NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,300 reports59,900 miles · Nov 28, 2018
Structure
WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION IN AUGUST. THE CAR PASSED, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST WHICH COULD MAKE PASSING IN FUTURE YEARS DIFFICULT. I FINALLY HAD TIME TO BRING TO BODY SHOP. ON LIFT, MECHANIC SHOWED ME SIGNIFICANT RUST. SAID HE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WOULD BE IN THOUSANDS TO FIX. CA…
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WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION IN AUGUST. THE CAR PASSED, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST WHICH COULD MAKE PASSING IN FUTURE YEARS DIFFICULT. I FINALLY HAD TIME TO BRING TO BODY SHOP. ON LIFT, MECHANIC SHOWED ME SIGNIFICANT RUST. SAID HE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WOULD BE IN THOUSANDS TO FIX. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 59,900 MILES AND HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, FOUND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE AS SEEN HERE: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/FREESTYLE/FRAME-RUST-PROBLEMS.PHP AND HERE: HTTPS://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/39926/FORD/FREESTYLE/FORD-FREESTYLE-SUBFRAME-RUST COINCIDENTALLY, I JUST RECEIVED 11-27-18 A NHTSA RECALL NOTICE FOR A "FRONT CROSS MEMBER CORROSION SAFETY RECALL 28181 ON MY 2009 MAZDA6.
NHTSA ODI #11154481
138,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
Air Bags
THE FRONT AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT DID NOT ANY MORE AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.
NHTSA ODI #11154135
128,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
EnginePower Train
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHILE CAR IS BRAKED BUT IN GEAR (D), CAR LUNGES FORWARD DESPITE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. I NOTICE THE ENGINE REVS SUDDENLY INCREASE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. ON THURSDAY NOV 22 AROUND 7.30PM, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN WOODBURN, OREGON AS PEDESTRIANS WERE CRO…
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ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHILE CAR IS BRAKED BUT IN GEAR (D), CAR LUNGES FORWARD DESPITE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. I NOTICE THE ENGINE REVS SUDDENLY INCREASE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. ON THURSDAY NOV 22 AROUND 7.30PM, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN WOODBURN, OREGON AS PEDESTRIANS WERE CROSSING. SUDDENLY THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD, BUT THANKFULLY DID NOT HIT A LADY WHO WAS CROSSING AND THOUGHT I WAS INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO SCARE/RUN HER OVER. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED, BUT IN TWO OCCASIONS THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION AND DRIVING AROUND 35 - 45MPH RANGE. THE BRAKES NATURALLY STIFFENED AND I TOLD POWER STEERING. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART. ANOTHER ISSUE IS SOMETIMES I LOSE THROTTLE CONTROL OF THE CAR. ON FEW OCCASSIONS, THIS HAPPENED AS SOON AS I STARTED THE CAR, AND SOMETIMES WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. ALL THREE OF THESE SYMPTOMS STARTED SHOWING UP AROUND THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS WHY I BELIEVE THEY MAY BE RELATED. THE PROBLEMS STARTED APPROXIMATELY WHEN THE ENGINE HAD 128,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY IT HAS 140,000MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11154133
63,099 miles · Nov 20, 2018
Unknown Or OtherFire
WE USED THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT ON FIRE. ENGINE WAS NOT STARTED AND DOOR WAS NEVER OPENED. WE BLEW THE FIRE OUT. DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE HARMED ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS EXCEPT THE MIRROR. VERY STRANGE. ODOMETER READING IS ONLY 63099 ORIGINAL MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11152950
153,000 miles · Oct 18, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System
MY MOM'S 2006 FORD FREESTYLE, SURGES FORWARD WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER OR DEFROSTER. THERE HAS BEEN MANY TIMES IT HAS DONE THIS ALMOST REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HHER.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE BEET AND MY DECEASED FATHER HAVE OWN IT.(2010?) HER INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES BONKERS NOW, AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START…
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MY MOM'S 2006 FORD FREESTYLE, SURGES FORWARD WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER OR DEFROSTER. THERE HAS BEEN MANY TIMES IT HAS DONE THIS ALMOST REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HHER.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE BEET AND MY DECEASED FATHER HAVE OWN IT.(2010?) HER INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES BONKERS NOW, AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START AND THE PANIC ALARM GOES OFF WHEN WE GET OUT OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11141290
140,000 miles · Oct 1, 2018
Suspension
2006 FORD FREESTYLE, 140,000 MILES. CAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE/ SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT. I BELIEVE FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2001-2004 ESCAPES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THEY SHOULD STEP UP TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE ON THE FREESTYLE ALSO.
NHTSA ODI #11132791
140,000 miles · Sep 24, 2018
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #11130987
181,472 miles · Aug 16, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,472.
NHTSA ODI #11120496
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2018
Power Train
WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER THE CAR GETS A POWER SURGE. IT WILL START JUMPING I HAVE ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE IN A PARKING LOT! I WILL SOMETIMES BE SETTING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WILL GET A POWER SURGE JUST SETTING STILL I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL CARS AT RED LIGHTS. THE CAR CAN BE IN MOTION OR JUST SETTING STILL WHEN…
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WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER THE CAR GETS A POWER SURGE. IT WILL START JUMPING I HAVE ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE IN A PARKING LOT! I WILL SOMETIMES BE SETTING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WILL GET A POWER SURGE JUST SETTING STILL I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL CARS AT RED LIGHTS. THE CAR CAN BE IN MOTION OR JUST SETTING STILL WHEN IT GETS THE SURGES BUT IT IS ALWAYS WHEN THE AIR OR HEAT IS ON. I CAN TURN THE AIR OFF OR HEAT OFF AND IT WILL STOP.
NHTSA ODI #11119474
123,000 miles · Aug 6, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SURGED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SURGED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11118028
Official recalls
1Oct 5, 2006
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 LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE11018 · Idle Instability
Opened May 11, 2011 · Closed Feb 7, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle body and reprogramming the PCM with software containing an updated idle speed control strategy.According to Ford, some of the affected vehicles may experience momentary, intermittent engine idle RPM surge (idle flare) when stopped or during low speed driving maneuvers such as in a parking lot or driveway.Unstable idle speed control (dips and flares) around the target engine speed (700 rpm) can occur in vehicles with deposit build-up in the throttle body when the system adjusts engine speed in response to changes in engine load, typically from power steering application or air-conditioner compressor cycling.Idle speed control logic is only active at vehicle speeds below 3.5 mph and when the accelerator pedal is not applied.Ford testing of a vehicle with a worst case throttle body measured a maximum idle flare of 1360 RPM lasting approximately 1 second, which Ford indicated was consistent with system design to limit vehicle speed and acceleration in idle control mode.Ford indicated that the test vehicle was held in place with normal brake effort and that vehicle speed remained under 4 mph without the brake pedal applied.In addition to throttle body deposit accumulation, symptoms associated with the condition may include Check Engine lamp illumination and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0505, P0506 or P061B.Ford attributed the surge condition to changes in idle air flow resulting from the progressive buildup of deposits in the throttle body from normal Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system operation.This condition was not adequately compensated for in the original Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.Ford issued a technical service bulletin on August 15, 2011 (TSB 11-8-5), releasing an updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with CVT transmissions.On October 19, 2011, Ford issued a second bulletin (TSB 11-10-21) superseding TSB 11-8-5 and including updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with 6-speed transmissions.Prior to Ford issuing the TSB?s, owner?s experiencing the alleged defect either received no repairs, if dealers could not duplicate the condition, or had the throttle body cleaned or replaced, which only provided temporary correction until the throttle deposit build-up returned.Ford?s revised powertrain calibrations appear to be effective remedies for the idle instability caused by build-up of throttle body deposits.However, even after the TSB?s were released, many owners experiencing the condition continued to have difficulty with proper diagnosis and repair as dealers were often either unable to duplicate the condition or were unfamiliar with the new repair procedures.Ford's new program addresses those concerns.NHTSA's testing and complaint analysis indicate that the idle speed control issue in the subject vehicles can only occur at very low speeds, are very brief events, are easily controlled by moderate brake pedal forces and result in minor increases in vehicle speed even with no braking.This investigation is closed.The closing of this in
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