Model year guide

2006 Ford Freestar

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Ford Freestar is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 66 on record.

2006 Ford Freestar — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Ford Freestar at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints356
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$2,182

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Ford Freestar recalls 3

Seats NHTSA Campaign #13V081000 · 07/03/2013

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,…

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.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate NHTSA Campaign #06V069000 · 09/03/2006

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E056000 · 13/06/2006

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 ATTACHED.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Ford Freestar common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2006 Ford Freestar safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Ford Freestar. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Ford Freestar MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Ford Freestar worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,182
High
$3,500

From 64 comparable 2006 Ford Freestar listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Ford Freestar costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,500
Fuel only$17,500
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Ford Freestar trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SEL · Cargo · Limited
Engines
3.9L 6-cyl 193 hp · 4.2L 6-cyl 201 hp

2006 Ford Freestar vehicles on record

Other Ford Freestar model years

2006 Ford Freestar — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Ford Freestar have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2006 Ford Freestar. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Freestar?

Based on 356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, seats, electrical system.

What is the 2006 Ford Freestar safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Ford Freestar crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford Freestar get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Ford Freestar at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2006 Ford Freestar worth?

Comparable 2006 Ford Freestar listings run roughly $1,000–$3,500, typically around $2,182 (from 64 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.