Owners filed 1,300 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 1 time.
When it fails
07500075,000 milesMedian miles at failure
1,183 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2006 Ford Freestyle problems
468 of the 1,300 complaints (36%) are about the throttle and acceleration.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
467
22
0
1
Power Train · transmission
236
6
0
1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
94
1
0
0
Engine
78
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
58
3
1
2
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
58
1
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
52
2
0
0
Electrical System
39
0
5
1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
29
1
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
22
1
0
1
2006 Ford Freestyle throttle and acceleration problems
36% of all complaints
468 of the 1,300 complaints are about the throttle and acceleration. This is what owners describe:
accelerates on its own34% · 157
stalls19% · 89
sets off warning lights on the dash14% · 66
jerks, lurches or bucks10% · 45
turns on the check engine light8% · 39
loses power4% · 17
Share of the 468 throttle and acceleration complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
Typical mileage
72,000 mi
median of 428 reports
Peak year of filing
2011
213 throttle and acceleration complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
22 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the throttle and acceleration
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 FORD freestyle. While driving forward or in reverse, the vehicle randomly surged. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 05/30/17*lj updated 09/08/2017*js”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 27, 2017 at 65,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 FORD freestyle. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact stated that the service engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 20, 2015 at 128,889 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the throttle and accelerationRecall (red: the throttle and acceleration)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2006 Freestyle peaked in 2011, with 466 filed that year. No recall on file covers the throttle and acceleration, the subject of 36% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Oct 5, 2006139,537 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Risk. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
All 1 campaign 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. One names the 2006 Freestyle.
Opened May 11, 2011Closed Feb 7, 2013throttle and acceleration
On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle …
Technical service bulletins
23 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 Freestyle. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 6engine 5transmission 3brakes 2seats 2fuel system 1tires 1visibility 1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2006 Ford Freestyle 4-DR
—
—
—
★★★★★
13.3%
2006 Ford Freestyle 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
★★★★★
13.3%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jun 12, 2026TN
I recently got my transmission replaced for my 2006 Ford Freestyle in December 2025. Yet, I am having transmission issues on my car now. Bates Ford was the dealership who replaced my transmission, but I feel as if where they got my replaced transmission from was not honest about the product it sold to me. Please help!
Power Train
Filed Jan 11, 2025FL
Transmission is slipping not getting power when gas is pressed down Rpms are jumping not going into gear. Making a terrible sound in park. Passenger door not closing
Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 2023WV
Car struggles to change gears. ABS, ENGINE, and THROTTLE warning lights on. Rough idle, car does not accelerate when shifted into drive.
Structure › Body
Filed May 27, 2022MI
Took the vehicle in to local Ford for 120000 mile service and was informed the subframe was rusted and starting to separate. The part is no longer available and maybe they could find a used one as they have had to do in other cases. Not sure why just the front subframe is bad and no other part of the frame structure also the car has had rustproofing done on it. Reading on the internet this seems to be a common problem with these subframes.
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2022MN
I was driving down the road and my car just stopped like it went into Neutral but it was in drive the car starts up but when I’m Drive doesn’t go anywhere
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Feb 3, 2022160,000 milesKY
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear driver’s and passenger’s side doors would not close securely. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected however, the local dealer was contacted by phone and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V383000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2022210,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled with the battery, oil pressure, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 10, 2021139,372 milesDE
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that she noticed that after it rained, the front passenger’s side floor would fill up with water. The contact was unsure where the leak was located. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,372.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 22, 2021175,600 milesCA
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated as she was driving 5 MPH and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and the vehicle kept accelerating. The brake pedal was soft. The contact stated she continued to depress the brake pedal until it responded, and she was able to pull to the side of the road and park the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the dealer was made aware of the failure and advised to schedule an appointment to get the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 175,600.
Power Train
Filed Jan 5, 2021150,000 milesNY
THE WRENCH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON OUT OF NOWHERE AND THE CAR ISN'T DRIVABLE. WE KEEP REPAIRING THINGS BUT THEN IT COMES UP WITH DIFFERENT CODES.
Power Train
Filed Nov 29, 2020FL
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON A SUNNY/OR TO MANY ERRANDS I WILL START SEEING THE AREA FOR THE RPM'S TO GO UP AND DOWN. AT THAT POINT I HAVE TO BASICALLY DRIVE WITH BOTH FEET. THE CAR WHEN PLACED ON EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE WILL EXCELERATE ON IT'S ON, I THEREFORE HAVE TO BREAK QUICKLY SO AS TO NOT HIT A PEDESTRIAN OR AUTOMOBILE, WHICH IN TURN THE CAR WILL TURN OFF. IF IN TRAFFIC I MUST THROW IT ONTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART CAR. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE
Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 2020123,000 milesMI
I JUST BOUGHT A 2006 FREESTYLE FROM A LOCAL DEALER AND HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES ON THE WAY HOME ON THE 2ND DAY OF OWNERSHIP. CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAS MANY COMPLAINTS LISTED FROM WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION WITH EXORBITANT REPAIRS COSTS WELL OVER $5000.00
Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 30, 2020135,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED 12 FEET FORWARD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. INVALID VIN.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 6, 2020120,000 milesCA
CAR LURCHES FORWARD WHEN PARKING. IT IS WORSE IF THE AC IS ON.
Power Train
Filed Jul 4, 2020MN
CAR WON'T GO INTO ANY GEAR UNTIL ABOUT 45 MIN WHEN TRANSMISSION IS WARM. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH SAME ISSUE.
Power Train
Filed Jun 28, 202010 milesMI
WHEN CRUISING IN THE CITY OR HIGHWAY, THE CVT TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOWNSHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR, IT WOULD REV BUT NO POWER. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO ANY FASTER. THE WRENCH ICON IN THE DASH WOULD LIGHT UP. THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY IT IS TO STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THEN IT RESETS. IT HAPPENED TO ME MULTIPLE TIMES IN A DAY.
Engine
Filed Apr 5, 2020180,575 milesCA
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM PRIVATE SELLER. ON THE DRIVE HOME I TURNED ON AC AND NOTICED A SURGE SO I TURNED THE AIR OFF. AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME I FILLED THE TANK AS IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS AT AN IDLE, AND THEN BEGAN TO SURGE WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CODES INDICATED IT WAS A MISFIRE, SO DID A TUNE UP (CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COILS) ONLY TO HAVE THE ISSUE GET WORSE. THE CAR IS NOW ALMOST STALLING AND SURGING HARD. CAR IS VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE AND FEELS TO HAVE NO POWER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET UP TO EVEN IN TOWN SPEEDS(25-30MPH) CAR IS UNDRIVABLE SAFELY AT THIS POINT AND I HAVE NOT EVEN OWNED 2 MONTHS. SURGING HAPPENS AT IDLE, LOW SPEEDS, FREEWAY SPEEDS, AND SURGES VIOLENTLY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE.
Power Train
Filed Mar 12, 2020142,000 milesTX
IT STARTED MAKING LIKE A WHINING GROWLING KINDA NOISE WHEN NOT IN HEAR AND WEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE AND START TO GO BACK WARDS ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP CHANGE GEARS TO DRIVE AND YOU COULD GO A LITTLE BIT IT WOULD FINALLY CLUNK REAL HARD AND YOU COULD GO THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LITTLE WRENCH WOULD POP UP AND I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GO ANY WHERE AT ALL
Engine
Filed Feb 29, 2020NC
THE TRANSMISSION DON'T WORK LIKE THOUSANDS OF FORD FREE STYLE AND THE TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO FIND AND VERY EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THEY DON'T WORK !!!
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 29, 2020148,446 milesCA
I JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE VIA PRIVATE SELLER. NO ISSUES WERE REPORTED BY SELLER. I FILLED VEHICLE AND ENTERED THE FREEWAY. A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE STARTED JOLTING WHILE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO JOLT OFF/ON. I EXITED THE FREEWAY DUE TO FEELING UNSAFE TO CONTINUE ON THE FREEWAY. UPON EXITING THE RAMP, THE VEHICLE STALLED. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE BREAKS DID NOT SEEM TO WORK AND THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT. I PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL, AS HARD AS I COULD, TO THE RIGHT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY. DRIVING AT A SLOWER RATE, 35-40MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JOLT AGAIN AND HAD DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF THIS ISSUE, I CLEANED THE BATTERY TERMINALS TO ENSURE THERE WAS A GOOD CONNECTION. I THOUGHT THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. AT THIS POINT I HAD HALF A TANK. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, I WAS ON EMPTY. I FILLED UP THE VEHICLE FOR THE WEEK. MY VEHICLE IS NOW JOLTING AND SURGING AGAIN. I WAS ALMOST HOME, WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, I LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN AND THE BREAKS WERE NOT WORKING. I AGAIN PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL, AS HARD AS I COULD TO THE RIGHT, TO GET OFF THE ROAD AS AN ONCOMING CAR WAS JUST AHEAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, I PUT IT IN PARK, RESTARTED THE CAR, ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY AND PARKED IT. TODAY THE VEHICLE IS STILL JOLTING, SURGING AND HAS
Engine
Filed Dec 30, 201960,000 milesIL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS UNRESPONSIVE AND THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE VERY SLOWLY AT FIRST, THEN UNPREDICTABLY LUNGE FORWARD AT HIGHER SPEEDS. OCCASIONALLY THE PEDAL WILL IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WITH RAPID ACCELERATION WHEN LIGHTLY TOUCHED, CAUSING THE TIRES TO SPIN OUT WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. ALTERING THE WAY PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR HAS NO EFFECT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER 3 MONTHS WITHOUT ANY CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS, AND ONLY RECENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE IDLING DID A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND LIGHTLY DRIVEN.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 29, 2019150,000 milesPA
MY CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ON GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD ONLY GO UP TO 40 MPH - HARD TO GET IN FROM THE RAMP WITH OTHER ONCOMING CARS. IT STARTED SURGING AND BUCKING. WHEN I GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE AT THE NEXT INTERSTATE IT AGAIN SURGED WHEN I WAS GOING 20MPH. VERY SCARY FOR ME. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STOPLIGHT IT STALLED AND I HAD TROUBLE STARTING IT. I PUT MY HAZARDS ON FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP HOME. I HAVE BEEN SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND ESTIMATED $700 FOR THE PART AND $200 FOR LABOR. I HAVE HAD SURGING ISSUES THIS PAST SUMMER WHEN I USED THE DEFROST OR AIR CONDITIONING BUT NOT ANYTHING THIS BAD. I DID CALL THE FORD COMPANY AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER - THEY WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE PART OR LABOR. I SPOKE WITH A MANAGER...
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 19, 2019215,000 milesSC
WAS DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN A WRENCH SHOWED UP IN FAR LEFT HAND CORNER .MY VEHICLE QUIT ACCELERATING GOES TO LIMP MODE WHILE I WAS STILL IN MOTION ON W BUTLER RD IN MAULDIN SC 29662 DOING 40 MILES AN HOUR. IT SCARED ME.I AM 70 YRS YOUNG AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED TO DRIVE FOR 52 YRS. THIS SITUATION WAS BY FAR ONE OF THE WORST I HAVE EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN. WHAT IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION IF ANYTHING TO SAVE LIVES.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 201965 milesMN
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTED SURGING AND WAS LOSING POWER LAST WEDNESDAY 11/13/19. ANOTHER TIME, WAS WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY, THE AC, CRUISE CONTROL, AND CAR STEREO WAS ON WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ALL OF A SUDDEN. I GOT SCARED BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT PARTICULARLY ON THE HIGHWAY. FORD MOTORS PLEASE, DO SOMETHING ABOUT MY VEHICLE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP WHEN IT SHOULD EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BREAKS. WHETHER ON THE STREETS, THE HIGHWAY, MAKING TURNS, AND AT A STOPLIGHT, IT ALWAYS GOES AN EXTRA DISTANCE BEFORE ACTUALLY COMING TO A FULL STOP. THE BRAKE PADS ARE ALL OEM FROM THE FORD DEALER IN MY TOWN. I'M ALWAYS WORRIED THAT MY VEHICLE WILL ONE DAY GIVE ME THE SLIP AND GET ME INTO A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT. FORD MOTORS, WE ONLY HAVE ONE VEHICLE IN MY FAMILY AND PREVENTING A POSSIBLE VEHICULAR ACCIDENT IS SOMETHING YOUR COMPANY CAN DO ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE THE CAPABILITY AND THE MEANS TO DO SO.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2019120,000 milesGA
MY CAR STALLS, AND LUNGES FORWARDS OR BACKS SUDDENLY EVEN IF I'M PRESSING THE BRAKE.
Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2019135,000 milesTX
I JUST BOUGHT THIS 2006 FORD FREESTYLE AND HAVE ALMOST HAD 4 WRECKS THIS WEEK! IT JUST SURGES RANDOMLY IN THE SCHOOL PICK UP LINE REDLIGHTS PARKING LOTS AND STOP SIGNS IM SCARED FOR MY FAMILYS SAFETY.I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR FROM AN INDIVDUAL
Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2019189,597 milesNE
THE WRENCH ON LEFT SIDE OF DASHBOARD COMES ON AND WHEN I SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR FROM DRIVE TO PARK TRANSMISSION JERKS. HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BUT NEVER FIND ANYTHANG. DOES IT MORE WHEN IT'S HOT OUT OR WHEN ENGINE GETS WARM. LOVE MY FORD FREESTYLE JUST HARD TO TAKE TRIPS OUTA TOWN. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. CAN'T DRIVE OVER 50 MPH AND IF I AM I HAVE TO PULL OVER SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND START IT BACK UP. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO REPEAT THAT A FEW TIMES
Power Train
Filed Aug 16, 2019145,000 milesSC
THE CVT TRANSMISSION HAS CAUSED INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OVER LAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON. HAVE TO PULL OVER TO TURN OFF AND HAVE EVERYTHING RESET. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM, DEFINITELY CAN NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL EITHER. HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS OF IDENTICAL PROBLEM, MOST RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION FIRST REBUILT THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED BECAUSE THE MODULE THEY WERE REBUILDING FIRST ARRIVED DAMAGED, THEN WHEN NEW ONE WAS PUT IN TRANSMISSION SENT UP NUMEROUS OTHER CODES SAYING TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WE DID AT A COST OF OVER $7500 AND IT ONLY GETS A 100000 MILE OR 3 YEAR WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND ALL WORK DONE UNDER THAT RECALL.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 25, 2019125,000 milesMI
WHILE IDILING THE CAR WILL SURGE. THIS HAPPENS MORE IN HOT HUMID WEATHER. HAVE HAD THE TROTTLE BODY CHECKED AND CLEANED AND THIS IS STILL HAPPENING. IF NOT FOR THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE I COULD HAVE HAD A ACCIDENT. THIS I HAVE FOUND TO BE A ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE AT STOPLIGHTS, PARKING, DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE SURGING HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TODAY AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE.
Power Train
Filed Jul 9, 2019157,000 milesRI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IT STALLED AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PROGRAM COMPUTER CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2019200,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START LATER THAT DAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT NEW THROTTLE BODIES NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 11, 201984,000 milesAZ
I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND THE SPEED INCREASED WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I CHANGED GEARS TO DRIVE AND IT DID NOT INCREASE ON ITS OWN. ONCE AGAIN ON REVERSE AND HAD ANOTHER SUDDEN INCREASE OF SPEED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. IF I WASN'T CAREFUL IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 2, 2019207,300 milesMO
WHEN LETTING UP ON MY BRAKE PEDAL FROM A STOP MY CAR WILL RANDOMLY ACCELERATE AND LUNGE FORWARD. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2017. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO EFFECT MANY FREESTYLE OWNERS, AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY.
Power Train
Filed May 31, 201969,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO LOW GEAR AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT MOVED SLOWLY. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS NO REPLACEMENT KIT TO REPAIR THE FAILURE AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE 2006 TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED MAPLECREST FORD OF MENDHAM (LOCATED AT 102 E MAIN ST, MENDHAM, NJ 07945, (800) 797-7259) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FOR $9,000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Exterior LightingFire
Filed May 31, 2019106,000 milesWA
VEHICLE SITTING OUTSIDE WITH TAILGATE OPEN, NO KEY IN IGNITION WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT SIDE PASSENGER MIRROR EMITTED WHITE SMOKE ALSO A BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL. THE PUDDLE LIGHT UNDERNEATH THE OUTSIDE MIRROR ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MELTED THE WIRES AND BLEW FUSE. FRONT WINDOWS NO LONGER WORK AS A RESULT OF BLOWN FUSE
Power Train
Filed May 15, 20198 milesWA
HELLO, I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH ON US HIGHWAY 2, DRIVING FROM SNOHOMISH, WA TO MONROE, WA, WHICH IS A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO MEDIAN (DEATH HIGHWAY) SUDDENLY, THE CAR SEEMED TO LUNGE AND I LOST ACCELERATION WITH THE YELLOW SERVICE WRENCH DASH LIGHT COMING ON. MY SPEED SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED AND THE CAR PULLED AT THE SAME TIME. RPM'S JUMPED TO 5000+ BUT I WAS DROPPING SPEED. I AVOIDED THE CAR COMING UP BEHIND ME AND THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC BY QUICKLY PULLING INTO AN AREA ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE THAT COULD HAVE TURNED OUT VERY BADLY IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STUNNED FOR 5-10 MINUTES, NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED. IT HAD ALSO HAPPENED ONCE EARLIER THAT DAY AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS AND THEN SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF. AGAIN THE WRENCH LIGHT RESET AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. AS OF NOW, I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE DAMAGE MAY BE OTHER THAN I'M BEING TOLD IT'S A BAD TRANSMISSION AND THAT I NEED A NEW ONE, WITH REALLY NO GUARANTEE THAT THE SAME THING WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. SINCE THIS INCIDENT I HAVE DONE A GREAT DEAL OF RESEARCH ON THIS CAR AND SPECIFICALLY THE 05-07 FORD FREESTYLE WITH THIS CVT. IT IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS HOW CAN FORD GET AWAY THIS AND WHY HASN'T THIS TRANSMISSION BEEN RECALLED AND FORD MADE TO FINALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE SAFELY OR MADE TO REIMBURSE ALL AFFECTED PARTIES THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SEVERELY UNSAFE VE
Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 2019100,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEAN SELLERS FORD (2600 W MAPLE RD, TROY, MI 48084, (248) 221-2368) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power Train
Filed Mar 26, 2019220,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EXCEED 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. JONES FORD (2410 OCEAN HWY W, SHALLOTTE, NC 28470, (888) 826-3208) WERE CONTACTED AND ATTEMPTED TO FIND A USED TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER GAVE THE CONTACT SEVERAL LEADS TO CALL FOR REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT HAVING SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Power Train
Filed Jan 17, 2019120,000 milesIL
WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CRUISE ON WHILE GOING UP HILL OR DOWN HILL THE TOOL LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. ALSO OCCURS WHEN CRUISE IS OFF AND GOING AT A STEADY PACE THE TRY TO ACCELERATE TO PASS SOMEONE. VERY DANGEROUS ON THE INTERSTATE.
Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2018194,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. JOE MACHENS CAPITAL CITY FORD (LOCATED AT 807 SOUTHWEST BLVD, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65109, (855) 929-5900) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 28, 201859,900 milesPA
WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION IN AUGUST. THE CAR PASSED, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST WHICH COULD MAKE PASSING IN FUTURE YEARS DIFFICULT. I FINALLY HAD TIME TO BRING TO BODY SHOP. ON LIFT, MECHANIC SHOWED ME SIGNIFICANT RUST. SAID HE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WOULD BE IN THOUSANDS TO FIX. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 59,900 MILES AND HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, FOUND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE AS SEEN HERE: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/FREESTYLE/FRAME-RUST-PROBLEMS.PHP AND HERE: HTTPS://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/39926/FORD/FREESTYLE/FORD-FREESTYLE-SUBFRAME-RUST COINCIDENTALLY, I JUST RECEIVED 11-27-18 A NHTSA RECALL NOTICE FOR A "FRONT CROSS MEMBER CORROSION SAFETY RECALL 28181 ON MY 2009 MAZDA6.
Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2018128,000 milesOR
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHILE CAR IS BRAKED BUT IN GEAR (D), CAR LUNGES FORWARD DESPITE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. I NOTICE THE ENGINE REVS SUDDENLY INCREASE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. ON THURSDAY NOV 22 AROUND 7.30PM, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN WOODBURN, OREGON AS PEDESTRIANS WERE CROSSING. SUDDENLY THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD, BUT THANKFULLY DID NOT HIT A LADY WHO WAS CROSSING AND THOUGHT I WAS INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO SCARE/RUN HER OVER. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED, BUT IN TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION AND DRIVING AROUND 35 - 45MPH RANGE. THE BRAKES NATURALLY STIFFENED AND I TOLD POWER STEERING. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART. ANOTHER ISSUE IS SOMETIMES I LOSE THROTTLE CONTROL OF THE CAR. ON FEW OCCASSIONS, THIS HAPPENED AS SOON AS I STARTED THE CAR, AND SOMETIMES WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. ALL THREE OF THESE SYMPTOMS STARTED SHOWING UP AROUND THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS WHY I BELIEVE THEY MAY BE RELATED. THE PROBLEMS STARTED APPROXIMATELY WHEN THE ENGINE HAD 128,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY IT HAS 140,000MILES.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 27, 2018138,000 milesOR
THE FRONT AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT DID NOT ANY MORE AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Nov 20, 201863,099 milesNJ
WE USED THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT ON FIRE. ENGINE WAS NOT STARTED AND DOOR WAS NEVER OPENED. WE BLEW THE FIRE OUT. DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE HARMED ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS EXCEPT THE MIRROR. VERY STRANGE. ODOMETER READING IS ONLY 63099 ORIGINAL MILES.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 18, 2018153,000 milesMT
MY MOM'S 2006 FORD FREESTYLE, SURGES FORWARD WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER OR DEFROSTER. THERE HAS BEEN MANY TIMES IT HAS DONE THIS ALMOST REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HHER.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE BEET AND MY DECEASED FATHER HAVE OWN IT.(2010?) HER INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES BONKERS NOW, AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START AND THE PANIC ALARM GOES OFF WHEN WE GET OUT OF THE CAR.
Suspension
Filed Oct 1, 2018140,000 milesWI
2006 FORD FREESTYLE, 140,000 MILES. CAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE/ SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT. I BELIEVE FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2001-2004 ESCAPES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THEY SHOULD STEP UP TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE ON THE FREESTYLE ALSO.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 24, 2018140,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 16, 2018181,472 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,472.
Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2018MS
WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER THE CAR GETS A POWER SURGE. IT WILL START JUMPING I HAVE ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE IN A PARKING LOT! I WILL SOMETIMES BE SETTING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WILL GET A POWER SURGE JUST SETTING STILL I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL CARS AT RED LIGHTS. THE CAR CAN BE IN MOTION OR JUST SETTING STILL WHEN IT GETS THE SURGES BUT IT IS ALWAYS WHEN THE AIR OR HEAT IS ON. I CAN TURN THE AIR OFF OR HEAT OFF AND IT WILL STOP.
Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2018123,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SURGED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. *TT
Complaints 1-50 of 1,300, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Owners filed 1,300 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few Freestyle years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the throttle and acceleration (36%).
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Freestyle?
The throttle and acceleration: 468 of the 1,300 complaints (36%) are about it. Owners most often say it accelerates on its own (34%), stalls (19%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (14%). The typical report comes at 72,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Freestyle have?
1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 5, 2006. 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 Freestyle problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,000 miles. For the throttle and acceleration the midpoint is 72,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Ford Freestyle?
Yes, once. PE11018 ("Idle instability") was opened May 11, 2011 and closed Feb 7, 2013.
Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Ford Freestyle?
The manufacturer filed 23 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (6), the engine (5) and the transmission (3). 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: Oct 5, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.