surges and lunges forward and backwards. I hit a car while trying to back up and park because the car surged and accelerated into reverse. This is the second time that I have had this problem in 2 years and needed to replace the throttle body. I almost hit people in a parking lot because of the sudden surge and acceleration. This is extremely unsafe and unpredictable. Needs to be recalled! Engine mount was also cracked and needed to be repaired as in many of the other cases in the class action lawsuit.

Filed Aug 7, 2013 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford freestyle. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle repair warning lamp illuminated and failed to maintain or increase speed. The vehicle was not repaired but was diagnosed as a problem with the converter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

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