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 Montego owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Montego. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was jerking and shuddering. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. A local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
The throttle control transmission has failed me several times when I'm on the road. Thankfully it's only left me stranded on the side of the freeway once but has made me stop during oncoming traffic several times. The wrench light comes on when the vehicle decelerates and I'm unable to accelerate. Once the steering wheel even locked. This happens at random times but because the code is pending mechanics can't seem to find the issue. This has happened dozens of time where it just stops suddenly while driving. I am concerned for the safety of me and my family when driving this vehicle. Please get this issue resolved!
While traveling down the road the lights went out in the car quit running at 60 miles per hour was almost rear-ended knocked up steering wheel ended up in the ditch. Had a new alternator put on twice a brand new battery had all the fuses checked everything redone 4 weeks later same thing all over again electrical problem with your car, this time being more alert of it I was able to pull over and save myself from another bad car accident there's a problem with your electrical in this car it's going to kill somebody it has cost me over $3,000 and now it's doing it again, huh complaints about this I am reporting it something needs to be done
My car has a issue with electronic throttle, I called and was told sorry your 189,000 is over 150,000 limit to be repaired. I haven't had the car for 3 years yet. This should be a recall vs a customer care issue. I drove to my son's on Monday and car loss power a total of 14 times in a 2 hr drive. I was in heavy traffic. Seems to me Ford cares more about their bottom line then their customers lives. I was almost hit several times. I have had it in the shop and the alternator replaced 3 times, with them thinking this is the issue one being replaced yesterday after the one before hand only been on their a little over a month. Come to find out Ford knows about the issue with their electronic throttles on vehicles from 2002 and up to date. …
My 2006 Montego jerks and clunks feels like it is going to drop out. It also slips into neutral from drive . The trans jerks so hard it feels like it is going to drop on the street . First noted this with less than32000 miller. Also had to replace front engine mount $475 , full instrument cluster $1100 36000million. There is a lot of people complaining to Ford but nothing is being done.if not taken care of this will be my langford product.3ford's inmyimmediatefamily now. All will be scrapped ordering for cars from a company that takes care of its customers. Ford new the CVT trans was a problem.
... We own a Mercury Montego 2006 two wheel drive v6, first time we. Bought it from a used car dealership I took it home it drove fine at the time it had 80000 miles on it went to my daughter's at night was coming home all the bells and whistles of the car went off acted like it was possessed scared me to death I pulled over shut the car off back on and went down the road fine, when I got home and park the car the car started to accelerate headed right to our house, I put both my feet on the brake to stop car from moving forward threw it into park, there is definitely a problem with this car
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercury Montego. While driving 50 MPH up an incline, the vehicle jerked. As the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercury Montego. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V006000 (power train). The manufacturer wa not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Transmission failed with 50900 miles on the odometer. Complete rebuild was necessary for car to function properly. New torque converter, valve body, two computer modules. Shop owner said he has seen many of these transmissions fail and Ford should issue a recall/campaign.
I have owned this car for 4 years. I still owe more than its worth. My 3rd transmission just went out this morning! CVT transmissions are garbage. I was quoted 6000 for another used transmission. 4 transmissions in 4 years is insane!
Transmission complaints in other Montego years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Mercury Montego?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Mercury Montego, 33% of the model year's 85 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mercury Montego transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Mercury Montego. 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 Montego transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 17% 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.