2006 Mercury Milan

The 2006 Mercury Milan marked Mercury’s entry into the mid-size sedan market, sharing its platform with the Ford Fusion. The Milan offered a blend of comfort and style aimed at a more discerning buyer than the Ford counterpart. Engine options included a 2.3L Duratec inline-4 producing around 160 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0L Duratec V6 producing around 221 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Milan’s comfortable ride and attractive interior, but some criticized its fuel economy and occasional reliability issues.

Engine

2.3L Duratec I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased fuel economy, check engine light. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and/or ignition coils. Diagnose and repair any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ depending on the issue and amount of items needed to be replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (specifically P0420), decreased fuel economy, poor acceleration, and potentially a sulfur smell.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ depending on parts and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duratec V6

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, low coolant levels, visible coolant leaks (often around the water pump or thermostat housing).
  • Solution: Replace the faulty water pump, thermostat housing, or any leaking hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on the location of the leak and parts.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, especially at lower RPMs, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the IMRC valve or the entire intake manifold (if the IMRC valve is integrated).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Shifting Delays
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration. Can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn valve body, or internal transmission damage.
  • Solution: Check and replace transmission fluid (if needed), repair or replace the valve body. In more severe cases, transmission rebuild or replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints/Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints and/or control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side, depending on what needs to be replaced and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains overnight or within a few days, requiring frequent jump starts. Can be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty component or wiring issue.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the draw and the parts needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, moving slowly, or only working intermittently. This can be related to a motor, regulator, or switch failing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window depending on the part replaced and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially in areas with road salt)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, quarter panels, and around wheel wells.
  • Solution: Removal of rust and repainting, or panel replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ per area, depending on the severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Light Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Can be caused by several issues, including faulty sensors or clockspring in the steering column. Diagnosis required to determine the specific problem and make repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the part being replaced and the labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mercury Milan, while generally a reliable vehicle, does exhibit some common issues. Engine problems tend to involve misfires, coolant leaks, and catalytic converter failures. Transmission issues include rough shifting or slipping. Suspension problems can include worn ball joints or control arm bushings. Electrical issues often manifest as battery drain or power window malfunctions. Rust is a common concern, especially in colder climates. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission rebuilds or catalytic converter replacement, can be costly. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problem areas when considering a 2006 Mercury Milan.