2006 Mercury Montego problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 121 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 242.0 times the median Montego year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 10 Montego years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (28), engine (24), and speed control (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
121
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other Montego years?
What are the most common 2006 Mercury Montego problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 28 | 23% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 24 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 14 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 9 | 7% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY 2006 MERCURY MONTEAGO LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PUT IN DRIVE,AND LUNGES BACK WHEN PUT IN REVERSE,WRECKING MY REAR BUMPER AND GARAGE. FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR”
“AS I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SURGED & I HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR BEHIND ME. EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED FOR A FEW SECONDS. I THEN PLACED THE OTHER FOOT ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FOOT & PUT THE GEAR INTO PARK & THE CAR STOPPED. *TR ”
“AS I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SURGED & I HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR BEHIND ME. EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED FOR A FEW SECONDS. I THEN PLACED THE OTHER FOOT ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FOOT & PUT THE GEAR INTO PARK & THE CAR STOPPED. *TR ”
“MY 2006 MERCURY MONTEAGO LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PUT IN DRIVE,AND LUNGES BACK WHEN PUT IN REVERSE,WRECKING MY REAR BUMPER AND GARAGE. FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR”
“WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN THE CAR QUIT RUNNING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED KNOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL ENDED UP IN THE DITCH. HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR PUT ON TWICE A BRAND NEW BATTERY HAD ALL THE FUSES CHECKED EVERYTHING REDONE 4 WEEKS LATER SAME THING ALL OVER…”
2006 Mercury Montego — common questions
Is the 2006 Mercury Montego reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 121 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 10 Montego years. It is one of the Montego years to avoid.
What are the most common 2006 Montego problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (28 complaints), engine (24 complaints), speed control (14 complaints).
Does the 2006 Mercury Montego have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 Mercury Montego.
Is the 2006 Mercury Montego under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercury Montego years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montego years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among Montego years belongs to 1976.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.