Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
FaultScore report
Owners have filed 453 complaints about the 2006 Ford Freestar with NHTSA between 2005 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
FaultScore 21/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Freestar.
How this is worked out453
Complaints
5
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
95,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
9%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Median failure at 56,797 miles
Median failure at 56,200 miles
Median failure at 56,000 miles
Median failure at 97,994 miles
Median failure at 81,417 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,650 mi
Median failure at 72,000 miles
Median failure at 49,255 miles
Median failure at 36,312 miles
Median failure at 129,800 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 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,...
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 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 t...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Structure
On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), corrosion can occur at the latch for the forward portion of the third row seat. Continued corrosion in this area may result in the inability to fully latch the forward portion of the seat into its seating position, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Note: Seat belt anchorages and permanent seat anchorages, which are at the rear of the seat, are unaffected. Correction: Dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets which relocate the seat latch strikers from the potentially corroded area. In addition, dealers will install overlay panels on the exterior of the wheel wells to prevent entry of water and corrosive elements.
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is inoperable, and therefore, the vehicle may be less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours. Normal headlamp function is not affected. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the electronic module to activate the DRL function.
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with Power Liftgate option, in the event of a liftgate strut malfunction, the liftgate may fall freely without warning after the liftgate is powered open. If the vehicle operator or passenger is standing beneath the liftgate when it falls, an injury may result. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the power liftgate module. The latest software version allows the motor to sense a falling liftgate and activate an un-commanded power close mode to control lowering of the liftgate in the event that a strut failure occurs.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11645204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11645204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD AND HAD JUST DROPPED MY KIDS OFF THANK GOODNESS. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. I WAS TRY'N TO LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS GO'N ON WHEN I WRECKED INTO THE DITCH ABOUT 60MPH. OUT OF NOWHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS STUCK N A DITCH AND NO ONE TO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10631724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD AND HAD JUST DROPPED MY KIDS OFF THANK GOODNESS. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. I WAS TRY'N TO LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS GO'N ON WHEN I WRECKED INTO THE DITCH ABOUT 60MPH. OUT OF NOWHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS STUCK N A DITCH AND NO ONE TO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10631724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD AND HAD JUST DROPPED MY KIDS OFF THANK GOODNESS. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. I WAS TRY'N TO LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS GO'N ON WHEN I WRECKED INTO THE DITCH ABOUT 60MPH. OUT OF NOWHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS STUCK N A DITCH AND NO ONE TO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10631724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A CURVE WE LOST ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT. WE ENDED UP COASTING TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS CAUSED SEVERAL CARS BEHIND US TO LOCK U THEIR BRAKES AND TWO OF THEM COLLIDED. WE WERE LUCKY IN THAT A NICE PERSON HAD A TOW STRAP AND PULLED US OUT OF THE ROAD AND TO THE OFF RAMP. MY WIFE AND I AND OUR 4 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME AND WE ALL COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THE 2004 AND 2005 FREESTARS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES WHICH WILL STRIP AND CAUSE LOSS OF POWER. OUR VEHICLE HOWEVER HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND IN ADDITION TO ALMOST DYING WE PAID $1918.32 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED! AND WE WERE WITHOUT A CAR FOR ALMOST A MONTH. THIS DEFECT IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT GETS FIXED IN THE EARLIER MODELS BUT THE OWNERS OF THE 2006 ARE STUCK WITH THE POSSIBLE DEATH TRAP.
NHTSA complaint #10597404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11724996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11724996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11645204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The alternator caught on fire and burned alternator wring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11645204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
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)
NHTSA complaint #11571123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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)
NHTSA complaint #11571123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11549645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11549260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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..
NHTSA complaint #11487389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11480057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11435165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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
NHTSA complaint #11430012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11394540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11394543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKER CORROSION DOES NOT HOLD UP 3RD ROW SEAT
NHTSA complaint #11388145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11387577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11377149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11341924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11331799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11331799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TORQUE CONVERTER IS STRIPPED AND FAILING CAUSING NO POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS
NHTSA complaint #11321531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.