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 Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When driving on city street at 45mph the car jolted excessively once and then went out of gear untill it slowed to 30mph and slammed again violently and rpms went up to 5000 which maintaned my speed at 45mph at that time the wrench light came on and as I was coming to a red light it jerked forward while I was braking almost hit a pedestrian in crosswalk. At green light I attempted to accelerate but the car moved slowly untill it reached 25 MPH and then went out of gear while I was on the gas I tried to put it into low gear to get going so I could pull over but it didnt respond as this was happening a desiel truck had rear ended me totaling the car I just bought a week prior. . Its very unsafe car for this transmission is apparently plagued with this problem for so many others I just hope it dosent take even one death of another life before this problem is admitted and recalled to fix. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. While driving between 20-38 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gears, jerked severely, and the check engine and transmission warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to anderson Ford Lincoln (3601 stockton hill rd, kingman, az 86409, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the 4th and 5th gears were incorrect. While the vehicle was at the dealer for the gear repairs, it was also diagnosed that the valve body and solenoids needed replacement, and the PCM and TCM needed reprogramming. All the repairs were completed, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent transmission facility where it was diagnosed with the same failure and parts as the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was once again repaired, but the failure persisted. …
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. …
My 06 Fusion has been shifting funny, but I didn't know what it was. While having my oil changed, I had a 6 point inspection done, and nothing came back except my tie-rods needing replaced. One night, while driving home, suddenly my car had a hesitation when shifting into second gear. It would rev up to 3 RPM, then shift hard into 2nd gear and run fine. Two stop lights later, the shift began to get harder. I finally made it home, but later had to run an errand. The shifting got worse. Now, it was as if I was about to get a neck injury from the shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. I realized that I needed to get home, because it was too late to go to the dealership. When heading to work the next morning, the wrench light popped up on the dashboard. Living only 7 minutes from work, I thought I was fine. But now, I no longer made it to 2nd gear. …
Purchased 2006 Ford Fusion sel 6 cyl, new. And about year ago starting having transmission problems. Upon accelerating between 25-40, the transmission jumps in and out of gear, often making a loud banging noise and taking away all acceleration. In order for it to get back into gear, you have to completely let of the gas and it will eventually go back into gear. This allows for minimal accelerator at best when trying to speed up. This failure occurs randomly everytime I drive the vehicle. If not fixed, the transmission in my car will eventually go bad. Due to no codes showing up on the computer, that on the Ford bulletin it was going to need a new valve body, transmission flush, and reprogramming. This is going to cost roughly $2200. The valve body, from Ford, was $1400. …
2006 Ford Fusion: transmission slipping while driving. Slows down while on freeway and goes in out of gear. Took it to ammco and they recommend a rebuilt transmission. I see many of the same complaints they recalled focus and fiesta why not Fusion? It is the same issue that is in being settled now with the focus and Ford fiesta. This is not only dangerous but costly. I have finally found out what the issue is with the aisin transmissions slipping which were used in the 2006 Fusion http://www.fordtransmissionproblems.com/Fusion-transmission-problems/
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the speed would decrease. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the variable valve solenoids, the ignition coils, the PCM reflash and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. While driving 65 MPH, the transmission engaged into fourth gear, overdrive, and then downshifted without warning. The driver lost control of the vehicle, but managed to move the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was driven to a transmission repair shop where it was diagnosed that the transmission gear failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 133,547.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Fusion. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle's speed increased very slowly and shifted abnormally. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage on the rebuilt engine was approximately 90,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Was on the freeway in traffic. Car starting surging and was hard to keep it in a stopped position. Once traffic started flowing, I stepped on gas and would had no power could not accelerate past 20 miles an hour. Car was towed to shop. Dealer said it was the throttle body. I researched and Ford has had this problem on their cars, but said mine is not included even though I fell into the 10 year under 150,000 miles. They said my VIN is not covered.
Transmission complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 150 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Ford Fusion, 21% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Fusion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 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.