Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. The contact became aware of an oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that oil was leaking from the engine. The mechanic was unsure where the leak originated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired on several occasions due to the failure. The contact stated that each summer after the vehicle was repaired, the failure returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 (na) Ford Fusion. While driving the vehicle, smoke appeared and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle caught fire without warning. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact previously called a local dealer (crain Ford of little rock located at 4601 colonel glenn plaza drive 72116 [phone]) stated that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
I was parking in a bettendort, iowa restaurant parking lot when my car surged forward. I applied the brakes, but car would not stop. It left the parking lot, crossed a sidewalk and went onto a street near an intersection. I kept applying the brakes, but car still wouldn't stop. It collided with an oncoming car, crossed over a median and finally stopped on another street across from the intersection.
2006 Ford Fusion: when driving after the car gets warm up it is starts slipping and shifting someone harshly like it just got kicked. I was on the freeway and couldn't speed up almost got rear ended. I see others have the same issue after doing a search I found different answer as what could be wrong. Found out what the issue is with the aisin transmissions slipping which were used in the 2006 Fusion. It is due to valve bore wear in the main control. If the trans fluid isnt burnt (meaning there is internal trans clutch damage) then you are looking at $800-$1000 to replace the main control. If the clutches are burnt the whole trans will have to be replaced cost??? Something like $4000-$5000. The problem is that when Ford bought the aisin trans, Ford did not buy the service rights. So there are no service parts available or training avail on how to service this trans. …
I started having issues with my car in 2008. My car then would not go any faster than 50 MPH would not accelerate on the freeway on ramp , and could not go up hills. So I repaired it or so I though. Now bring me to last year 2014 I still experience all that pull when traveling but now my speedometer was going crazy and would just go up to 100 MPH as I was sitting at a stop light/sign. Fast forward to August 2014 when I had the speed sensor changed...and now I'm in March 2015 and again my car pulls, me speedometer goes crazy. Well as I was driving with my two children in the car ages 5 years, and 7 month old. I was rear ended while pulling up to a stop sign!!! Luckily it was just enough to scare my daughter and I was just a bit sore the whole day but things could have been worse! After reading up on the sure my issue I am having I just about had enough! …
Our Ford Fusion engine suddenly started dying in traffic. When stopping at a light or stop sign in traffic, the idle would drop below 5000 rpms, then suddenly the engine would die. After placing the vehicle in park, we would have to restart the engine. Usually would die after sitting still after about 10 seconds. Sometimes the vehicle wouldn't start backup right away, so we were stuck on the road until it finally decided to start. No check engine light or wrench would display. We took it in to Ford dealer and they determined the throttle body was defective. Apparently this is an issue with most Ford fusions, as well as other models that use the same throttle body. The vehicle has 80,000 miles on it. Repair costs were over $1000. When is Ford going to address this issue for the fusions that were made before 2009? Thanks, [redacted] ' '
After slowing down just before the stop sign, my car started to sputter and when I tries to accelerate after the intersection it stops accelerating. I had to limp along to get home. Luckily, I was just about 1.5 miles from home. I have done for this car all scheduled maintenance and never missed the recommended periodical oil changes. I drive less than 5000 miles a year with this car an it has less 59,000 miles on it. This must be due to a defective part from the factory and I should not pay for it. I have left it parked on my driveway until I hear from you and by way of your good offices hopefully from Ford. Thank you for kind assistance. [redacted]
Interior front door latches broke around the 100,000 mileage. All four electric window regulators/motor have failed from the 80,000-110,000 mileage period. Each of the regulators plastic rollers where the cable goes around were broken. Two of the automatic door locks quit working as well. All motor mounts have been replaced at least once and 2 have been replaced twice each. 4-cylinder. I have seen 100's of complaints online about the motor mounts and many for the interior latches and window regulators. I have spent over a thousand dollars on the motor mount issues.
Driving on the highway at 80 MPH the car looses acceleration power and an orange wrench symbol shows up on the dashboard. I have to safely coast my vehicle to a safe spot off the road. When car comes to complete stop it idles really rough and loud and makes a loud noise when placed into park. I have to shut car off then restart and I'm able to continue driving as if nothing ever happened. The problem keeps happening and is starting to occur more often but always while driving on the highway...pray to god nothing serious ever happens.
Engine complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford Fusion, 8% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Fusion engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford Fusion, 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 Fusion engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.