Owners have filed 346 complaints
about the 2004 Mercury Monterey with NHTSA between 2004 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercury Monterey. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 21
4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 compares with every other Mercury Monterey
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
13079.3%
Body
148.5%
Torque Converter
127.3%
HUB
31.8%
Manual Transmission
21.2%
Speedometer/Odometer
10.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
10.6%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
10.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
41.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
30.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4012.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9227.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6920.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9729.3%
150,000+ miles
257.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2004peak 13Feb 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Mercury Monterey
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EQ12010Opened 28 Sep 2012Closed 31 Dec 2012STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
EA12003Opened 23 Apr 2012Closed 2 May 2013SEATS
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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 Virginia,...
PE11039Opened 21 Dec 2011Closed 27 Apr 2012LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
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 frequen...
PE11033Opened 13 Sep 2011Closed 7 Dec 2012EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
Service Jack Failure
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...
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 t...
EA09016Opened 10 Nov 2009Closed 2 Feb 2012POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
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 abrupt...
PE09033Opened 15 Jul 2009Closed 17 Nov 2009POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT FAILURE
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...
Recalls on the 2004 Mercury Monterey
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
13V081000
SEATS
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.
12V006000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
04V446000
WHEELS:HUB
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.
03V457000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesDES Moines, IAFire
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11054495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesBremerton, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10925989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,454 milesChicago, ILFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 SURROUNDING AREA WHERE THE VAN WAS PARK. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH CALLED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITH TWO TOW TRUCKS. I GOT MY FAMILY TO SAFETY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRAIN TRACKS BY 111 & MARSHFIELD WHILE [XXX] TALKED TO FIRE FIGHTERS AND THE TOW MEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10587960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,454 milesChicago, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 SURROUNDING AREA WHERE THE VAN WAS PARK. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH CALLED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITH TWO TOW TRUCKS. I GOT MY FAMILY TO SAFETY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRAIN TRACKS BY 111 & MARSHFIELD WHILE [XXX] TALKED TO FIRE FIGHTERS AND THE TOW MEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10587960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,454 milesChicago, ILFire
ENGINE
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 SURROUNDING AREA WHERE THE VAN WAS PARK. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH CALLED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITH TWO TOW TRUCKS. I GOT MY FAMILY TO SAFETY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRAIN TRACKS BY 111 & MARSHFIELD WHILE [XXX] TALKED TO FIRE FIGHTERS AND THE TOW MEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10587960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesCommerce Twp., MI1 injured
SEATS
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. I HAD MY SPECIAL NEEDS SON IN THAT SEAT, HIT HIS HEAD BUT NOTHING MAJOR. UNFORTUNATELY I NOW AM UNABLE TO TRANSPORT MY SPECIAL NEEDS SON BECAUSE HE HAS TO BE IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT. MY DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL IS ALSO TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH AND WATER IS GETTING INTO THE CAR. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED BUT MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF AND ON ALONG WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR. I ALREADY REPLACED THE PCM LAST YEAR WHEN MY CAR BECAME UN-DRIVABLE DUE TO MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10482620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11715312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo ,, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 .?
NHTSA complaint #11609519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesPineville, MO
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesMableton, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11432162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesMableton, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11432162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesBell Buckle, TN
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11382869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLock Haven, PA
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11377203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLock Haven, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11377203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLock Haven, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11377203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesWaukesha, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11256944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,650 milesStillwater, MN
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11210329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,650 milesStillwater, MN
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11210329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRockford, IL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11164501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, CA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11088862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11088862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMidlothian, VA
POWER TRAIN
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).
NHTSA complaint #11079478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,320 milesFlat Rock, MI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11078647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCarbondale, IL
POWER TRAIN
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?
NHTSA complaint #11065961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,600 milesPittsfield, MA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11064205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesDES Moines, IAFire
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11054495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesJeffersonville, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
BOTH INTER AND OUTER SIDE PANEL IS RUSTED OUT, THAT CAN CAUSED TIRE TO BLOW OUT
NHTSA complaint #11053576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesRichboro, PA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11043205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11015108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesBeaumont, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11012594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesNiles, MI
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10992690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.