Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Freestar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While the vehicle was at a stop, the rpms surged to 2,000 and the vehicle accelerated without warning. The failure also occurred when the brakes were applied. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the manifold, which needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to two certified mechanics who diagnosed that there was no leak in the manifold. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer a second time and was informed that they were unable to be specify the exact failure. The dealer stated that the throttle body and other unidentified components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford freestyle. The contact stated that when the air conditioner was engaged, the vehicle would abnormally accelerate either forward or backward while shifted into reverse. The contact crashed into a wall due as a result. No one was injured during the crash. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that the lunging was normal. The contact believed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated. The contact stated that the brakes did not work and the rpms increased to 3,000. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral and stopped the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Their is 5 recalls on my van that I pulled up on NHTSA and the Ford company is saying their is only one recall and I'm having serious issues with this van and I was driving this van and it is losing power when driving it. I need ur help please. My number is ([redacted]) please leave me a message so I can call u bank thanks redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the front passenger side of the vehicle began to jerk and an unfamiliar warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body assembly would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. While driving at different speeds, the vehicle would idle high and also hesitate as if it would stall. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
I just received a safety recall notice 11s25 / NHTSA recall 12v-006 everytime I drive my van it does not seem to want to accelerate or maintain speed. I have taken it to the mechanic and I was told that I needed to have a new EGR valve put on, so I did. That did not fix the problem and I was told new spark plugs and wires so I had them replace, that did not fix the problem. Then I was told that I May need a new fuel filter, so I had it replaced and once again that did not solve the problem. This is the only vehicle I have and I am a single mom to two young children. I am worried that while I am driving I will lose all power and will be hit by another vehicle. My van never wants to go over 40 MPH and once it does reach that speed it will not maintain and sometimes makes an odd noise. I pulled onto the by-pass the other day and my van would not accelerate right away... …
The car would start then stall. I would be driving and it would just slow down like no gas getting into engine and stall out . I took it to Ford dealer (crest Ford centerline michigan) they ran it on a scope. Told me I needed turbine shaft speed sensor. They replaced it and called to say my vehicle was fine and ready to go. I picked up car on Monday evening and on Wednesday car had to be towed back to the dealer. Car would start but would not drive. Ford could not find problem and finally I called a friend to ask for a solution. Because of all the issues with the PCM and his expertise I called my Ford advisor [redacted] and told him to check the PCM for water damage. He called me back shortly and said they found the water damage. This is a van made very wrong with a design so that your windshield lets water flow onto the cowl and then damages the brain for the car. …
While merging onto route 50 off 628 the car died. I drifted onto side of road, but in park and restarted it. Took exit off 50 at 450 and car stopped again. Put in park at red light, started up again and drove down riva road. Car stopped 4 more times before getting to my residence, each time engine stopping, no power steering and no brakes. Called koons Ford annapolis and had the car towed there the next day (since the incident occurred on a Sunday). They kept the car for 1 week and could not confirm or duplicate any of the conditions. Possibly PCM but not sure.they found one error while driving it , but the computer could not find it. Paid for diagnostic test. Car has been running fine until 7/6/13 when exactly the same thing happened. Took back to Ford and 2 days later was told it was the PCM. …
Was in a 30 mile per hour speed zone came to a caution light and had to make a right hand turn on a very dangerous corner....many tractor trailers use this turn, while making the turn, engine stalled and was hard to control steering with no power. Managed to pull to side of the road when several tractor trailers came around the same corner. Had I not been able to move over I would have been hit as they would have had no where to go, just a 2 lane road. Car started but when I tried to move it, it went about 20 feet and stalled again. Had to call a tow company. Torque converter has already been replaced once at approximately 99,900 miles. Flashing light on dash says to check transaxle. Not fixed as yet...code p0715 came up on the tech machine, turbine speed sensor check fault. …
Acceleration complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2005 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2005 Ford Freestar, 4% of the model year's 886 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Freestar acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2005 Ford Freestar, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Freestar acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.