FORD FREESTAR · model year

2006 FORD FREESTAR

451 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006FORDFREESTAR carries 451 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 FREESTAR is power train with 207 filings, followed by electrical system (38) and power train:automatic transmission (38). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2006 FREESTAR. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

451
Complaints
5
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

451 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN207
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION38
ENGINE31
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER12
SEATS11
SERVICE BRAKES8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
STEERING5
AIR BAGS4
SEAT BELTS4
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM4

Recalls (3)

06E05600013/06/2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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

06V06900009/03/2006

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

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

13V08100007/03/2013

SEATS

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, Massac

Recent Complaints

20250227FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.

20250227FireENGINE

The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.

20250218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20240209POWER TRAIN

My Ford Freestar without warning or anything just wouldn’t go after stopping at a stop sign. It was like it was stuck in neutral. But it was in drive. In 2003 and 2004 there was a recall on the transmission. My van is a 2005 but the transmission was manufactured in 2004. Which is one of the years that was recalled so why is my 2005 Ford Freestar van not one of the ones under that recall. Is it cause it’s a 2005 cause the transmission was manufactured in 2004. I almost got hit by semi truck when this happen. Please recall this van. Please help!!! [XXX] Bless you all. Thanks, [XXX] Family INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240209UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Ford Freestar without warning or anything just wouldn’t go after stopping at a stop sign. It was like it was stuck in neutral. But it was in drive. In 2003 and 2004 there was a recall on the transmission. My van is a 2005 but the transmission was manufactured in 2004. Which is one of the years that was recalled so why is my 2005 Ford Freestar van not one of the ones under that recall. Is it cause it’s a 2005 cause the transmission was manufactured in 2004. I almost got hit by semi truck when this happen. Please recall this van. Please help!!! [XXX] Bless you all. Thanks, [XXX] Family INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231012POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost all motive power and would not shift to any gear other than park. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to a possible recall but was unable to provide details. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20231010POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost significant motive power before briefly hesitating and jerking. After restarting the vehicle, it returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

20221001POWER TRAIN

Was driving on populated road when all of a sudden car when in to neutral and almost rear-ended if not for quick thinking. Had to have it towed and now don't have any money to fix it so I lost my job cause could not get to work please have this problem recalled like the earlier years..

20220818POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the freeway, the RPM’s increased however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact’s wife was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20211001FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

During rush hour I was pulling out of a Walgreens parking lot to take a left hand turn. As soon as I gave it gas it went forward about 7 feet and then it seemed as though my van went into neutral on its own. I looked on the dash and saw it was still in drive. I was stuck in the middle of traffic in the middle of my left turn. My car was sideways with traffic coming toward me from both sides I tried to put it in 3rd ,1nd, reverse. The shifter moved to those gears but all that happened when I gave it gas was revve up the rpm. I'm EXTREMELY lucky that the on coming traffic didn't side swipe me. I was able to get help pushing it to a side street. Where I turned it off for 30 min and tried again, still no vehicle movement, checked transmission fluid... It was good. I was not getting any transmission engagement. There was no warning lights illuminated prior to this incident and there is currently no warning lights illuminated now. I would absolutely LOVE if someone could inspect my ve

20210821POWER TRAIN

Driving down the road vehicle experiences total loss of acceleration it’s like it’s in neutral in every won’t go forward or backwards towed home looked up problem seems that it’s the same as recall for 04-05 models torch converter had I been on highway in St. Louis mo could have been killed as they aren’t known for being the safest drivers it’s my opinion Ford should have to recall every vehicle that had the parts that are faulty in them regardless of the model year if the parts are junk on 04-05 they used the same in 06 models you know they are gonna have same problems

20210203POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING MY VAN, IT JUST STOPPED RIGHT IN THE ROAD. WOULDNT DO ANYTHING. WOULDNT GO IN GEAR OR MOVE. HAD TO TOW IT TO A SHOP. TURNS OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT. NEEDED TO REBUILD IT. VERY COSTLY. 3200. NOT HAPPY.

Mileage: 15,000

20210203SEATS

MY THIRD ROW SEAT LATCH RUSTED OFF AND COMPLETELY FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAD A BIG HOLE RIGHT BY THE DRIVER SIDE BACK TIRE. I HAD TO SCREWW A PIECE OF METEL OVER THE HOLE CAUSE WATER WOULD SPLASH IN. I CANNOT USE MY THIRD SEAT ANY LONGER.

Mileage: 155,000

20210114SEATS

3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKER CORROSION DOES NOT HOLD UP 3RD ROW SEAT

20210111SEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD-ROW SEAT LATCHED WHEEL WELL CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RAIN WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR WHEEL WELL BY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ROLLER OF THE SLIDING DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

20201130POWER TRAIN

I GOT INTO MY VAN AND STARTED IT , PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE. I PLACED IT IN DRIVE AND STILL NO MOVEMENT . THE VEHICLE WON'T MOVE ON ITS OWN AT ALL. THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS LEADING UP TO THIS INCIDENT.

Mileage: 140,000

20201018STRUCTURE:BODY

I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD FREESTAR VAN ON 10-13-2020 AND 10-16-2020 CAR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF IN AN OUTSIDE THE VAN. STARTED TO DRIVE HOME THE VAN STARTED JERKING BAD AND SMOKING. CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY CHILDREN AN PREGNANT DAUGHTER IN LAW WERE IN THE VAN. THE AXLE BROKE AND MY TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING MY GEARS CHANGE BUT VAN WON'T MOVE.

20201018ENGINE

I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD FREESTAR VAN ON 10-13-2020 AND 10-16-2020 CAR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF IN AN OUTSIDE THE VAN. STARTED TO DRIVE HOME THE VAN STARTED JERKING BAD AND SMOKING. CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY CHILDREN AN PREGNANT DAUGHTER IN LAW WERE IN THE VAN. THE AXLE BROKE AND MY TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING MY GEARS CHANGE BUT VAN WON'T MOVE.

20201018SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD FREESTAR VAN ON 10-13-2020 AND 10-16-2020 CAR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF IN AN OUTSIDE THE VAN. STARTED TO DRIVE HOME THE VAN STARTED JERKING BAD AND SMOKING. CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE MY CHILDREN AN PREGNANT DAUGHTER IN LAW WERE IN THE VAN. THE AXLE BROKE AND MY TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING MY GEARS CHANGE BUT VAN WON'T MOVE.

20200728SEATS

THE 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH PANEL IS ROTTED OUT ON MY FREESTAR, THANK GOD MY GRANDKIDD WEREN'T IN THE SEAT WHEN IT BROKE AWAY FROM BODY.

Mileage: 110,000

Compare 2006FORDFREESTAR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 FORD FREESTAR have?
The 2006 FORD FREESTAR has 451 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 FORD FREESTAR?
Yes, the 2006 FORD FREESTAR has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 FORD FREESTAR?
The most-complained component for the 2006 FORD FREESTAR is POWER TRAIN with 207 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Is the 2006 FORD FREESTAR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.