Which Ford Freestyle year should I avoid?

No year in the 2005-2007 range carries an official Avoid, Caution, Good, or Best verdict in this data. Based on complaint index alone, 2006 ranks worst with an index of 100, while 2007 ranks best with an index of 0.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Freestyle?

Engine issues are the top complaint category across all three model years, accounting for 2,058 complaints, or 56% of the total 3,652 complaints filed with NHTSA. Transmission and powertrain problems rank second at 35%.

Does the Ford Freestyle have any recalls?

NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2005 model year and one for 2006. The 2007 model year has zero recall campaigns on record.

At what mileage do Ford Freestyle engine problems typically occur?

Median mileage at failure was 77,950 miles for 2005, 75,000 miles for 2006, and 69,150 miles for 2007, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Is the 2007 Ford Freestyle better than the 2005 or 2006?

The 2007 model year has the lowest complaint index (0), fewer total complaints (893), no recall campaigns, and the lowest crash and injury counts among the three years covered.

Ford Freestyle Best and Worst Years (2005–2007)

Ford Freestyle data spans 2005-2007 with 3,652 total complaints. The 2006 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2005 at 50, while 2007 sits at 0. Engine problems dominate across all three years, making up 56% of complaints.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 3; 2005–2007
NHTSA complaints: 3,652
Recall campaigns: 2
Crashes reported: 101
Fires reported: 14
Top problem area: Engine

Freestyle Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Freestyle problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	No verdict	50	1,459	32	3	2	Engine	19.5	—
2006	No verdict	100	1,300	42	10	1	Engine	19.5	—
2007	No verdict	0	893	27	1	0	Engine	19.5	—

Most common Ford Freestyle problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine2,058 (56%)
Transmission & Powertrain1,291 (35%)
Fuel System395 (11%)
Electrical System274 (8%)
Brakes249 (7%)
Other229 (6%)
Structure & Body150 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires69 (2%)
Steering39 (1%)
Visibility & Wipers22 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Freestyle year should I avoid?: No year in the 2005-2007 range carries an official Avoid, Caution, Good, or Best verdict in this data. Based on complaint index alone, 2006 ranks worst with an index of 100, while 2007 ranks best with an index of 0.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Freestyle?: Engine issues are the top complaint category across all three model years, accounting for 2,058 complaints, or 56% of the total 3,652 complaints filed with NHTSA. Transmission and powertrain problems rank second at 35%.
Does the Ford Freestyle have any recalls?: NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2005 model year and one for 2006. The 2007 model year has zero recall campaigns on record.
At what mileage do Ford Freestyle engine problems typically occur?: Median mileage at failure was 77,950 miles for 2005, 75,000 miles for 2006, and 69,150 miles for 2007, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Is the 2007 Ford Freestyle better than the 2005 or 2006?: The 2007 model year has the lowest complaint index (0), fewer total complaints (893), no recall campaigns, and the lowest crash and injury counts among the three years covered.