2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER Structure Problems

OPERATING THE TAILGATE WINDOW HINGES BROKE OFF SCREWS APPEARED TO HAVE SEVERE CORROSION VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY

Mileage: 149,674

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.

Mileage: 135,000

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 INTO THE FRAME AND HAVE IT LOCK AT THE CENTER LATCH. THE LATCH IS NO LONGER ENGAGED AND I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PUSH ON THE WINDOW TO CONNECT WITH THE LATCH. I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO DO SO. THE WINDOW IS AT A POINT WHERE IT COULD FALL OFF OF MY CAR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR 2000-2003 VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. FORD IS NOT CARRYING OVER THE RECALL TO 2004 STATING THE DEFECT IS NOT THE SAME (WITH THE DETAILS) AS THE RECALL ITSELF. IT IS STILL THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART! I AM OF SHORT STATURE AND DO NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO PUSH THE WINDOW THE 1" OR SO TO GET IT INTO THE FRAME TO LOCK SUCCESSFULLY. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR ADVICE BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD I WOULD NEED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. I AM AT RISK OF HAVING THE WINDOW FALL OFF THE BACK OF MY CAR AND DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AT THIS TIME. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS NOTED FOR THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE ON THIS SITE FOR THE 2004 MOUNTAINEER. JUST NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NEXT. MY VEHICLE IS MY BREAD AND BUTTER IN ORDER TO WORK.

Mileage: 186,000

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, BUT THAT FORD REPAIRED THOSE. I DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO MY EMAIL I SENT TO FORD. THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSE TO THE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. IF YOU LOOK AROUND YOU CAN TELL IF YOU ARE BEHIND A 2004 EXPLORER OR MOUNTIANEER, THEY ALL WILL HAVE AT LEAST ONE CRACK AROUND THE EMBLEM.

Mileage: 15,000

REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGES RUSTED/CORRODED. HINGES HAVE BROKEN CAUSING WINDOW TO SHIFT AND MOVE.

Mileage: 85,000

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 107,000. ...UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF!..UPDATED 08/13/15 *BF UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN

Mileage: 107,000

EVERY TIME IT RAINS, EVEN JUST A SPRINKLE, WATER COMES IN FROM TOP OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR/ROOF. IT ALSO COMES IN THROUGH THE DOME LIGHT AND VISOR. MY FLOORBOARD IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE TRIED TO USE A CAR COVER AND IT DOES NOT WORK. I CAN NOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME TO BRING INTO A DEALERSHIP. THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO DESTROY THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS THREE TIMES, PAINT COMING OFF, PASSENGER SEAT TRIM CAME OFF, CRACKED REAR LIFT GATE, PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR DOOR WINDOWS, AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR WINDOW DO NOT WORK. *TR

I TOOK MY CHILDREN TO DAYCARE CAME HOME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I CAME BACK OUT TWO MINUTES LATER AND THERE IS GLASS ALL OVER. THE BACK HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED, IT LOOKS LIKE IT GOT REALLY HOT AS SOME OF THE PLASTIC TRIM IS MELTED. *TR

Mileage: 94,732

REAR HATCH HINGE BROKE WHILE CLOSING BACK GLASS OF HATCH. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

PLASTIC/FIBERGLASS LIFTGATE CRACKED AROUND EMBLEM. THIS PROBLEM STARTED A FEW YEARS AGO AND HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF. FORD EXPLORER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HALF OF IT FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN COMMUTE TRAFFIC....SEEMS THIS WOULD POTENTIALLY OPEN FAMILY MEMBER UP TO LEGAL LITIGATION IF THIS PART CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SIMILAR WITH DIFFERENT NAME PLATE. THIS IS THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO IN OUR FAMILY. FIRST A FORD EXPLORER XLT AND NOW THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ELECTED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. BODY FLEX AT THE LIFTGATE CAUSES GREAT STRESS TO PLASTIC/FIBERGLASS LIFTGATES. JUST LOOK AROUND AT FORD AND MERCURY AND LOOK AT LIFT GATE.....NOT HARD TO MISS.... *TR

Mileage: 53,000

REAR HATCH HINGE BROKE WHILE OPENING BACK GLASS OF HATCH, NEARLY FELL ON SPOUSE WHILE OPENING. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCH ON THE HATCH BACK FRACTURED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DOOR AND THE DOOR CAME DOWN AND STRUCK HER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

Mileage: 211,000

INFO COPIED FROM WEBSITE IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS UNLOADING MY CAR IN MY GARAGE. THE BEST WE CAN TELL IS THAT THE RIGHT STRUT/ARM SEIZED AND THE HINGE PINS BROKE, CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL OFF. WE DON'T HAVE IT IN THE SHOP YET. IT WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED. ********* NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : RQ08003NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : N/A VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): MERCURY / MOUNTAINEER 2004 MANUFACTURER(S) : FORD MOTOR COMPANY COMPONENT(S) : STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR SUMMARY: THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 23, 2008, BASED ON 34 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING EIGHT INJURIES IN WHICH THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS OR MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS BROKE OFF AND FELL, USUALLY WHILE INDIVIDUALS WERE OPERATING THE GLASS HATCH OR LOADING OR UNLOADING ITEMS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. FORD CONDUCTED RECALL 04V-442 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 2002 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. THE INFORMATION FORD PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT FAILURES WITH 2004 VEHICLES WERE PRIMARILY LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH HINGE FAILURES RELATED TO CORROSION AT THE HINGE PIN, WHEREAS THE FAILURES THAT PROMPTED THE RECALL WITH THE EARLIER MODELS WERE PRIMARILY RELATED TO PROBLEMS WITH THE GLASS HATCH'S STRUTS OR FRACTURE OF A PRIOR HINGE DESIGN AT THE BOSS/BOLT CONNECTION AT THE GLASS. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2004 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THESE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THOSE FOR THE RECALLED POPULATION. A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS NECESSARY. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. *TR

Mileage: 112,399

INFO COPIED FROM WEBSITE IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS UNLOADING MY CAR IN MY GARAGE. THE BEST WE CAN TELL IS THAT THE RIGHT STRUT/ARM SEIZED AND THE HINGE PINS BROKE, CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL OFF. WE DON'T HAVE IT IN THE SHOP YET. IT WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED. ********* NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : RQ08003NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : N/A VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): MERCURY / MOUNTAINEER 2004 MANUFACTURER(S) : FORD MOTOR COMPANY COMPONENT(S) : STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR SUMMARY: THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 23, 2008, BASED ON 34 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING EIGHT INJURIES IN WHICH THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS OR MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS BROKE OFF AND FELL, USUALLY WHILE INDIVIDUALS WERE OPERATING THE GLASS HATCH OR LOADING OR UNLOADING ITEMS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. FORD CONDUCTED RECALL 04V-442 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 2002 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. THE INFORMATION FORD PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT FAILURES WITH 2004 VEHICLES WERE PRIMARILY LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH HINGE FAILURES RELATED TO CORROSION AT THE HINGE PIN, WHEREAS THE FAILURES THAT PROMPTED THE RECALL WITH THE EARLIER MODELS WERE PRIMARILY RELATED TO PROBLEMS WITH THE GLASS HATCH'S STRUTS OR FRACTURE OF A PRIOR HINGE DESIGN AT THE BOSS/BOLT CONNECTION AT THE GLASS. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2004 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THESE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THOSE FOR THE RECALLED POPULATION. A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS NECESSARY. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. *TR

Mileage: 112,399

WAS LOOKING AT MY VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED THE CRACK FROM THE TOP TO BOTTOM OF LIFT GATE, NEXT TO MERCURY EMBLEM. NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION, IT WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER READING ONLINE THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THE SAME EXACT OCCURRENCE ON THE LIFT GATES OF FORDS, MERCURY AND LINCOLNS. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL IN FAIRNESS SO THAT WE MAY ALL HAVE OUR VEHICLES REPAIRED!

Mileage: 72,000

ON THE LIFTGATE, CRACKED BETWEEN BOTTOM OF GLASS AND THE EDGE OF THE WINDOW HATCH. IT CRACKED AFTER A FEW YEARS, AND CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE. NOW WE HAVE CONSTANT WARNING BEEPS, THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM. *TT

Mileage: 23,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE FRACTURED AND AS A RESULT, THE LIFT GATE FELL ONTO THE CONTACTS RIGHT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Mileage: 96,000

I ACTUALLY MISSED TWO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED IN 2004. MY DEALER WHICH IS JOHNSON BROTHERS FORD/MERCURY ON IH 35 TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501. MY WIFE WAS UNLOADING TRUCK AND THE LIFTGATE PLUNGED DOWN ON HER WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. SHE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES FROM INCIDENT. THE YEAR BEFORE OUR TAILGATE STARTED CRACKING IN 2006 . THE DEALER JOHNSON BROTHERS NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THE TAILGATE RECALL OR THE RECALL #RQ8003 FOR THE LIFTGATE ISSUE IN 2008. THIS DEALER HAS BEEN THE WORST IVE SEEN SINCE BUYING MY FIRST NEW OR USED VEHICLE IN AMERICA. I ,[XXX], HAVE ONLY RECEIVED HELP CONCERNING OIL CHANGES , AND TIRE CHECKS SINCE 2004. POOR SERVICE CENTER FOR CUSTOMERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)*TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WAS NEVER CHANGED AND THE DEALER CONTINUED TO TELL THE CONSUMER, ALL THE FLUIDS WERE FINE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE IN DRIVE MODE.

Mileage: 74,006

REAR GLASS TAIL GATE HATCH HINGE - THE HINGE PIN WAS COMING OUT THROUGH THE POT METAL CASTING. EVERY TIME I OPENED IT WORE A BIT MORE. HINGE WAS TWISTED - GLASS HUNG DOWN OUT OF POSITION. I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD FAIL ON THE ROAD AND INJURE A CAR BEHIND ME. I BOUGHT A NEW DEALER HINGE AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF. PARTS AND SERVICE PEOPLE AT DEALER NEGLECTED TO TELL ME TO DISCONNECT THE GAS CYLINDERS. WITH TAILGATE CLOSED GAS CYLINDERS ARE NOT VISIBLE. I REMOVED THE BAD HINGE IN PREPARATION TO INSTALL NEW. IT WAS A WRESTLING MATCH AS THE CYLINDER WAS TRYING TO FORCE THE GLASS OUT AND DOWN WHICH TWISTED THE OTHER HINGE. NOW THAT OTHER HINGES PIN IS BREAKING THROUGH THE POT METAL. IT TOOK TWO OF US TO WRESTLE THE CYLINDER AND GET THE NEW HINGE IN PLACE. TO BE SAFE I'M JUST NOT GOING TO USE THE HATCH. *TR

Mileage: 141,500

REAR HATCH PANEL CRACKED AND LARGE PIECE BROKE OFF AND BLEW INTO TRAFFIC. LUCKILY TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WAS FAR ENOUGH BACK THAT THE PIECE DID NOT HIT THE CAR FOLLOWING. I HAD THIS PANEL REPLACED ON TWO PRIOR OCCASIONS DUE TO IT CRACKING. I BELIEVE IT MUST BE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE REAR HATCH PANEL THAT CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN 3 TIMES. *TR

Mileage: 106,500

THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE THAT HOLDS THE LIFTGATE, CRACKED WHEN OPENING IT. THE SCREWS AR ALL STILL ATTACHED TO THE DOOR AND THE GLASS, AND THE ACTUAL HINGE FRACTURED AND SPLINTERED OFF. THE GLASS LIFTGATE IS NOW INOPERABLE AND HANGING BY A SINGLE HINGE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I PURCHASED A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER FIRST THE REAR LIFTGATE PLASTIC BROKE AND THERE'S A CRACK BY THE EMBLEM ON SOME OCCASIONS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE IT MAKES A LOUD BANG NOISE OR WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT ON THE HIGHWAY UP TO 50MPH AND OVER THERE SEEMS TO BE A RATTLE UNDER THE ENGINE AND IT GETS LOUDER WHEN MPH IS HIGHER IM NOT SURE WHAT IT IS BUT IM REALLY WORRIED THAT IT MAYBE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND IF THIS PROBLEM ISN'T RECALLED ME AND MY FAMILY PLUS OTHERS ARE IN REALLY BIG DANGER ITS A FAMILY CAR SO IM STARTING TO WORRY FOR MY FAMILY AND THERE SAFETY THESE VEHICLES NEED TO GO ON INSPECTION AND SOON SO THESE DOESN'T LEAD TO ANY ACCIDENTS. *TR

Mileage: 99,750

PREMATURE RUSTING AND PAINT BUBBLING ON REAR QUARTER PANEL UNDER FUELING DOOR (CONTINUES TO GET WORSE.) I HAVE OBSERVED SEVERAL OTHER LINCOLN/MERCURY VEHICLES WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR...UPDATED 12/09/15 *BF

Mileage: 70,000

THE LEFT REAR HINGE PIN ON THE GLASS LIFT GATE FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

REAR LIFT GATE IS FRACTURED FROM THE WINDOW DOWN AROUND AND THROUGH THE EMBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

THE HINGE PIN ON THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW ON MY 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SNAPPED. FORTUNATELY, THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE HELD, PREVENTING THE ENTIRE WINDOW FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND. I DID MANAGE TO GET IT CLOSED DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE SLIPPED DOWNWARD FROM ITS PROPER POSITION. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ADDED STRESS COULD EASILY BREAK THE OTHER HINGE. *TR

Mileage: 89,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED AROUND THE EMBLEM UP TO THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND TO CONTACT NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,725. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ

Mileage: 63,725

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED AROUND THE EMBLEM UP TO THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND TO CONTACT NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,725. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ

Mileage: 63,725

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS OPENING THE REAR DOOR WHEN THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW FRACTURED AND DROPPED ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE HINGES FROM THE LIFT GATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/08/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE LIFT GATE HINGES WERE REPAIRED. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT WOULD NOT RAISE FULLY. THE CRACK AROUND THE MERCURY MEDALLION WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS

Mileage: 25,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS OPENING THE REAR DOOR WHEN THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW FRACTURED AND DROPPED ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE HINGES FROM THE LIFT GATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/08/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE LIFT GATE HINGES WERE REPAIRED. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT WOULD NOT RAISE FULLY. THE CRACK AROUND THE MERCURY MEDALLION WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS

Mileage: 25,000

AS I WENT TO SHUT THE BACK LIFT GATE WINDOW HATCH, THE HINGE BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW TO FALL. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT, BUT IT CAME DOWN HARD. THE SHEAR PIN BROKE STRAIGHT OFF. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

REAR HATCH BACK GLASS BODY-SIDE HINGE BROKE ON RIGHT SIDE IN NORMAL OPENING OF GLASS. HINGE IS COMPOSED OF A BLACK PLASTIC OR NYLON RETAINING CLIP WITH A METAL PIN. THE PLASTIC APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED FROM FATIGUE. RECENT HIGH HEAT (100+ DEGREES FOR SEVERAL DAYS) MAY BE A FACTOR. PLASTIC BROKE THROUGH OVER THE PIN CHANNEL, ALLOWING THE PIN TO POP OUT. THE GLASS IS HEAVY AND TORQUED BY THE REMAINING HINGE AND TWO HYDRAULIC LIFTS. NO INJURIES, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE FALLEN, BROKE OR SHATTERED ON THE OPERATOR. THE HEAVY GLASS IS A DANGER ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN OR SMALLER ADULTS. THE OPERATOR FORTUNATELY HAD A WOOD SLAT IN THE BACK BIG ENOUGH TO PROP UP THE GLASS AND SUPPORT IT UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. EVEN WITH TWO ADULTS IT WAS HARD TO HOLD AND CONTROL THE GLASS TO CLOSE IT AND TAKE TO THE DEALER. RETENTION CLIP REALLY SHOULD HAVE EMBEDDED METAL REINFORCEMENT AROUND THE PIN.(THE LARGER EXPEDITION APPEARS TO HAVE JUST THAT IN THE EQUIVALENT PART.) READING ONLINE THERE ARE MANY CASES OF SIMILAR FAILURE THAT INCLUDED DAMAGE AND OR AT LEAST MINOR INJURIES. REPAIR WAS $270 AT A FORD DEALER. APPEARS TO BE COMMON ENOUGH FAILURE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW NOT TO BE REPEATED. ADMITTEDLY THIS APPEARED ON A HIGH MILEAGE NINE YEAR-OLD VEHICLE WHICH HAS OTHERWISE PROVIDED VERY GOOD SERVICE, BUT THE WEIGHT OF THE FALLING GLASS AND TORQUE INVOLVED WERE BOTH DANGEROUS AND COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. OPERATOR FELT LUCKY TO CATCH AND CONTROL IT WITHOUT BREAKING THE GLASS OR GETTING HURT. *TR

Mileage: 161,494

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER PIECE EMBLEM OF THE HATCH BACK STARTED TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED WITH A NEW HATCH BACK DOOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED SINCE THE RECURRENCE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 04/26/12 *BF UPDATED 05/10/12

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER PIECE EMBLEM OF THE HATCH BACK STARTED TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED WITH A NEW HATCH BACK DOOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED SINCE THE RECURRENCE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 04/26/12 *BF UPDATED 05/10/12

Mileage: 40,000

CAME OUT ONE MORNING TO DISCOVER THE REAR HATCH HAD A CRACK AROUND THE EMBLEM OF MY 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND WAS NOT HIT OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. STARTED NOTICING THAT EVERY MERCURY MOUNTAINEER OF THE SAME BODY TYPE HAD SIMILAR CRACKS IN THE SAME LOCATION. CONTACTED FORD BUT DID NOT HAVE VIN #. EVENTUALLY CONTACTED FORD AGAIN WITH VIN # AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT FORD WAS NOT ACCEPTING ANY RESPONSIBILITY . I TOLD FORD THAT IT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT TO NO AVAIL. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT IF THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD REPAIR THIS DEFECT. THE VALUE OF MY CAR HAS DECREASED BECAUSE OF THIS. I GOT A $500.00 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IT BUT WAS TOLD IT WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

BEING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH REAR LIFT GATE [ NOT STAYING CLOSE, OPENS ANYTIME, IT WANTS TO BY ITSELF. MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ERRATIC SHIFTING, HARD SHIFTING UP AND DOWN SHIFTING AND IN AND OUT SHIFTING ON REVERSE FROM PARK TO REVERSE PULLS VERY HARD. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I TOLD THEM THEY LOOKED AT LIKE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS SAYING THEY MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MECHANIC TO CHECK IT AND SAID IT WAS GOOD BUT IT WASN'T. I HAVE 84,000 MILES ON IT NEVER PULL A TRAILER WITH IT I'VE MADE 38 PAYMENTS ON IT. WHY DOES FORD PUTS A PRODUCT LIKE THAT AND ASKS ALOT OF MONEY FOR THE CAR THAT CAN'T EVEN MAKE TO 100,000 MILES THEY SHOULD BE OUT OF ACT. HOPE FORD WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS CARS. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

WIFE WAS CLOSING LIFTGATE AND IT BROKE FROM THE HINGES. THE LEFT SIDE FELL AND HIT HER ON THE HEAD. WAS TRYING TO HOLD LIFT GATE SO GLASS WOULDN'T FALL AND BREAK. CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE. LOOKING ONLINE IT SEEMS THIS HAPPENS A LOT. *KB

Mileage: 74,000

2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, REAR HATCH MOLDING WITH MERCURY EMBLEM. TWO WINTERS AGO THE MOLDING CRACKED AFTER A VERY COLD FREEZE. VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE ENTIRE HATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAD VEHICLE 3 OR 4 DAYS AS NEW HATCH WAS SENT OUT TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE PAINTED, MATCHING THE VEHICLE COLOR. NOW, THE SAME MOLDING HAS BEGUN DE-LAMINATING FROM THE HATCH. DEALER STATES HATCH HAS TO BE REPLACED AND WILL COST $1000.00. *KB

Mileage: 53,000

2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, REAR HATCH MOLDING WITH MERCURY EMBLEM. TWO WINTERS AGO THE MOLDING CRACKED AFTER A VERY COLD FREEZE. VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE ENTIRE HATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAD VEHICLE 3 OR 4 DAYS AS NEW HATCH WAS SENT OUT TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE PAINTED, MATCHING THE VEHICLE COLOR. NOW, THE SAME MOLDING HAS BEGUN DE-LAMINATING FROM THE HATCH. DEALER STATES HATCH HAS TO BE REPLACED AND WILL COST $1000.00. *KB

Mileage: 53,000

I HAVE A USED 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER I PURCHASED IN 12/2008 IT HAD 53,000 MILES. I HAVE DONE ALL OF THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE OIL CHANGES,BRAKE PADS,FLUID CHANGES, AND 60,000-MILE SERVICE PACKAGE. I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES I HAVE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. FRONT/REAR BRAKE PADS,FRONT/REAR ROTORS,SPARK PLUGS,-DEFECTED PARTS 2. BATTERY 3. TIRES-CONSTANT FLATS 4. LUG TORQUE-DRIVER FRONT/REAR 5. HOOD SHOCKS,TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT 6. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK/ FRONT PUMP SEAL LEAK 7. NOISE AT HARMONIC BALANCER 8. ROAR NOISE AND SHAKES AT ALL SPEEDS 9. HUB ASSEMBLIES MAKING NOISE FRONT LEFT/RIGHT SIDE; UNLESS REPLACED VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE PER FORD DEALERSHIP 10. BRAKE PADS- FRONT/REAR NEED TO BE REPLACED GOING BAD (SECOND TIME NEEDING TO BE REPLACED) 11. NEEDS FRONT ALIGNMENT-PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE 12. FUEL FILTER 13. NEEDS ALL NEW TIRES 14. IGNITION COIL -DEFECTIVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED 15. VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTER IS STUCK WHILE DRIVING WON'T SHIFT AT ALL SOMETIMES STAYS STUCK AT CERTAIN SPEED WON'T MOVE 16.UNIVERSAL JOINTS 17. AXLE HOUSING GASKET REPAIRS AND CORRECTIONS DONE ON VEHICLE: 1.NEW BRAKE PADS ON FRONT/REAR,REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, RESURFACED FRONT/REAR ROTORS.- 8/2009 2.BATTERY REPLACED- 4/2010 3.TIRES-FLATS REPAIRED/PATCHED -8/2010,11/2010,2/2011 4.HAVE NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED 5.HAVE NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED 6.REPLACED SEAL, TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID CHANGED,REPLACED SEAL-OIL-6/2011 7.HAVE NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED 8. VEHICLE IS SHAKING AND LOUD ROAR NOISE HASN'T BEEN FIXED-6/2011 9.HUB ASSEMBLIES FRONT LEFT/RIGHT SIDE REPLACED -6/2011 10.HAVE NOT REPLACED/REPAIRED 11.HAVE NOT REPLACED/REPAIRED 12.FUEL FILTER REPLACED-6/2011 13. BOUGHT BRAND NEW SET OF TIRES -6/2011 14.IGNITION COIL REPLACED-10/2009 15. HAVE NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED 16. HAVE NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED 17. AXLE HOUSING GASKET REPLACED-04/2011. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE DISENGAGED AND IMPACTED HER ABILITY TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

THE REAR PANEL IS CRACKED AROUND THE LOGO OF MY MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. I SEE THIS ON MOST OTHER MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS FROM THIS GENERATION AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED FROM THE DECAL UP TO THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,029.

Mileage: 51,029

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT-GATE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE PANEL OF THE REAR LIFTGATE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW TO THE BASE OF THE LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

REAR DOOR PANEL CRACKED, VISUAL, THEN FOUND SEVERAL MORE 2004 MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME CRACK, NOW A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AS CLASS ACTION, I HEAR A NOISE MECHANICAL GRIND FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, STOP BY A FORD DEALER TO GET A TRADE IN PRICE, AND SEE IF ANYTHING IS MENTIONED, THEY TELL ME TO GET MY CAR FIXED, !! NO MENTION THEY KNEW OF THE PROBLEMS, NOW I READ TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, GLASS VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, CRUISE CONTROL FIRE, PROBLEMS MY CAR'S CRUISE QUIT WORKING, ON AND ON IT GOES, LISTS OF LISTS OF PROBLEMS, I KNOW CARS WEAR OUT BUT TO KNOW THERE ARE PROBLEMS AND HIDE THEM, NEEDS ACTION. *TR

Mileage: 108,808

I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE BACK LIFTGATE ON MY 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. IN 2008, WITH APPROX 45K MILES ON IT, A CRACK DEVELOPED ABOVE AND BELOW THE EMBLEM ON THE LIFTGATE (LIKE SEVERAL OTHERS I'VE NOTICED ON THIS WEBSITE). THE DEALER DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT BUT SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST ME $500 FOR A NEW LIFTGATE! I DECLINED AT THAT TIME. MORE RECENTLY, THE BACK WINDOW HINGES BROKE AND MY WIFE WAS THERE TO CATCH IT. SHE SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR IT AND, ONCE AGAIN THEY WANTED TO SELL A NEW HATCH TO US FOR OVER $1000 INCLUDING PARTS AND LABOR. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THEY FIXED IT FOR $183 AND GOT THE NEW HINGES DIRECTLY FROM THE MERCURY DEALER WE SPOKE TO EARLIER. THESE ITEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND PEOPLE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR EXPENSES RELATING TO GETTING THEM FIXED ON THEIR OWN. I CANNOT BRING MYSELF TO BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT IF THEY DON'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTS. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HAIRLINE FRACTURE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW NEAR THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 55,000

I OWN A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL OF MY VEHICLE. THE CRACK CURVES AROUND THE MERCURY LOGO LOCATED ON THE REAR PANEL. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HE SAID FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HE REPAIRS MANY CRACKED LIFTGATES ON FORD/MERCURY SUV'S, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER DUE TO EXPANDING AND CONTRACTING OF PLASTIC. IT IS ALMOST HALFWAY DOWN THE BACK AND AM AFRAID THAT THE WINDOW WILL POP OUT WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURE SOMEONE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT SHOULD NOT BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSUMER, SINCE IT IS A DEFECT OF THE SUV. *TR

Mileage: 48,500

I OWN A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS FOUR THOUSAND MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STORAGE IN GARAGE FOR FOUR AND HALF YEARS. I STARTED TO USE THE VEHICLE ON LAST FALL OF 2009. ON SEPTEMBER I SEE THE TAILGATE DEVELOPED A CRACK AROUND THE EMBLEM AND THE REAR GLASS. THE HEATER IS NOT WORKING ALSO. THIS IS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE DEFECTS! *TR

Mileage: 4,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PARKED HE NOTICED THERE WAS A CRACK BELOW THE MERCURY EMBLEM ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 78,000

IN JULY 2008 FILED MY FIRST COMPLAINT WHEN THE ENTIRE BACK LIFT GATE AND WINDOW BLEW OUT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. INSURANCE REPAIRED IT, I PAID A 200.00 DEDUCTIBLE. AGAIN THE MEDALLION HAS CRACKED 3/4 OF THE WAY AND I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS THE START OF ANOTHER LIFT GATE BLOW OUT/GLASS ALL OVER, ETD. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT MANUALLY CLOSED THE REAR HATCHBACK AND THE WINDOW GLASS SHATTERED UNEXPECTEDLY ONTO HER ARM. THE SMALL PIECES OF GLASS SCATTERED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE HATCHBACK DEFECTIVE LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

GLASS LIFT GATE STRUT FROZE WHEN IT WAS OPENED WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE IT, THE FORCE BROKE THE HINGE AT THE TOP. IF I HAD NOT IMMEDIATELY SUPPORTED THE LIFT GATE IT WOULD HAVE FALLEN. THE HINGE ON THE OTHER SIDE WAS CRACKED AND BENT AND ABOUT TO GIVE. THE EMBLEM ON THE GATE HAS ALSO BEEN CRACKED FOR QUITE AWHILE. I DID HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID ISSUE ADDRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION SLAMMING INTO GEAR IN REVERSE AT VARIOUS TIMES. *TR

Mileage: 92,360

REAR BACK PANEL CRACKED. WAS PARKED IN GARAGE FOR 2 DAYS, TEMP WAS -15F LOW/22F HIGH. FINE ONE DAY, CRACKED REAR PANEL (AROUND THE REAR HATCH WINDOW). DEALER STATES NO RECALL, SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. $500 TO FIX. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

I OWN A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. RECENTLY, I FOUND THE BACK PANEL TO THE LIFTGATE NEAR THE EMBLEM IS COMPLETELY CRACKED. THIS IS CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME ON THE ROAD AS IT COULD BE DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHERS WHILE DRIVING. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY REFUSE TO RECALL THIS PRODUCT. HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AND BY SERVICE MECHANICS. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS - THE LEFT HINGE ON THE LIFTGATE ON MY 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER FRACTURED, CAUSING THE GLASS LIFTGATE TO SWING OUT. THE RIGHT HINGE HELD BUT SHOWS CORROSION. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V442000 FOR MODEL YEARS 2002 - 2003. THE LIFTGATE IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACE THE PARTS. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS - THE LEFT HINGE ON THE LIFTGATE ON MY 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER FRACTURED, CAUSING THE GLASS LIFTGATE TO SWING OUT. THE RIGHT HINGE HELD BUT SHOWS CORROSION. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V442000 FOR MODEL YEARS 2002 - 2003. THE LIFTGATE IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACE THE PARTS. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

THE GLASS IN THE LIFT REAR GATE FELL OUT INTO MY SON'S HAND. THANK GOD, HE DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. I HAD TO TAKE IT IN AND HAVE THE HINGES REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST ME $100 BECAUSE I HAD A WARRANTY. PREVIOUS INCIDENTS SIMILAR TO MINE HAVE BEEN REPORTED. THE CAR MANUFACTURES NEED TO COME UP WITH A BETTER DESIGN. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

MY LIFT GATE GLASS HINGES HAVE STARTED TO FAIL, THE PIN HOLDING THE TOP AND BOTTOM PART OF THE HINGES TOGETHER HAVE COME OUT ON ONE SIDE OF BOTH HINGES CAUSING THEM TO TURN AND START LETTING THE OTHER SIDE COME OUT. EVENTUALLY WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS THE GLASS WILL FALL OUT ALL TOGETHER. BECAUSE OF THIS THE LATCH DOES NOT LINE UP RIGHT AND HAS CAUSE THE EXTERIOR TRIM MOLDING TO COMPLETELY CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. I HAVE ORDERED THE HINGES TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR MYSELF BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ON THE PREVIOUS YEARS OF MY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER-THE REAR HATCH HINGE BROKE. LOOKS LIKE IT IS CORRODED. HAVE NOT FOUND OUT HOW MUCH THIS COSTS BECAUSE OF LACK OF MONEY. HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS ONLINE AND EVEN A RECALLS FOR THE YEAR BEFORE THIS FOR THE SAME THING. WHY ISN'T THIS BEING RECALLED? I AM A 5FT 2 INCH WOMAN, AND I HAD TO CATCH THIS WHEN IT FELL OFF. IT COULD HAVE BROKEN MY LEGS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHEN THE CONTACT CLOSED THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR, IT SUDDENLY CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.

Mileage: 58,000

REAR LIFT GATE ON 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WOULD NOT CLOSE. NOTICED HINGE ATTACHMENT FOR GLASS LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS FALLING OFF. GATE WOULD NOT CLOSE AND IS DAMAGED. *TR

Mileage: 69,449

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL OF HER VEHICLE. THE CRACK CURVES AROUND THE MERCURY LOGO LOCATED ON THE REAR PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE HER 20% OFF THE REPAIR SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 03/12/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/13/09. *JB

Mileage: 60,000

THE FAILURE IS FOR A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND THE FAILURE IS A CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE THAT OCCURS RIGHT ALONGSIDE THE MERCURY EMBLEM OR LOGO ON THE BACK OF THE TAILGATE OR LIFT GATE. THIS CRACK HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON ONLINE FORUMS AND TO ME SEEMS LIKE A DEFICIENCY IN THE MATERIAL THAT MAKES UP THE LIFT GATE OR TAILGATE. (I.E. - THE LOGO IS SO BIG AND THE MATERIAL AROUND THE LOGO EMBLEM SO THIN THAT IT CRACKS UNDER PRESSURE AND CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE) I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE FORD EXPLORER HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT TYPE OF PROBLEM, YET MERCURY HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE INCURRED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM HAVE BEEN AROUND THE SAME YEARS (2004-2006 MODELS - OR AT LEAST THE VEHICLES THAT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM OCCUR IN.) 1. THE EVENTS THAT HAVE LED UP TO THIS FAILURE INCLUDES: MERCURY AND FORD ARE SOLELY TO BLAME FOR PRODUCING A FAULTY TAILGATE OR LIFT GATE ON THESE VEHICLES AND SHOULD RECALL THEM. THE CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE ALONG WITH AVERAGE USAGE OF SHUTTING OR CLOSING THE TAILGATE WOULD CAUSE A VIBRATION TO PROMOTE THE TAILGATE TO CRACK. I NOTICED MY FAILURE OR CRACK IN MID-AUGUST OF 2008, I'VE OWNED MY VEHICLE SINCE 2004 BUT IT HAS BEEN GARAGED ALL OF THOSE YEARS EXCEPT FOR LAST YEAR, WHICH COULD EXPLAIN WHY IT HAPPENED LAST YEAR (CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE MORE SEVERE). 2. I HAVE NOTED HOW THE FAILURE OCCURS, ITS CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE A CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS AESTHETICALLY NON-APPEALING, AND THIS COULD LEAD TO A LARGER CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE THAT COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS CRACK (WHICH IS NOT MINOR, 3 - 5 INCHES USUALLY) COULD ALSO REDUCE OR LEAD TO COMPROMISING THE VEHICLES STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND REDUCE CRASH TEST RATINGS. THIS IS A BIG CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY. 3. I PERSONALLY SPENT OVER $400 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE. I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED AND MERCURY SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

CRACK APPEARED IN BODY OF VEHICLE IN THE BACK ABOVE AND AROUND THE MERCURY EMBLEM. IT CONTRACTS AND EXPANDS DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE. THERE WAS NO CRASH, IMPACT OR ANYTHING THAT CAUSED THIS FAILURE. IT IS A DEFECT IN THE BODY. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ARE THE INABILITY TO USE THE HATCH, THE REPAIR BILL AND THE DEPRECIATION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 87,548

CRACK ON REAR HATCH FROM TOP OF HATCH DOWN AND AROUND THE EMBLEM (UNDER THE REAR WINDOW). VEHICLE IS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH 75K MILES. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REAR WINDOW PANEL CRACKED AND HINGES WILL NOT STAY TIGHT. FORD DEALER SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FORD WILL NOT REPAIR IF VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAS 53,000 MILES BUT I HAD DEALER CHECK VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID ALL IT NEEDED WAS ADJUSTING. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE MY OFFICE DOOR THE BACK LIFTGATE WINDOW AND LIFTGATE BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. GLASS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HAD THE CHILDREN BEEN SEATED IN THE 3RD SEAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. FORD MOTOR CO REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY, THE INSURANCE COMPANY HANDLES IT AS A COMP CLAIM AND I WAS OUT $250. AND WITHOUT AN ANSWER AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED AND WOULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN!?? *TR

Mileage: 40,000

MY WIFE WAS CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW PORTION OF THE REAR HATCH AND THE 2 HINGES SNAPPED OFF AND THE WHOLE WINDOW FELL DOWN TO THE BUMPER SHE HAD TO GET A CHAIR TO PUT UNDER IT SO IT DIDN'T CRASH TO THE FLOOR ALL THIS BY HERSELF TRYING TO TAKE THE KIDS TO SCHOOL SHE COULD NOT GO ANYWHERE I THINK WHAT IT ACTUALLY IS THE STRUTS ARE BAD AND THEY ARE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 61,845

CRACK AT MERCURY EMBLEM ON BACK PANEL GLASS SECTION. THIS SUDDENLY APPEARED. WAS ADVISED BY LOCAL MERCURY DEALERSHIP, NORTHPARK LINCOLN MERCURY THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. ALSO HAD THIS EXAMINED BY A BODYSHOP AND WAS TOLD IT APPEARED TO BE A DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER PREMIER, 45,049 MILES - REAR LIFTGATE HINGE BROKE RIGHT IN HALF & LIFTGATE FELL WHILE VEHICLE OWNER REACHING FOR BAG IN CARGO AREA. INJURIES TO BACK OF HEAD, NECK, RIGHT SHOULDER, ELBOW, WRIST, THORACIC SPINE, RIGHT SCAPULA, RIGHT HIP, KNEE & ANKLE. DEALER (WEST HERR) REMOVED & REPLACED BOTH LIFTGATE HINGES & REASSEMBLED LIFTGATE GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 45,049

LAST YEAR I HAD THE SAME FAILURE ON THE HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS IN THE HATCH. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE GLASS WHEN IT CRACKED. I COULDN'T PUT THE WINDOW DOWN, SO PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO THE AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE HE STATED HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I GOT IT REPLACED AND AM A LITTLE WORRIED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE LIFTGATE GLASS, THE HINGES FRACTURED AND ALLOWED THE GLASS TO FALL. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS NEARLY INJURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT ALTHOUGH SHE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS REFERENCED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS), HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS, WHICH EXCEEDED $355. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 59,600.

Mileage: 59,600

SMALL CRACK STARTED ON REAR HATCH BETWEEN WIPER BLADE AND MERCURY LOGO, WITHIN 2 WEEKS CRACK WRAPPED AROUND THE LOGO AND CONTINUED THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. I CONTACTED FORD WHEN THE CRACK FIRST OCCURRED SINCE THEN I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS WITH MY CAMERA PHONE OF OTHER MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A TOTAL OF 14 PHOTOS SO FAR. *TR

Mileage: 46,700

NOTICED THIS CRACK THAT FORMED IN THE WINDOW PANEL, OF THE LIFTGATE. IT RUNS FROM THE BOTTOM EDGE OF THE WINDOW, DOWN TO THE MERCURY LOGO, THEN AROUND IT TO THE BOTTOM. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

I FILED A MUCH MORE SERIOUS COMPLAINT THIS EVENING REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSING A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF POWER ON OUR VEHICLE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT I DO NOT MAKE A HABIT OF FILING THESE COMPLAINTS. I WAS NOT EVEN AWARE OF THIS WEBSITE UNTIL TODAY. HOWEVER, AFTER I FILED THE COMPLAINT, I CHECKED TO SEE IF YOU HAD RECORD OF OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE COMPLAINTS THAT HAD BEEN REGISTERED FOR THIS VEHICLE'S MAKE AND MODEL I SAW THAT AT LEAST 2 OTHERS HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD MAKE YOU AWARE THAT OUR VEHICLE ALSO HAS THIS SAME ISSUE. ONE OTHER COMPLAINANT WROTE THAT HE WAS TOLD THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT, BUT WAS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT WAS A DEFECT. ON THE LIFTGATE, JUST BELOW THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW, ADJACENT TO THE MERCURY LOGO THERE IS AN APPROXIMATE 6 INCH CRACK IN THE BODY OF THE DOOR. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. SINCE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME, MY HUSBAND AND I AGREE THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

WE PURCHASED OUR MERCURY IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD AROUND 36,000 MILES. IT CURRENTLY HAS AROUND 46,000 MILES. I HAVE A CONCERN ON THE VEHICLE THAT I BELIEVE IS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL WORKMANSHIP OR A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE TRIM. THE CRACK STARTS RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WIPER AND CRACKS ALONG WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE WEAK POINTS OF THE REAR BODY TRIM. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT ARE MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS AND FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME BODY STYLE AND APPROXIMATE TIME OF MANUFACTURE. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE PLASTIC TRIM TO CRACK IN SUCH A PLACE. IT IS LIKE A STRESS FRACTURE IN THE HATCH. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WHICH IS 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS LOW MILEAGE SHOULD HAVE SUCH A STRESS FRACTURE. I BELIEVE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IS AVOIDING TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

VEHICLE PURCHASED USED 6/3/07. ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, NOTICED A POPPING NOISE FROM REAR HATCH AREA WHEN TURNING ON SLIGHT INCLINES (EG. PARKING LOTS. AROUND OCT 21, 2007, ON OPENING REAR HATCH, LEFT HINGE BOLT CAME OUT- GLASS DROPPED AND WAS CAUGHT. DEALER SAID HATCH RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN #. PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 43,200

SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN "SAFETY RECALL 04S20" CONCERNING LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE. *TR

Mileage: 46,120

I OWN A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. ON 6/23/07, I PLACED SEVERAL ARTICLES INTO THE CARGO AREA THROUGH THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HATCH. WHEN I ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH THE HINGES GAVE WAY AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW HATCH FELL INTO MY ARMS. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO HOLD ONTO IT AND DISCONNECT THE PISTONS THAT SUPPORTED THE WINDOW. THE HINGE PINS HAD SHEARED OFF AND BROKE THROUGH THE UPPER PIVOT OF THE HINGE. HAD A CHILD BEEN CLOSING THIS HATCH IT COULD HAVE KILLED THEM. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK NEAR THE REAR HATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ,BUT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.*AK

Mileage: 24,000

TAILGATE HAS A "STRESS FRACTURE CRACK" BELOW THE WIPER ASSEMBLY AND TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 6" DOWN TO THE LOGO ON THE TAILGATE. THERE WAS NO IDENTIFIED REASON FOR CRACK TO OCCUR. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN APPROXIMATELY 500 REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THIS TYPE HOWEVER FORD/MERCURY HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. RECOMMENDED BUYING A NEW TAILGATE FOR $500. THE CRACK INDICATES A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT COMPROMISES THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE TAILGATE ASSEMBLY. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT PUTTING PEOPLE IN THIRD ROW BENCH AND/OR THE CONSEQUENCES OF GETTING STRUCK FROM THE REAR WITH THE EXISTING TAILGATE.*JB

Mileage: 38,000

DT:THE CONSUMER STATED DURING BRAKING THE VEHICLE STALLS. WHEN THE CVONSUMER WENT TO RESTART AND PUT IT IN DRIVE IT STALLED AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THE FIRST TIME THEY UPDATED THE ENGINE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.*AK FOR THE 4TH TIME TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER WHEN BRAKING FROM 55 MPH. DEALER REPLACED MAF SENSOR. DRIVER REAR DOOR MOLDING CATCHING FRONT DOOR MOLDING AT TIMES WHEN OPENING. *TT

Mileage: 15,000