Research · Large Cars
2006 Mercury MontegoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 85 owner complaints for the 2006 Mercury Montego. Most complaints involve power train (28) and engine (18). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
85
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2006 Mercury Montego as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
85 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2005 – May 2026
- Power train28
- Engine18
- Vehicle speed control14
- Electrical system7
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Suspension5
- Structure5
- Service brakes, hydraulic5
- Fuel/propulsion system4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
28 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Engine
18 reports1 crash1 fire
“WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, CAR SPITS AND SPUTTERS AND DIES. AFTER RESTARTITBE CAR, LIGHT IS OFF. HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK. CAR WILL NOT DRIVE WITHOUT RESTART.”
Vehicle speed control
14 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Montego. The contact stated that while parallel parking, the vehicle independently accelerated and lunged forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to the throttle body. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montego FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Montego FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Montego AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Mercury Montego as of Nov 10, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2006 Montego questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercury Montego have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2006 Mercury Montego problems?
Owners filed 85 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (28), engine (18), vehicle speed control (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Mercury Montego get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Mercury Montego at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026