2004 Mercury Monterey
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 283
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 7
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
76% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 283 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 283 |
| 2005 | 119 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
76% · 214 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
My 3 year old was in my Mercury Monterey we were in the process of leaving . She turned the key 1 spot on the ignition and pulled on the gear selector. My van with my child rolled out of my driveway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-19
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-02
Structure
7% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving I noticed my third row seat was bouncing some, when I stopped I found that the latch holding the seat down was unattached. When I took it into the dealer he said that it is rusted through.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-30
Also filed under Seats
Both inter and outer side panel is rusted out, that can caused tire to blow out
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-08
Seats
6% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing mid/rear assembly.
Vehicle speed control
4% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the speed decreased and the rpms increased.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-11
Electrical system
4% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Mercury Monterey. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-03
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003-11-10Steering03V457000 On certain minivans, the power steering low-pressure line may not be fully seated at the rack and pinion steering gear.
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…
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2004-09-20Wheels04V446000 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.
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.
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2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 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…
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.
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2009-07-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-17 Torque converter output shaft failure
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2009-11-10Engineering analysisClosed 2012-02-02 Transmission Torque Converter Failure
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2010-08-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-07-15 Engine Stalling
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2011-09-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-12-07 Service Jack Failure
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2011-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-04-27 Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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2012-04-23Engineering analysisClosed 2013-05-02 Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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2012-06-29Power train12V006000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 Ford freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles. The torque converter output shaft may fail.
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…
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2012-09-28EQClosed 2012-12-31 Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
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2013-03-28Seats13V081000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Mercury Monterey — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 214 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V457000 · Steering
- Recall 04V446000 · Wheels
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 12V006000 · Power train
- Recall 13V081000 · Seats
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Mercury Monterey reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercury Monterey?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 76% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Mercury Monterey have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.