VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercury Monterey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.7 times the median Monterey year — the 2006 model ranks #3 of 8 Monterey years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 63% of all reports (34 of 54), far ahead of brakes at 4.

54

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Monterey years?

Monterey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted346 complaints1968: 2 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints2004: 346 complaints2005: 136 complaints2006: 54 complaints2007: 12 complaints
Monterey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Monterey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercury Monterey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3463%
Electrical System47%
Brakes47%
Speed Control36%
Engine36%
Other24%
Seats12%
Fuel System12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2006 Mercury Monterey have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V081000SeatsMarch 7, 2013 · 196,667 units

Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.

Consequence

In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

06V069000Body & StructureMarch 9, 2006 · 12,728 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 16, 2017

“PULLING OUT INTO HWY TO CROSS TRAFFIC, CAR QUIT ACCELERATING. STARTED "JUMPING" LIKE OUT OF GAS. WAS SITTING CROSSWISE IN THE ROAD NOW, WITH CARS COMING FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS, JUST KEPT PUSHING GAS, AND IT'D MOVE A FEW INCHES AT A TIME. FINALLY GOT ACROSS INTO LANE, AND HAD TO DRIVE IT LIKE THAT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 21, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCURY MONTEREY. ON SIX OR SEVEN OCCASIONS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER, HESITATED, AND DECREASED IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GAIN SPEED NO MATTER HOW HARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2007

“TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ITS RACING ALSO THE CRUSE CONTROL SPEED UP MORE THAN IT SHOULD MY FAMILY AND ARE NOT SAFE WHEN GOING ON A LONG ROAD TRIP HOW WOULD YOU FEEL HAVING A BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE AND ON THE HIGH WAY BECAUSE OF THE BAD TRANSMISSION YOU PUT IN THE VEHICLE PLEASE FIX IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 12, 2017

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCURY MONTEREY. ON SIX OR SEVEN OCCASIONS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER, HESITATED, AND DECREASED IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GAIN SPEED NO MATTER HOW HARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 12, 2007

2006 Mercury Monterey — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercury Monterey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2006 model at #3 of 8 Monterey years. It is one of the Monterey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Monterey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (34 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercury Monterey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercury Monterey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Mercury Monterey under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Monterey years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Monterey years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Monterey years belongs to 1974.

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.