2006 Mercury Monterey

The 2006 Mercury Monterey is a minivan that offers comfortable seating and a smooth ride. It was available with a single engine option, a 4.2L V6 engine producing 201 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Monterey’s spacious interior and comfortable ride, but some common complaints include issues with the power sliding doors and certain electrical components. Engine

4.2L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may run rough, misfire, or have poor fuel economy. Coolant leaks may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: A popping sound may be heard, accompanied by a sudden loss of power. The spark plug may eject from the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head if the threads are damaged, then install a new spark plug.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the severity of the thread damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may hesitate to shift, shift roughly, or slip out of gear.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, the transmission may require repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush and filter); $1,500 - $4,000 (transmission repair/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sags, and the air compressor may run constantly or fail.
  • Solution: Replace the air springs and/or the air compressor. Consider converting to a coil spring suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, get stuck, or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspect the door tracks for obstructions, lubricate the rollers, and check the door motor and control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents. One side may blow hot air while the other blows cold.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Liftgate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate does not open or close, or only works intermittently.
  • Solution: Check struts, wiring and the liftgate motor. Replace faulty parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles may become brittle and break, especially in colder climates.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mercury Monterey presents a mix of potential issues. Engine problems like intake manifold leaks and spark plug blowout can lead to moderate repair costs. Transmission issues, while less common, could result in significant expenses if a full replacement is required. Suspension issues can compromise ride quality. Electrical problems, particularly with the power sliding doors, are a common complaint and can vary in cost to resolve. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.