2004 Mercury Monterey Convenience
2MRZA20284BJ01421
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Mercury Monterey Convenience (VIN 2MRZA20284BJ01421). Beige, minivan, 4.2L 6-cyl 201 hp, gasoline. 111,209 mi reported. Registered in Md. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 5 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $1,759 (typical range $800–$3,000). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 2MRZA20284BJ01421, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 5 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Mercury Monterey data →
📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2004 Mercury Monterey worth?
What comparable 2004 Mercury Monterey vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Mercury Monterey with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mercury Monterey.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Mercury Monterey. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mercury Monterey costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 7
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing Closed
Please see the attached closing resume summary. It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
NHTSA #EQ12010 · Structure · opened Sep 2012 · closed Dec 2012Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment Closed
Ford is conducting a safety recall to repair the third-row seat's latch mechanisms in approximately 196,667 model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-081 for more details). The recall covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in the "salt belt" states or high corrosion areas of the United States: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia,…
NHTSA #EA12003 · Structure, Seats · opened Apr 2012 · closed May 2013Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment Closed
ODI has received 18 complaints on the subject vehicles from the salt belt states that allege severe corrosion at the rear wheel wells. Additionally, ODI identified 4 similar reports from Ford's response to the investigation. Ford submitted a total of 10 reports to ODI (6 of 10 Ford reports are duplicates of ODI reports). The complaints indicated difficulty or inability to latch the rear seat as some of the complaints…
NHTSA #PE11039 · Structure, Seats, Latches/locks/linkages · opened Dec 2011 · closed Apr 2012Service Jack Failure Closed
The subject vehicles (SV) are all automatic transmission, front wheel drive vehicles with hand actuated mechanical park brakes. The investigation focused on allegations that the service jack failed and caused the vehicles to fall. The subject scissors-type jack appears to fail at the slotted hinge joints where the jack screw is located (bends at mid-point). The failures occur while the jack is in use, and vehicle mov…
NHTSA #PE11033 · Equipment · opened Sep 2011 · closed Dec 2012Engine Stalling Closed
The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out. In addition to causing an engine t…
NHTSA #PE10033 · Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train · opened Aug 2010 · closed Jul 2011Transmission Torque Converter Failure Closed
On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-006) to NHTSA regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles. The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requiremen…
NHTSA #EA09016 · Power Train · opened Nov 2009 · closed Feb 2012TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT FAILURE Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 227 OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. OF THOSE COMPLAINTS, 124 CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT SPLINES STRIPPING CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN. THE REMAINING 103 COMPLAINTS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER BUT THE SPECIFIC INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSE WITHIN THE…
NHTSA #PE09033 · Power Train · opened Jul 2009 · closed Nov 2009An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 60
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 60.
The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these P…
Bulletin SSM 46085 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine · Sep 2016Safety recall 13S01 - Corrosion on sheet metal that supports 3rd row seat latch strikeers - requests for recall service action
Bulletin TSB160069 · Seats · Apr 2016For 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey vehicles Safety Recall 13S01 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the sheet metal that supports the folding 3rd row seat latch strikers could experience corrosio…
Bulletin 16-0069 · Seats · Apr 2016FORD/MERCURY: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING SHEET METAL SUPPORT FOR FOLDING 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKERS CAN EXPERIENCE CORROSION AND WILL COMPROMISE MOUNTING POINT CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE. MODEL 2004-07 FREESTAR, MONTEREY. *PE
Bulletin TSB-14-0166 · Seats, Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Equipment · Sep 2014FORD/MERCURY: SHEET METAL SUPPORTING FOLDING 3RD ROW SEAT LATCH STRIKERS WILL EXPERIENCE CORROSION AND COMPROMISE MOUNTING POINT FOR FORWARD PORTION OF 3RD ROW SEAT, IF VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR EXTENDED PERIOD. MODEL 2004-2007 FREESTAR,…
Bulletin TSB-14-0144 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Seats · Aug 2014REAR CLIMATE CONTROL NOISES - SERVICE TIP. *TT
Bulletin 19004 · Equipment · Jan 2006RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2296 - SERVICE TIP. *TT
Bulletin 18834 · Air Bags · Sep 2005SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
Bulletin 042421 · Seat Belts · Jun 2005SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
Bulletin 04147 · Electrical System · Jun 2005STEERING WHEEL. *EH
Bulletin 18520 · Steering · Mar 2005Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MONTEREY. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Mercury Monterey
The Mercury Monterey is a series of full-size cars that were manufactured and marketed by the Mercury division of Ford from 1950 to 1974. Deriving its name from Monterey Bay, the initial Mercury Monterey served as the top-of-the-line two-door sedan model for 1950 and 1951 to compete with the hardtop models of Oldsmobile and Buick. It came with a vinyl roof covering, upgraded upholstery, and other features. The hardtop was introduced for 1952. During its production, the Monterey would be offered in multiple body styles, ranging from coupes, convertibles, sedans, hardtops, and station wagons.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 5
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rho…
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. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA Campaign #13V081000 · manufacturer #13S01 · 07/03/2013POWER 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.
NHTSA Campaign #12V006000 · manufacturer #11S25 · 09/01/2012FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
NHTSA Campaign #06E056000 · 13/06/2006WHEELS: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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V446000 · manufacturer #04S24 · 13/09/2004STEERING: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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA Campaign #03V457000 · manufacturer #03S09 · 06/11/2003These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mercury Monterey, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🔥 6 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 283
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Mercury Monterey.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Mercury Monterey. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 223,476 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 361,749.
NHTSA ODI #11715312UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reported on third seat on 2004 Mercury Monterrey premier van was recalled , also air bags was recalled and also on wheel of vehicle was recalled in which I want to see if I can take my vehicle and have it inspected and keep my vehicle on the list if any recall and Thank You .?
NHTSA ODI #11609519POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. The contact stated that while driving through a drive thru, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral and was unable to shift into the intended gear. The automatic transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was contacted back in 2012 who confirmed that the VIN was in…
NHTSA ODI #11586529VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The driver manually shifted gears to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the return spring par…
NHTSA ODI #11432162POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO NEWTON FORD SOUTH…
NHTSA ODI #11382869POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WELL I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS BUT AROUND AUGUST 2020 MY GRANDSON JUST GOT OUT OF KNEE SURGERY WE WAS DRIVING UP TO LIMESTONE NEW YORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND IT STOPPED MOVING SO I COSTED OFF THE ROAD WE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED SO WE SAT THERE AND THERE WAS ALOT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERYWHERE SO A MAN S…
NHTSA ODI #11377203STRUCTURE
LOWER CONTROL BOLT THAT MOUNTED TO SUBFRAME RUSTED THREW FRAME . IF NOT CAUGHT ON TIME THE TIRE WOULD SEPERATE I TOOK THE VECHICLE TO A WEDLER FOR TEMPERARY REPAIR. BUT UNFORTANLEY THE DESIGN ON THE SUBFRAME HAS HOLES SO IT ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER AND CAUSE FRAME TO RUST! ALERT WHEN BRAKING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING THAT IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT BROKEN.…
NHTSA ODI #11256944SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
THURSDAY MAY 23 2019. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VAN JUST CUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VAN AND GET INTO A PARKING LOT. I SAT FOR A BIT AND TRIED IT AGAIN. IT STARTED. BUT I HAD NO POWER TO GO FORWARD OR REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS JUST GONE. ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAD HAPPENED. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT .. I WAS ON A CITY STREET. …
NHTSA ODI #11210329+ 275 more complaints on record.
