2007 Mercury Monterey

The 2007 Mercury Monterey is a minivan that offers comfortable seating and a smooth ride. It was available with a single engine option, the 4.2L Essex V6 producing 201 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Monterey’s spacious interior and quiet cabin, but some dislike its relatively poor fuel economy and bland styling. Common criticisms also revolve around the vehicle’s reliability and the cost of repairs.

Engine

4.2L Essex V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket, leading to overheating. May notice coolant loss without any visible external leaks initially.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfires, rough idle. Can be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs and check the ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, delay when shifting from park or neutral into drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Initially, fluid flush and filter change, but often requires valve body rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $1500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, especially when loaded. The air compressor might run constantly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the air springs, air compressor, or ride height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends, then perform a wheel alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks that fail to operate, either intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sliding Door Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Powered sliding doors that fail to open or close automatically, requiring manual operation.
  • Solution: Replace the sliding door motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors failing to open or close. This can be due to motor failure or broken rollers/tracks.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the specific cause (motor, rollers, track) and replace the affected component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Fan Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor stops working on all or some settings, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor and possibly the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic gauge readings, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Mercury Monterey, while offering a comfortable ride and spacious interior, is prone to several common issues. Engine problems such as intake manifold gasket leaks and spark plug issues, transmission problems like rough shifting, and electrical issues such as power door lock and sliding door malfunctions are frequently reported. Suspension issues, especially with the rear air suspension (if equipped), can also be costly. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as transmission rebuilds or air suspension repairs, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have any used Monterey thoroughly inspected before purchase.