2004 Mercury Mountaineer Luxury V6 from North America
Summary:
The vehicle is terrible!!
Faults:
Transmission fluid recall @ 3,000k.
Power steering pump replaced @ 8,000k.
Friction stabilizer added to rear end @ 28,000 to correct a 'grabbing' in the rear end. I asked dealer what happens when I have more rear end problems 20k or so out of factory warranty, they assured me it would be covered because the previous repair would be in the computer. Well guess what, they lied!!
So I have contacted Ford about this problem and have learned there are NUMEROUS vehicles with this same problem! It is obviously a manufacture problem, so why isn't there a recall?! I was told by my dealer it's not a safety issue!! OK so if my rear end locks up & I'm hit from behind, at highway speed, it's not a safety issue? Yeah right!!! I travel with my 3 children to boot!!
I have to contact Ford again and see if they are willing to cover this problem, or at the very least help with the cost of the $1200 repair!!! UGH!!! Ford has came up with a 'special rear axle repair kit' because they have so many of these repairs being done!!! Get this, while on the phone with Ford, the rep mentioned that they have $2500 rebate on Mercury products right now!!! Can you believe that crap?!
General Comments:
I will never buy another Ford product!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th September, 2008
27th Aug 2010, 13:22
I had the same delay in changing gears too. After months of ignoring it, it turned out to be the tranny. Got it rebuilt under warranty.
20th Apr 2012, 16:32
We are having the same exact problem with our 2004 Mercury Mountaineer V8 luxury AWD, North American made SUV. Rear-end shift differential problem, and this is after having to have the Lincoln Mercury dealer replace the transmission in 2008. Neither us, nor anyone we know, will ever buy another Ford ever again!
21st Dec 2008, 20:38
I have to say that I've been very happy with my 2004 4.0 AWD.
Fuel pump went out at 45,000 miles, but I have the bad habit of driving on low fuel, repair was covered by warranty and I even got a rental.
I've noticed a delay when I'm changing gear to reverse, but it only happens when I let off the brake too close to the gear change; I now give it a second of time.
Also steering wheel controls for radio act a little funny once in a while.
I run full synthetic and also have a K&N air filter, and have improved to 17 mpg city.
My driving is pretty laid-back most of the time, so I guess my Mountaineer has been good to me.
I recommend upgrading to Xenon headlights; the big lens really lights up the road, increasing visibility and gives the vehicle more looks.