2004 Mercury Monterey Steering Problems

“There is currently a recall on the Mercury Monterey id 03v457000. This recall says the powersteering pressure line may become disconnected from the pinion gear causing potential for the dripping fluid to come in contact with the exhaust causing a fire. Recently, we by a ford dealer service center that although the pressure line in our Monterey has not become separated is does have a leak and is also a potential fire hazard. We have three small children and know our concerns are valid. Our VIN is not one of the cars covered in the recall of over 23000 vans. …”

“Steering in van became very hard to steer.had to replace power steering pump and rack and pinion and new belt..still difficult to steer.sitting still or going around turns.”

“While driving down the road, the engine died without warning, no power. It had no power steering, it had shut off completely. It was hard to restart and then after going again it died again as I was trying to pull over.”

“Drove vehicle approximately 5 miles and parked it. Got back in to move it, started vehicle, heard a loud pop and the vehicle completely shut down... No electrical, would not restart. Tow truck called, jumped battery, when it started up it was put it in drive and turned the wheel to the right and heard a hissing sound and saw fluid squirting out. Experienced a complete loss of power steering. Shop said steering rack had gone out, replaced steering rack.”

“The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Monterey. While driving 5 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. While making a right turn, the steering wheel became stuck and caused the contact to veer into another lane. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer (landmark ford) offered to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle for $100. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.”