VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford Freestar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2006 Ford Freestar is among the quieter years of the Freestar on NHTSA's books: 453 complaints (41% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 57% of all reports (259 of 453), far ahead of electrical system at 49.

453

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Freestar years?

Freestar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,600 complaints2004: 1,600 complaints2005: 1,093 complaints2006: 453 complaints2007: 77 complaints
Freestar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Freestar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford Freestar problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission25957%
Electrical System4911%
Engine399%
Speed Control194%
Other164%
Seats123%
Fuel System112%
Brakes102%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Seat Belts61%
Airbags51%
Steering51%
Body & Structure51%
Suspension41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Lighting20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2006 Ford Freestar have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V081000SeatsMarch 7, 2013 · 196,667 units

Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.

Consequence

In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

06V069000Body & StructureMarch 9, 2006 · 12,728 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD AND HAD JUST DROPPED MY KIDS OFF THANK GOODNESS. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. I WAS TRY'N TO LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS GO'N ON WHEN I WRECKED INTO THE DITCH ABOUT 60MPH. OUT OF NOWHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS STUCK N A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 2, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE LIGHT BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2012

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY FORD FREE STAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VAN TOTALLY BURNED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 9, 2009 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD AND HAD JUST DROPPED MY KIDS OFF THANK GOODNESS. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. I WAS TRY'N TO LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS GO'N ON WHEN I WRECKED INTO THE DITCH ABOUT 60MPH. OUT OF NOWHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS STUCK N A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 2, 2014 · crash

“VECHICLE JUST STOPPED. GOT IT GOING AGAIN AFTER TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING. CODE SHOWED IT NEEDED TO BE "REFLASHED." COST 110 AT DEALERSHIP AND NO IMPROVEMENT. CODE SHOWED IGNITION COIL. REPLACED AND NO IMPROVEMENT. FINALLY REPLACED PCM APRIL 2011. ALSO EXPERIENCE INTERMITENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 1, 2011

2006 Ford Freestar — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford Freestar reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 453 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Freestar year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2006 Freestar problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (259 complaints), electrical system (49 complaints), engine (39 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford Freestar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Ford Freestar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Ford Freestar under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Freestar years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Freestar years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among Freestar years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.