Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I got my 2007 Mercury Montego premier from my mom, who I bought it from. At that time, there was only 52,000 miles on it. At 52,000 miles, whenever the car would be put in drive or reverse, it would lunge forward. Over the years, the problem has gotten worse and worse where now when putting green the car in drive or reverse, the car lunges forward to the point that I have no control of how far it will lunge. It's so bad that I worry that I might hit someone with my car just backing up. Now, at 130,000, the transmission appears to have gotten even worse where it is slipping in 2nd gear. You give the car gas and it seems to just be at a stand still, then a) of a sudden, the whole car just throws itself, and any passengers in the car, forward and just shakes the entire vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Mercury Montego. While driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle jerked before eventually stopping. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
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!
With only 70,000 on the transmission it began to hesitate when I would accelerate and buck when I would come to a stop. This became hazardous when I was trying to come out of a parking lot onto a busy street and the forward propulsion would hesitate closing the safe gap between oncoming cars and myself. This has been a known problem with the 2005 Mercury vehicles both in the CVT transmission and the 6-speed. I don't know why they have not had a recall on the transmissions since there are hundreds of complaints on the internet with this same exact problem. My first Montego passed the lemon law with the transmission problems when I first bought it. Now the second Montego is having the same issues after only 70,000 miles on the vehicle. I had too many close calls driving this vehicle with the inconsistency in acceleration. And the bucking and thumping when braking is severe. …
The linkage that controls the gear shift allowed the car to roll while the car was supposed to have been in park. Moreover. The car was in park but wouldn't start. When the tow truck put the car on the flat bed, the car tried to roll off even though the car shift level was in park. The car was in park and the engine was off. And the key wasn't in the ignition.. The car was repaid to the tune of about $800.00. It had to do with some linkage that runs underneath the battery box. Also the car wouldn't start.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Montego years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (49), 2006 (28) and 2007 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Mercury Montego transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Mercury Montego model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercury Montego transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (32 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (1).
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.