TroubleAtlas Score
MERCURY MONTEREY (2004–2006): Full Technical Specs & OBD2 Diagnostics
Built 2004–2006 · all production years covered on this single page
4.2 i V6 12V (204 Hp) • Petrol (Gasoline)
2006
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mercury Monterey (2004–2006) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.6
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mercury Monterey (2004–2006) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Mercury Monterey (2004–2006) is powered by a 4.2 i V6 12V (204 Hp) engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (12)
NHTSA 04V446000
Wheels › Hub
Date: 13/09/2004
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.
NHTSA 06E056000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 13/06/2006
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 T…
NHTSA 06E056000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 13/06/2006
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 T…
NHTSA 06E056000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 13/06/2006
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 T…
NHTSA 06V069000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Date: 09/03/2006
ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
NHTSA 06V069000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Date: 09/03/2006
ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
NHTSA 12V006000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 09/01/2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
NHTSA 12V006000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 09/01/2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD FREESTAR AND MERCURY MONTEREY VEHICLES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER OUTPUT SHAFT MAY FAIL.
NHTSA 13V081000
Seats
Date: 07/03/2013
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, Mai…
NHTSA 13V081000
Seats
Date: 07/03/2013
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, Mai…
NHTSA 13V081000
Seats
Date: 07/03/2013
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, Mai…
NHTSA 03V457000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections
Date: 06/11/2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER STEERING LOW-PRESSURE LINE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
164 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mercury Monterey across model years 2004–2006. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
3 crash reports 2 fires 6 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 200460
Model year 200560
Model year 200644
Most reported components (all years)
Power Train111
Structure15
Electrical System13
Engine12
Vehicle Speed Control10
Service Brakes10
Sample reports
VEHICLE LOST POWER FORWARD AND REVERSE. THIS VEHICLE IS ON THE SECOND TORQUE CONVERTER DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER MALFUNCTION. THE FIRST REPLACEMENT OCCURRED APRIL 2009 AND THE SECOND OCCUR DECEMBER 2013. BOTH TIMES THE MERCURY/FORD REPLACE… (MY 2004)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED HESTITATION AND VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND… (MY 2004)
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD GOES OUT. THE SPEED DECLINES SLIGHTLY, AND THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF. THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF. THE HEAT TURNS ON AND OFF. THE ALARMS INSIDE STARTS TO CHIME. THE POWER IS LOST TO… (MY 2004)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MONTEREY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED A BURNING ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SQUEALED WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPA… (MY 2004)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2004–2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mercury Monterey have any safety recalls?
Yes — 12 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mercury Monterey?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mercury Monterey?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mercury Monterey?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are electrical problems common on the Mercury Monterey?
Yes — 39 of 163 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “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…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Mercury Monterey?
Yes — 52 of 163 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “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 ILLUMI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are transmission problems common on the Mercury Monterey?
Yes — 85 of 163 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “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…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mercury Monterey (2004–2006)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Mercury Monterey (2004–2006) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mercury Monterey (2004–2006) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Mercury Monterey (2004–2006), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.