2005 Ford Freestyle Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Ford Freestyle has a complaint index of 50, ranking 2nd worst out of 3 model years covered. Owners most often reported engine problems (52% of complaints, median mileage 79,050) and transmission/powertrain issues (31%), with two recalls covering fuel tank straps and body structure.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #2 of 3 Freestyle years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,459
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 32
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 14
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17.5 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 14 / 0
Top 2005 Ford Freestyle problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine758 (52%)
- Transmission & Powertrain447 (31%)
- Fuel System153 (10%)
- Electrical System144 (10%)
- Brakes124 (8%)
- Structure & Body101 (7%)
- Other83 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (2%)
- Steering21 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or lurching forward/backward even with a foot on the brake.
- Some report the throttle body sticking or the vehicle continuing to accelerate on its own after stopping.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal or T-bone collisions at moderate speeds.
- Brakes reportedly lost effectiveness after the ABS activated briefly, leaving no braking response.
- An alternator fire was reported that required the vehicle to be towed after being extinguished by a fire department.
- One owner reported the engine going into a failsafe mode with a wrench warning light after unintended gear engagement.
2005 Ford Freestyle recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V383000Oct 5, 2006Structure & Body139,537 vehicles
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.
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.
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 mechanisms free of charge. The recall began on november 8, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 05V515000Nov 9, 2005Fuel System123,206 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
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.
Remedy: 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Freestyle years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford Freestyle reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2005 Freestyle has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 2nd worst among the 3 model years with data, with engine complaints making up 52% of all reports.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Freestyle?
- Engine issues account for 52% of complaints, followed by transmission and powertrain problems at 31% and fuel system complaints at 10%, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the 2005 Ford Freestyle have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for fuel tank straps that could break and drop the tank, and one for a structure and body issue involving a latch shield and rear window drain.
- At what mileage do 2005 Freestyle engine problems typically appear?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 79,050 for engine-related complaints in the 2005 Freestyle.
- How does the 2005 Freestyle compare to the 2006 and 2007 models?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 50 is lower than the 2006 model's index of 100 but higher than the 2007 model's index of 0, based on NHTSA complaint counts.