Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Freestar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Sudden loss of power to wheels @ 114,000 miles; Ford dealer: "you need to purchase a rebuilt transmission" this is the torque converter as known to NHTSA; demanded Ford refund, refused. Second Ford remanufactured transmission warranty not being honored with failure @ 93,000. Ford dealer: "replaced fuse, torque converter shudder; your van has over 200,000 miles on it!!" significant transmission vibration with steering shudder, re-diagnosed January 10, 2014; continuation of 93,000 failure and claimed repair. PCM failed at aprox. 85,000 miles; power steering leaks year after purchase @ 53,000 original miles. Ford dealer refuses repair/refund. All documents in possession.
While driving down the highway with my five children in the car the carson we lost power and I had to say try my best to safely coast to the side of the road and was not able to get completely out of the way before the car stopped and wouldn't move. We have to get out of the car walk through a field a9 year old 10 year old 6 year old two year old and an 8 month old. There are recalls on all other urs except this one even though they have the same engine and failing parts. Torque converter!!! My kids were afraid and didn't know what would happen to us. It will cost us money we don't have to fix this car, with the faulty part. We should be included in the recall.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed and a certified mechanic diagnosed that the motor and transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,486.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Freestar. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began to slow down and then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,744.
Was driving down the highway and the vehicle completely wouldn't accelerate. It was like the engine wouldn't go. Had to had it towed with children in the car and I was told it might be my transmission.
I own a 2006 Ford Freestar and as of jan 9 2012 they have recalled 04-05 for the transmission blowing up! Torque converter ,pump and output shaft to give you the pats! My family was in the van on the 400 hwy driving on jan 22 2012 with two children and my van shouts down no control,driving 105-110 in the middle lane.. We did get to the side of the road and no one was hurt thank god, to realize our transmission blow,with only 105,000km on the van not knowing there was a problem out from Ford Canada all ready for the 04-05 ,we have called Ford Canada and told them what happened and they informed us that we have no warranty and its not in the recalls, so the van was fixed with a billof 2975.00at aamco transmission on jan 25th 2012 with no help from Ford, I cant believe this has happened they were aware of this problem and are not concerned about lives, someone or all of us and anyone …
Engine complaints in other Freestar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford Freestar?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford Freestar, 11% of the model year's 356 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Freestar engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford Freestar, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Freestar engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.