Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 893 | −29% | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 2006 | 1,300 | 1.4× | 1 | Acceleration | Caution |
| 2005 | 1,459 | 1.5× | 2 | Acceleration | Caution |
| 2004 | 12 | −100% | — | Transmission | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Freestyle year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Freestyle problems
Latest Ford Freestyle recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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…
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
On certain passenger vehicles, the straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle body May break, causing the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield to drop on the driveshaft (all wheel drive vehicles) or exhaust system (front wheel drive vehicles).
Remedy: Dealers will replace both fuel tank straps. The recall began on December 1, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Freestyle should you avoid?
2005 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Freestyle years at the same age, led by speed control & acceleration problems in the 2005.
What is the best year for the Ford Freestyle?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Freestyle years at the same age, followed by 2007. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Freestyle problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (1,617), transmission & drivetrain (1,297) and engine & cooling (677). Acceleration complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Freestyle had?
2 recalls across 2004–2007. The model year with the most is 2005.
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.