2004 Mercury Monterey
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Monterey › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mercury Monterey. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2004 Mercury Monterey. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Ford IS recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 ford freestar and mercury monterey vehicles. the torque converter output shaft may fail.
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
On certain minivans, the power steering low-pressure line may not be fully seated at the rack and pinion steering gear.
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
283 complaints2 involved a crash6 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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
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
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…
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 · 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…
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
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…
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 · Power train · 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…
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
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…
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 · 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.
- 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.
- Engine · 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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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
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…
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.
- 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…
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
Both inter and outer side panel IS rusted out, that can caused tire to blow out
- 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.
- 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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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
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…
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
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 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…
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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
- 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…
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, and Wisconsin.Approximately 100,000 remaining MY 2004-2007 Freestar and Monterey vehicles--those vehicles that were not originally sold, or are not currently registered, in salt belt states--are not included in the recall action. Although these vehicles are the same as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure.ODI is currently aware of only one complaint on vehicle outside of the recall scope.ODI will monitor complaints and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For owners of vehicles that are outside of the recall scope but exhibit the defect condition, owners (and affected Ford dealers) can contact Ford to request the recall repair.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report and associated recall file for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10399896, 10410491, 10420028, 10424850, 10433928, 10436592, 10438529, 10440616, 10441489, 10441641, 10442809, 10446564, 10450295, 10450559, 10450587, 10452933, 10453826, 10454977, 10455545, 10456985, 10457423, 10457910, 10458738, 10459042, 10460511, 10461074, 10462910, 10463126, 10463262, 10463366, 10463600, 10464243, 10467003, 10467680, 10468429, 10469188, 10469200, 10470216, 10470510, 10471280, 10471520, 10471813, 10471978, 10472514, 10473087, 10473159, 10477025, 10477387, 10477954, 10478449, 10479247, 10479758, 10480611, 10480665, 10481054, 10481412, 10482213, 10482236, 10482613, 10482620, 10487872, 10489445, 10490515, 10490641, 10490663, 10490744, 10491495, 10492220, 10493470, 10493572, 10496348, 10497631, 10497976, 10498310, 10498433, 10499681, 10499861, 10500495.
- 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…
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 frequency indicates a potentially increasing trend over time.ODI seeks to evaluate the potential occupant safety risks resulting from structurally degraded seat anchorages.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2005-2007 Freestar/Monterey vehicles that appear to have a seat design identical to the subject vehicles.To date, ODI is not aware of any similar complaints on the MY 2005-2007 vehicles.ODI also will collect and review information on Freestar/Monterey vehicles used outside of the salt belt states.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-003) to further assess whether a safety defect exists in the subject vehicles.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10454977, 10453826, 10452933, 10450587, 10450559, 10450295, 10446564, 10442809, 10441641, 10441489, 10440616, 10438529, 10436592, 10433928, 10424850, 10420028, 10410491 and 10399896.
- 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…
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 jack, an additional 223,246 vehicles.NHTSA has received six consumer complaints (VOQs) involving three injury incidents and a fatality.Ford reported 26 complaints for the SVs involving an additional 4 injuries. In the fatal incident, the van fell on a person working on the engine under the otherwise unsupported vehicle; ODI was unable to determine whether the vehicle was adequately chocked or the park brake was properly set. Reported injuries include a broken arm, head and hand injuries, arm and rib bruises, and muscle strains. NHTSA has received just one new report since opening this investigation. The complaint trend in ODI and Ford data is flat if not declining.Ford provides instructions and warnings in the owner's manual, on a placard placed with the jack, and on the jack itself. These instruct consumers to put the vehicle gear selector in Park, properly set the parking brake, chock the opposite wheel, use the jack only for changing a tire, loosen the lug nuts prior to jacking, and to not get under a vehicle supported by the jack only (NHTSA also recommends that jacks only be used for tire changing).In the VOQs, roughly half the consumers were using the jack for something other than tire changing, half had not chocked a wheel, and half had not properly set the parking brake. ODI notes that since the front wheels are drive wheels (with an open center differential) the Park gear cannot provide vehicle stability (longitudinally) when a front wheel is raised. All NHTSA complaints and most of the complaints to Ford involved failures while a front wheel was raised.In response to ODI's inquiry, Ford conducted testing on a 2004 Freestar. Ford's tests showed that when a front tire was raised the service jack held without failing under various scenarios except when a rocking force was applied and the parking brake was not properly set. Based on its testing and its analysis of field data, Ford concluded that the type of jack failure evidenced in this investigation (bending at mid-point) was likely caused by vehicle movement due to an improperly secured vehicle, or other misuse of the jack. Ford notes that rates in this investigation were similar to those in another investigation (EA91-049) which ODI closed. ODI also analyzed jack data for MY 2003 and newer vehicles to compare to the SV population. To assist with this analysis, ODI requested data from the jack manufacturer (actually its successor company) who provided limited data but did identify other models using the same design jack. ODI was unable to identify a significant difference in the incidence of jack failures (including those involving bending failures) between the SVs, other vehicles which used the same jack, or other vehicles where the jack type was unknown or different.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, investigation PE11-033 is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist and ODI reserves
- Engine Stalling
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…
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 to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to NHTSA, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.
- 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…
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 abruptly lose motive power.This problem affected model year 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Monterey minivans.During the investigation NHTSA identified 532 complaints alleging incidents of vehicle stall while driving due to torque converter failure.These failures were sudden and without any prior warning.Of the 490 complaints that reported the speed at the time of the failure:218 (44%) occurred at or above 55 mph; and 344 (70%) occurred at or above 40 mph.Of the 382 complaints that reported the position of the vehicle relative to traffic after it came to a stop following the loss of motive power: 122 (32%) alleged that the vehicle came to a stop in the flow of traffic and remained in the flow of traffic until pushed or towed out of the way; 225 (59%) reported that the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the roadway and remained there until towed; and 35 (9%) reported that they were able to maneuver to a location away from the flow of traffic, such as a parking lot.Two crashes were allegedly caused by torque converter failure, including an incident in which a Freestar suddenly lost power in 65 mph traffic in an area where there was no shoulder available.As a result, the Freestar stopped in a travel lane and when trailing traffic maneuvered to avoid the stalled vehicle, a four vehicle collision occurred.In these types of circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and so advised Ford.In its Defect Information Report, Ford refers to its response to NHTSA's Preliminary Evaluation information request, which stated that a vehicle that loses motive power due to torque converter malfunction remains readily controllable; the vehicle will coast during which it can be safely maneuvered and stopped because the engine continues to run.Because the engine continues to run, steering and braking are unaffected, and the vehicle's electrical system and directional signals remain functional.In view of the foregoing, NHTSA does not agree with this statement.This investigation is closed based on Ford's recall.
- 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…
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 of the alleged defect.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205034Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action
- 10183770For 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 corrosion and may compromise the mounting point for the forward portion of the 3rd row seat. Initially, this condition may result in seat movement when passengers sit on or put weight on the seat, or difficulty latching the front of the seat when in its seating position. If corrosion is severe, the seat latch strikers may become detached from the vehicle. The seat belts and the permanent mounting attachment at the rear of the seat are unaffected.
- 10109070The 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 PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10058103Ford/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.
- 10056468Ford/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, monterey.
- 10021907Advanced traction control system - short duration activation.
- 10021217Power steering hose leak near cooler extreme cold climate areas only -4 degrees and cooler.
- 10020701Advanced traction control system - duration activation.
- 10019067Rear climate control noises - service tip.
- 10018071Restraint control module diagnostic trouble code b2296 - service tip.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017893Traction control lamp - ABS lamp - ABS self activation with dtc c1288. Updated 11/8/07.
- 10017552A broken outer c/v joint on vehicles built before 5/1/2005.
- 10016808Erratic fluid level reading on transaxle dipstick-leaks-4f50n, AX4N, AX4S transaxle.
- 10014704Steering wheel.
- 10014607Instrument cluster dtc u1262 and or u1135.
- 10014604Instrument cluster dtc u1130.
- 10014279Rear brake lining accelerated wear.
- 10014261Power sliding doors and power liftgate inoperative when using the overhead console and/or remote keyless entry transmitter open/close buttons - diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1999.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013417Traction control ABS and park brake lamp. Flicker flash illuminate.
- 10013404Access door wraped or breaking off from the underside of the steering wheel shrod.
- 100133903RD row seat strap breaking.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10012947Maf diagnostic service tip - vehicles equipped with egr system module (esm).
- 100113363RD row seat strap breaking (strap used for stowing or accessing the rear seat).
- 10011172Noise from front wheel hub bearing. * ar
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 100111574F50n transaxle no 1-2 upshift and diagnositc trouble code p0732.
- 10010741Accelerated rear brake wear. Oasis.
- 10009328Front blower motor whistle noise.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10009319Front door glass click/snap noise at the end of the upward glass position.
- 10008284Demonstration/delivery hold - special field action 03l17. Revised smog emissions information.
- 10008273Trailer tow service kit - service tip.
- 10008271Front wheel hub bearing high pitched whistling/squealing noise from front exterior while driving. Also includes 2005 freestar and monterey.
Every Mercury Monterey model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.