MotorDeets

2006 Ford Freestyle: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Ford Freestyle: 1 recall, 1300 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
1300owner complaints
42mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2006 Ford Freestyle
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #06V383000 · 2006 · 139,537 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle602
Transmission & drivetrain484
Engine & cooling144
Engine114
Fuel system85
Electrical84
Other / unknown74
Fuel & propulsion53

What owners describe

The 2006 Ford Freestyle has 1300 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Freestyle model years for complaints (1.8× the average Freestyle year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (466 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (1459 complaints, 2 recalls), 2007 (893 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive182520Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172219Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Ford Freestyle.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Ford Freestyle manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2006 Ford Freestyle manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Ford Freestyle manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Ford Freestyle manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2006 Ford Freestyle have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Ford Freestyle. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Ford Freestyle problems?

Owners have filed 1300 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (602), transmission & drivetrain (484), engine & cooling (144).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford Freestyle get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Ford Freestyle repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Freestyle years

20022004200520062007