2006 Ford Freestyle recalls and problems

The 2006 Ford Freestyle has 1 safety recall and 1,300 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
1,300
Crashes / fires
42 / 10
Injuries / deaths
18 / 0

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

2006 Ford Freestyle recalls

Recall 06V-383: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 5, 2006 · 139,537 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control602
Power Train484
Engine and Engine Cooling146
Engine114
Electrical System85
Fuel System, Gasoline85
Unknown or Other74
Service Brakes, Hydraulic55
Fuel/Propulsion System53
Structure28
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)18
Service Brakes16

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 127
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 44
  • Structure › Body — 19
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 6
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 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 Freestyle complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Jun 12, 2026
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 · reported Jan 11, 2025
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 · reported Feb 2, 2023
Car struggles to change gears. ABS, ENGINE, and THROTTLE warning lights on. Rough idle, car does not accelerate when shifted into drive.
Structure · reported May 27, 2022
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 · reported Mar 27, 2022
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

Other Ford Freestyle years

Compare all Ford Freestyle years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Ford Freestyle have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Ford Freestyle: 06V-383 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (602 reports), followed by power train (484). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 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.