2004 Mercury Monterey

Introduction

The 2004 Mercury Monterey is a full-size sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 155 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. A 3.8-liter V6 was also available, producing 190 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line engine was a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 239 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The Monterey was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of handling.

Engine

3.0-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, loss of power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8-liter V6

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6-liter V8

• Spark plug failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, engine knocking, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

Front suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, vibration, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Rear suspension

• Coil spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride, clunking noises
  • Solution: Replace coil springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, electrical system problems, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors do not lock or unlock, clicking noises from door
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Windshield wiper motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Wiipers do not work, intermittent wiper operation
  • Solution: Replace windshield wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not work, intermittent window operation
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control unit failure
  • Description/Symptoms: AC/heater does not work, intermittent climate control operation
  • Solution: Replace climate control unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercury Monterey is a generally reliable vehicle. However, it is susceptible to a number of common issues, including intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt tensioner failure, and door lock actuator failure. These issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to factor them into your decision when purchasing a Monterey.