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 Mercury Milan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 40-50mph and then trying to accelerate to pass or go uphill the transmission would cluck out of gear and then slam back in violently. It was so violent that it snapped the transmission torque mount. When it does this the car lunges forward with loss of power and then snaps back when it slams back into gear. I took it to a transmission specialist and after consulting with sonnax technical support, the only solution is to replace the valve body and update the PCM/TCM with the latest software. However, they did say that there was no guarantee that this wouldn't happen again because aisin/Ford have not figure out how to fix the issue with the valve body, they keep throwing updates at the problem but buy then damage has already been done and Ford wont do anything about it. …
Well we were driving through the appalachian mountains on the highway, we went to pass a car that was slow. We stepped on the accelerator and it tried to shift into overdrive (because everyone if flying through there). But, as that happened the transmission slipped and sent the rpms to a really scary area where we thought it was going to blow up. Luckily, they came back down but as we would drive until it stopped. A couple months later we figured out if when that happened if we pulled over turned the car off let it sit for a minute then turn it back on and it would work fine for a while then. So, to me it almost seems like its a computer issue but its not because we went to an as-e certified shop and had the computers flashed then reprogrammed and it still does it while driving.
Started car for a drive after oil change/ disconnect battery for terminal cleaning and reconnect. Upon acceleration, could not get car to shift unless let off gas. Shifts hard, did not shift 3 and 4 gear until acceleration of at least 55 MPH, then 70 in 4th gear. On highway seemed to want to slow down. Upon parking, let it idle. Car flashed engine light, wrench and curvy road. Idling was rough, as if vacuum was not working. Turned car off and then on. Wrench disappeared and curvy road but engine light on. Checked codes. Only threw one code not related to problem. Unable to drive this way. So many complaints but no recalls. Never buying a Ford again. Looks like time for foreign car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercury Milan. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor illuminated intermittently. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. Also, while driving, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed and the transmission would slip when shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 84,000.
As I was trying to pick up speed from 35 MPH my car started to slow down an my check engine light came on. I immediately took it the mechanic to get the diagnostic test ran on it. It showed that I had a bad ignition coil and spark plugs. I bought the coil from Ford and when I got it put in my car 3 minutes later that same coil I bought exploded again! Ima mechanic called Ford they said it was a recall on this cars PCM. I've read about this problem from numerous people. Ford needs to do something about this!!!
Hard shifting between gears from 30 MPH to 60 MPH. Have to pull over sometimes. Very dangerous when entering the freeway or needed acceleration or reduction in speed in traffic situations. Have had Ford update computer with no results.
The first incident my car was bucking and shaking. I took to dealer and they replaced the computer that ran the transmission and 3 coils. Now at 77,000 it again is having slipping issues with the transmission. These issues seem to happen at random times, but usually between 40 and 50 MPH. When you put your foot on the gas to accelerate from 40-50mph there is a loud banging sound when the transmission slips and you lose acceleration. You have to take your foot off the gas and try repeatedly again to get the car to accelerate. I almost got rear-ended by a tractor trailer when I attempted to change lanes, but could not accelerate due to the slipping problem. It took it to mechanic who had the car for 2 weeks and couldn't find the problem. Mechanic took it to Ford dealer and they said they put on computer diagnostics and couldn't find a problem. …
I got into the car with my one month old granddaughter and her mom and my son, the car hesitated to start, got on the expressway and tried to pick up speed and the car goes only to 55 speed and it don't pick up so I had to get off the expressway with my family because the car wasn't acting right, .then the next thing I know the check engine light came on and the airbag came on and that tool bar on the left hand side of the dash board came on.as well as the check engine light, this is a 2006 Mercury Milan premier , I heard a lot of clicking while I was driving back home, when I tried to turn the car hesitate and another car almost hit me and my family and one month old granddaughter. I reach out to Ford and was told that they didn't have any recall in the system for my car . …
Throttle defect -loss of power/acceleration - and - Takata airbag recall. Vehicle had not been driven more than 1-2 miles, and has been parked since May due to previous airbag warning and subsequent recall. Upon starting the vehicle on 10/23/16 to move it to wash it, the vehicle exhibited extremely limited acceleration and loss of power regarding acceleration, & then sudden acceleration. Car was parked along the curb, and when started, the orange wrench light came on. Upon attempting to drive it, the vehicle experienced extremely limited power/acceleration. It took a considerable distance to reach 30 MPH. Upon reaching this speed on the highway, the vehicle accelerated very rapidly. Returned vehicle home and parked it immediately. Additionally, we received the Takata airbag recall letter nearly 5 months ago, and there are still no parts available. Vehicle has less than 91, 000 miles.
I was driving down i75s in very slow traffic. As I was approaching am accident. I noticed the car stalling or jerking a little. The wrench sensor came on in the car. I got over 2 lanes of traffic to the shoulder & checked the car. I didn't see any obvious problems so I turned it off waited a few seconds & started it back up. The wrench light went off but the check engine light came on. I got off the exit & turned around to come home. The car did fine. I took the car to my local Ford dealer for a diagnostic test & they said the throttle body was failing & would eventually leave me stranded. I am trying to get this issue taken car of soon. I've seen several other people with the same issues as mine online with nc cars & would like to know if there is any recall info regarding this subject. I haven't been able to work bc this is my only car & im scared to get stranded.
Transmission complaints in other Milan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Mercury Milan?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Mercury Milan, 10% of the model year's 214 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mercury Milan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Mercury Milan, 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 Mercury Milan transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
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.