1999 Mercury Mountaineer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 151 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 9 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

39 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires26
302
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer17
000
Tires › Tread/Belt17
201
Vehicle Speed Control5
100
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner4
001
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling4
020
Air Bags › Frontal4
301
Air Bags4
100
Tires › Sidewall3
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters Usa

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner03V281000
Filed Aug 5, 20031,552,880 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables03V280000
Filed Aug 5, 2003448,005 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

Risk. THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Tires › Tread/Belt00T005000
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

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.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers00V072000
Filed Mar 7, 2000208,903 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Risk. AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch99V164000
Filed Jun 29, 1999854,288 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings99V123000
Filed May 18, 199915,681 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE TO THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) CONNECTION COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE LINE TO LEAK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLARE NUT ON THE BRAKE LINE.

Vehicle Speed Control99V062001
Filed Mar 30, 1999898,739 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 27, 2018130,000 milesUT

CURSE CONTROL OCCASIONALLY MAKES ENGINE ACCELERATE WHILE AND AFTER BRAKE APPLIED WHILE MOVING UNDER 5 MPH AND EVEN WHILE STOPPED WITH BRAKE STILL APPLIED. MORE THAN ONCE A PEDESTRIAN WAS AT RISK IN A CROSSWALK WHILE VEHICLE STOPPED WITH BRAKE STILL APPLIED, THEN ENGINE SUDDENLY BECAME NEAR FULL THROTTLE, REQUIRING EVEN STRONGER PRESSING OF BRAKE PEDDLE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER (HENRY DAY FORD) WHO UPDATED ENGINE CONTROL ROM; BUT SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED TO EXIST. THE DEALER OFFERED NO WARRANTY OF REPAIR OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PROBLEM. WE NOW DRIVE WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL AND HORN AND ??? CABLE DISCONNECTED NEAR WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 7, 2018230,000 milesCO

EXPLODING AIRBAGS FILLED VEHICLE WITH SMOKE AND ASH. I RECEIVED MINOR BURNS AND ABRASIONS ON ARMS AND FACE, DAUGHTER RIDING IN BACK SEAT RECEIVED BLACK EYE FORM FLYING OBJECT AND REQUIRED SCAN OF HEAD TO RULE OUT HEAD INJURY. WAS RESULT OF ACCIDENT

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 28, 2016180,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER H/T TIRES, SIZE: P265/75R15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, WHICH ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR BODY PANEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 31, 2014128,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 128,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 17, 2013109,901 milesCA

REAR WINDOW WIPER MOTOR , WASHER WORKS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 14, 2011130,000 milesIN

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. RAN DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT PULLING A VACUUM. DETERMINED THE FUEL FILLER NECK PIPE WAS CRACKED AT THE TOP OF THE LINE NEAR THE TANK CAP. WENT TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER NECK PIPE AND FOUND OUT WHERE THE PIPE MEETS THE TANK, MORE THAN 1/2 OF THE DIAMETER OF THE CONNECTION WAS MISSING (RUSTED THRU) AND BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE THE HOSE (THE METAL ATTACHMENT FROM THE TANK IS STUCK IN THE FILLER NECK HOSE). THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK WAS WET WITH FUEL. THE REST OF THE TANK IS SOLID WITH NO THIN WALLS. REPLACED TANK AND FILLER PIPE WITH NEW. *TR

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 8, 201180,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES, LINE SIZE: P235/75/R15, DOT NUMBER: RTN-ST235-75-15105S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE WOODS, CRASHING INTO SEVERAL TREES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE RIBS, HEAD, BACK AND SHOULDERS. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 40-8691422). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Electrical SystemFire2 injured
Filed Jul 3, 2011196,828 milesMO

HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH DOOR LOCKS, DELAY SWITCH ON REARVIEW MIRROR, WINDOW LOCK AND WINDOW FUNCTIONS, ABS ON ALL THE TIME ,DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. NONFUNCTIONING DOME LIGHT SWITCHES AND INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ( WHICH WHEN CHECKED WAS DETERMINED TO BE SOME UNKNOWN INSUFFICIENT EXHAUST FLOW ISSUE). CONSTANT CLICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE FAR LEFT DRIVERS SIDE OF DASH. WE NOTICED A FLAME COMING OUT OF MY LEFT FRONT TOP DASH VENT AFTER CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 5+ HOURS. IT'S OBVIOUS THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DASH AND IT BURNT BOTH OF THE WIRING HARNESSES UNDER THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL PANEL HITTING THE VENT LINE AND COMING OUT THE TOP VENT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE DASH. WE HAD TO POOR BUCKETS OF WATER INSIDE DASH VENTS/ OPENINGS AND FRONT HOOD AREA TO GET THE FLAMES OUT. OUR INJURIES WERE INCURRED WHILE TRYING TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 10, 2011160,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLE WHEN IT CAUGHT IN FIRE FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND SPREAD TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPONENTS WERE COMPLETELY MELTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE ENGINE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Visibility
Filed Oct 10, 200970,000 milesOH

FRONT WIPERS STOP WORKING. THIS OCCURS ABRUPTLY WITHOUT REGARD TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING, ETC. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH THE MOTOR AND THE SWITCH. THE WIPERS STILL FAIL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Tires
Filed Nov 19, 2008102,162 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE STEELTEX A/T TIRES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE DRIVER PULLED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,172 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,162.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 5, 2008CA

MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHILE PARKED IN MY GARAGE. MY GARAGE BURNED COMPLETELY DOWN AND SOME DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY HOME AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY. *TR

Structure › Body › Hood
Filed Mar 10, 2008120,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT BEGAN PEELING OFF THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEGUN TO RUST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 28, 2008WI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR ARE TAKING AN EXTREMELY LONG TIME TO ARRIVE. HE WAS DISSATISFIED THAT FORD NEVER PROVIDED THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH UPDATES AND HE HAD TO CALL 8-10 TIMES, MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH, TO FIND OUT THE STATUS OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE THEY FELT IT WAS UNNECESSARY. THE DEALER WAS LOCATED THIRTY MILES AWAY FROM HIS RESIDENCE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATE 04-02-08 *BF

Suspension
Filed Feb 11, 2008MD

1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SWAY BAR FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT FRONT PASSENGER SWAY BAR LINK WAS SHEARED OFF. THEN HE NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE SWAY BAR LINK WAS THE SAME WAY. CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH OF THE LINKS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR EARLIER MODELS. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 27, 2007LA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 05S28 IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IS NOT DISCONNECTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77000. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE VIN IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Dec 11, 2007AZ

ON MY VEHICLE A BOLD ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS BROKEN CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. THE TUBULAR PART INSIDE IS CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BOLT THAT BROKE, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. FORD IS STATING THIS WAS SENT TO ME 6 TIMES. I DO NOT RECALL EVER RECEIVING A NOTICE. FORD WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THE DEALER TO REPAIR THIS AT NO COST TO ME. I HAVE SINCE TALKED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE AT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE # PROVIDED TO ME BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND STILL HAVE NO RESOLUTION...OTHER THAN THEY WILL REPLACE THE BOLT THAT BROKE...NOT THE REST CAUSED BY THIS BROKEN BOLT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 3, 200754,717 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. AS THE SMELL INTENSIFIED THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE SMOKE TURNED GRAY AND BLACK IN COLOR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND, BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS, AND A REPORT WAS PENDING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 54,717.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Dec 5, 2006TX

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION, DUE TO ICE ON THE ROAD, AND HIT A GUARD RAIL, WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE GUARD RAIL HEAD ON, AND THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH PARTIES WERE SECURED BY THE SEAT BELTS. A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY AFTER THE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AS INSTRUCTED BY THE INSURER. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 1, 2006119,602 milesAZ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND AND THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ALERTED AND NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.

20 of 151 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201013100Routine
20096000Routine
200896200Routine
200781100Routine
2006117220Routine
200582100Routine
2004210120Above average
2003152150Routine
2002372470Above average
200122410Routine
20001238120Routine
1999 — this page151951Fatalities reported
19982366231Fatalities reported
19973287101Fatalities reported
19963200Routine

Compare every Mountaineer year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 3, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.