Before you buy
This 2006 Mercury Mountaineer has 117 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2006 Mercury Mountaineer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2006 Mercury Mountaineer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2006 Mercury Mountaineer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer has 117 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mercury
- Model
- Mountaineer
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 117
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2006 Mercury Mountaineer problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?
This MERCURY MOUNTAINEER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The MERCURY MOUNTAINEER has 117 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 117 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 6 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2006 Mercury Mountaineer complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 57 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 39 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that her husband informed her that the vehicle had experienced an unknown radiator failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the radiator was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehi…
My shifter continuously won’t come out of park. Multiple other people with the same kind of vehicle have posted on forums with the same issue. It’s happened weekly for a year or more. I keep getting told there’s a recall on it but can’t find it.
There is a known issue with the cluster panel’s relay that has caused my headlights to flash off and on randomly as it malfunctions.
MY CAR WILL JERK AS I'M DRIVING RPMS GOING HIGH WHILE NO SPEED IS PICKING UP. WITH JUMP OUT OF GEAR WHEN AT STOP LIGHT. LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM TIRES COULD HAVE FOOT ALL THE WAY DOWN ON GAS PETAL AND GO NO FASTER.
2006 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 123,000 MILES. NOTICE (BOTTOM) OF BOX SUBFRAME, LOCATED REAR DRIVER SIDE ONLY. FOWARD OF REAR AXLE, HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN A LENGTH OF 8 TO 10 INCHES. CORROSION HAS ROTTED THROUGH THIS AREA. VEHICLE HAS 123000 MILES ON IT. ALSO VEHICLE HAS SURFACE …
THE GEAR SHAFT WILL STOP MY CAR FROM STARTING WHEN I TURN IT OFF. IT WILL ALSO MAKE MY CAR VUT OFF WHILE DRIVING..THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR STICK WILL GET STUCK AND I AM ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS...WHEN THE CAR IS NOT STARTED AND MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE BREAKS. EVEN WHEN THE BUTTON IS NOT …
THE DRIVER SEAT MOTOR MESSED UP CAUSING THE TO BE STATIONARY. THE SEAT WONT MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD.THE AIR CONDITIONING ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOESN'T BLOW COLD , THE DASH AND RADIO LIGHTS BRIGHTEN AND DIM SPORADICALLY AND THE THIRD ROW SEATS DON'T WORK, THE GEAR STRIPPED OUT. ALS…
I LIVE IN QUINCY, MA. WHEN IT SNOWS OR GETS COLD THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY, MAJORITY OF TIME IN REVERSE, LOCKS IN REVERSE, SELF ACCELERATING, AND EVEN WHEN I BRAKE IT OVERRIDES THE BRAKING SYSTEM. LAST NIGHT IT ACTUALLY SELF DISPLAYED THE 4X4 LIGHT ON DASHBOARD. WHEN I MEAN ACCELERA…
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OR DYING AS YOU MAY SAY AS I DRIVE. IT WILL BE OKAY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN JUST DIE RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY! ONCE IT DIES ONCE, THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WOULD NOT REVERSE WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,758.
"TAKATA RECALL" PAINTING, SEATS ELECTRIC, LIGHT OF THE ENGINE.
"TAKATA RECALL" ENGINE ALWAYS TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I FIXED IT AT 3 DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS AND STILL THE SAME.
HAVE SENT A COMPLAINT RECENTLY NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME I'VE SEEN ON LINE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS DUE TO FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS ON FORD, AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER ESP 20001- THRU 2012 MODELS AND HAD A 2004 LAST YR. I HAD TO SEND TO JUNKYARD BECAUSE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND WOULD ALSO S…
2ND MOUNTAINEER OWNED TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT IN LOW GEARS AND UNRESPONSIVE. STALLED IN TOWN AND ON HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS ALMOST CAUSING COLLISIONS SEVERAL TIMES AFTER BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, S…
2006 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DRIVING ALONG AROUND TOWN OR HIGHWAY AND WILL JUST LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AFTER THE FACT THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH A RED WRENCH OR AN ORANGE WRENCH, FIRST PLACE I HAD IT TO SAID IT WAS A NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE THAT WAS LOOSE SO THEY …
MY DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH AND THE INTERIOR INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I AM DRIVING. I HAVE TO STOP AND TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT SO IT WILL STOP.
BOUGHT USED IN WA STATE AND LIVE IN NJ NOW. AFTER PURCHASSE IT RAINED ONE NIGHT AND NEXT MORNING ENTIRE CENTER CONSOLE, OVERHEAD LIGHTS WERE ALL WET INSIDE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DETERMINED LEAK WAS SUNROOF. NOTIFIED DEALER AND THEY HAD A GLASS SPECIALIST REMOVE THE ENTIRE …
MOUNTAINEER PREMIER AWD WITH JUST OVER 150,000 MILES. WENT TO RAISE REAR (THIRD ROW) ELECTRICAL SEAT ON DRIVER/LEFT SIDE. MAKES A SLIGHT CLICKING SOUND AND WILL RAISE UP ABOUT 1 INCH, THEN JUST STOPS GOING UP WITH SOUNDS STILL HEARD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS A MOTOR IN THE CEN…
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY MOUNTAINEER THE ELECTRIC RUNNING BOARD ON THE DRIVER SIDE BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING SOUND. BOUGHT FROM A DEALER IN WA STATE AND MOVED TO WI STATE WHERE THE DRIVER SIDE STOPPED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED EXTENDING/RETRACTING. MOVED TO NJ AND WE HAD P…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer.
Safety recalls
2006 Mercury Mountaineer recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Mercury Mountaineer buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 117 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This MERCURY MOUNTAINEER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
#1: Engine Problems (57 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (39 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 117 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
This MERCURY MOUNTAINEER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mercury Mountaineer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.