2004 Ford Mountaineer problems

General information about Ford-Mountaineer
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was sold by Mercury from 1996 until 2010. Sharing many of its features with the Ford Explorer, the vehicles were virtually identical in terms of hardware. Externally, they were styled somewhat differently, and the Mountaineer was positioned with a more upscale interior, with the Mountaineer's MSRP coming in at $1,000–$6,000 more than the Explorer. It was last redesigned for the 2006 model year with a new frame, looking very similar to its previous model.

Some controversy resulted after the media highlighted a number of rollovers involving Explorers and Mountaineers fitted with Firestone tires. The Mountaineer has been praised for its excellent handling and stability. The Mountaineer was never sold in Canada. As part of the discontinuation of the Mercury brand, production of the Mountaineer ended in late 2010.

Background

In 1990, General Motors introduced the Oldsmobile Bravada sport-utility vehicle, derived from the four-door Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. Though far lower in price, the Bravada was marketed as a competitor to the Range Rover (and the later Land Rover Discovery) and Toyota Land Cruiser. While sharing its body with the Blazer, Oldsmobile differentiated the Bravada with the use of model-specific trim and a dedicated all-wheel drive powertrain (in place of part-time four-wheel drive). For 1993, Jeep briefly revived the long-running Grand Wagoneer nameplate as part of the Jeep Grand Cherokee model line, using woodgrain exterior trim and a leather interior; limited sales led to its cancellation after a single model year.

As a response to the Bravada and the Grand Wagoneer, Ford introduced the 1993 Ford Explorer Limited in 1992. In contrast to the outdoors-themed Explorer Eddie Bauer, the Limited was geared towards on-road driving; it was fitted with all-wheel drive in place of traditional four-wheel drive. The Limited was also distinguished by monochromatic body trim, body-color bumpers, and chrome wheels.

As part of the redesign of the Explorer for 1995, the Limited remained part of the Explorer lineup, with the segment gaining additional competitors through the use of badge engineering. For 1996, the Acura SLX (Isuzu Trooper), Infiniti QX4 (Nissan Pathfinder), and the larger Lexus LX450 (Toyota Land Cruiser) were introduced together.

As these brands, along with Oldsmobile, competed more directly with luxury brands than the Ford model line, Ford Motor Company sought to develop SUVs for its Lincoln-Mercury division. To minimize model overlap, Mercury was chosen to sell a version of the mid-size Ford Explorer, while Lincoln would sell a version of the then-upcoming full-size Ford Expedition.

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Common 2004 Ford Mountaineer problems

The 2004 Ford Mountaineer has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to suspension, brakes, drivability, and transmission failure.

Suspension problems are a significant issue in the 2004 Ford Mountaineer, with many owners reporting issues related to the suspension system, such as excessive noise, vibration, and uneven tire wear. These problems are often attributed to worn-out or damaged suspension components, such as bushings, struts, and shocks. These issues can lead to decreased ride quality, poor handling, and increased safety risks.

Brake problems are another common issue in the 2004 Ford Mountaineer. Many owners have reported issues related to the brake system, such as excessive noise, vibration, and pedal pulsation. These problems are often attributed to worn-out or damaged brake components, such as rotors, pads, and calipers. These issues can lead to decreased braking performance, increased stopping distances, and increased safety risks.

Drivability problems are also prevalent in the 2004 Ford Mountaineer. Many owners have reported issues related to the drivability of the vehicle, such as rough idling, stalling, and hesitation. These problems are often attributed to issues with the engine, transmission, or fuel system. These issues can lead to decreased performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased safety risks.

Transmission failure is a significant issue in the 2004 Ford Mountaineer, with many owners reporting issues related to the transmission system. These problems are often attributed to worn-out or damaged transmission components, such as the torque converter, clutch, or transmission fluid. These issues can lead to decreased performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased safety risks.

In addition to these common problems, the 2004 Ford Mountaineer has also been reported to have issues related to the cracked rear panel, which is a widespread issue in the 2nd generation Mountaineer, as well as the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. This issue is attributed to a design flaw in the rear panel, which can lead to cracking and failure over time.

In summary, the 2004 Ford Mountaineer has several common problems, primarily related to suspension, brakes, drivability, transmission failure, and cracked rear panels. These issues can lead to decreased performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased safety risks. It is essential to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

How many miles does a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer last?

Best Answer. Well maintained they could be good for 200,000+ miles.

Do Mercury Mountaineers have transmission problems?

Some of the more common Mercury Mountaineer transmission problems are unusually hard shifts, erratic shifting, and transmission fault codes. Many times, these issues are caused by excessive wear on the bushings, clutch drum, and clutches.

What problems does a Mercury Mountaineer have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
Transmission Minor. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Steering And Suspension. ...
Brakes. ...
Engine Electrical. ...
Climate System.

Why won t my 2004 Mercury Mountaineer start?

The most common reasons a Mercury Mountaineer won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How long do 2004 Mercury Mountaineer last?

Well maintained they could be good for 200,000+ miles. It all depends on how it was taken care of. There is a bit of luck involved also. Also it is probable that the transmission will need rebuilt during this 200,000 miles.

What problems does a Mercury Mountaineer have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
Transmission Minor. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Steering And Suspension. ...
Brakes. ...
Engine Electrical. ...
Climate System.

Do Mercury Mountaineers have transmission problems?

What happened to the Mercury Mountaineer?

Following the June 2010 announcement by Ford Motor Company to shelve the Mercury brand, 2010 would be the end of Mountaineer production; the final vehicle was produced on October 1, 2010.

2004 Ford Mountaineer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Mountaineer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Structure problems
Visibility problems
Electrical system problems
Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Ford Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2004 Ford Mountaineer complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Ford Mountaineer.

2007-12-31

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-12-31
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: TAILGATE HAS A CRACK IN THE FIBERGLASS, BELOW THE WINDSHIELD TRAVELING DOWN. THERE IS NO IDENTIFIED REASON FOR THIS CRACK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THIS IS COMMONLY SEEN IN THE MOUNTAINEER AND EXPLORERS. THE CRACK INDICATES A MANUFACTURER DEFECT HOWEVER FORD/MERCURY HAS NOT MADE THE RECALL. *TR

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2007-06-20

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-06-18
VIN: 1FMZU64K64Z
Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Summary: THERE IS A CRACK THAT EXTENDS DOWN THE LIFTGATE ON THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. IF THIS CRACK IS NOT REPAIRED INEVITABLY THERE WILL BE WATER DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE LIFT DOOR SUCH AS A FAILURE OF THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER AND REAR WINDOW WIPER. I WISH TO HAVE THIS FAILURE REPAIRED AT MY FORD AUTHORIZED DEALER AT YOUR COST. ADDITIONALLY, THE TWO REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT LET DOWN. I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AND HAVE REPLACED ONE THAT WAS BROKEN. IT SOLVED THE PROBLEM ONCE. THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AGAIN. THIS TIME NONE OF THEM WERE BROKEN. IF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT REPAIRED, I BELIEVE ALL THE WINDOWS MAY EVENTUALLY BE FROZEN, POSSIBLY IN THE DOWN POSITION , CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OR IN THE UP POSITION WHICH WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR GOING THROUGH DRIVE ,THROUGH BANKING, FAST FOODS, TOLL BOOTHS, ETC. *AK MY THIRD COMPLAINT IS THAT MY TURN SIGNALS ARE

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2005-06-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-06-16
VIN: 1FMZU73K34U
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I DRIVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON MY WIFE AND I NUMEROUS DIFFERENT TIMES WITH IN THE 14 MONTHS OF OWNING THE SUV. AT ONE POINT WE WERE ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT WITH OUR 1 YEAR DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD COMPANY 6 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE IS UNLESS FORD CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO ALLOW US TO RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED THE ZONE MANGER WHAT THEY CAN DO THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT A COMPUTER INSTRUMENT ON THE CAR AND DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY WOULD BEGIN TO NEGOTIATE A NEW CAR. THE COMPUTER INSTRUMENT HAS BEEN PUT ON THE CAR THREE DIFFERENT TIMES NOW. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THAT IF WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO FORD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE CAR STALLING THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK 3 TIMES WITHIN THE 24 HOUR TIME PERIOD AND THEY HAVE COME UP WITH NOTHING. IN TOTAL FORD HAS HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR NEAR THIRTY DAYS AT DIFFERENT TIMES TRYING TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, LEAVING MY WIFE AND I WITHOUT AN SUV. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN EITHER DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE INSTRUMENT ON IT OR THAT I COULD DRIVE IT WITH THE INSTRUMENT TO TRY AND DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM I WAS REALLY NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT AND THEY SAID THAT IT'S ONE OR THE OTHER. I TOLD THEM I REFUSE TO PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER AND THEY SAID THEN YOU ARE GOING TO BE WITHOUT YOUR CAR! THIS CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO FORD 10 TIMES FOR DIFFERENT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE INVESTED OVER $8,000.00 INTO THIS VEHICLE IN 14 MONTHS AND THE FORD COMPANY HAS OFFERED NO RETRIBUTION FOR THE ONGOING PROBLEMS. THIS HAS IMPACTED MY FAMILY SO GREATLY THAT WE NOW HAVE AN ATTORNEY LOOKING AT THE LEMON LAW STATUTES BECAUSE WE ARE TOO FEARFUL OF GETTING BACK INTO IT.

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2005-05-04

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-04-19
Crash: 1
VIN: 5LMFU28R94L
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: CONTACT STATED: FAMILY HAD JUST COME BACK FROM A FOUR HOUR ROAD TRIP AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL. HUSBAND WAS IN CAR WHEN IT IDLED NORMALLY, BUT AS SOON AS IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE IT LURCHED BACKWARD VERY QUICKLY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS STOPPED FINALLY IT WAS THEN PUT INTO DRIVE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN CAR LURCHED FORWARD. SUBSEQUENTLY, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DURING THE ENTIRE EVENT.*AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Ford Mountaineer problems:

2004 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2004-mercury-mountaineer/problems

Top 2004 Mercury Mountaineer Problems · Crack on Lift Gate · Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door · Problems With 5-speed Automatic ...

2004 Mercury Mountaineer Common Problems : r/MechanicAdvice

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/oh8wt2/2004_mercury_mountaineer_common_problems/

Jul 10, 2021 ... If it's like the explorer then I would watch for wheel bearings and timing chain guides. Those are easy to fix. Rear diff carrier bearings ...

Q&A: 2004 Mercury Mountaineer AWD Problems & Review

https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/2159b-2004-mercury-mountaineer-awd-developing.html

Apr 25, 2009 ... I have a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer AWD and it is developing some issues. 1) The steering is becoming unstable - it - Answered by a verified ...