This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact experienced brake failure. He took the vehicle to a shop and the mechanic stated that the brakes and rotors were very damaged and the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle is currently located at the repair shop. The contact called Ford, but they refused to offer assistance. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 7,000.
Rear brake failed for the second time with in 27,000 miles. Ford refused to help. I believe there is a problem with the braking system in this SUV. Also, had to replace both strut bearings and I have on starting to go out again. I think this car should have never left the plant.
I am leasing a 2005 Ford Freestyle and last April 20/07 I brought the vehicle to witt Lincoln Mercury in escondido, calif. For an oil change. The recorded mileage was 15,524 miles and after the service was done I was informed that the rear brakes require immediate attention as the rotors need to be machined and the pads are worn out. I feel that Ford Motor Co. Should be made aware of this problem that the brakes prematurely wore out. I started the lease last July 2005 and I do mostly city driving. This is the first time I have this kind of car problem where the brakes wore out too soon!
- Temecula, CA, USA
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Our 2005 Freestyle hit 36K miles and immediately the back pads/rotors went bad. Grinding noises took me into ntb. They stated that the calipers were frozen and to go to dealership. Dealership said they weren't but the pads/rotors were bad and needed to be replaced/resurfaced - at $475! this is crazy. At 36K miles we have to replace the rear brakes? premature wear & possible brake failure does not sit comfortably with me - especially since the dealer swears up and down that the calipers are fine.
- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. While driving 35 mph he heard a rattling noise when the brake was depressed. The dealer stated that the brakes and rotors should be replaced. The brakes and the rotors have not been replaced. The vehicle currently had 22000 miles.
2005 Ford Freestyle, purchased new. Ford has serviced as well as nys inspections. At 30,000 mile service the rear brakes had little disc pad left, rear rotors were warped beyond repair, caliper frozen. Ford said not covered by warranty (bumper to bumper 3 yrs 36,000 miles) and had to pay $475. Caliper now frozen and again not covered by warranty. Called Ford at 800-392-3673 and confirmed problem that rear brakes failed before front brakes, they acknowledged there was a design flaw, but refused to cover with warranty, and said to keep my receipts in case a recall was issued.
At 15,000 miles scheduled maintenance dealer found out that brakes were worn to the metal and that brakes and rotors needed replacement. Dealer stated that car must have been driven with emergency brake on for this to happen, which was not the case. Dealer could not find faulty part for it to be covered under warranty. Had to replace rear brakes and rotors and costs not cover under warranty. Sent a letter to Ford. They called to say nothing could be done. Sent me back to dealership. One week later the brakes were burning. Dealership this time replaced pads with updated pads with no costs.
I purchased a Ford Freestyle new, had braking problems from start, 1st time in to dealer said no problem, 2nd time replaced front pads, 3rd time rear pads and cut rotors, I had an issue with cutting rotors on vehicle w/7000 mi. 20,000 miles later, rear brakes are shot, rotors need replacing, Ford service manager says "normal wear and tear, this vehicle is designed to wear out brakes quickly. " "also told me he won't listen to me, I don't tell him what to do" when I said if this vehicle is made to go through brakes quickly it is a design flaw, and Ford should stand behind their products.
Took 2005 Ford Freestyle in for oil change and courtesy check. Upon inspection, it was noticed that the front tires had significant interior wear, and that the right rear brake was rubbing metal to metal. Vehicle only had 24554 miles on it. Took to local Ford dealership, rear brakes and right rotor replaced, and two tires replaced.
Rear brakes on right side failed at 7,800 miles. We had a near accident due to lack of adequate brake assistance. Disk and pads were damaged. Dealer stated that brakes warranty was overdue (12 mo.) and we had to paid for repairs on third party shop.
Noise from rear reported to dealer at 19,000 miles. Dealer stated that brakes were wore to the metal and that brakes and rotors needed replaced. Dealer stated that car must have been driven with emergency brake on for this to happen, which it was not. Took to another dealer for second opinion, was told the same thing. Dealer could not find faulty part for it to be considered warranty work. Had to replace rear brakes and rotors.
Purchased brand new 2005 Ford Freestyle. Within the first few days rear brakes were heard dragging and brake dust was all over rear wheel. Returned to dealer who sprayed the brakes with brake cleaner and said "no problem found." Drove car for 20K miles as is, returned it to dealer with brake complaints. Dealer said no problem found. Took car back to dealer at 33K miles, dealer said pads were metal to metal and rotors damaged. Dealer would not honor warranty. Looking around there are at least 20 other people in forum on edmunds.com reporting same issues. My underlying concern is premature brake failure due to faulty design of the electrical brake balancing system in the 2005 Ford Freestyle.
: the contact stated a noise was heard while depressing the brake pedal coupled with rough stops. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the rotors and pads needed to be replaced. 08/04/06. Updated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Graham, NC, USA