Model year guide

2004 Mercury Monterey

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mercury Monterey is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 36 on record.

2004 Mercury Monterey — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Mercury Monterey at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints283
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$1,759

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Mercury Monterey recalls 5

Seats NHTSA Campaign #13V081000 · manufacturer #13S01 · 07/03/2013

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,…

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #12V006000 · manufacturer #11S25 · 09/01/2012

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

Fix: 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, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E056000 · 13/06/2006

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.

Fix: 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:hub NHTSA Campaign #04V446000 · manufacturer #04S24 · 13/09/2004

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.

Fix: 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 Connections NHTSA Campaign #03V457000 · manufacturer #03S09 · 06/11/2003

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

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 Mercury Monterey common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2004 Mercury Monterey safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Mercury Monterey. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Mercury Monterey MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classMinivan - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2004 Mercury Monterey worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$1,759
High
$3,000

From 33 comparable 2004 Mercury Monterey listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mercury Monterey costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 7

Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing Closed

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

NHTSA #EQ12010 · Structure · opened Sep 2012 · closed Dec 2012

Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment Closed

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,…

NHTSA #EA12003 · Structure, Seats · opened Apr 2012 · closed May 2013

Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment Closed

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…

NHTSA #PE11039 · Structure, Seats, Latches/locks/linkages · opened Dec 2011 · closed Apr 2012

Service Jack Failure Closed

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 mov…

NHTSA #PE11033 · Equipment · opened Sep 2011 · closed Dec 2012

Engine Stalling Closed

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 t…

NHTSA #PE10033 · Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train · opened Aug 2010 · closed Jul 2011

Transmission Torque Converter Failure Closed

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 requiremen…

NHTSA #EA09016 · Power Train · opened Nov 2009 · closed Feb 2012

TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT FAILURE Closed

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…

NHTSA #PE09033 · Power Train · opened Jul 2009 · closed Nov 2009

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 60

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 60.

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these P…

Bulletin SSM 46085 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine · Sep 2016

Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action

Bulletin TSB160069 · Seats · Apr 2016

For 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey vehicles Safety Recall 13S01 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the sheet metal that supports the folding 3rd row seat latch strikers could experience corrosio…

Bulletin 16-0069 · Seats · Apr 2016

FORD/MERCURY: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING SHEET METAL SUPPORT FOR FOLDING 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKERS CAN EXPERIENCE CORROSION AND WILL COMPROMISE MOUNTING POINT CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE. MODEL 2004-07 FREESTAR, MONTEREY. *PE

Bulletin TSB-14-0166 · Seats, Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Equipment · Sep 2014

FORD/MERCURY: SHEET METAL SUPPORTING FOLDING 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKERS WILL EXPERIENCE CORROSION AND COMPROMISE MOUNTING POINT FOR FORWARD PORTION OF 3RD ROW SEAT, IF VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR EXTENDED PERIOD. MODEL 2004-2007 FREESTAR,…

Bulletin TSB-14-0144 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Seats · Aug 2014

REAR CLIMATE CONTROL NOISES - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Bulletin 19004 · Equipment · Jan 2006

RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2296 - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Bulletin 18834 · Air Bags · Sep 2005

SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT

Bulletin 042421 · Seat Belts · Jun 2005

SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

Bulletin 04147 · Electrical System · Jun 2005

STEERING WHEEL. *EH

Bulletin 18520 · Steering · Mar 2005

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MONTEREY. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Mercury Monterey

The Mercury Monterey is a series of full-size cars that were manufactured and marketed by the Mercury division of Ford from 1950 to 1974. Deriving its name from Monterey Bay, the initial Mercury Monterey served as the top-of-the-line two-door sedan model for 1950 and 1951 to compete with the hardtop models of Oldsmobile and Buick. It came with a vinyl roof covering, upgraded upholstery, and other features. The hardtop was introduced for 1952. During its production, the Monterey would be offered in multiple body styles, ranging from coupes, convertibles, sedans, hardtops, and station wagons.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2004 Mercury Monterey trims & engines on record

Trims
Premier · Luxury · Convenience
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl 201 hp

2004 Mercury Monterey vehicles on record

Other Mercury Monterey model years

2004 Mercury Monterey — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mercury Monterey have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2004 Mercury Monterey. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercury Monterey?

Across all 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, structure, seats.

What is the 2004 Mercury Monterey safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Mercury Monterey crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercury Monterey get?

The 2004 Mercury Monterey has a U.S. EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway).

How much is a 2004 Mercury Monterey worth?

Comparable 2004 Mercury Monterey listings run roughly $800–$3,000, typically around $1,759 (from 33 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.