Model year guide

2004 Mercury Mountaineer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 93 on record.

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

2004 Mercury Mountaineer at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints210
Combined15–16 mpg
Typical price$2,459

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

2004 Mercury Mountaineer recalls 1

Visibility:glass, Side/rear NHTSA Campaign #07E104000 · 11/12/2007

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOME…

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 Mountaineer common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 210 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2004 Mercury Mountaineer safety ratings

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

Rollover risk: 22.8% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Mercury Mountaineer MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,367
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,833 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,459
High
$4,600

From 92 comparable 2004 Mercury Mountaineer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,835
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,400
Total$23,235
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,459) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,064), from CarLogs listing data. 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 3

Vehicle Rollaway Allegations Closed

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations. By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect. The highest rate for any particular failu…

NHTSA #EA09013 · Steering, Power Train · opened Aug 2009 · closed Feb 2013

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 23, 2008, BASED ON 34 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING EIGHT INJURIES IN WHICH THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS OR MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS BROKE OFF AND FELL, USUALLY WHILE INDIVIDUALS WERE OPERATING THE GLASS HATCH OR LOADING OR UNLOADING ITEMS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. FORD CONDUCTED RECALL 04V-442 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 2002 AND C…

NHTSA #RQ08003 · Structure, Visibility · opened Jun 2008 · closed Oct 2008

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES. ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECT…

NHTSA #DP05005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2005 · closed Jan 2006

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 103

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 103.

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Pro…

Bulletin TSB 19-2026 · Structure · Feb 2019

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Pro…

Bulletin TSB 19-2026 · Structure, Equipment · Feb 2019

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

FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE

Bulletin TSB-12-7-4 · Engine · Jul 2012

FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE

Bulletin TSB-08-19-3 · Power Train · May 2009

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

Bulletin 07212 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2007

LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT

Bulletin 06216 · Power Train · Jan 2006

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH PCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0463 AND/OR IC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1201 - FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY OR SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *TT

Bulletin 05213 · Fuel System, Other · Jan 2006

LOW TIRE INDICATOR ON - TPMS SYSTEM SENSOR WAKE UP. *TT

Bulletin 0637 · Tires · Jan 2006

WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

Bulletin 041601 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005

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

About the Mercury Mountaineer

The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was sold by Mercury from 1996 until 2010. The first Mercury SUV, the Mountaineer was a divisional counterpart of the Ford Explorer, marketed above it and between the Lincoln Aviator. Across its three generations, the Mountaineer was marketed exclusively as a 5-door wagon, with no counterpart to the 3-door Explorer Sport or the Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck.

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

2004 Mercury Mountaineer trims & engines on record

Trims
Convenience · Luxury · Premier
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 210 hp · 4.6L 8-cyl 239 hp

2004 Mercury Mountaineer vehicles on record

Other Mercury Mountaineer model years

2004 Mercury Mountaineer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. 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 Mountaineer?

Across all 210 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, power train, vehicle speed control.

What is the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer get?

The 2004 Mercury Mountaineer has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

How much is a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer worth?

Comparable 2004 Mercury Mountaineer listings run roughly $1,000–$4,600, typically around $2,459 (from 92 vehicles).

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