What is the crash rating of the Ford Freestyle?

The crash ratings for the Ford Freestyle vary by model year and testing agency. Overall, the Freestyle earned solid crash-test results for its era, with strong side-impact protection and respectable frontal-test scores across its production years.

What the question asks and why ratings matter

Crash ratings come from two main U.S. agencies: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each agency tests vehicles for frontal and side impacts, rollover risk, and, for IIHS, roof strength and, in later years, small-overlap crashes. Because the Freestyle was produced from 2005 to 2007 (before being marketed as the Taurus X in 2008), numbers vary by year and test type.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings

What NHTSA tests and what the numbers mean

NHTSA publishes separate star ratings for frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. The exact numbers depend on the model year and configuration, but the general pattern for SUVs of that era was four- or five-star frontal performance and strong side-impact results, with rollover ratings that varied by size and weight. To confirm the precise numbers for your specific Freestyle year, check the official NHTSA SaferCar.gov listing for Ford Freestyle.

• Frontal crash protection: star rating by year (driver and passenger). The Freestyle generally performed at four or five stars in this category depending on year and test configuration.


• Side crash protection: star rating by year. Side-impact results were typically four or five stars.


• Rollover resistance: rollover rating by year. This varied, reflecting the vehicle’s height and center of gravity.

For the exact figures, consult the NHTSA entry for the specific model year you’re researching.

IIHS ratings

How IIHS evaluates the Freestyle

The IIHS assesses frontal, side, and roof-strength performance, and, in later years, small-overlap performance as well. Across the Freestyle’s production years, IIHS test results generally indicated solid protection in side-impact and overall crash protection, with frontal test results that were competitive for its class; the precise label (Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor) depended on the year and test. Since the Freestyle predates the IIHS’s small-overlap test, its results come from the frontal and side tests available at the time.

• Frontal test results: Good or Acceptable depending on year and test configuration.


• Side test results: Good or Acceptable depending on year and test configuration.


• Roof strength: Good or Acceptable depending on year and rating criteria used.

To see the exact IIHS rating for a given Freestyle year, visit IIHS Vehicle Ratings and search for Ford Freestyle by year.

Summary

In short, there isn’t a single universal “crash rating” for the Ford Freestyle. Ratings vary by model year and testing agency. If you need the precise numbers for a specific Freestyle year (2005, 2006, or 2007), consult the official NHTSA SaferCar.gov entry and the IIHS Vehicle Ratings page for the Ford Freestyle.

Conclusion

Because the Freestyle’s production years span a period with evolving testing standards, the crash ratings appear as a range rather than one fixed figure. Checking the official agency records will give you the exact numbers for your year of interest.

Summary of sources and next steps: For the most up-to-date and precise ratings, look up the Ford Freestyle on NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov and IIHS Vehicle Ratings pages, specifying the model year you want to verify.

How safe is the Ford Freestyle?

The Ford Freestyle also scored well in terms of safety. The 2007 model, in particular, gained 5-stars in both the frontal and side crash simulations conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA).

What Ford cars have a 5 star safety rating?

The 2025 Ford Escape earned an impressive 5-star rating across frontal crash, side crash, and overall categories, as well as a 4-star rating for rollover. This small SUV is a great choice for drivers looking for a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all of the recommended safety technology standards.

Why is Ford Freestyle not selling?

As a result, it became less visible on the roads, especially in urban areas like Hyderabad. Discontinuation: Ford eventually stopped production of the Freestyle as part of its broader exit strategy from the Indian market, which further diminished its presence.

Are Ford Freestyles good cars?

Whether the Ford Freestyle is a good car depends on your priorities, as it offers comfort and space but suffers from significant reliability issues, particularly with the CVT transmission. While many owners praise its spaciousness and smooth ride, a high number of complaints focus on the transmission, brakes, and other mechanical problems. If you are considering a purchase, especially for older models, thoroughly inspect the transmission and be prepared for potential costly repairs. 
Pros
You can watch this video to learn more about the features and performance of the Ford Freestyle: 49sDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Dec 30, 2023

• Spacious and comfortable: It is praised for its three-row seating, ample legroom, and comfortable ride, making it a good family hauler. 
• Good visibility: The high seating position provides good driver visibility. 
• Flexible cargo space: The third-row seats can fold flat to create a large cargo area. 
• Safety ratings: Some models, such as the 2007 version, received 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. 
• Good fuel economy: Some owners reported good fuel economy for its size. 

Cons

• Unreliable CVT transmission: The most significant drawback is the unreliable Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is prone to failure, especially in certain years like the 2006 model. 
• Mechanical issues: Beyond the transmission, other common problems include premature brake wear, a blower motor that only works on high, and coolant leaks. 
• Lethargic acceleration: The 203-horsepower V6 engine provides adequate power for around-town driving but can feel underpowered on the highway. 
• No stability control (on some models): Some models lacked stability control, which could lead to a tail-sliding tendency during sudden maneuvers. 

This video reviews the performance and issues of the Ford Freestyle: 55sShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Conclusion
The Ford Freestyle was a capable family vehicle with some desirable features, but its reliability issues, particularly concerning the CVT transmission, make it a risky purchase. While some owners had positive experiences, the frequent and expensive problems reported by others mean it may not be a good car for someone seeking a low-maintenance vehicle.