2006 Ford Freestar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Freestar › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Ford Freestar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2006 Ford Freestar. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
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.
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
On certain vans equipped with the power liftgate option, the power liftgate motor automatically disengages after the liftgate IS powered open.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
356 complaints3 involved a crash4 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts · Seats
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…
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 Ford corporate customer support. However, I have not received any resolution. I have been given the runaround between Ford corporate and the dealership. The dealership referred me to Ford customer support, and Ford customer support continues to refer me back to the dealership without providing any solution. I also have written communication from the dealership service department stating that their Special Service Support Center would not be able to assist and advising me to contact Ford customer support. Despite following these instructions, no assistance or remedy has been provided. As a result, the safety recall remains unresolved, and I am unable to complete required vehicle inspection/registration. I am left with a vehicle that has a known safety defect with no available repair and no clear resolution from the manufacturer. I am requesting immediate assistance and a definitive resolution to this safety issue.
- Electrical system · Engine
The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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 · Unknown or other
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…
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 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Power train
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…
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
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…
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.
- Power train
Was driving on populated road when all of a sudden car when in to neutral and almost rear-ended if not for quick thinking. Had to have it towed and now don't have any money to fix it so I lost my job cause could not get to work please have this problem recalled like the earlier years..
- Power train
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the freeway, the RPM’s increased however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact’s wife was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and…
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the freeway, the RPM’s increased however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact’s wife was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
During rush hour I was pulling out of a Walgreens parking lot to take a left hand turn. As soon as I gave it gas it went forward about 7 feet and then it seemed as though my van went into neutral on its own. I looked on the dash and saw it was still in drive. I was stuck in the middle of…
During rush hour I was pulling out of a Walgreens parking lot to take a left hand turn. As soon as I gave it gas it went forward about 7 feet and then it seemed as though my van went into neutral on its own. I looked on the dash and saw it was still in drive. I was stuck in the middle of traffic in the middle of my left turn. My car was sideways with traffic coming toward me from both sides I tried to put it in 3rd ,1nd, reverse. The shifter moved to those gears but all that happened when I gave it gas was revve up the rpm. I'm EXTREMELY lucky that the on coming traffic didn't side swipe me. I was able to get help pushing it to a side street. Where I turned it off for 30 min and tried again, still no vehicle movement, checked transmission fluid... It was good. I was not getting any transmission engagement. There was no warning lights illuminated prior to this incident and there is currently no warning lights illuminated now. I would absolutely LOVE if someone could inspect my vehicle and I'm available anytime for someone to do so. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because I was unable to complete my left turn my vehicle was stuck sideways during rush hour with on coming traffic coming from both ways. I haven't taken the vehicle to the ford dealer or any other independent service center. Thankfully there was no accident, so I didn't have the need to call the police.
- Power train
Driving down the road vehicle experiences total loss of acceleration it’s like it’s in neutral in every won’t go forward or backwards towed home looked up problem seems that it’s the same as recall for 04-05 models torch converter had I been on highway in St. Louis mo could have been killed as they…
Driving down the road vehicle experiences total loss of acceleration it’s like it’s in neutral in every won’t go forward or backwards towed home looked up problem seems that it’s the same as recall for 04-05 models torch converter had I been on highway in St. Louis mo could have been killed as they aren’t known for being the safest drivers it’s my opinion Ford should have to recall every vehicle that had the parts that are faulty in them regardless of the model year if the parts are junk on 04-05 they used the same in 06 models you know they are gonna have same problems
- Power train
While driving my van, it just stopped right in the road. Wouldnt do anything. Wouldnt go in gear or move. Had to tow it to a shop. Turns out the transmission was shot. Needed to rebuild it. Very costly. 3200. Not happy.
- Seats
My third row seat latch rusted off and completely fell out while driving. I had a big hole right by the driver side back tire. I had to screww a piece of metel over the hole cause water would splash in. I cannot use my third seat any longer.
- Seats
3RD row seat latch striker corrosion does not hold up 3RD row seat
- Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat latched wheel well corroded. The contact stated that there was rain water entering the vehicle through the rear wheel well by the passenger's side roller of the sliding door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. The contact stated that the third-row seat latched wheel well corroded. The contact stated that there was rain water entering the vehicle through the rear wheel well by the passenger's side roller of the sliding door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v081000 (seats). There was no assistance provided. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure described in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
- Power train
I got into my van and started it , put it into reverse to back out of my driveway. My vehicle would not move in reverse. I placed it in drive and still no movement . The vehicle won't move on its own at all. There was no problems leading up to this incident.
- Engine · Structure › Body · Suspension
I purchased a 2006 ford freestar van on 10-13-2020 and 10-16-2020 car lights started blinking on and off in an outside the van. Started to drive home the van started jerking bad and smoking. Cut off in the middle of the road while my children an pregnant daughter in law were in the van. The axle broke and my transmission fluid IS leaking my gears change but van won't move.
- Seats
The 3RD row seat latch panel IS rotted out on my freestar, thank god my grandkidd weren't in the seat when it broke away from body.
- Engine · Power train
My 2006 ford free star, lost it gears in the middle of driving on a busy hwy. I was reversing out of a drive way on to the hwy and went to go into d and it would not move it would only go into first gear. I think this a major safety issue and ford should be held accountable for it poor design. Me…
My 2006 ford free star, lost it gears in the middle of driving on a busy hwy. I was reversing out of a drive way on to the hwy and went to go into d and it would not move it would only go into first gear. I think this a major safety issue and ford should be held accountable for it poor design. Me and my children could of been hurt or even worse killed. The hwy IS 65 mph an I'm stuck across the two lanes. Because the van wont shift. I looked online and this happens a lot with this make and model. And it not the first time I have lost power well driving on the hwy in this van due to poor design.
- Power train
Torque converter IS stripped and failing causing no power to the drive wheels
- Power train
My mom was driving our 2006 ford freestar limited, it only has 85,000 miles and the transmission blew on us. When it happened we were driving up a hill at night . We called the police and an officer came to just to make sure we didn't get hit. The flashers were on the whole time, but apparently…
My mom was driving our 2006 ford freestar limited, it only has 85,000 miles and the transmission blew on us. When it happened we were driving up a hill at night . We called the police and an officer came to just to make sure we didn't get hit. The flashers were on the whole time, but apparently people don't pay attention, later we had found out that the torque converter was no good. I did some research and found out that from 2004-2005 model years had a recall for the torque converter. Personally all years should have been on the recall and not just 2 model years. Its extremely dangerous and we actually had to bring the van back to dealership where we purchased it from. Currently we have been without a vehicle for months.
- Seats
TL * the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. while driving approximately, 45-60 mph the third row stow-able seat fractured and leaned forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the seat was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to greenwood ford lincoln 3075…
TL * the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. while driving approximately, 45-60 mph the third row stow-able seat fractured and leaned forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the seat was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to greenwood ford lincoln 3075 scottsville rd, bowling green, ky 42104 (270) 843-9041, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign number 13v081000 (seats). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,118.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. The contact stated that there was rust on the wheel wheel, mounting brackets, and latches. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,988.
- Visibility/wiper
I have replaced my windshield wiper motor 3 times and they may work one or twice then stop working
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. When the vehicle was started and placed in reverse, the rpms increased. The failure had been occurring for approximately five years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but said they were no…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford freestar. When the vehicle was started and placed in reverse, the rpms increased. The failure had been occurring for approximately five years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but said they were no longer fixing that issue. It can happen on drive or reverse and while I am turning into alone it will turn off so I have to rush and put the car in neutral and start it so I don't cause an accident. Approximate failure mileage was 139,000. *tr*jb
- Power train
Driving home from store after getting dinner which IS only 2.2 miles away, made it 2 miles back home. Stoped at stop sign started to accelerate up a small incline, engine revved to red line. So I coasted to side of road, shut off vehicle, then started it to try and let it reset, it would not go…
Driving home from store after getting dinner which IS only 2.2 miles away, made it 2 miles back home. Stoped at stop sign started to accelerate up a small incline, engine revved to red line. So I coasted to side of road, shut off vehicle, then started it to try and let it reset, it would not go at all or try to go into any gear only park will work. After letting it sit it will still not go into any gear or move at all. The transmission fluid IS full and does not smell or look burnt, engine runs great and starts with no problems. I have seen that this IS not the first complete made about this happening to this type of vehicle. It was made in may of 2005 and IS considered a 2006.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
- Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt…
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.
- Engine Stalling
The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the…
The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to NHTSA, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205034Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action
- 10183770For 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey vehicles Safety Recall 13S01 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the sheet metal that supports the folding 3rd row seat latch strikers could experience corrosion and may compromise the mounting point for the forward portion of the 3rd row seat. Initially, this condition may result in seat movement when passengers sit on or put weight on the seat, or difficulty latching the front of the seat when in its seating position. If corrosion is severe, the seat latch strikers may become detached from the vehicle. The seat belts and the permanent mounting attachment at the rear of the seat are unaffected.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10058103Ford/mercury: safety recall regarding sheet metal support for folding 3RD row seat latch strikers can experience corrosion and will compromise mounting point causing seat to move. Model 2004-07 freestar, monterey.
- 10023292Damaged spark plug electrode/mil dtc p030x, rough idle, engine knock/ping on acceleration.
- 10021907Advanced traction control system - short duration activation.
- 10021217Power steering hose leak near cooler extreme cold climate areas only -4 degrees and cooler.
- 10020701Advanced traction control system - duration activation.
- 10019575Customer satisfaction program 06b37. Crank position sensor connector inspection. The crankshaft position sensor harness connector may not have been fully seated in the crankshaft position sensor. If the crankshaft position sensor became disconnected, the engine would stop.
- 10019384Low tire indicator on - TPMS system sensor wake up.
- 10019067Rear climate control noises - service tip.
- 10018739Ignition diagnostics. To include lincoln zephyr 2006.
- 10018071Restraint control module diagnostic trouble code b2296 - service tip.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
Every Ford Freestar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.