2006 Ford Mondeo

The 2006 Ford Mondeo (Mk III/Third Generation) is a mid-size car appreciated for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and respectable handling for its class. Engine options included a range of petrol and diesel engines. Common owner gripes often revolve around age-related wear and tear, electrical quirks, and specific issues depending on the engine choice. While generally reliable, some owners have reported concerns about parts availability and higher repair costs due to the car’s age. Available engine and transmission options include: 1.8L Duratec petrol (118hp/123lb-ft), 2.0L Duratec petrol (143hp/140lb-ft), 2.5L Duratec V6 petrol (168hp/162lb-ft), 2.0L Duratorq diesel (128hp/251lb-ft), 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and 5-speed automatic transmissions.

Engine

2.0L Duratec Petrol

• Erratic Idling/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine idles roughly or stalls, especially when cold. Can be accompanied by a check engine light.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. Check for vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, reduced power, and a check engine light indicating a cylinder misfire.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack. It is advisable to replace all coil packs at once, especially if they are original.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (per coil pack)
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Duratorq Diesel

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor starting, rough running, excessive smoke (black or white), and reduced fuel economy. Can trigger the engine management light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty injector(s). Coding the new injectors to the engine management system may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per injector)
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced performance, increased emissions, rough idling, and potential stalling. Can trigger the engine management light.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Difficulty Shifting into 2nd Gear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or resistance when shifting into 2nd gear, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Check and replace the transmission fluid. If the problem persists, the 2nd gear synchronizer may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$100 (fluid change), $500 - $1500+ (synchronizer replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revs higher than expected during acceleration, without a corresponding increase in speed.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and potentially the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sits lower than the front, leading to a compromised ride and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Vague steering and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the worn suspension bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the number of bushings replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including gauges, displays, and warning lights.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors fail to lock or unlock using the remote or interior switch. Individual door lock actuators may fail.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator(s). Check wiring and fuses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per door)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Wheel Arches and Sill Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the wheel arches, sill panels, and other lower body panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out the affected metal, welding in new panels, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (per panel)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly. Motor failure or jammed mechanism.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor. Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning blows warm air, even when set to the coldest setting. Compressor failure, refrigerant leak, or blend door actuator issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the problem (leak test, compressor check, etc.). Repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ (depending on the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Ford Mondeo can present a range of issues typical for a vehicle of its age. Engine issues often revolve around fuel delivery and ignition, while transmission problems may involve shifting difficulties and clutch wear. Suspension wear and electrical glitches are also common. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly. Rust repair can be particularly expensive, while electrical problems can range from minor fixes to significant repairs. Owners should be aware of these potential issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.