2004 Mercury Monterey

Above average

Owners filed 283 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,000 milesMedian miles at failure

272 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Mercury Monterey problems

193 of the 283 complaints (68%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission128
110
Power Train · transmission54
000
Structure › Body · body and frame12
000
Seats9
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter · transmission9
000
Steering8
010
Electrical System7
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
110
Engine5
010
Unknown or Other4
000

2004 Mercury Monterey transmission problems

68% of all complaints

193 of the 283 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • loses power19% · 37
  • drops into neutral10% · 19
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 19
  • slips or will not engage a gear8% · 16
  • stalls5% · 10
  • turns on the check engine light3% · 6

Share of the 193 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
76,000 mi
median of 190 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
60 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 1 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
“Thursday may 23 2019. Driving down the road and my van just cut off. I was able to restart the van and get into a parking lot. I sat for a bit and tried it again. It started. But I had no power to go forward or reverse the transmission was just gone. Absolutely no warning or anything like this had happened. No service engine light .. I was on a city street. I had just pulled forward from waiting for a red light.”
Owner complaint, filed May 28, 2019 at 92,650 miles
“As of today, january 22, 2018, I had to have the van towed to a transmission shop as yesterday, january 21, 2018, the transmission locked up while in light traffic. Praise god was able to get it to a nearby parking lot until the wrecker came. After researching online it has become clear this vehicle has had several incidents and repeat incidents with FORD motor company torque converters.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 22, 2018 at 144,600 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'032004: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2005: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'052006: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission2007: 7 complaints, 1 about the transmission'072008: 18 complaints, 15 about the transmission2009: 42 complaints, 37 about the transmission'092010: 67 complaints, 60 about the transmission2011: 40 complaints, 35 about the transmission'112012: 35 complaints, 20 about the transmission2013: 20 complaints, 6 about the transmission'132014: 14 complaints, 5 about the transmission2015: 8 complaints, 2 about the transmission'152016: 5 complaints, 1 about the transmission2017: 9 complaints, 4 about the transmission'172018: 5 complaints, 3 about the transmission2019: 3 complaints, 2 about the transmission'192020: 2 complaints, 1 about the transmission2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'232024: 2 complaints, 1 about the transmission2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 03V457000 (steering)Recall 04V446000 (wheels)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 12V006000 (transmission)Recall 13V081000 (seats)NHTSA investigation EQ12010NHTSA investigation PE11039NHTSA investigation PE11033NHTSA investigation PE10033NHTSA investigation EA09016NHTSA investigation PE09033
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 Monterey peaked in 2010, with 67 filed that year. Owners had filed 148 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 12V006000 in January 2012; 45 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Filed Mar 7, 2013196,667 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The third row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third row seat may not fully latch into its seating position.

Risk. In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter12V006000
Filed Jan 9, 2012206,452 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.

Risk. THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITH NO WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Wheels › Hub04V446000
Filed Sep 13, 200434,013 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN MINIVANS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT HEAT TREATED CORRECTLY. THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL CRACKS IN THE HUB.

Risk. IF THE CRACKS WERE TO PROGRESS, THIS COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN WHEEL SEPARATION. WHEEL SEPARATION MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT HUB, ROTORS, AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections03V457000
Filed Nov 6, 200323,996 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.

Risk. IF THIS LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, IT MAY CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR FLUID TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE TO ENSURE THAT IT IS SEATED PROPERLY AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 2004 Monterey.

Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts FailingInvestigation EQ12010Closed
Opened Sep 28, 2012Closed Dec 31, 2012body and frame

Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.

Corrosion of Third-Row Seat AttachmentEngineering analysis EA12003Closed
Opened Apr 23, 2012Closed May 2, 2013Led to recall 13V081000seats

Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details).The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the salt belt states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West …

Corrosion of Third-Row Seat AttachmentPreliminary evaluation PE11039Closed
Opened Dec 21, 2011Closed Apr 27, 2012door locks and latches

ODI has received 18 complaints on the subject vehicles from the salt belt states that allege severe corrosion at the rear wheel wells.Additionally, ODI identified 4 similar reports from Ford's response to the investigation.Ford submitted a total of 10 reports to ODI (6 of 10 Ford reports are duplicates of ODI reports).The complaints indicated difficulty or inability to latch the rear seat as some of the complaints reported the entire anchor plate completely detached from the vehicle (rear wheel well).The first report of this condition was received in March 2011 and subsequent reporting …

Service Jack FailurePreliminary evaluation PE11033Closed
Opened Sep 13, 2011Closed Dec 7, 2012equipment

The subject vehicles (SV) are all automatic transmission, front wheel drive vehicles with hand actuated mechanical park brakes. The investigation focused on allegations that the service jack failed and caused the vehicles to fall. The subject scissors-type jack appears to fail at the slotted hinge joints where the jack screw is located (bends at mid-point). The failures occur while the jack is in use, and vehicle movement (forward or backward) is typically reported coincident with the failure. Ford reported that most MY 2003 Windstar and all MY 2006-2007 Freestar/Monterey also use the subject …

Engine StallingPreliminary evaluation PE10033Closed
Opened Aug 23, 2010Closed Jul 15, 2011transmission

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light …

Transmission Torque Converter FailureEngineering analysis EA09016Closed
Opened Nov 10, 2009Closed Feb 2, 2012Led to recall 12V006000transmission

On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will …

TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE09033Closed
Opened Jul 15, 2009Closed Nov 17, 2009transmission

Odi has received 227 owner complaints alleging a sudden and unexpected loss of motive power due to an internal transmission failure in the subject vehicles.of those complaints, 124 can be attributed to the torque converter output shaft splines stripping causing a sudden loss of power to the drivetrain.the remaining 103 complaints experienced a loss of motive power but the specific internal failure cause within the transmission is not known.odi has upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis (ea09-016) to continue its assessment of the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences …

Technical service bulletins

60 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Monterey. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

electrical system 14brakes 8transmission 6visibility 6seats 5engine 4steering 3equipment 3
05145Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 11, 2005transmission

ERRATIC FLUID LEVEL READING ON TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK-LEAKS-4F50N, AX4N, AX4S TRANSAXLE. *SC

0598Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005transmission

A BROKEN OUTER C/V JOINT ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5/1/2005. *TT

042107Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 13, 2004transmission

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

04217Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 2004transmission

GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

041512Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2004transmission

4F50N TRANSAXLE NO 1-2 UPSHIFT AND DIAGNOSITC TROUBLE CODE P0732. *TT

17358Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 1, 2004transmission

GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Feb 3, 2026361,749 milesGA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Mercury Monterey. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 223,476 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 361,749.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 19, 2024CO

Reported on third seat on 2004 Mercury Monterrey premier van was recalled , also air bags was recalled and also on wheel of vehicle was recalled in which I want to see if I can take my vehicle and have it inspected and keep my vehicle on the list if any recall and Thank You .?

Power Train
Filed May 2, 2024104,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. The contact stated that while driving through a drive thru, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral and was unable to shift into the intended gear. The automatic transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was contacted back in 2012 who confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train); however, parts were not available. The contact called that same dealer in 2015 who confirmed that parts were available for the recall repair however, there was no available appointment and advised the contact to bring in the vehicle to be repaired only if a failure was experienced. The vehicle was not repaired. After the most recent failure, the contact called the same dealer and was informed that the system was indicating that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was never scheduled for the recall repair. The contact confirmed that the recall repair was not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2021184,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The driver manually shifted gears to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the return spring part was no longer being produced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 202093,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO NEWTON FORD SOUTH (2010 N MAIN ST, SHELBYVILLE, TN 37160) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 30, 2020180,000 milesPA

WELL I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS BUT AROUND AUGUST 2020 MY GRANDSON JUST GOT OUT OF KNEE SURGERY WE WAS DRIVING UP TO LIMESTONE NEW YORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND IT STOPPED MOVING SO I COSTED OFF THE ROAD WE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED SO WE SAT THERE AND THERE WAS ALOT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERYWHERE SO A MAN STOPPED TOOK MY BOYFRIEND TO A STORE TO GET TRANSMISSION FLUID WHILE ME MY DAUGHTER N GRANDSON WAITED IN THE VEHICLE HE PUTS THE FLUID IN WE GOT IT TO MOVE TO THE NEXT EXIT WHERE THE FLUID JUST KEPT DRAINED OUT SO WE HAD TO SIT THERE AND WAIT FOR A RIDE AND A TOW WHICH THE PPL PICKED US UP AND BROUGHT US HOME THE NEXT DAY MY BF RENTED A CAR DOLLY AND WE RAN BACK UP TO GRAB AND TOW IT BACK TO MY PLACE AND IT HAS BEEN SITTING HERE EVER SINCE CAN SOMEONE HELP PLEASE I NEED MY VEHICLE FIXED I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT IT WAS DRIVING FINE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 20, 2019126,000 milesWI

LOWER CONTROL BOLT THAT MOUNTED TO SUBFRAME RUSTED THREW FRAME . IF NOT CAUGHT ON TIME THE TIRE WOULD SEPERATE I TOOK THE VECHICLE TO A WEDLER FOR TEMPERARY REPAIR. BUT UNFORTANLEY THE DESIGN ON THE SUBFRAME HAS HOLES SO IT ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER AND CAUSE FRAME TO RUST! ALERT WHEN BRAKING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING THAT IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT BROKEN. VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE VECHICLE WITH PHYSICAL PROOF OF RUSTED FRAME IF NEEDED I CAN TAKE PICTURES WHEN THE TIME COMES.

Power Train
Filed May 28, 201992,650 milesMN

THURSDAY MAY 23 2019. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VAN JUST CUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VAN AND GET INTO A PARKING LOT. I SAT FOR A BIT AND TRIED IT AGAIN. IT STARTED. BUT I HAD NO POWER TO GO FORWARD OR REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS JUST GONE. ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAD HAPPENED. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT .. I WAS ON A CITY STREET. I HAD JUST PULLED FORWARD FROM WAITING FOR A RED LIGHT.

Power Train
Filed Jan 2, 2019100,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE RPMS INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 18, 2018CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Power Train
Filed Mar 14, 2018110,000 milesVA

I PURCHASED THE 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY VAN VIN [XXX] FROM GOOD FRIENDS, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OUTPUTSHAFT FAILED, UPON TELLING MY FRIENDS ABOUT THIS THEY GAVE ME A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE PARTS, SO I CALL SHEEHY FORD IN RICHMOND VA, THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PART......THEN I CALL RICHMOND FORD AND THEY TELL ME SHEEHY FORD PERFORMED THE RECALL...SO I CALL SHEEHY FORD AND TRY TO GET AN EXPLANATION, THEN THEY TELL ME IT WAS PERFORMED 18,000 MILES AGO, MY FRIENDS THAT SOLD ME THE VAN SAID THAT THE RECALL WAS NEVER PERFORMED, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS? IT SOUNDS TO ME THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO PERFORM THE WORK TO FIX THE RECALLED PARTS, THERE MUST BE PAPERWORK WHERE THE WORK WAS COMPLETED AND SIGNED OFF ON....AND ACCORDING TO FORD ONLY 18,000 MILES AGO, THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AT 92,000 MILES, THE VAN CURRENTLY HAS 110,000 MILES...CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME? THANKS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 12, 2018127,320 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING ABILITY BECAME VERY HARD. THE FAILURE BEGAN TWENTY DAYS AGO AND WORSENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,320. THE VIN WAS INVALID. CONTACT REPORTS THAT STEERING BALLJOINT WAS HEAVILY AND CORRODED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

Power Train
Filed Jan 30, 2018125,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING BUT REV, W/OUT ANY ACCELERATION. I TOWED IT TO MY HOUSE AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE IN ANY OF THE GEARS. MY PROBLEM IS A FORD RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE ON MY VEHICLE, WHAT CAN I DO?

Power Train
Filed Jan 22, 2018144,600 milesMA

AS OF TODAY, JANUARY 22, 2018, I HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AS YESTERDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC. PRAISE GOD WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT UNTIL THE WRECKER CAME. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS AND REPEAT INCIDENTS WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY TORQUE CONVERTERS. THE SHOP I'VE TAKING MINE TO ACTUALLY REBUILDS THEM. AS FOR THE INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED ON THE 21ST, WAS DRIVING WHEN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND ONCE VAN WAS PULLED OFF ROAD AND PARKED, CAR WAS STILL RUNNING; HOWEVER, NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I WOULD PUT IT IN, THERE WAS NO MOVEMENT, JUST REVVING.

SteeringFire
Filed Dec 13, 201760,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED A BURNING ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SQUEALED WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED AT STIVERS FORD LINCOLN IN WAUKEE, IOWA. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT CONFIRMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V457000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 8, 2017185,000 milesIN

BOTH INTER AND OUTER SIDE PANEL IS RUSTED OUT, THAT CAN CAUSED TIRE TO BLOW OUT

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 201773,000 milesPA

STEERING IN VAN BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER.HAD TO REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION AND NEW BELT..STILL DIFFICULT TO STEER.SITTING STILL OR GOING AROUND TURNS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 14, 2017NY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN AND MY FRIENDS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE I WAS HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FACTORY RECALL THEREFORE I'M CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE I LIVED IN MY VAN EVERYTHING I OWNED WAS IN THERE PERSONALLY AND I HAD LIABILITY ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I'M HOMELESS AND NOW I NEED HELP THE VAN IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED ALONG WITH EVERYTHING INSIDE DOWN A BACK-ROAD WE WERE LUCKY TO GET OUT ALIVE LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FATALITY..UPDATED 08/23/17 *BF *CN

Power Train
Filed Aug 3, 2017142,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. HE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THEN DRIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME WHERE HE CALLED KINSEL FORD (3355 EASTEX FWY, BEAUMONT, TX 77706 (409) 899-4000). SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN MARCH OF 2016 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN), THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE SAME REASON AS THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2017148,000 milesMI

I PURCHASED THE 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. I BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES AROUND NOVEMBER OF 2016 WITH LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING, OR EXCELLERATING. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUES AFTER IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR MORE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. I BELIEVE IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AFTER READIN ABOUT ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. I CHECKED AND THE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED IN 2013. I HAVE READ MANY CASES WHERE THESE VEHICLES CONTINUE TO HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES AFTER THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

Steering
Filed May 31, 2017111,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO VEER INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER (LANDMARK FORD) OFFERED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE FOR $100. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

Power Train
Filed May 17, 201793,000 milesWI

TRANSMISSION WON'T ENGAGE. PULLING OUT OF GAS STATION, IT WOULDN'T MOVE. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS RECALLED, AND WORK WAS DONE 2 YEARS AGO.

Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 2017238,425 milesGA

TAMARA RECALL. ON 5/26/15 THE MAN I BOUGHT MY 04 MERCURY MONTEREY VAN 4.2L HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT SURGING WHEN STOPPING OR BARELY MOVING. FOUND BAD TRANS,HAD IT REBUILT, FOUND MOTOR MOUNT, TRANS RANGE SENSOR BAD ALSO TORQUE CONVERTER AND OVER HAUL KIT,3 SHIFT SOL AND REVERSE BOOST VALVE. 6 MONTHS LATER I BOUGHT IT.ON DEC7,2016 MY VAN DIDN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME I COULD TELL IT HAD A SKIP AND SEEMED SLUGESHED WHEN IT WOULD SHIFT. MY CHECK ENGINE,AND TRANSAXLE LIGHT CAME ON AS LONG AS I KEEP IT IN 1,3OR DRIVE IT DON'T COME ON OR BLINK SO I LOOKED IN THE OWNERS GUIDE TO SEE IF I COULD FIND SOMETHING. SEEN WHERE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, AND ALOT MORE. SO I GOT ON THE FORDS WEBSITE SEEN A LIST OF RECALLS SO I PUT MY VIN# IN AND SURE ENOUGH THERE I WAS.I HAVE ALMOST GOT HIT WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET BACK HOME. IF MY VAN HAD COMPLETELY WENT OUT AND STARTED DO ALL OF THAT WHEN I WAS GETTING ON OR OFF THE HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE,ON A TRAIN TRACK IT COULD OF BEEN BAD IT. IT COULD OF KILLED US.AND IT SEEMS LIKE WHAT IS GOING ON NOW SO I WILL SAY TRANSAXLE, POWER TRAIN, TOQUE CONVERTER AND OVER HAUL KIT,3SHIFT SOL, AND BOOST VALVE IF I WAS A GUESSING ALL I KNOW IS I WANT MY VAN AGAIN BACK RUNNING RIGHT AGAIN. RT

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 2016109,500 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED HESTITATION AND VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,500.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Nov 14, 201663,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 201690,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS UNDETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 17, 2016170,000 milesFL

TORQUE CONVERTER IS BAD SHAKING AND I LOSE ALL POWER TO MY VEHICLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 24, 2016249,950 milesKY

CORROSION OF THIRD ROW SEAT ATTACHMENT. ON 23 JUNE 2016, REMOVED INTERIOR PANEL TO SERVICE AUXILIARY A/C UNIT AND DISCOVERED SEVERELY RUSTED AREA AROUND THE THIRD-ROW SEAT ATTACHMENT. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ARE RUSTED; THE LEFT SIDE IS MUCH WORSE THAN THE RIGHT SIDE AT THIS TIME. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVE BODY SHOP; BOTH REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM DUE TO POTENTIAL LIABILITY ISSUES. WAS REFERRED TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP SERVICE. THEY NOTED THERE ARE NO ACTIVE RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE - AND SINCE I AM NOT IN A "HIGH CORROSION" STATE, RECALL 13S01 DOES NOT APPLY (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V081000). HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE AFFECTED AREAS. AM TRYING TO DETERMINE WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM IF THE DEALER AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVE BODY SHOP REFUSE TO APPROACH IT.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Nov 5, 2015105,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SWITCH INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 26, 2015185,467 milesMS

THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME THIS MORNING AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A BUSY STREET. I ATTEMPTED TO CRANK IT BACK UP BUT THE OIL LIGHT AS WELL AS THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. I LEFT THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 8 HRS, WHEN I RETURNED I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT FOR APPROX. 15 MILES AND IT STALLED AGAIN ONCE I MADE IT TO MY DESTINATION. VEHICLE ALSO BACKFIRES NOW AND HAS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM IT. STARTED STALLING AFTER I DROVE THROUGH STANDING WATER PUDDLES ON THE ROAD.

Seats
Filed Sep 30, 2015120,000 milesVA

THERE IS A RECALL ON MERCURY MONTEREY 2004 VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE SEAT ANCHOR MECHANISM ON THE THIRD ROW SEAT DUE TO CORROSION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V081000. MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL BY VIN NUMBER BUT MY VEHICLE'S SEAT ANCHOR MECHANISM HAS BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE WHEEL WELL AND MOVES FREELY CAUSING MY THIRD ROW SEAT NOT TO LATCH IN PLACE PROPERLY. I AM ASKING FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO BE STARTED INTO OTHER MERCURY MONTEREY 2004 VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THIS RECALL NOTICE TO DETERMINE IF THEY NEED TO BE INCLUDED ON THIS RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN VIRGINIA WHICH IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL BUT FOR THE FIRST 6+ YEARS OF ITS LIFE WAS LOCATED IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND DRIVEN ON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ROADS WHICH IS PART OF THE RECALL NOTICE. I BELIEVE VIRGINIA SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF STATES IN WHICH THIS RECALL SHOULD APPLY.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2015110,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 18, 201598,000 milesOH

I HAVE A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY (SAME AS THE FORD WINDSTAR). I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE A TUNE UP DONE, AND TOLD ME MY FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE VAN IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THE WINDSTARS('99-'03) AND EVEN OFFERED A BUY BACK, BECAUSE THE FRAMES WERE BAD. WHEN I CALLED FORD TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE TO FIX THIS, HE SAID NOTHING. THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL FOR MY VAN, SO THEY WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
Filed Feb 4, 2015OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR SEAT LATCHES FRACTURED AND CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THERE WERE TWO LARGE HOLES IN THE AREA OF THE CORROSION CAUSING WATER DAMAGE TO THE CARPETS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V081000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Power Train
Filed Jan 27, 2015100,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE THE ECM MODULE WAS REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND OTHER UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL FAILURES OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 27, 2015127,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 17, 2014148,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING THE VAN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD GOES OUT. THE SPEED DECLINES SLIGHTLY, AND THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF. THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF. THE HEAT TURNS ON AND OFF. THE ALARMS INSIDE STARTS TO CHIME. THE POWER IS LOST TO THE WINDOWS AND THE DOOR LOCKS. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS GO OFF AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I'M AFRAID THAT THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WILL SOON CAUSE A FIRE OF SOME SORT. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 8, 201470,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 25, 2014145,000 milesMI

WHEN DRIVING THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL, BLINKS ON AND OFF CONSISTENTLY. STAYS OUT FOR 1-2 MINUTES.AFTER WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS START TO GO OUT STAYS OFF FOR 1-2 MINUTES. THEN THE CAR STARTS TO JERK AND DECLINE IN SPEED. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO THEN JUMPS BACK TO ACTUAL SPEED. WHEN THE POWER IS OUT THERE IS COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER TO THE WINDOWS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCK. TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE HE SAID THAT HE HAS HAD MANY PEOPLE COME IN WITH THIS TYPE OF VAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THUS IS DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH LOSS OF VISUAL AID. HE SAID THAT ONLY A FORD DEALER CAN REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS FRIGHTENING AND WRECK LESS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 2014157,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND A LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE REAR DOOR OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2014137,000 milesNY

LEFT MY HOUSE AND WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN FELT A JERK MOVEMENT AND LOST BRAKES FOR A QUICK SECOND. AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM THE STOP SIGN AND CONTINUING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROX. 45 MPH THE CAR COMPLETELY STARTED DECELERATING AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKES THEN COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND CAR SHUT OFF. AFTER TRYING TO RESTART IT MULTIPLE TIMES IT WOULD START FOR A MINUTE THEN WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE IT WOULD DIE AGAIN AFTER A FEW TRIES AND HAD CHILDREN THE CAR I FINALLY HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED! *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 201488,000 milesSC

AFTER LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND THEN ACHIEVING 55 MPH, I ENTERED A LEFT HAND TURN LANE IN ORDER TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. AFTER WAITING FOR A MINUTE OR TWO FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO COMPLETE MY LEFT TURN, TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE, AND THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY REV UP, AS IF IN NEUTRAL. AFTER CONFIRMING THE VEHICLE WAS IN FACT IN DRIVE GEAR, I CONTINUED MY ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, AND THEN FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION "CLUNKED" AND WENT BACK IN GEAR, ENABLING ME TO DRIVE ON MY WAY. A FEW MONTHS LATER, I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM AND SO I MADE MY APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. THIS OCCURRED IN OCT 2012 MILEAGE 92,000. SINCE THEN, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, IF ANYTHING, IT HAS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SHIFT OK, BUT THIS EPISODE HAPPENS AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO GO. I'VE HAD SEVERAL "NEAR MISSES" WITH THIS CONDITION, AND I'M WORRIED FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS WHEN SHE'S DRIVING. I'VE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVALUATED NEXT WEEK, AND I'M HOPING THAT IT'S STILL COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. CURRENT MILEAGE 114,000. *JS

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 13, 2014102,454 milesIL

SPOUSE [XXX] WAS DRIVING THE FAMILY AND ME OUT TO DINNER ON MAY 9, 2014 FOR MOTHER'S DAY.THE GAS TANK WAS ON ONE-FOURTH A TANK SO BEFORE ON TO THE EXPRESSWAY WE STOP TO GET SOME GAS. [XXX] MADE A STATEMENT HE SAID, "HE SAID THE GAS HAND STILL HASN'T MOVED MUCH AFTER WE PUT $40.00 TOGETHER OF GAS IN THE VAN. WE PUT GAS IN THE VAN AT THE GAS STATION AT 63RD AND CALIFORNIA. AFTER GETTING GAS WE PROCEED TOWARD WESTERN AVE. ON WESTER AVE. [XXX] DROVE FROM71ST AND WESTERN TO 111 & WESTERN WHEN WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WE THOUGHT THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM A VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF US. WE MADE NO BIG DEAL ABOUT IT UNTIL THE VAN BEGIN TO SMOKE TREMENDOUS. [XXX] STOP THE CAR AN PULLED OVER. THE SMOKE INCREASED IN FRONT OF THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS AS [XXX] STOOD THERE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON, I SAW A BLAZE OF FIRE. I BEGIN SCREAMING THE VAN IS ON FIRE, THE VAN IS ON FIRE. I JUMP OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE BLAZE GOT LARGER. MY DAUGHTER AND MY BROTHER-IN-LAW WHO IS MENTALLY CHALLENGED WAS IN THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS BUCKLED UP. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR TO TURN ON THE EMERGENCY SIGNAL TO LET THE OTHER DRIVERS KNOW THAT WE NEEDED HELP. I YELLED AT MY FAMILY ON THE SECOND ROW AGAIN, GET OUT THE VAN THE VAN IS ON FIRE. THEY BEHAVE AS IF THEY COULD NOT HEAR ME OR UNDERSTAND WHAT I WA SAYING. SO, I BEGIN TO BANG ON THE WINDOW GET OUT GET OUT THE VAN IS ON FIRE.AFTER THE VAN WAS FULL BLAZED AND THE EMERGENCY WAS ON THE BANGING GOT THEM OUT. THERE WAS REDDISH BROWN LIQUID ALL IN THE SURR

Power Train
Filed May 2, 201476,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE SHIFTER COULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE ENGINE THEN EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2014123,880 milesMA

THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS WELDED IMPROPERLY AND THE WEATHER STRIPPING WAS FAULTY ALLOWING WATER TO POUR DOWN INTO THE CAR AND ONTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AT ANY TIME AFTER IT RAINS CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER AND THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM AMONG '04 MONTEREY AND FORD FREESTARS. WHEN THE PCM IS WET IT SHORTS OUT ALL TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AND ENGINE REGULATION. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE CAR WOULD NOT START OR RUN PROPERLY, HAD IRREGULAR ENGINE POWER, AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT. THE ENGINE WAS TRYING ACCELERATE EVEN IN PARK. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT AND RAN FINE THE DAY BEFORE, BUT CAUSED TROUBLE THE NEXT DAY. IT HAD RAINED DURING THE NIGHT. WHEN THE PCM DRIED OUT THE CAR RAN NORMALLY AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME HOWEVER, THE PCM COMPLETELY SHORTED OUT AND IS IRREPARABLE. THE ENGINE RUNS SPORADICALLY AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR CREATING A DRIVING HAZARD. THE CAR SEEMED ALRIGHT UNTIL I WAS ON THE ROAD TEST DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK GOING A MAX OF 15 MPH IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR THEN LOST POWER, FORCING ME TO PULL OF TO THE SIDE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 17, 201475,000 milesPA

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN) WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED WHILE THE CONTACT DROVE UP HILL THE RPM RAVED THE VEHICLE LOSE ACCELERATION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHOM PERFORMED AND INSPECTION AND ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. LI

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 17, 2014100,100 milesKS

BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH TRIGGERS TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT, AND CRUISE CONTROL WILL NO LONGER WORK. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 201458,200 milesSD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL HAD ENGAGED IMPROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,200.

Power Train
Filed Mar 7, 201478,038 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VAN SIMPLY TURNED OFF. LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES BARELY RESPONDED WHEN COMPRESSED. HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. FOUND THE FOLLOWING P CODES (P-0715 AND P-0340). TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TURBINE SPEED AND CAM SENSORS. DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR 1 WEEK AND THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED AGAIN. I LOST POWER STEERING, BREAKS AND REQUIRED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THE P CODES WERE P-0715 AND P-0340. ALSO, DURING THE SECOND EVENT I NEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. *TR

Seats
Filed Feb 26, 201460,000 milesIL

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR SEAT AND REAR TIRES MADE A LOUD NOISE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL ID NUMBER:13V081000 FOR THE SEATS AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED MULTIPLE TIMES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. RK UPDATED 5/28/14*CN

Complaints 1-50 of 283, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20077200Routine
200644300Routine
2005119400Routine
2004 — this page283560Above average

Compare every Monterey year →

2004 Mercury Monterey: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 Mercury Monterey a good car?

Owners filed 283 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few Monterey years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the transmission (68%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercury Monterey?

The transmission: 193 of the 283 complaints (68%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses power (19%), drops into neutral (10%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (10%). The typical report comes at 76,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercury Monterey have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 7, 2013. The largest, 12V006000, covered 206,452 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 Mercury Monterey problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 78,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 76,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Mercury Monterey?

Yes, 7 times. The latest, EQ12010 ("Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing"), was opened Sep 28, 2012 and closed Dec 31, 2012.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Mercury Monterey?

The manufacturer filed 60 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (14), the brakes (8) and the transmission (6). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.