Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The shift cable for the automatic transmission was routed next to the exhaust manifold on the engine. The shift cable gets hot and burns into from the heat off the exhaust manifold. I purchased the 2006 Ford F150 used. I had mechanic replace one shift cable with a new shift cable. The new shift cable burned into has I was backing in my driveway. I did research on the internet for trucks in that year range and it included other trucks 2007 and 2008 F150 having the same issue. You can find a ton of utube videos . ShowIng mechanics finding solutions to prevent the shift cables from burning into. I contacted Ford motor company about it. Ford wanted me to take the truck to a dealership and let them diagnosed the problem. The dealership wanted me to pay them a 150 dollars to look at it. I was not going to pay them for something that I already knew the answer too. …
while in drive, accelerating to highway speeds or cruising around 30 mph it will downshift and jump to about 4000 PMS's and not shift up into 3rd gear. It blown 1 engine and I have replaced the transmissions, taken it to a Ford dealership and they weren't able to help me. I've replaced the ECM and anti-theft modal also and the symptoms still persist. i am i in for over 11K for the new engine and transmission, and another $100 on the ECM and anti-theft modal plus the shop charges. The truck has under 190,000 miles before any of this started. I am the 2nd owner an had for less than 3k miles before any of the problems started. Now I see the 2015-2017 F-150s are having the same problems getting recalled. is there anything involving the earlier Triton's engines?
Rotted and bent frame realized after purchase on February 22 at nj car and driver (Cadillacs Plus) for $3500.00 Continues to stall and feels like it's going to crack in two. Stalled a few times while driving and had to put it in neutral to start back up
Ford's iwe solenoid has a tendency to malfunction due to a poor design. TSB 06-8-15 was issued to replace these solenoids, but only if there was a problem and only if it was giving a problem. My vehicle was in storage for 5 years and after it was brought out and to ny, the water leaked on the solenoid due to the inadequate design, causing the iwe's to malfunction. I still don't know what exactly it did but driving the car down the road, it caused me to feel like I was driving over small speed bumps with the front drivers side tire. I'm afraid that if this failed at a high rate of speed it could cause the iwe to engage and possibly lock up one of the front tires.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-150. The contact was unable to shift the gear into drive or reverse, only neutral. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutches and bands needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,854. Updated 7/16/15 the consumer stated the tail shaft housing had a hairline fracture/crack with. The repairman believed the part was defective. There was no wear on the inside of the transmission, bearing or seals. Updated 08/04/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-150. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the transmission changed from two wheel drive to four wheel drive independently. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 3/4/15 the consumer stated the cause of the failure was a faulty solenoid. Updated 10/15/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle drifted backward and crashed into another vehicle. The crash caused no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 96,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the steering wheel became tight and loosened up at random times without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the driveshaft was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Last year my brakes failed on my Ford f-150 2006, fortunately I was close by the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. Last month my daughter was driving my truck and the rear wheels locked up on the same truck, almost causing her to go over a bridge, the rail stopped her. I just want to know if any others have had this same experience.
My 2006 Ford f 150 has 125,000 miles. I went to put my truck in reverse to back up out of my driveway and it made a noise. Apparently revers band in the transmission went. I no longer can put my vehicle in reverse to back up. Very frustrated because the vehicle is very well maintained and it broke for no reason.
Transmission complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Ford F-150, 8% of the model year's 585 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Ford F-150, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.