2006 Ford Freestar

Above average

Owners filed 356 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Ford Freestar years to avoid. Which Ford Freestar years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
95,000 milesMedian miles at failure

325 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Ford Freestar problems

239 of the 356 complaints (67%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission192
220
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission36
001
Electrical System22
010
Engine16
000
Seats10
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter · transmission10
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system6
000
Seat Belts5
000
Unknown or Other4
000

2006 Ford Freestar transmission problems

67% of all complaints

239 of the 356 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • drops into neutral15% · 36
  • loses power14% · 33
  • stalls10% · 23
  • slips or will not engage a gear8% · 19
  • sets off warning lights on the dash7% · 17
  • turns on the check engine light5% · 11

Share of the 239 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
95,000 mi
median of 224 reports
Peak year of filing
2012
50 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 2 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 9, 2024
“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..”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 1, 2022

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'052006: 9 complaints, 2 about the transmission2007: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission'072008: 7 complaints, 3 about the transmission2009: 17 complaints, 10 about the transmission'092010: 18 complaints, 12 about the transmission2011: 27 complaints, 20 about the transmission'112012: 62 complaints, 50 about the transmission2013: 57 complaints, 46 about the transmission'132014: 37 complaints, 25 about the transmission2015: 34 complaints, 21 about the transmission'152016: 27 complaints, 18 about the transmission2017: 18 complaints, 10 about the transmission'172018: 14 complaints, 10 about the transmission2019: 5 complaints, 2 about the transmission'192020: 7 complaints, 3 about the transmission2021: 6 complaints, 2 about the transmission'212022: 2 complaints, 2 about the transmission2023: 2 complaints, 2 about the transmission'232024: 1 complaints, 1 about the transmission2025: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 06V069000 (body and frame)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 13V081000 (seats)NHTSA investigation EQ12010NHTSA investigation EA12003NHTSA investigation PE10033
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2006 Freestar peaked in 2012, with 62 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 67% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Filed Mar 7, 2013196,667 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

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.

Risk. 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.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate06V069000
Filed Mar 9, 200612,728 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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

Risk. 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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2006 Freestar.

Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts FailingInvestigation EQ12010Closed
Opened Sep 28, 2012Closed Dec 31, 2012body and frame

Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.

Corrosion of Third-Row Seat AttachmentEngineering analysis EA12003Closed
Opened Apr 23, 2012Closed May 2, 2013Led to recall 13V081000seats

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West …

Engine StallingPreliminary evaluation PE10033Closed
Opened Aug 23, 2010Closed Jul 15, 2011transmission

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light …

Technical service bulletins

15 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 Freestar. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 3seats 2equipment 2steering 2electrical system 2transmission 1tires 1airbags 1
0637Service campaignFeb 24, 2006engine

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 06B37. CRANK POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR INSPECTION. THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY SEATED IN THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. IF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR BECAME DISCONNECTED, THE ENGINE WOULD STOP. *TT

07141Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 8, 2007transmission

DAMAGED SPARK PLUG ELECTRODE/MIL DTC P030X, ROUGH IDLE, ENGINE KNOCK/PING ON ACCELERATION. *NJ

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 17, 2026CA

I purchased a 2006 Ford Freestyle which currently has an open safety recall for 3rd Row Seat Latch Striker Corrosion Repair. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the recall repaired. The dealership confirmed the recall but days later informed me that the necessary parts are no longer available and that they are unable to complete the repair. This creates a serious safety concern because the recall involves corrosion of the 3rd row seat latch striker, which can affect proper seat latching and passenger safety in the event of a crash. I attempted to escalate this issue by contacting Ford corporate customer support. However, I have not received any resolution. I have been given the runaround between Ford corporate and the dealership. The dealership referred me to Ford customer support, and Ford customer support continues to refer me back to the dealership without providing any solution. I also have written communication from the dealership service department stating that their Special Service Support Center would not be able to assist and advising me to contact Ford customer support. Despite following these instructions, no assistance or remedy has been provided. As a result, the safety recall remains unresolved, and I am unable to complete required vehicle inspection/registration. I am left with a vehicle that has a known safety defect with no available repair and no clear resolution from the manufacturer. I am requesting immediate assistance and a definitive resolut

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 27, 2025TX

The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Feb 18, 2025100,000 milesTX

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.

Power Train
Filed Feb 9, 2024KY

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)

Power Train
Filed Oct 12, 202385,000 milesTN

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.

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2023137,000 milesFL

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.

Power Train
Filed Oct 1, 2022IA

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..

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2022140,000 milesCA

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 1, 2021NC

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 vehicle and I'm available anytime for someone to do so. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because I was unable to complete my left turn my vehicle was stuck sideways during rush hour with on coming traffic coming from both ways. I haven't taken the vehicle to the ford dealer or any other independent service center. Thankfully there was no accident, so I didn't have the need to call the police.

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2021MO

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

Power Train
Filed Feb 3, 202115,000 milesIL

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.

Seats
Filed Feb 3, 2021155,000 milesIL

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.

Seats
Filed Jan 14, 2021OH

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

Seats
Filed Jan 11, 2021154,000 milesIL

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.

Power Train
Filed Nov 30, 2020140,000 milesMO

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 18, 2020TN

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.

Seats
Filed Jul 28, 2020110,000 milesMI

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2020160,000 milesWI

MY 2006 FORD FREE STAR, LOST IT GEARS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON A BUSY HWY. I WAS REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVE WAY ON TO THE HWY AND WENT TO GO INTO D AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE IT WOULD ONLY GO INTO FIRST GEAR. I THINK THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT POOR DESIGN. ME AND MY CHILDREN COULD OF BEEN HURT OR EVEN WORSE KILLED. THE HWY IS 65 MPH AN I'M STUCK ACROSS THE TWO LANES. BECAUSE THE VAN WONT SHIFT. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THIS HAPPENS A LOT WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. AND IT NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE LOST POWER WELL DRIVING ON THE HWY IN THIS VAN DUE TO POOR DESIGN.

Power Train
Filed Apr 19, 202087,000 milesID

TORQUE CONVERTER IS STRIPPED AND FAILING CAUSING NO POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 202085,000 milesNJ

MY MOM WAS DRIVING OUR 2006 FORD FREESTAR LIMITED, IT ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION BLEW ON US. WHEN IT HAPPENED WE WERE DRIVING UP A HILL AT NIGHT . WE CALLED THE POLICE AND AN OFFICER CAME TO JUST TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T GET HIT. THE FLASHERS WERE ON THE WHOLE TIME, BUT APPARENTLY PEOPLE DON'T PAY ATTENTION, LATER WE HAD FOUND OUT THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NO GOOD. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT FROM 2004-2005 MODEL YEARS HAD A RECALL FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER. PERSONALLY ALL YEARS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE RECALL AND NOT JUST 2 MODEL YEARS. ITS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WE ACTUALLY HAD TO BRING THE VAN BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT FROM. CURRENTLY WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR MONTHS.

Seats
Filed Jan 14, 2020178,118 milesKY

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY, 45-60 MPH THE THIRD ROW STOW-ABLE SEAT FRACTURED AND LEANED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREENWOOD FORD LINCOLN 3075 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104 (270) 843-9041, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V081000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,118.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 7, 201995,988 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE WHEEL WHEEL, MOUNTING BRACKETS, AND LATCHES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,988.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 26, 2019187,643 milesVA

I HAVE REPLACED MY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR 3 TIMES AND THEY MAY WORK ONE OR TWICE THEN STOP WORKING

Engine
Filed May 22, 2019139,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED IN REVERSE, THE RPMS INCREASED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN OCCURRING FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT SAID THEY WERE NO LONGER FIXING THAT ISSUE. IT CAN HAPPEN ON DRIVE OR REVERSE AND WHILE I AM TURNING INTO ALONE IT WILL TURN OFF SO I HAVE TO RUSH AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND START IT SO I DON'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. *TR*JB

Power Train
Filed Apr 19, 2019140,000 milesIN

DRIVING HOME FROM STORE AFTER GETTING DINNER WHICH IS ONLY 2.2 MILES AWAY, MADE IT 2 MILES BACK HOME. STOPED AT STOP SIGN STARTED TO ACCELERATE UP A SMALL INCLINE, ENGINE REVVED TO RED LINE. SO I COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD, SHUT OFF VEHICLE, THEN STARTED IT TO TRY AND LET IT RESET, IT WOULD NOT GO AT ALL OR TRY TO GO INTO ANY GEAR ONLY PARK WILL WORK. AFTER LETTING IT SIT IT WILL STILL NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR OR MOVE AT ALL. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FULL AND DOES NOT SMELL OR LOOK BURNT, ENGINE RUNS GREAT AND STARTS WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLETE MADE ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. IT WAS MADE IN MAY OF 2005 AND IS CONSIDERED A 2006.

Power Train
Filed Jan 4, 2019150,000 milesNC

WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE DARK NIGHT VEHICLE QUIT ENGINE REVVED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. COASTED TO A SAFE AREA TO PULL OFF OF ROAD. VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR REVERSE. WE WERE STRANDED IN THE DARK MILES FROM NEAREST RESIDENCE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO CONTACT MY SON .HE TOWED US HOME

Power Train
Filed Dec 24, 201885,000 milesHI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE AND STALL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED SEL INSTANTANEUOS TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHEN HE WAS MILDLY ACCELERATING INTO A BUSY HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. THE CROSS-TRAFFIC NEARLY COLLIDED WITH MY SEL BUT AVOIDED COLLISION. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING OR SYMPTON OF IMPENDING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER . 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB

Power Train
Filed Dec 1, 201880,000 milesKY

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I COASTED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY LANE. I HAD IT TOWED. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM LAST NIGHT THIS VAN WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW. IT ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO OWN A 2005 FREESTAR AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED AT THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP DUE TO A RECALL. FORD WAS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF RECALLING THE 2004 AND 2005 FREESTARS. ITS THE SAME PART IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE 2006 FREESTAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, AS WE HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM 2006 OWNERS.SECOND CALENDAR QUARTER OF 2012. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S25 FOR THE 2004 AND 2005. ANYONE KNOW IF A RECALL FOR THE 2006 FREESTAR IS IN PROCESS. PLEASE HELP.

Power Train
Filed Nov 21, 2018DE

ON HIGHWAY GOING 60MPH TRANSMISSION STOP WORKING MOTOR RUNNING FINE MILES NOT READABLE

Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 2018110,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jul 25, 2018120,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY HAD FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 2018117,000 milesGA

HAVE A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAS THE WRENCH ICON COMING ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE LOSES ACCELERATION AND I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON TO GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF. I HAVE CALLED PRATER FORD IN CALHOUN GA. WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING TO SEE IF BY CHANCE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DEFECT. THEY TOLD ME NO RECALLS. MY POINT IS IF THIS IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE ON THIS MODEL SOMEONE NEEDS TO FIX IT. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT 400.00 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS MONEY I DON'T HAVE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRIVE IT ON THE ROAD. TOO SCARED TO HIT THE INTERSTATE WITH IT.

Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2018180,000 milesKY

THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT JUST LIKE THE 2004 AND 2005 FREESTAR MODELS.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 201811,200 milesWI

LIFTGAIT WON'T OPEN REPLACED IT AND STILL WON'T OPEN

Seats
Filed May 23, 2018101,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT IN PLACE FRACTURED. LARSON MOTOR GROUP IN NEBRASKA CITY, NEBRASKA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE BRACKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.

Power Train
Filed May 17, 2018111,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON RESEARCHING THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT WAS DEFECTIVE BASED ON THE INFORMATION FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN). OLATHE FORD LINCOLN (1845 E SANTA FE ST, OLATHE, KS) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBERS: 14829406 AND 14829397. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 3, 201892,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION STAYED IN GEAR TOO LONG AND THERE WAS A PAUSE WHENEVER THE GEAR FINALLY ENGAGED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED PER A PREVIOUS UNKNOWN RECALL. THERE WERE NO RELATED OPEN RECALLS REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 7, 2018182,437 milesIN

WHILE DRIVING 2006 FREESTAR AROUND A CORNER WITHOUT WARNING , IT COMPLETELY LOST ABILITY TO GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD OR IN ANY GEAR. WE WERE ON COUNTRY ROAD AND GRATEFUL NO OTHER CARS NEARBY, BUT IT WAS COLD AND WE ARE ELDERLY. WE JUST ROLLED TO A STOP TRYING TO GET OFF ROAD AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO NEARBY GARAGE. THEY REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER AND CAR IS NOW WORKING AGAIN.

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 201830 milesMA

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. IT WAS LIKE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T GO. HAD TO HAD IT TOWED WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE MY TRANSMISSION.

Power Train
Filed Jan 16, 2018112,500 milesID

JUST LIKE WITH THE 2004-2005 FORD FREESTAR RECALL IN THE YEAR 2012 (RECALL NUMBER 11S25), OUR 2006 FREESTAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING WHILE WE WERE ACCELERATING WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE. WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ON A SIDE STREET WITH NOT MUCH TRAFFIC AND HAVE ENOUGH SPEED TO SAFELY PULL OVER, BUT WE HAD NO POWER IN ANY GEAR WE CHOSE, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. IF WE WERE GOING SLOWER, HAD TRAFFIC BEHIND US, OR NO SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. THE WAY THE VEHICLE BEHAVED, IT SEEMS TO BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER SHAFT AND/OR TORQUE CONVERTER, JUST LIKE THE PROBLEM IN THE 2004-2005 FREESTAR MODELS WHICH HAD THE RECALL IN THE YEAR 2012 (RECALL NUMBER 11S25).

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 2017153,615 milesCO

AS I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO THE BUS STOP ON DRY CITY STREET, I STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT DOWN QUICKLY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CAR WOULD NOT COME TO A FULL STOP IMMEDIATELY. IT SEEMED LIKE IT FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON AN ICE SHEET, UNABLE TO COME TO A FULL STOP QUICKLY. I HAVE GONE TO THREE PLACES FOR REPAIR. DIAGNOSTIC SCAN CODE B1342. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ABS MODULE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 17, 201796,000 milesCT

BEFORE IT BROKE DOWN COMPLETELY THE VAN WAS DRIVING FUNNY, LIKE IF IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING HILL BUT ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING THE VAN AND SUDDENLY JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THANKS GOD I DIDN'T HAVE MANY CARS BEHIND ME AND I MANAGE TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY HOLDING MY PHONE OUT THE WINDOW SO TO BE SEEN UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO "DRIVE" TO A SECTION OF ROAD WITH STREET LIGHTS. THE NEXT DAY I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM.SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR TO MAKE THIS AN OFFICIAL RECALL. I FEEL VERY LUCKY MY CHILDREN AND WIFE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE DURING THESE PAST INCIDENCES. I WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE FROM YOU ON THIS RECALL MATTER A.S.A.P. THANK YOU.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2017111,000 milesCT

WHERE TO START.... EVERY TIME ITS RAINING MY VAN STARTS TO PUTT AND STALL OUT I HAVE ALMOST HAD 3 ACCIDENTS DUE TO MY VAN STALLING ON A MAIN ROAD TRYING TO GET HOME...ISSUE #2. I USE MY KEY PAD TO UNLOCK MY VEHICLE ON NIGHTS THAT IM WORKING AND LATELY IT WILL UNLOCK THEN RE LOCK N UNLOCK OVER AND OVER WITH OUT BEING TOUCHED. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND IT WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK.. ITS NOT SAFE IF ITS UNLOCKING ITS SELF AND MY 2 YEAR OLD REACHS HE COULD OPEN THE DOOR WHILE DRIVING... ISSUE #3.. MY VAN SAYS I HAVE 1/2 A TANK OF GAS YET MY DIGITAL GAS READER CONTINUES TO SAY 0 MILES..

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2017NY

I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFT, SOME TIMES IS REALLY HARD SHIFTING AND ALSO I HAVE PROBLEM WITH BATTERY LIGHT IN THE CLUSTER IS ALWAYS ON BUT THE CHARGING SYSTEM WORKS NORMALLY, THIS HAPPEN ALL THE TIMES

Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 201790,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STANDING START, A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CHAIN INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (RONNIE WALKINS FORD IN GADSDEN, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2017135,024 milesKS

TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING, SLIPPING, LIKE IN NEUTRAL WHILE IN PARK OR REVERSE. WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VAN ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. GOT IT STOPPED. TRIED TO GET IT IN GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE), BUT WOULD NOT WORK. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON STREET AT TIME OF FAILURE.

Power Train
Filed Sep 17, 201756,000 milesMI

2006 FORD FREE STAR TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE LOST POWER IN TRAFFIC. VERY UNSAFE. RECALL IS FOR 2004-2005. 2006 HAS SAME ISSUE

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2017103,000 milesTN

WITHOUT WARNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD IN ANY GEAR. I HAD ENOUGH MOTION LEFT TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANS REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HE SAID THIS THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD NUMEROUS TC FAILURES. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION HAD IT HAPPENED IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC BUT THANK GOD EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IS WAS JUST A CITY STREET. I THINK FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS.

Power Train
Filed Jul 8, 2017106,250 milesIL

I LEFT BURGER KING, DROVE A FEW BLOCKS TO MENARDS, I WAS JUST PARKING WHEN THE LITTLE WRENCH STARTS BLINKING, I DRIVE TO AUTOZONE AS SLOW AS 30/MPH, THEY COULDN'T TELL ME WITH THEIR LITTLE COMPUTER WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AFTER ABOUT HALF A MILE DRIVING.

Power Train
Filed Jun 9, 201720 milesMI

WAS HEADING DOWN A HIGHWAY HEADING HOME WHEN THE VAN REVVED UP AND STOPPED SHIFTING ALL TOGETHER. ONLY T HING THAT WAS THERE WAS PARK. GOT IT HOME AND WAS CHECKING TO SEE IF IT WAS A TOURQUE CONVERTER OR THE PUMP. TOOK A TRANNY LINE OFF AND NO FLUID CAME OUT. PUMP WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING.

Complaints 1-50 of 356, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200764210Routine
2006 — this page356340Above average
2005886420Above average
20041,2275141Fatalities reported

Compare every Freestar year →

2006 Ford Freestar: questions buyers ask

Is the 2006 Ford Freestar a good car?

It is not among the Freestar years to avoid. Owners filed 356 complaints, against about 621 for a typical Freestar year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (67%).

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Freestar?

The transmission: 239 of the 356 complaints (67%) are about it. Owners most often say it drops into neutral (15%), loses power (14%) and stalls (10%). The typical report comes at 95,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Freestar have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 7, 2013. The largest, 13V081000, covered 196,667 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2006 Ford Freestar problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 95,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Ford Freestar?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, EQ12010 ("Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing"), was opened Sep 28, 2012 and closed Dec 31, 2012.

Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Ford Freestar?

The manufacturer filed 15 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (3), the seats (2) and the steering (2). They include a service campaign, 0637, filed Feb 24, 2006. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.