2006 Ford Freestar recalls and problems

The 2006 Ford Freestar has 2 safety recalls and 356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
356
Crashes / fires
3 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Ford Freestar vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Ford Freestar recalls

Recall 13V-081: Seats

Reported Mar 7, 2013 · 196,667 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-069: Structure

Reported Mar 9, 2006 · 12,728 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2006 Ford Freestar problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train259
Electrical System41
Engine31
Vehicle Speed Control19
Unknown or Other13
Seats12
Engine and Engine Cooling8
Service Brakes8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Seat Belts6
Air Bags5
Visibility5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 38
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 12
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Ford Freestar complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seat Belts · reported Mar 17, 2026
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…
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Feb 18, 2025
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 · reported Feb 9, 2024
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…
Power Train · at 85,000 miles · reported Oct 12, 2023
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 · at 137,000 miles · reported Oct 10, 2023
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.

Other Ford Freestar years

Compare all Ford Freestar years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Ford Freestar have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Ford Freestar: 13V-081 (seats), 06V-069 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report power train problems most often (259 reports), followed by electrical system (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.