Before you buy
This 2004 Mercury Mountaineer has 210 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2004 Mercury Mountaineer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2004 Mercury Mountaineer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2004 Mercury Mountaineer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 2004 has 210 NHTSA complaints, with structural problems (79) and transmission issues (64) most reported. One recall and 11 crash-related complaints indicate potential safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mercury
- Model
- Mountaineer
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 210
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2004 Mercury Mountaineer problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Mercury Mountaineer?
The 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is a high-risk choice due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and service history are available, and be prepared for potential costly repairs.
Structural problems and transmission failures can lead to expensive repairs and safety hazards, making pre-purchase inspection critical.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs and who can perform or oversee detailed mechanical inspections.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance SUV should avoid the 2004 Mountaineer due to high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect body and frame for rust, cracks, or damage (Structural Problems).
- Test transmission for slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement.
- Check for unintended acceleration incidents by reviewing service records.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect structural components (frame, body panels) for damage or rust.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer shows 210 complaints, with structural problems (79) and transmission/drivetrain issues (64) as top concerns. The single recall and 11 crash-related complaints suggest potential safety risks. Buyers should prioritize inspection of structural integrity and transmission. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2004 has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided for direct comparison.
Recall context: The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not reflect the high complaint volume; verify all recall repairs are completed.
- Structural problems account for 79 complaints, the highest category.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 64 complaints, the second most common.
- Unintended acceleration has 21 complaints, a safety-critical concern.
- Structural Problems (79 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (64 complaints)
- Unintended Acceleration (21 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2004 Mercury Mountaineer complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 79 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 64 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 19 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 de…
MY WINDOWS WERE ROLLING DOWN WHEN I FIRST THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED ROLLING DOWN
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.
OPERATING THE TAILGATE WINDOW HINGES BROKE OFF SCREWS APPEARED TO HAVE SEVERE CORROSION VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
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
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.
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
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 HI…
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 I…
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 AN…
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, …
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…
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…
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.
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 TU…
REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGES RUSTED/CORRODED. HINGES HAVE BROKEN CAUSING WINDOW TO SHIFT AND MOVE.
ENGINE DIED HAS REPEATED ONLY A FEW TIMES AT OR ABOVE 50MPH OVER SPAN OF TIME
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 10…
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
DOOR DINGS AND DENTS. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer.
Safety recalls
2004 Mercury Mountaineer recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not reflect the high complaint volume; verify all recall repairs are completed. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Mercury Mountaineer buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 210 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is a high-risk choice due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and service history are available, and be prepared for potential costly repairs. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
#1: Structural Problems (79 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (64 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (21 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 210 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not reflect the high complaint volume; verify all recall repairs are completed. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
The 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is a high-risk choice due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and service history are available, and be prepared for potential costly repairs. Structural problems and transmission failures can lead to expensive repairs and safety hazards, making pre-purchase inspection critical. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mercury Mountaineer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.