2005 Ford Freestyle recalls and problems

The 2005 Ford Freestyle has 2 safety recalls and 1,459 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1,459
Crashes / fires
32 / 3
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Ford Freestyle vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Ford Freestyle recalls

Recall 06V-383: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 5, 2006 · 139,537 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: As a result, the door latch pawl may not return to the latch position when the door is closed, and the door could open while the vehicle is moving.

Fix: 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 mechanisms free of charge. The recall began on november 8, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 05V-515: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 9, 2005 · 123,206 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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).

Risk: If this happens, drivers may notice a noise or a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace both fuel tank straps. The recall began on december 1, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2005 Ford Freestyle problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control587
Power Train451
Electrical System144
Engine and Engine Cooling129
Engine120
Service Brakes, Hydraulic98
Fuel System, Gasoline95
Unknown or Other72
Structure62
Fuel/Propulsion System41
Latches/Locks/Linkages39
Steering21

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 119
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 44
  • Structure › Body — 37
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 25
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 16
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 16
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 15
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,721 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Ford Freestyle complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 30, 2026
Our 2005 Ford Freestyle often accelerates or surges forward on its own when applying the brake or parking. It is a very dangerous malfunction that looks to be a wide spread problem for this make and model (based on online reports).
Structure · reported Dec 9, 2025
When temperature get below freezing car doors will not latch shut and come back open. Car doors work fine when temp are higher. There is a recall already for this NHTSA# 06v383000 Ford# 06545. I have a Ford Case# XXX My car was not included in recall and either should be or needs to be further investigated. I don't want my kids falling out while I go down the highway and I can't wait 45 min for the car to warm up. This had done this all last winter and is doing it again and Ford refuses to do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 97,000 miles · reported Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side door independently unlatched and opened. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts for the repair were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.…
Structure · reported Jan 21, 2025
Passanger door latch- door opened while driving, will not stay closed checked said recall was repaired in 2006, latch in not closing
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 150,000 miles · reported Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that all four door latches failed to latch while attempting to close the doors. The contact had to make several attempts to close and lock the doors before the doors latch and remained closed. The failure had reoccurred intermittently. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) but was unsure if the VIN was included. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…

Other Ford Freestyle years

Compare all Ford Freestyle years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Ford Freestyle have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Ford Freestyle: 06V-383 (latches/locks/linkages), 05V-515 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Freestyle?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (587 reports), followed by power train (451). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,721 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.