2004 Mercury Mountaineer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Mountaineer › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Remedy
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 customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
Owner complaints
210 complaints11 involved a crash2 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
This vehicle is has a power train problem from day one with the 5R55S/W transmission and AWD transfer case. I purchased this vehicle where it stranded my family over 200 miles from home and it's a non running car. This vehicle should have been removed from being sold with this defect and crushed! I…
This vehicle is has a power train problem from day one with the 5R55S/W transmission and AWD transfer case. I purchased this vehicle where it stranded my family over 200 miles from home and it's a non running car. This vehicle should have been removed from being sold with this defect and crushed! I will never buy a FoundOnRoad Dead ford pos ever. The transmission went into neutral with out any notice. To repair the faulty drive train I will cost me aprox $2400.00 mileage 152,000 third time the drive train has been worked on.. There tranmissions were failing in a little as 50,000 miles.
- Electrical system
My windows were rolling down when I first then all of a sudden stopped rolling down
- Air bags · Steering · Unknown or other
Takata recall air bag light stays on for no apparent reason... All the time grinding noises while turning left or right sounds like gears are freely spinning while engaged and driving. no issues with changing gears as far as mechanic says.
- Structure › Body
Operating the tailgate window hinges broke off screws appeared to have severe corrosion vehicle was stationary
- Suspension
Humming in front at all speeds ft wheel bearings where bad. Now right rear bearing making noise. Very loose . Lots of other complaints online need to be looked at
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Wheels
1. Paint coming off of roof and driver's door. 2. Rear passenger side and driver side power windows not working. 3. Cracks in plastic area of rear lift gate around wiper arm. 4. Almost lost control and potential accident on interstate when right rear wheel came loose.
- Unknown or other
This was very dangerous!! right hinge broke which dropped right side of glass putting pressure on the glass which made it explode. glass covered me with a few minimal cuts
- Air bags
My son was driving to work on august 6, 2015. something happened, and he ran off the road and hit a tree. at that point the airbag cover flew totally off, instead and falling down as it IS supposed to. the cover itself gashed my sons forehead from left to right, and he lost his right eye. this…
My son was driving to work on august 6, 2015. something happened, and he ran off the road and hit a tree. at that point the airbag cover flew totally off, instead and falling down as it IS supposed to. the cover itself gashed my sons forehead from left to right, and he lost his right eye. this IS a terrible accident. the airbags came out so fast that they had burn marks on them. these airbags were supposed to save peoples lives instead of mangling their faces. someone needs to be responsible for this horrific act....01/04/17 *bf *tr *cn
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Rear tailgate window hinge broke while having the window only open and putting away groceries. upon closing the window, the right hinge broke causing the window to almost fall off of the car. I attempted, with assistance from others in the parking lot, to push the window back into the frame and…
Rear tailgate window hinge broke while having the window only open and putting away groceries. upon closing the window, the right hinge broke causing the window to almost fall off of the car. I attempted, with assistance from others in the parking lot, to push the window back into the frame and have it lock at the center latch. the latch IS no longer engaged and I have attempted to push on the window to connect with the latch. I am not strong enough to do so. The window IS at a point where it could fall off of my car. There was a recall on this part for 2000-2003 vehicles of this make and model. ford IS not carrying over the recall to 2004 stating the defect IS not the same (with the details) as the recall itself. it IS still the same defective part! I am of short stature and do not have the strength to push the window the 1" or so to get it into the frame to lock successfully. I have contacted my local ford dealership for advice but have been told I would need to pay out of pocket. I am at risk of having the window fall off the back of my car and do not currently have the money to pay for this repair at this time. there have been several complaints noted for this equipment failure on this site for the 2004 mountaineer. just not sure what to do next. my vehicle IS my bread and butter in order to work.
- Structure › Body
The rear liftgate cracked near the mercury emblem. this occurred about two years after purchasing the vehicle new. I took it to two different ford dealerships and was told by both the ford would not fix this problem on the 2004. one stated the 2003 model had the same problem, but that ford…
The rear liftgate cracked near the mercury emblem. this occurred about two years after purchasing the vehicle new. I took it to two different ford dealerships and was told by both the ford would not fix this problem on the 2004. one stated the 2003 model had the same problem, but that ford repaired those. I did not receive a response to my email I sent to ford. this IS a substantial expense to the owners of this vehicle. if you look around you can tell if you are behind a 2004 explorer or mountianeer, they all will have at least one crack around the emblem.
- Engine
My vehicle shuts off while driving. no warning, loses power steering, loses power brakes. it will start righ back up once I shift into park. this happens at all different speeds and temperatures. I could have just got in the car or been driving for hours. happens at 15mph and 60mph just the same. have almost been hit from behind of several occasions when this has happened.
- Power train
Failure of front differential mount carrier bushings failure leading to two transmission rebuilts,transfer case rebuild, and over $5000.00 in repairs. failure of carrier bushings would lead to front end locking up. Causing a jackhammer affect on the drivetrain of the vehicle. To close calls due to…
Failure of front differential mount carrier bushings failure leading to two transmission rebuilts,transfer case rebuild, and over $5000.00 in repairs. failure of carrier bushings would lead to front end locking up. Causing a jackhammer affect on the drivetrain of the vehicle. To close calls due to front end locking up. Accidents were avoided due to driver vigilance. Have pictures of bushings and what's left of the bushings.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that while driving, there was a popping noise from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear lift gate window had suddenly shattered. The contact indicated that window was replaced but the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that while driving, there was a popping noise from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear lift gate window had suddenly shattered. The contact indicated that window was replaced but the failure reoccurred. after replacing the window a second time the contact recently discovered that the window panel and glass had crack. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
This vehicle idles very low and stalls at various speeds. no warning IS given engine just shuts down. spark plugs have blown totally out from the engine several times.
- Electrical system
While my 17 year old daughter was driving with the cruise control on in a 30 -40 mph zone, several lights came on, the power steering went out, and the vehicle stalled. She was on a small 2 lane road, and there were no warnings prior to the occurrence. She was very scared, she turned on the hazard…
While my 17 year old daughter was driving with the cruise control on in a 30 -40 mph zone, several lights came on, the power steering went out, and the vehicle stalled. She was on a small 2 lane road, and there were no warnings prior to the occurrence. She was very scared, she turned on the hazard lights and called me immediately. The vehicle then restarted and she drove home. Today (jan. 5, 2016) the problem occurred again, fortunately in a slow speed zone again. She was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. This problem IS potentially very dangerous and needs to be addressed by the manufacturer, or they need to offer a buy back at full value for placing people at risk.
- Structure › Body
Rear lift gate window hinges rusted/corroded. Hinges have broken causing window to shift and move.
- Vehicle speed control
Engine died has repeated only a few times at or above 50mph over span of time
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mercury mountaineer. While the vehicle was parked, the rear liftgate glass strut disengaged and the glass detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000. ...Updated 07/30/15 *bf!..updated 08/13/15 *bf updated 10/26/2017*cn
- Air bags
I was driving down the street and all of a sudden my side airbags deployed. I did not hit a pot hole, there was no accident, they went off by themselves. *tr
- Unknown or other
Door dings and dents. *tr
- Structure
Every time it rains, even just a sprinkle, water comes in from top of driver's side door/roof. It also comes in through the dome light and visor. My floorboard IS flooded with water. I have tried to use a car cover and it does not work. I can not afford at this time to bring into a dealership. This problem IS going to destroy this vehicle. *tr
- Air bags
Driving at apprx 50 mph when suddenly both the driver side and passenger side air curtains deployed!! There was no accident. No impact from objects. No pot holes or road hazards. No warnings just a loud bang and the next thing I knew I was hit in the head by an airbag!! I had no idea what happened.…
Driving at apprx 50 mph when suddenly both the driver side and passenger side air curtains deployed!! There was no accident. No impact from objects. No pot holes or road hazards. No warnings just a loud bang and the next thing I knew I was hit in the head by an airbag!! I had no idea what happened. I thought I was struck or shot at first! I was fortunate to keep the car under my control as I was on a two lane surface street in morning traffic. I am currently in contact with ford to attempt resolution for the defect. In researching online I have found that this has happened multiple times with the same model and year vehicle. This sounds like a safety recall should be considered. I will attempt to update my complaint as I continue my talk to try and gain resolution with ford. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercury mountaineer. the contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. the vehicle was merged to the side of the road where it was restarted. However, the vehicle failed to accelerate past 35 mph. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercury mountaineer. the contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. the vehicle was merged to the side of the road where it was restarted. However, the vehicle failed to accelerate past 35 mph. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the power train needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 99,000. The vin was not available.
- Suspension · Wheels
This will now be the 5TH time we have replaced a ball bearing in this [xxx] truck ... The front driver twice the front passenger once and now this IS the second time for the back driver! This IS horrible! There has to be more of an issue then just that if it keeps happening! I will be contacting…
This will now be the 5TH time we have replaced a ball bearing in this [xxx] truck ... The front driver twice the front passenger once and now this IS the second time for the back driver! This IS horrible! There has to be more of an issue then just that if it keeps happening! I will be contacting mercury and I pray something gets done! This IS not a cheap fix either! And when it happens it IS like the tire IS about to fall off it would if there weren't lug nuts on it! By far the worst SUV I have had! 1000S of dollars to fix it and it just keeps happening why and why hasn't there been a recall on this?? *tr
- Electrical system · Power train · Structure › Body
Transmission solenoids three times, paint coming off, passenger seat trim came off, cracked rear lift gate, passenger front and rear door windows, and driver side rear door window do not work. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
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…
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 failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.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.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
- Rear liftgate glass hatch failure
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…
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 certain model year 2003 ford explorers and mercury mountaineers.the information ford provided in response to odi's information request letter indicated that failures with 2004 vehicles were primarily liftgate glass hatch hinge failures related to corrosion at the hinge pin, whereas the failures that prompted the recall with the earlier models were primarily related to problems with the glass hatch's struts or fracture of a prior hinge design at the boss/bolt connection at the glass.odi's review of ford's warranty, complaint, and injury data for the 2004 vehicles indicates that these rates are significantly lower than those for the recalled population.a potential defect trend has not been identified at this time.odi will continue to monitor complaints and take appropriate action as necessary.this investigation IS closed.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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…
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 ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
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.
- 10156863Some 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 Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 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 Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 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.
- 10045340Ford/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.
- 10028736Ford: 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.
- 10023943Some 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. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10021052Mil on with dtc p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10021038Mil on with p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10019384Low tire indicator on - TPMS system sensor wake up.
- 10019379Malfunction 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.
- 10018938Vibration diagnosis - tire/wheel runout.
- 10018937Mil on with dtc p0191 with or without various drivability symptoms and/or additional dtcs.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10018064Noise from rear wheel hub bearings.
- 10017931No start/hard start on cold soak - 4.0L engine.
- 10017905Wrench lamp on and no diagnostic trouble code (dtc) stored.
- 10017898Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10017892Rear axle noise repair.
- 10017882No start/hard start on cold soak.
- 10017860Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
- 10016832Backglass difficult to close and an intermittent door ajar lamp.
- 10016789Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014664Front seat(s) slight movement when accelerating and/or decelerating.
- 10014277Increased effort during low speed sharp turns on 4X4 vehicles.
- 10014183Rattling noise - right front fender while driving.
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014100Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013399Throttle pedal response on tip in vehicles built before 10/4/2004 equipped with a 4.0L engine.
- 10013398Gear selector lever - increased effort to shift from drive to park.
- 10013388Fuel gauge slow to update after refueling.
- 10013383Rough idle in drive.
- 10013371Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and electronic throttle control (etc) lamps on with both diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 and p2135.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013319Open fuse F2.20 (5 amp) and/or F2.1 (30 amp) which may result in loss of function of several systems including power seats, adjustable pedals and power door locks.
- 10013306Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5R55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid additive. Supplement #1. Supplement #2. Supplement #3.
- 10013303Rear power window(s) inoperative.
- 10013121Front axle tube leak.
Every Mercury Mountaineer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.