The Lemon Index2006 Ford Fusion.
The 2006 Ford Fusion is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 53 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 48, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 to 24 mpg combined. The best Ford Fusion year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 730 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Fusion year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 106K miles on the car (429 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 59K–130K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 55K–97K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 40K–100K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- brakes 2019
The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- equipment 2014
The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 24 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling rpm
- Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFloor mat interference with accelerator2012–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Car collision with another vehicle. The front end of my car hit the back end of the other vehicle. My rate of speed was approx. 40mph none of my airbags deployed.
2006 Ford Fusion owner · NHTSA complaint 10280156
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Ford Fusion reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 48; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Fusion year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2006 Ford Fusion problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (19%), body structure (17%) and tires (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Fusion have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford Fusion get?
21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Fusion problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 106,200 miles. The middle report was at 76,000 miles, from 429 complaints.
Does the 2006 Ford Fusion have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2006 Ford Fusion cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Ford Fusion have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Fusion year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works