YearToAvoid

2006 Ford Freestyle Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2006 Ford Freestyle ranks worst of the 3 model years covered, with 1,300 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest among 2005-2007. Engine problems dominate, cited in 59% of complaints, followed by transmission issues at 37%.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 3 Freestyle years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
1,300
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
42
reported in complaints
Fires
10
Injuries
18
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19.5
17.5 city / 23.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
18 / 0

Top 2006 Ford Freestyle problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine770 (59%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain484 (37%)
  3. Fuel System151 (12%)
  4. Electrical System90 (7%)
  5. Other90 (7%)
  6. Brakes84 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body35 (3%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (2%)
  9. Airbags10 (1%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers10 (1%)

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

What owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle surging or lunging forward or backward when shifting into gear, sometimes at a stop.
  • Several reports describe sudden unintended acceleration in reverse that led to crashes into poles, walls, or other vehicles.
  • Some drivers say the surge is worse when the air conditioner is running.
  • One owner reported an outside mirror catching fire while the vehicle was parked and not running.
  • A driver reported airbags failing to deploy after a 30 mph collision.
  • One owner said a dealer replaced the throttle body to address a low-speed surging problem.
2006 Ford Freestyle complaints: complaints filed per quarter2622005 Q42008 Q12010 Q22012 Q32014 Q42017 Q12019 Q22021 Q3
1,300 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2005 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2011 Q3 (262).

2006 Ford Freestyle recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 06V383000Oct 5, 2006Structure & Body139,537 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

    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.

2006 Ford Freestyle fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17.5 MPG
Highway
23.5 MPG
Combined
19.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,325
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2006 compared with other Freestyle years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict501,459219.5
2006No verdict1001,300119.5
2007No verdict0893019.5

All Ford Freestyle years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Ford Freestyle reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2006 Freestyle has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (1,300) of the three model years with data, ranking it worst of the group.
What is the biggest problem with the 2006 Ford Freestyle?
Engine issues account for 59% of complaints, most often surging or lunging when shifting into gear, with a median failure mileage of 75,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Ford Freestyle have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall (06V383000) for structure and body, covering a front latch shield and a drain hole seal in the rear window trim; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2006 Freestyle compare to other years?
NHTSA data shows 2005 had a complaint index of 50 and 2007 had an index of 0, both lower than the 2006 model's index of 100.
What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Ford Freestyle?
EPA rates the 2006 Freestyle at 19.5 mpg combined (17.5 city / 23.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,325.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.