Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 7 | −91% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2006 | 44 | −75% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2005 | 119 | 4.0× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2004 | 283 | 9.2× | 4 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Monterey year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercury Monterey problems
Latest Mercury Monterey recalls
Seats
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,…
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 Ford freestar and Mercury monterey vehicles. The torque converter output shaft May fail.
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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
On certain vans equipped with the power liftgate option, the power liftgate motor automatically disengages after the liftgate is powered open.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power liftgate module to reduce the likelihood that the liftgate could fall free of charge. The recall began on March 15, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Wheels › Hub
Certain minivans May have been produced with front wheel hub assemblies that were not heat treated correctly. This condition May lead to the development of small cracks in the hub.
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain minivans, the power steering low-pressure line May not be fully seated at the rack and pinion steering gear.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercury Monterey should you avoid?
2004 and 2005 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Monterey years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2004.
What is the best year for the Mercury Monterey?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other Monterey years at the same age, followed by 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercury Monterey problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (338), body & structure (28) and engine & cooling (26). Transmission complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercury Monterey had?
5 recalls across 2004–2007. The model year with the most is 2004. See all Mercury Monterey recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.