1997 Mercury Mountaineer

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). SOME OF THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES INSTALLED ALLOWED A GAP BETWEEN THE PLATE AND BORE TO BE BUILT TOO NARROW. THIS REDUCED CLEARANCE ALLOWED THE ENGINE DEPOSITS NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO CONTACT OR BRIDGE THE GAP. IF THE ENGINE DEPOSITS BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN THE THROTTLE PLATE AND BORE AND THEN HARDENED, ON THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THE OPERATOR WOULD NEED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BREAK THE BRIDGE.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.

Risk. VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND. ALSO A REVISED BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT JUMP START GROUND LOCATION.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.

Risk. THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THESE VEHICLES, WHEN OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW -20 DEGREES FARENHEIT, DO NOT RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE IN THE THROTTLE BODY.

Risk. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN BE CONTROLLED BY EITHER APPLYING THE SERVICE BRAKES OR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE CAN RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

There is no summary currently available

There is no summary currently available

There is no summary currently available

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT

INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

FIRESTONE P235 TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH FREQUENCY VIBRATION AT 65-75 MPH. *TT

FIRESTONE P235 TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH FREQUENCY VIBRATION AT 65-75 MPH. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 385,000.

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. 185,000 MILES.

TL* THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT REFUSES TO LATCH AND, IF IT DOES LATCH, COMES UNLATCHED ON ITS OWN. ON INSPECTION, THE 'GUTS' OF THE MECHANISM ARE GONE.

I WAS AT A GAS STATION MAKING A PURCHASE WITH MY DISABLED MOTHER. WE LEFT THE STORE, AND GOT INTO MY TRUCK. I STARTED MY TRUCK AND PROCEED TO DIVE TOWARDS THE EXIT OF THE GAS STATION WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING LIKE BURNING RUBBER. I SAID TO MY MOTHER THAT SOMETHING SMELLED FUNNY AND THEN LOOKED AND SAW A THIN STEAM OF SMOKE COMING UP FROM IN BETWEEN MY LEGS. I PARKED THE TRUCK AND JUMPERS OUT LEAVING MY OM IN THE CAR. I THEN SAW A FIRE INSIDE OF THE METAL TRACK IN WHICH MY SEAT MOVES MECHANICALLY UNDERNEATH MY SEAT, WHERE THE WIRES ARE. I RAN INTO THE GAS STATION PANICKED AND ASKED THE ATTENDANT FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, TO WHICH HE REPLIED " NO, I DON'T KNOW I DON'T HAVE ONE" AND DID NOTHING. SO I RAN BACK OUTSIDE TO MY TRUCK WHERE MY MOTHER WAS HAVING TROUBLE EXITING MY TRUCK AS SHE HAS ANXIETY AND HEALTH ISSUES. SHE FINALLY GOT OUT AND A TOW TRUCK THAT WAS DRIVING BY, SAW THE SMOKE GETTING HEAVIER AND FLOWING OUT OF MY TRUCK, HE STOPPED AND OUT THE FIRE OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE FLAMES WERE COMING THROUGH MY SEAT AND I WAS AT A GAS STATION. I WAS TERRIFIED. I HAVE PTSD AND THIS HASN'T HELPED MY SLEEP AT ALL. ALSO, WE WERE AT A GAS STATION AND AS YOU KNOW, FIRE IS VERY DANGEROUS AT A GAS STATION. WE COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR WORSE.

WHEN I USE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN TURN IT OFF I CAN'T SEEM TO PUSH MY GAS PEDAL WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS OR POPS AND THEN IT ALLOWS ME TO PUSH THE PEDAL. I KEEP HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SMOKE COMING FROM ON TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING, NOW I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS TO WHERE MY HORN WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE. I KEEP HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT FRAME OF THE SUV. THE FRAME SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL APART AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT IS THE SWAY BAR THAT IS CAUSING THAT PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN CALLING FORD ABOUT IT AND THEY KEEP SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE.

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

MAJOR AND RECURRING ISSUE WITH FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, AND FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, GRINDING, SHAKING, WITH NEAR CRASH DUE TO DIFFICULTY TO HANDLE (THIS WAS ON THE WAY TO THE MECHANIC). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. *TR

I ATTEMPTED TO CONNECT THE TWO PORTIONS OF THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT BELT AND THE LATCHING MECHANISM IN THE FEMALE PORTION WOULD NOT LATCH, THEREBY DEFEATING MY ABILITY TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT QUOTED ME ALMOST $200 TO REPAIR THE BELT, INDICATING THE OEM KIT WAS ALMOST $150. SOMEONE IS PROFITEERING ON DEFECTIVE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. *TR

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT FASTEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT ON AND THE BUCKLE WOULD NOT SNAP INTO PLACE. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ON GOING FOR ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT ACCELERATED. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID ABNORMALLY AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WIRE FENCE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL TREES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND BODILY TRAUMA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MY 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER (THAT I PURCHASED FEB 2010) IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ACCELERATION PROBLEMS AS DESCRIBED IN THE 4.0 SOHC CAMPAIGN # 00V422000 AND ACTION # EA99001. I HAVE TO APPLY EXTRA ACCELERATION TO MAKE THE CAR DRIVE WHEN ENGINE IS "COLD". AFTER IT WARMS UP, OR IF I START THE ENGINE AND ALLOW IT TO WARM UP BEFORE DRIVING, I DO NOT HAVE THAT PROBLEM. HAS THERE BEEN ANY OTHER V8 COMPLAINTS? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT STEERING, BECAUSE THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKAGE HAD FRACTURED. SECONDLY HE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SMELL AN ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIRDLY DURING BRAKE APPLICATION THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ALSO STICK. THIS CONDITION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. LASTLY THE MAIN BAR THAT HELD THE TWO BUMPERS TOGETHER HAD CORRODED. THE FAILURES WERE DESCRIBED IN RECALLS (98V060000, 00V422000, 00V402000). HOWEVER HE WAS ADVISED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING THE RECALLS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 157,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,000.

CRUISE CONTROL WORKS AT TIMES AND SOMETIME DOES NOT WORK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED; HOWEVER, A FIREFIGHTER SPECULATED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000. UPDATED 07/14/09 *BF UPDATED 07/15/09

I HAD JUST GOTTEN INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY PARKED 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP LOT WHEN I REMEMBERED THAT I NEEDED TO RETRIEVE AN ARTICLE FROM UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND KNELT DOWN NEXT TO IT. AS I REACHED UNDER THE SEAT, THE CAR DOOR HIT ME AND DRAGGED ME ALONG THE GROUND. I THEN REALIZED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ONLY MOVING IN REVERSE BUT WAS PICKING UP SPEED, AS IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. I KNEW I COULD NOT STOP THIS HEAVY SUV; I ALSO SAW THAT ITS LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS HEADING RIGHT FOR ME. I WAS THEN A 60-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WHO HAD PLAYED SPORTS AND WAS STILL IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION. I DID A FOOTBALL-STYLE TUCK AND ROLLED AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAINEER TO AVOID GETTING RUN OVER. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING ONLY AFTER HITTING ANOTHER PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE: THE PICKUP TRUCK THAT BELONGED TO THE OWNER OF THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. LOCAL POLICE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND NO HUMAN ERROR OR FAULT; NO TICKET WAS ISSUED. ALSO, WHILE I SUFFERED SOME SCRAPES AND BRUISES I DID NOT NEED EMT OR HOSPITAL ATTENTION. I REPORTED THIS FIRST-EVER ACCIDENT TO MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY, BUT THE ADJUSTER EXPRESSED NO INTEREST IN FOLLOWING UP ON WHAT I AND THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP OWNER STILL BELIEVE TO BE ITS ROOT CAUSE: A FORD SUV TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS FOR SLIPPAGE OUT OF PARK POSITION UNDER INEXPLICABLE CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PAVEMENT INCLINE AND/OR MOTOR VIBRATION. NO TRANSMISSION PARTS WERE DAMAGED OR REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDEN

WE REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INCIDENT. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS, WHEN UPON WAKING AT AROUND 3:50 AM ON SUNDAY MORNING, I SMELLED A STRANGE ODOR EMANATING FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE HOUSE. AS I INVESTIGATED, I SOON FOUND OUT THAT THE SMELL WAS NOT IN THE HOUSE, BUT OUTSIDE, AND THAT'S WHEN I FOUND MY CAR ABLAZE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY BEEN CALLED BY THE TIME I REALIZED WHAT IT WAS, AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. NO POLICE CAME, AND NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE ONLY INFORMATION GIVEN TO ANY OFFICIAL WAS MY NAME, MY CELL NUMBER, THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER, AND POSSIBLY THE VIN. THE 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MYSTIQUE (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TAIL LIGHT AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SMOLDERING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD LAMP SWITCH TERMINAL BURNED AND THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS: SWITCH). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000. UPDATED 11/29/07

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO LATCH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAUSE THE RELEASE MECHANISM WAS STUCK. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/31/07

BLEND AIR DOOR SQUARE DRIVE BROKEN CAUSING SEVERE DISCOMFORT IN SUMMER AND IMPROPER DEFROSTER OPERATION DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. MASTER TECHS IN AREA INDICATE PROBLEM OCCURES WITH EXCESS FREQUENCY ON VARIOUS MODEL AND YEARS OF FORD TRUCKS. THEY FURTHER INDICATE THE FAILURE RATE IS EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE COMPARED TO ALL OTHER MAKES AND MODELS.

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH 120000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 30 MPH ON A WINDY DAY THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD OPENED. THE HOOD HINGES STOPPED THE HOOD FROM SLAMMING INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120000.*AK

1997 MOUNTAINEER FIRESTONE TIRE SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRES THAT HE REPLACED. *JB

BOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES CAN NOT BE RELEASED FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. FIRST RIGHT REAR FAILED AND ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER LEFT REAR FAILED. NECESSARY TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS TO REACH OUTSIDE FOR DOOR HANDLE OR HAVE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER GET OUT AND OPEN REAR DOOR. CHILD PROOF LOCKS CHECKED AND VERIFIED SELECTED TO NORMAL OPERATING POSITION. HAVE NEVER SELECTED CHILD LOCK OUT POSITION AS WE DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN. HAVE BEEN TOLD MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS SITUATION IF REAR SET PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE OPEN THEIR DOORS WITHOUT THE AID OF OTHERS. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT WILL COST TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS I HAVEN'T BEEN TO A DEALER YET. *JB

THE HOT/COLD ADJUSTMENT ON THE HEATER OF MY 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER IS INOPERATIVE, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHEN THE WINDSHIELD IS FOGGED, SINCE THE DEFOGGER BLOWS ONLY COLD AIR. THE PROBLEM, APPARENTLY STRIKES ALL 95-99 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EVENTUALLY, DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF THE HEAT BLEND DOOR. THE ESTIMATE FROM THE DEALER, WHO HAS DONE MANY, WAS OVER $200 FOR THE REDESIGNED PART, AND OVER $800 LABOR TO INSTALL. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL NOT HOLD THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WHEN INSERTED. THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY RELEASES THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND DOES NOT LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. *JB

DT: 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. I THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. IT WAS AT 70 MPH AND IT ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH. TO STOP VEHICLE HAD TO PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY OFF. THEN VEHICLE COASTED UNTIL IT WOULD STOP. ALSO HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES MANY TIMES TO STOP. THERE WAS NO CRASH. HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. *AK

DEALER STATES THAT MY VEHICLE [XXX] IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SWAY BAR LINKS 00S47- RECALL ID#00V402000. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE EXCLUDED EVEN THOUGH IT IS A 1997 MOUNTAINEER. I WOULD LIKE SOME COMPENSATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT LEVER THAT LETS THE SEAT BACK BROKE OFF, FORD DEALER HERE WON'T FIX IT. MY HUSBAND SAID HE REMENBERS A RECALL ON IT BUT FORGOT ABOUT IT. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT TO DO.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE CONSUMER FELT SOMETHING UNDER H IS FOOT SNAP. THE CONSUMER LOST SPEED, PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TO DISCOVER THE BOLT HOLDING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD FALLEN OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. *NM *TC

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT SECURE AND HOLD, WHICH IS DANGEROUS IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE DRIVER CAN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BY CONSUMER.*AK

FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NOT UNLATCH. CONSUMER AND PASSENGER HAD TO SLITHER OUT OF THE SEAT IN ORDER TO BE RELEASED. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE RPM STARTED RACING AT A HIGH RATE. THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

I CURRENTLY OWN A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. MY WIFE PURCHASED THIS MOUNTAINEER IN EARLY 1998, AND UP UNTIL NOW WE HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH ITS PERFORMANCE. *AK RECENTLY, I WAS CHARGING THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT. I LEFT FOR WORK AND INSTRUCTED MY WIFE ON DISCONNECTING THE CHARGER BEFORE SHE USED THE CAR. MY WIFE DISCONNECTED THE CHARGER AND CLOSED THE HOOD ON THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT OUT TO RUN ERRANDS. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN SHE CLOSED THE HOOD, IT DID NOT LATCH COMPLETELY. HOWEVER, IN THIS CASE I WOULD EXPECT THE SECONDARY, SAFETY LATCH TO HOLD THE HOOD CLOSED UNTIL THE VIBRATING HOOD WAS NOTICED AND THE HOOD CLOSED PROPERLY. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN. TURNING OUT OF OUR SUBDIVISION, AND AT A RELATIVELY LOW RATE OF SPEED (30 MPH), THE HOOD RELEASED AND JAMMED INTO THE UP POSITION. NOT ONLY DID THIS CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE HOOD, IN THE UP POSITION, OFFERS NO VISUAL GAP WITH WHICH THE DRIVER CAN MAINTAIN A REASONABLE VIEW OF THE ROADWAY IN ORDER TO PILOT THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION, BUT IT ALSO BENT THE HINGES ON WHICH THE HOOD IS MOUNTED. WHEN I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, I FOUND THAT THE SPRING THAT HOLDS THE SAFETY LATCH IN ITS TEMPORARY LOCKED POSITION HAD BROKEN. GLADLY, THIS HAPPENED IN A LOW TRAFFIC VOLUME LOCAL ROADWAY AND MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION, EVENTUALLY CREEPING BACK TO OUR HOUSE AFTER SHE HAD FORCED THE HOOD DOWN. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGH VOLUME STREET, CHANCES ARE THAT HER AND MY ONE-YEAR-OLD SON WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WE

WHEN ATTEMPING TO MOVE CONSUMER'S SIDE SEAT FORWARD RECLINER COLLAPSED INTO THE REAR SEAT. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BOLT FAILED. *AK

I HAVE OWNED MY 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SINCE 1998. WITHIN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE ONE OF THE REAR DOOR MECHANISMS BROKE. SINCE IT IS RARE FOR ANYONE TO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT, I DIDN'T BOTHER FIXING IT. THIS PAST WEEKEND THE OTHER SIDE BROKE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A REAR PASSENGER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY WITHOUT SOMEONE OPENING THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. I NOTICED THIS SAME COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED IN YOUR DATABASE BY NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS. I PHONED FORD/MERCURY AT THEIR TOLL FREE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO FACTORY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I PHONED MY LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS A REOCCURING PROBLEM WITH MY MODEL VEHICLE AND THAT FORD HAD MADE DESIGN CHANGES TO SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS BUT HAD REFUSED TO RECALL THE EARLIER MODELS. THIS IS A DANGER TO ANYONE RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT OF THESE VEHICLES, AS THE DOOR BREAKS WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN YOU TRY TO EXIT YOU JUST CAN'T. ONCE AGAIN, FORD HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND HAS REFUSED TO ACT IN THE WELFARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS.*AK

THE TAILGATE OF MY 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER FELL OFF IN JULY 2001 DUE TO RUST AND / OR METAL FATIGUE AND / OR AN ENGINEERING DEFECT? IT WAS REPLACED ON 7/30/01 AND THE METAL IS NOW CRACKING AGAIN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT SEEM INTERESTED! *LA

ABS ON BRAKES CUT IN WHEN SHOULD NOT. MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP.*AK

WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED, THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. THE CONSUMER HAD FOUR TIRES INSTALLED ON THE SUV AND WHEN THEY REACHED 1/2 OF TREAD, THE TWO FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL SEPARATION. *PH *JB

THROTTLE STICKS WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER , WHO FIXED THE IEG VALVE. VEHICLE IS STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR PARK. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. *AK

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT STABILIZER BARS ON MY 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. I HAVE REPLACE THEM 4 TIMES AND WITHIN 6 TO 8 WEEKS THEY BREAK AGAIN. FORD HAD A RECALL AND FIXED THEM THE FIRST TIME AND EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING THEM FROM BREAKING. WITHOUT THEM THE TRUCK BOUNCES ALOT AND HARD TO HOLD ON THE ROAD.

I HAVE A 1997 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. IN WHICH JUST RECENTLY MY SEATBELT(DRIVER) DOES NOT HOLD. IT KEEPS ON SLIDING OUT. THERE IS NO TENSION IN THE BUCKLE. I TOOK IT IN TO FORD TO GET IT REPAIRED IN WHICH I HAVE TO PAY $87.24. THEY SAID THAT THE MILEAGE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH IT.I LOOKED UP SOME RECALLS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE NAVIGATORS AND THE EXPEDITIONS ON THE 1997-2000 MODELS AND ALSO ON THE 2000 MOUNTAINEERS . WHICH INCLUDES FORD EXPLOYERS F-150,ECT. I FEEL THAT THERE IN NO DIFFERENCE IN THE SEATBELTS ON THESE VEHICLES. SAFETY COMES FIRST. INFACT THE DAY IT HAPPENED I CALLED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT ONE WEEK LATER. IN WHICH I THINK THAT A SEATBELT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SEEN ME THAT DAY. PLEASE HELP ME.

LEFT FRONT TIRE DETACHED FROM TRUCK WITH LUGS: NUTS STILL BOLTED TO TIRE RIM WHILE BEING DRIVEN 35-40 MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 55MPH VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE, CAUSING CAR TO GO INTO A SKID.*AK

I NEEDED MY BRAKES (ALL 4) DONE, AND NOTICED WHEN I STEPPED ON MY EMERGENCY BRAKE THE SUV WOULD NOT STOP AND BARELY SLOWED, AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM DEALER WHICH I INFORMED OF TH E BRAKE, I TESTED THE E BRAKE AGIAIN AND ALL THOUGH IT NOW GRABBED THE CAR WOULD STILL MOVE FORWARD IN DRIVE WITH NO APPLIED PREASUR TO THE GAS. I TOOK IT BACK AND TOLD THEM THE E BRAKE STILL DID NOT WORK RIGHT , THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION(KEEPING THE SUV FROM MOVING AT 1100 RPMS). THIS IS WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME ALL MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS AND FORD EXPLORERS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT CAN'T BE HELPED, HE TOLD ME HE COULD BRING OUT A BRAND NEW ONE AND IT WOULD DO THE SAME. I ASKED WHAT ABOUT INSPECTION- IT WON'T PASS HE SAID BRING IT TO THEM FOR INSPECTION AND THEY WOULD PASS IT . "NOT GOOD!" WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? IF IT IS TRUE ALL SUVS EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS ARE LIKE THIS THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED DON'T YOU THINK.?

CAR ACCELERATES INVOLUNTARILY AT STOP LIGHTS AND IN PARKING SITUATION AFTER 20+ MILES OF DRIVING HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. SOMETIMES, VEHICLE WILL NOT GO BELOW 2,800 RPM DURING A COAST AND WILL NOT DISENGAGE THROTTLE. THE PEDAL IS FINE, AND THE CABLE IS FINE. IS NOW IN SECOND DEALERSHIP IN UNDER TWO MONTHS AND SAME PROBLEM CANNOT BE CORRECTED.*AK