2006 Ford F-150: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Ford F-150: 4 recalls, 585 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 10 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #05V520000 · 2005 · 199,942 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Why it matters: After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear May cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005.
Interior lights Vehicle recall #06V033000 · 2006 · 211,432 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pickup trucks fail to comply with either the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) no. 105, 'hydraulic and electric brake systems' or fmvss no. 135, 'passenger car brake systems.' these vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster.
Why it matters: This error could prevent the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light from illuminating if the ABS module ever became inoperative.
The fix: Dealers will recalibrate the instrument cluster in these vehicles. The recall began on February 27, 2006.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #08V208000 · 2008 · 605,684 vehicles
What's wrong: 4l 3-valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting May swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted.
Why it matters: Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall began on June 27, 2008.
Airbags Vehicle recall #11V107000 · 2011 · 1,325,000 vehicles
What's wrong: If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation May become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp May illuminate indicating that service is required.
Why it matters: The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer to have a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This safety recall began on some vehicles in March 2011. The…
10 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Tire recall #05T022000 · 2005 · 34,396 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain continental contitrac tr owl, contitrac tr bsw, general grabber tr bsw, and contitrac bsw tires manufactured between May 29 and June 11, 2005, and sold as original equipment on certain Ford trucks and sold as replacement tires. These tires can wear prematurely which fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 119, new pneumatic tires for vehicles other than passenger cars.
Why it matters: Affected tires May not meet the endurance test requirements of the standard. Continued use of the affected tires can result in tire failure which could lead to vehicle damage or motor vehicle crash.
The fix: Continental will notify owners and replace the tires free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2005.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights May not operate properly.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #07E075000 · 2007 · 2,388 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain Eagle eyes headlamp assemblies, p/nos. Fr390-b001l and fr390-b001r, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. The thickness is unstable inhibiting the performance of the upper and lower beams which fails to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on November 6, 2007.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #07E080000 · 2007 · 700 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain headlamp assemblies imported and sold as aftermarket equipment by sonar auto parts for use on 2004-2007 Ford f150 pickup trucks. During production, the headlamps were internally misaligned and they fail the photometry requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: The purpose of this standard is to reduce traffic crashes and deaths and injuries by providing adequate illumination of the roadway.
The fix: Sonar will notify owners and offer a full reimbursement for any noncompliant headlamps. The recall began on December 14, 2007. Owners can contact sonar at 866-558-4264.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #07E089000 · 2007 · 238 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain spyder headlamp replacement assemblies sold for use on 2004 through 2007 Ford f150 pickup trucks. During production, the headlamps were internally misaligned and they fail the photometry requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: The purpose of this standard is to reduce traffic crashes and deaths and injuries by providing adequate illumination of the roadway.
The fix: Spyder will notify owners and offer a full reimbursement for any noncompliant headlamps. The recall is expected to begin during November 2007. Owners can contact spyder at 866-558-4264.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 18 mention a fire, 42 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (77): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (20), noise or vibration (15), warning light on (15).
- Engine (74): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (14).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (68): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (27), noise or vibration (9), warning light on (6).
- Electrical (60): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), stalls / loses power (13), fire / smoke (12).
The 2006 Ford F-150 has 585 owner complaints, ranking #25 of 37 F-150 model years for complaints (well below the 1025 average). Complaints peaked in 2008 (64 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (1112 complaints, 3 recalls), 2007 (488 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Ford F-150.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2006 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Ford F-150, plus 10 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners have filed 585 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (77), engine (74), brakes (hydraulic) (68).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford F-150 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Ford F-150 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.