1998 Mercury Mountaineer

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

Risk. THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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. 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: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Risk. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

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.

AT THIS POINT ALL 4 DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES ARE MESSED UP. BOTH DRIVER &PASSENGER BACK DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. DRIVER &PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE UNLESS OPEN FROM INSIDE FIRST. KEY WON'T UNLOCK DOORS. BACK GLASS ON HATCH DOOR WON'T OPEN. BACK WIPER BROKEN. BACK HATCH WOULDN'T OPEN UNTILL I PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THEY SAID MY TRUCK NOT ON RECALL LIST & WANTED ME TO PAY TO FIX IT. MY TRUCK HAS SAME ISSUES AS THE ONES BEING RECALLED. HOW DO THEY DETERMINE WHICH ONES TO RECALL?

UNDER MY HOOD STARTED SMOKING, I POPPED MY HOOD TO FIND FLAMES UNDER IT. I HAD TO GET MY KIDS OUT THE TRUCK AND PUT THE FLAMES OUT WITH AND EXTINGUISHER. THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS MELTED AND SO WERE THE WIRES THAT CONNECT TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. NOT I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND GET MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.

DRIVERS SEAT BROKEN UNABLE TO ADJUST FOR PROPER VISION VIA WINDSHIELD.

ONE OF THE BRAIDED STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINES THAT ATTACHES TO THE ENGINES FUEL RAIL DEVELOPED A LEAK. I KEPT SMELLING A STRONG ODOR OF GAS, BUT I COULD NOT FIND OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF SMELLING THE GAS, I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY SHOWED ME THE GAS SQUIRTING FROM THE BRAIDED HOSE GOING TO THE ENGINE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND SHOWED THEM THE LEAK. THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN THEIR SHOP AND REMOVED THE FUEL LINES. BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, FORD DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS. I WAS UNABLE TO GET REPLACEMENT FUEL LINES FROM FORD. I CHECKED WITH "JUNK YARDS" ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. I HAD NO LUCK FINDING REPLACEMENT FUEL LINES. JUNK YARDS CUT THE FUEL LINE WHEN THEY PULL ENGINES. I FINALLY LOCATED A COMPANY IN NEW CASTLE, DE THAT SUPPLIES HYDRAULIC HOSES, ETC. I TOOK MY OLD FUEL LINES TO THEM AND THEY REMOVED THE FITTINGS AND INSTALLED THEM ON NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED LINES. I TOOK THE NEW LINES BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED THEM ON MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID THE NEW HOSES HAD NO LEAKS. THE FORD DEALER CHARGED ME OVER $400.00 TO REMOVE THE OLD HOSES AND INSTALL NEW HOSES. THE SHOP IN NEW CASTLE, DE ONLY CHARGED ME $40.00 FOR A PAIR OF NEW HOSES. I'M VERY LUCKY I DID NOT HAVE AN ENGINE FIRE. THESE STAINLESS HOSES ARE USED ON A LOT OF FORD VEHICLES. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY REPLACEMENT HOSES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE RODS, WHEEL BEARINGS, AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.

HAD A WRECK COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. EMERGENCY BRAKE DIDN'T WORK RAN INTO A TREE AND DAMAGED A MAILBOX (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1998, MAKE=MOUNTAINEER , MODEL=MERCURY ). *TR

ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS, POWER WINDOWS AND FRONT AND BACK WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T FUNCTION. I WAS DRIVING IT STARTED TO RAIN AND I COULD SEE VERY WELL WITHOUT FUNCTIONING WIPERS. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I FIGURE THAT A FUSE MIGHT HAVE BLOWN BUT WHEN I CHECKED ALL FUSES THEY SEEM TO BE OK. I WAS REVIEWING A RECALL FOR A 1999 MOUNTAINEER FOR A GEM PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS A 1998, COULD THIS PROBLEM BE SIMILAR TO THE 1999 RECALL. IT APPEARS TO HAVE ALL THE SIMILAR SYMPTOMS . IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MY 1998 MOUNTAINEER HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR

1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER REQUESTS LIST OF VEHICLE TIRE TREAD PROBLEMS. *SMD

AT 2 AM WE SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW IT COMING FROM GARAGE, WHEN I OPENED GARAGE DOOR FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF FRONT OF CAR. MY MOTHERS CAR BURNT AND IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE HAD TO CALL FIRE DEPT. MY GARAGE WAS WRECKED. MY HOUSE HAS SMOKE DAMAGE. *TR

MOVED MY TRUCK TO LET ANOTHER CAR OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY. PULLED BACK IN TURNED THE TRUCK OFF CAME IN THE HOUSE AND HEARD A LOUD BOOM. LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP BY THE WHEEL. *TR

1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY AND MOST TIMES WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE LATCH HANDLE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WITH MOST 1998 - 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS, FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD RANGERS. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SUCH AS A CRASH, I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH TURBO TECH RADIAL A/SR TIRES, LINE SIZE P235/75R15, DOT NUMBER UT1TT2E4305. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LOUD POP SOUNDED FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE AND LANDED ONTO THE CENTER LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.

AT APPROXIMATELY 2:15 I PARKED MY 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 I HEARD THE VEHICLE THEFT ALARM GO OFF. WHEN I WENT TO SHUT OFF ALARM, I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL. (I COULD NOT SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF VEHICLE) I WENT BACK INTO MY HOUSE TO FETCH MY DRY CHEM FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I WENT BACK TO THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, I HAD MY SON CALL 911 FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE. A FIRE TRUCK RESPONDED WITHIN 3-5 MINUTES AT WHICH TIME THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT WITHIN 5 MINUTES. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE MOTOR COMPARTMANT WAS CONSUMED BY THE BLAZE AND THE FIRE HAD STARTED TO BURN THE DASH AND INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. EARLY IN THE MORNING, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. AS A RESULT, THE GARAGE AND PART OF THE HOUSE WERE BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT IT ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SEVERE INJURIES COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

TIMING CHAINS/TIMING CHAIN GUIDES FAILURE.*TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE CHECKING THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE, THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILED THAT HOLDS THE HOOD. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD RELEASED AND NEARLY CRASHED THE CONTACTS HAND. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THAT COMPONENT, HOWEVER, THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 10/16/07 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE HIS FOOT BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND PULL IT UP IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAS STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE EGR VALVE. THE VEHICLE IS MAKING AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE AND GAS FUMES ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE, ENGINE SIZE, AND A VALID VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 72,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

BEING THE SPACE IS LIMITED, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AS FOLLOWS: MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE HAD VARIOUS SHOPS USE THEIR COMPUTER TO FIND OUT WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON AND HAVE PAID FOR CLEANING VALVES, SENSORS, AND HOSES AS WELL AS HAVING NEW SENSORS INSTALLED. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED AT 90,000 MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE. TODAY, THE SHOP WHERE I NOW TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICING USED THEIR COMPUTER TO SEE WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON YET AGAIN AND IT GENERATED A TSB FROM FORD, ARTICLE 04-7-5 WHICH SUPERSEDES ARTICLE TSB 03-25-1. THIS ARTICLE STATES THE ISSUE AS "SOME 1998 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD-BANK 1) AND/OR P0430 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD - BANK 2). THE ACTION LISTED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM IS STATED AS "TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING WDS RELEASE B28.3 OR HIGHER. REPLACEMENT OF CATALYST'S IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF THIS CONDITION." THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM FORD INSTALLED ON THESE 1998 MOUNTAINEERS AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SAFELY. THE WORKER AT THE SHOP TOOK THE TIME TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS ARTICLE MEANT AND THE POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS TO THE FUNCTIONING OF MY

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V422000( VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES, AS WELL AS, COPY OF THE INCIDENT REPORT. *JB

1998 MOUNTAINEER'S TIRES WERE APART OF A RECALL AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH WILDERNESS AT TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THESE TIRE IN 2004 AFTER THE CONSUMER WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS RESULT OF THE FAULTY TIRES. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL LETTER # 02S28 WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE SEAT BELT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO REPLACE SEAT BELT BOLT, THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO HAVE A REMOTE DOOR OPENER INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE, AS WELL. WHILE THE SERVICE DEALER WAS ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL THE REMOTE DOOR OPENER, THERE WERE PROBLEMS PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE WHICH RESULTED IN A MALFUNCTION OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED UNHAPPINESS WITH THE LONG WAIT AND THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALER IN REPAIRING THE VEHICLE.

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE . *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 8/25/06. THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS SCHEDULED FOR 8/28/06. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THE BLUE BOOK VALUE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, V8, AWD, VIN [XXX] WITH 142,000 MILES. I PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY ON FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 14, 2006 WHERE THE CAR REMAINED UNUSED UNTIL SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 16, 2006. ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 16, 2006, AROUND 1:00 PM THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE, ALSO CATCHING MY HOUSE ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND THE HOUSE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE IN ONE AREA. THE CAR WAS NOT USED BETWEEN THE TIME IT WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT FIRE. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. IT HAD 60,000 ON THE ODOMETER. THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER NEVER WORKED, AND DOES ONCE IN A WHILE AND THE RADIO LIGHT NEVER STAYS ON. ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL SHOW THE STATION OR THE TIME. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE. MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A YEAR AFTER I GOT IT AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. IT SAY EGR FLOW INSUFFICIENT AND YET I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THOSE AND HAD THE COMPUTER RESET. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK UNLESS I LOCK IT BY HAND AND THEN YOU CAN'T OPEN IT. THE BACK SEATS SOMETIMES LOCK AND OTHER TIMES WON'T. MY SEAT WAS RECALLED AND I TOOK IT, AND NOW IT IS BROKEN. THESE CARS ARE NOT MADE VERY WELL AND I THINK WE SHOULD GET LETTERS ON THE RECALLS. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED BUT ONE LETTER AND I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY, BUT I SEE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER RECALLS AND I WASN'T NOTIFIED. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? *JB

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE HAD VARIOUS SHOPS USE THEIR COMPUTER TO FIND OUT WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON AND HAVE PAID FOR CLEANING VALVES, SENSORS, AND HOSES AS WELL AS HAVING NEW SENSORS INSTALLED. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED AT 90,000 MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE. TODAY, THE SHOP WHERE I NOW TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICING USED THEIR COMPUTER TO SEE WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON YET AGAIN AND IT GENERATED A TSB FROM FORD, ARTICLE 04-7-5 WHICH SUPERSEDES ARTICLE TSB 03-25-1. THIS ARTICLE STATES THE ISSUE AS "SOME 1998 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD-BANK 1) AND/OR P0430 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD - BANK 2). THE ACTION LISTED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM IS STATED AS "TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING WDS RELEASE B28.3 OR HIGHER. REPLACEMENT OF CATALYST'S IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF THIS CONDITION." THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM FORD INSTALLED ON THESE 1998 MOUNTAINEERS AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SAFELY. THE WORKER AT THE SHOP TOOK THE TIME TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS ARTICLE MEANT AND THE POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS TO THE FUNCTIONING OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM CAUSED BY FORD NOT HAVING THE CORRECT COMPUT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. A REPORT WAS FILED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH OVER HEATING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SURROUNDING DAMAGED PARTS. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V062001, REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ERUPTED IN FLAMES, AN HOUR AND A HALF AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE CARPORT. THE CONTACT'S HOUSE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A FINAL DETERMINATION ABOUT THE FIRE, BUT STATED IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE FIRE STARTED IN THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V388000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HOOD LATCH CORRODED AND THE LATCH PIVOT WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V164000, REGARDING THE HOOD LATCH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE VEHICLE. IT WAS PARKED FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S WRITTEN REPORT STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT TOTALED.

WHEN THE 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WAS RUNNING ON HWY 121 SOUTH MERGING INTO HWY 114 WEST IN GRAPEVINE, TX, THE 1998 MERCURY SUDDENLY BECAME OUT OF CONTROL AT A SPEED LESS THAN SPEED LIMIT. THE CAR WAS BEING ACCELERATED EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS OFF. THE DRIVER APPLIED BREAK TO STOP THE CAR BUT THE BREAK DID NOT WORK. THEN THE DRIVER HAD TO STEER THE CAR INTO THE BUSH OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION TO OTHER CARS. THE DRIVER CHANGED THE AT TO P (PARKING) TO STOP THE CAR. THE ENGINE SURGED AND STARTED FIRE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THEN THE DRIVER REMOVED THE KEY AND EVACUATED FROM THE CAR. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIREMAN. *NM

WHEN THE 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WAS RUNNING ON HWY 121 SOUTH MERGING INTO HWY 114 WEST, THE 1998 MERCURY SUDDENLY BECAME OUT OF CONTROL AT A SPEED LESS THAN SPEED LIMIT. THE CAR WAS BEING ACCELERATED EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS OFF. THE DRIVER APPLIED BREAK TO STOP THE CAR BUT THE BREAK DID NOT WORK. THEN THE DRIVER HAD TO STEER THE CAR INTO THE BUSH OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION TO OTHER CARS. THE DRIVER CHANGED THE AT TO P (PARKING) TO STOP THE CAR. THE ENGINE SURGED AND STARTED FIRE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THEN THE DRIVER REMOVED THE KEY AND EVACUATED FROM THE CAR. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIREMAN. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED 4 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT STATED IN WRITTEN REPORTS THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO ONE OTHER VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATED AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS.

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE HAD VARIOUS SHOPS USE THEIR COMPUTER TO FIND OUT WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON AND HAVE PAID FOR CLEANING VALVES, SENSORS, AND HOSES AS WELL AS HAVING NEW SENSORS INSTALLED. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED AT 65, 475 MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE. TODAY, THE SHOP WHERE I NOW TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICING USED THEIR COMPUTER TO SEE WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON YET AGAIN AND IT GENERATED A TSB FROM FORD, ARTICLE 04-7-5 WHICH SUPERSEDES ARTICLE TSB 03-25-1. THIS ARTICLE STATES THE ISSUE AS "SOME 1998 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD-BANK 1) AND/OR P0430 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOL - BANK 2). THE ACTION LISTED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM IS STATED AS "TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING WDS RELEASE B28.3 OR HIGHER. REPLACEMENT OF CATALYSTST IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF THIS CONDITION." THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM FORD INSTALLED ON THESE 1998 MOUNTAINEERS AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SAFELY. THE WORKER AT THE SHOP TOOK THE TIME TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS ARTICLE MEANT AND THE POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS TO THE FUNCTIONING OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM CAUSED BY FORD NOT HAVING THE CORRECT COMPUT

FORD MOTOR COMPANY MR. MIKE MCMULLIN DISTRICT MANAGER AUGUST 29,2005 DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A 1998 MERCURY 5.0L MOUNTAINEER IN JULY 1999 AND IT CURRENTLY HAS SOME 85,000 MILES ON IT. LONG BEFORE THE 36-MONTH/36K MILES WARRANTY RAN OUT, I COMPLAINED TO MY FORD DEALER THAT I HEARD AN ENGINE NOISE THAT SOUNDS SOMETHING LIKE A HYDRAULIC VALVE LIFTER STICKING. IN TAKING MY CAR INTO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER LATELY FOR SOME NON-WARRANTY MINOR SERVICE WORK, THE MECHANIC THERE ASKED ME HOW LONG I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING THE ENGINE NOISE THAT HIS TRAINED EAR WAS HEARING. I INFORMED HIM THAT IT HAD BEEN CLICKING LIKE THAT FOR A GOOD LONG TIME. JUST FOR CURIOSITY HE CHECKED THE NHTSA WEB SITE FOR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS). HE FOUND TO MY AMAZEMENT AND DISGUST THAT THE NHTSA SHOWED TSB #14489, ISSUED NOVEMBER 01,2000, CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING: ??SOME 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 01/1999 AND EQUIPPED WITH A 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A COLD START OR HOT ENGINE DECELERATION NOISE COMING FROM THE #5 CYLINDER. ONE POSSIBLE CAUSE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE LEFT A/C COMPRESSOR BRACKET COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE BRACKET CAN APPLY PRESSURE ONTO THE CYLINDER WALL AND OVERTIME CAUSE THE CYLINDER WALL TO DISTORT RESULTING A NOISE DESCRIBED AS PISTON OR LIFTER NOISE. THE NOISE WILL BE WORSE ON COLD STARTS AND HOT DECELERATION, BUT WILL BE LESS SEVERE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURES. IF THE VEHICLE HAS OVER 12,000 MILES PLEASE REPLACE THE BRACKET WITH F87Z-3

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME--APPROXIMATELY AROUND 6:00 AM THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION!*JB

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE FIREMEN INDICATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND LOOKED LIKE IT STARTED ON DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THIS DOCUMENT WAS MAILED TO HER HOME IN ERROR.*JB

DROVE ABOUT 30 MINUTES, PARKED VEHICLE, AND ABOUT 45 MINUTES LATER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER WELL. PRIOR TO FIRE, NO PROBLEMS REPORTED. VEHICLE HAD CRUISE CONTROL WHICH WAS NOT USED IN THE LAST YEAR, AND DID NOT KNOW IF IT WORKED. VEHICLE WAS INSURED BY FARMERS INSURANCE. THEY HAD A FIRE INVESTIGATION DONE. THE REPORT STATED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. POLICY #0040483408, CLAIM #1005487896. HAS PICTURES AND THEM WILL E-MAIL TO BRUCE YORK.*AK *TT *NM

DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH HAVING TO FORCE THE ACCELRATOR DOWN TO ACCEL AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, RELEASED BRAKE PRESSURE, AND TRIED TO PUSH GAS PEDAL, BUT THE GAS PEDAL BROKE, AND WAS DANGLING BY WIRES. HAD TO COAST VEHICLE TO CURB TO GET OUT OF STREET TO SAFETY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. TOWED VEHICLETO OWNERS HOME. FORD ISSUED RECALL ON SAME MODEL AND YEAR BUT THIS VEHICLE WASNOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN . MECHANIC SUGGESTED IT COULD BE A THROTTLE BODY. *AK

PURCHASED USED 1998 MECURY MOUNTAINEER FROM LOCAL MERCURY DEALER, DISCOVERED THE HEATER PLEANUM DOOR ACTUATOR WAS FAULTY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WOULD ONLY PROVIDE CONSTANT HOT AIR ON ALL SETTINGS, OTHER THAN MAX-AC. THE PROBLEM IS THAT DUE TO THIS FAULTY PART, DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD IS A CHALLENGE, CAUSING MY SON TO DRIVE FREQUENTLY WITH A FOGGED WINDSCREEN. MERCURY DEALER SERVICE SHOP AND OTHER SHOPS LOCALLY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THESE MODELS, AND REPAIR IS DONE BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE HEATER PLENUM WHICH HOUSES A NEW TYPE OF DOOR ACTUATOR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED!*AK

I HAVE A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE SINCE NOV. 1999. HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH VEHICLE. REAR WIPER HAS WORKED ABOUT 20% OF THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT WORK AT PRESENT AND HAS NOT WORKED FOR OVER TWO YEARS. GOT TIRED OF TRYING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. LIGHTS ON STEREO HAS BEEN GOING OFF AND ON SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A WEEK. AFTER PLAYING A CD IN THE CD PLAYER (NOT CHANGER), CD BECOMES VERY HOT AND IT USUALLY DESTROYS CD. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK DID NOT WORK FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND THEN STARTED WORKING. SOMETHING FELL OUT OR BROKE OFF OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND DOOR LOCK WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. POWER ANTENNA STARTED NOT GOING DOWN COMPLETELYABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AND NOW WILL NOT WORK AT ALL EVEN THOUGH POWER IS STILL GOING TO IT BECAUSE YOU CAN HEAR THE MOTOR. HAVE HAD ALL RECALLS DONE ON VEHICLE EXCEPT THE BOLT REPLACED ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT FOUR RECALLS ON VEHICLE SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. POWER LOCK ON REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK UNLESS YOU USE THE KEY. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THERE IS SOME MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED ON THESE VEHICLES LONG AGO. *AK

TOOK IN FOR THROTTLE BODY REPAIR AND DRIVER SEAT BOLT RECALL 9-03. THEY SAID DIDN'T NEED THE THROTTLE BODY REPAIR..NOW THAT WARRANTY IS UP I CAN'T GET THIS HAZARD TO DRIVING FIXED. I HAVE ALMOST HIT CARS IN PARKING LOTS AND IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHY ISN'T THIS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE AND RECALL. WHY DOES IT HAVE A MILEAGE AND TIME LIMIT. I TRIED TO GET IT DONE AND THEY WOULDN'T DO IT NOW IT'S TOO LATE. THE THROTTLE HESITATES AND THEN SURGES. FORD IDENTIFIES THIS AS A PROBLEM, BUT WON'T FIX IT. *AK

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON ITS OWN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THEN, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S RESIDENCE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE STICKING UPON DEPRESSION ON 1998 5.0 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. SEEMS TO BE WORSE WHEN FIRST STARTING VEHICLE OR WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS COLDER. LAST NIGHT WHEN I LEFT TO GO TO WORK, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THE THROTTLE STUCK AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. I STRUCK MY OWN HOME DOING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE HOME (PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE) , BOUNCED OFF THE HOUSE (STILL ACCELERATING) AND HIT A GARBAGE DUMPSTER (DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE) , THEN BOUNCE OFF THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND STRUCK A BASKETBALL GOAL (FRONT OF VEHICLE). THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY (THIS IS THE 2ND FRONT END ACCIDENT IN WHICH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY). THIS THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM WAS A RECALL FOR THE 4.0 VEHICLES BUT NOT THE 5.0, AND I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THROTTLE STICKING ON THE 5.0 AS WELL. VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP, BELIEVED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. (CURRENTLY $6800 DAMAGE, AND NOT FINISHED WITH ESTIMATE YET). I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL THOUSANDS DOLLARS IN DAMAGE TO MY HOME, WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE SINCE AUTO INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY FOR YOUR OWN PROPERTY DAMAGE. TODAY I HAVE NECK & BACK PAIN, THOUGH I DID NOT GO TO THE DOCTOR LAST NIGHT. NOT TO COUNT THE MENTAL ISSUE OF BEING HEADED STRAIGHT FOR YOUR HOME AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THESE VEHICLES OR SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. SHERIFF WAS CALLED, AND DID COME TO THE SCENE, BUT THEY SAID THEY DO NOT D

MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DRIVERS SEAT LATCH ASSEMBLY BROKE. SEAT IS IN AN UN-DRIVABLE POSITION. DEALER MAINTENANCE SAYS IT WILL COST $250 PLUS LABOR AND TAXES AND FEES TO REPAIR THIS POORLY DESIGNED FORD COMPONENT. I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT SHARE THIS COSTLY PREDICAMENT AND IT IS ALL DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS IT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR SCHEDULED MANUFACTURERS REPAIR FOR THIS ITEM. IN A CRASH A REAR SEAT PASSENGER COULD POSSIBLY THRUST THE SEAT BACK OF THE DRIVER FORWARD CAUSING THE DRIVER SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE. *NM

THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS BROKE, BECAUSE THE BOLT HAD BROKEN. THE CONSUMER HAD THE SEAT REPAIRED AT HER EXPENSE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SEAT AND THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD THAT SHE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FIRST REPAIR. NOW THEY ARE REFUSING A REFUND SINCE IT HAS BEEN A YEAR. 03V281000. *JB

THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT EVERY YEAR SHE HAS TO REPLACE THE HEAT SENSOR. LAST YEAR SHE HAD TO REPLACE IT BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD PASS EMISSIONS BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS YEAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE HEAT SENSOR. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TIRES DUE TO THE RECALL ON THE TIRES (DEFECT NUMBER : 01X001000). THE INSIDE OF THE TREAD CAME APART. *TC *JB

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BACK TO WORK AT LUNCH, CLEAR DAY, UNLIMITED VISIBILITY, CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS, WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT. THE TIRE WAS PUT ON THE VECHICLE BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL. A PASSERBY HELPED MY WIFE CHANGE THE TIRE. THIS IS A GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS, P235/75/15.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH,THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HIT A PATCH OF ICE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT THEN HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLACED DURING THE COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS COME ON 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS. ALL TIMES, EXCEPT ONE, WERE DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED, YET THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I'VE CONTACTED MERCURY EVERY TIME, & GET NO SATISFACTION. THE LAST TIME I WAS TOLD "PARTS WEAR OUT...DEAL WITH IT." MY DISPUTE ISN'T THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG, IT'S WANTING TO KNOW WHY IT CAN'T BE FIXED. NO ONE CAN GIVE ME AN ANSWER.