Ford

Freestyle (1st)

2005-2007 · Midsize SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.0)
3,629 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
14 Fire Reports
100 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford Freestyle Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.0)
727 complaints 242.3 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
284
other
214
engine
138
fuel system
85
cooling
70

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (284 complaints)
Engine Issues (138 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (85 complaints)

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 203 hp
Avoid (1.2)
2,902 complaints 967.3 per year Gasoline
12 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
997
other
975
engine
534
fuel system
308
cooling
277

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (997 complaints)
Engine Issues (534 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (308 complaints)

Same engine used in

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Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Freestyle regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (1,281 complaints)
transmission serious
Engine Issues (672 complaints)
engine serious
Fuel System Issues (393 complaints)
fuel_system serious
Cooling System Issues (347 complaints)
cooling serious
Electrical System Issues (293 complaints)
electrical serious

Recalls (2)

06V383000May 9, 2006cosmetic
Latches/Locks/Linkages

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.

05V515000Sep 10, 2005serious
Fuel System

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).

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle problems?

The 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle has accumulated 3,629 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Freestyle engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle a good used car?

The 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,629 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle have?

The 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle has 3,629 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Freestyle?

Before buying a used Ford Freestyle, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Freestyle?

The 2007 Ford Freestyle received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (13.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,629 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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