2000 Mercury Mountaineer

Routine

Owners filed 123 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 8 times.

Avoid One of the Mercury Mountaineer years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Mercury Mountaineer years to avoid →

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

60 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Mercury Mountaineer problems

24 of the 123 complaints (20%) are about the throttle and acceleration.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration17
431
Tires13
000
Electrical System11
061
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission9
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration5
103
Tires › Tread/Belt5
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags4
402
Unknown or Other3
000
Seats3
102
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.3
000

8 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.

Seat Belts00V228001
Filed Aug 18, 2000144,435 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Air Bags › Side/Window00V179000
Filed Jul 5, 20002,300 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN" POSITION AND THE SEATBELT WEBBING IS FORCIBLY EXTRACTED FROM A LOCKED RETRACTOR WITH A JERKING MOTION.

Risk. INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

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.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments › Support Device/Strut1 injured
Filed Mar 27, 2025WA

The contact's daughter owns a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that while her husband and her daughter were inspecting the engine compartment of the vehicle, the hinges of the hood failed, causing the hood to drop inadvertently. The contact's husband sustained a laceration on the arm but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the hood hinges were replaced. Additionally, the contact purchased a stick to hold the hood open. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 13, 2023SC

I unlocked my vehicle, put the key in the ignition and it made a noise, then immediately after that failure to start, everything stopped working. No lights, will not lock doors, no clicking sound as if it were a dead battery.

Power Train
Filed Dec 9, 2019160,538 milesFL

THE O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND IT DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC ITS VARY DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 19, 201882,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY BECAME DIM AND SHUT OFF. AFTER THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED BACK ON AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 16, 2016153,000 milesAR

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK(APPROX 12 MILES) AND DECIDED I'D TRY OUT THE CRUISE CONTROL IN MY NEWLY ACQUIRED 2000 MOUNTAINEER 302 AWD. THE FIRST PART OF THE COMMUTE IS WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER HARMLESS AND A VERY SAFE STRETCH TO TEST OUT THIS FEATURE SO I PRESS THE CRUISE BUTTON TO SET MY SPEED AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55MPH. ALL WAS WELL UNTIL I APPROACHED A SHARP HAIR PIN CURVE ABOUT 4 MILES INTO THE TRIP. I GENTLY STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO CANCEL THE CRUISE BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T RESPOND TO MY ATTEMPT. IN A STATE OF PANIC, I FIRMLY APPLY THE BRAKE TO REDUCE SPEED AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO DROP APPROXIMATELY 6-7 MPH. STILL WELL ABOVE THE ADVISED LIMIT FOR THAT PARTICULAR CURVE. AFTER MAKING IT THOUGH THE CURVE, THE MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED AND I WAS OFF TO THE RACES. I PANICKED AND IN DOING SO, FAILED TO PROCESS AND THINK CLEARLY. MY INSTINCT WAS TO KEEP POUNDING ON THE BRAKES IN HOPE THAT THE CRUISE CABLE WITH BREAK OR POP FREE. AT 70MPH MY BRAKES WERE USELESS. IT ACCELERATED JUST PAST 80MPH AND FINALLY RIGHT BEFORE MY TURN OFF ONTO THE ROAD THAT I LIVE, MY HEAD CLEARED AND I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD. AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE, EVERY OUNCE OF COOLANT WAS BEING SHOT OUT OF THE RADIATOR AND ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE GLOWING CHERRY RED. I WAS SCARED THE THING WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. LIKE INCIDENT REPORT PRIOR TO MINE, MY CRUISE CABLE RETAINER HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS NO LONGER ANCHORED TO ITS USUAL

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 11, 2016101,489 milesCT

REAR DOOR LATCH IS INOPERATIVE. ALSO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS INOPERATIVE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 29, 2015155,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALSO DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 25, 2014183,345 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING DON THE ROAD TO AN INTERSECTION GOING 45 MPH AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GOT MY FAMILY OUT THE CAR BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL WAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH TWO EXTINGUISHERS AND HELP FROM FELLOW BYSTANDERS. THE BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD HAD TO BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I RECEIVED A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT. THE AREA THAT THE FIRE HAD ORIGINATED FROM WAS THE FUSE BOX. I KNOW THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO ANY WORK IN THOSE AREAS. I WOULD LIKE COMPENSATION FOR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I'M NOW OUT 6500 DOLLARS AND I SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ ABOUT OVER A 100 EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER FIRES UNDER THE HOOD. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND I OWNED IT OVER 10 YEARS. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 25, 2014183,345 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING TO AN INTERSECTION WITH MY FAMILY WHILE GOING 45 MPH. I NOTICED BLACK COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I PULLED OFF TO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I PROCEEDED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNDER THE HOOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT IT OUT. THEY DID A LOOK THROUGH AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE FUSE BOX. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I'M NOW OUT THE 6500 I USED TO PURCHASE IT. I CANT FIX IT OR TRADE IT IN NOW. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Nov 14, 2014150,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS BECAME INOPERABLE AT TIMES AND TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE LATCH WOULD OPEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust SystemFire
Filed Oct 17, 2014240,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jun 13, 2014199,000 milesNC

I AM DISABLE ON JUNE 11, 2014 I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY FLAMES GUSHED FROM THE DASH I STOPPED THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF FIRE WIPPED MY RIGHT SIDE AND I BROKE MY ANKLE TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 2, 2013WA

WATER LEAKAGE IN INTERIOR OF VEHICLE IS A HEALTH HAZARD DUE TO MOLD ISSUES, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN. SICKNESS FROM MOLD CAN BE A LIFELONG AFFLICTION. IT IS A HEALTH SAFETY ISSUE. WATER LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR OF A CAR, WHETHER BY DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY OR DEFECTIVE DESIGN, SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD (AND PROBABLY OTHER MAKE) VEHICLES THAT HAVE MOONROOFS OR SUNROOFS. THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP THIS. FORD'S IMPLICIT DENIAL OF BLAME IS A MORAL FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WAS SENT TO FORD... WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:MY 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS BEEN LEAKING IN THE INTERIOR FROM A KINKED MOONROOF DRAIN HOSE. I TOOK IT TO A BODYSHOP TO BE REPAIRED. THE DRAIN HOSE WAS PERMANENTLY KINKED FROM SLOPPY ASSEMBLY. THE DRAIN HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:MY DEALER SAW THE DRAIN HOSE AND AGREED IT WAS A FACTORY ASSEMBLY DEFECT. THEY GAVE ME THE 1-800-392-3673 AND TOLD ME TO CONTACT THAT NUMBER FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE COST TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROTOCOL OR RECALL TO ADDRESS THE DRAIN HOSE ISSUE. RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS TO BE A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:FORD SHOULD AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE DRAIN HOSE. $272.85. THERE WERE OTHER ISSUES SUCH AS MOLD WHICH I WAS ABLE TO FIX MYSELF. I STILL HAVE THE DEFECTIVE DRAIN HOSE. I AM CER

EngineFire
Filed May 2, 2013165,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 06/26/13*LJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 06/27/13 *BF UPDATED UPDATED 07/02/2013 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 28, 2012142,000 milesIL

I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 2YRS. NOW. I KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR. I KEEP THE OIL CHANGED TIRES ROTATED, BRAKES FIXED, PASS THE EMISSION TEST EVERY YEAR SINCE PURCHASING IT. I'VE HAD THIS SQUEALING HIGH PITCH GRINDING NOISE COMIN FROM THE REAR TIRES.IT IS VERY LOUD. I HAVE NEW BRAKES ALL THE WAY AROUND,SHOES,ROTORS,PADS,IN IT STILL MAKES THIS VERY LOUD NOISE.IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER SINCE I HAVE ALL NEW BRAKES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS NOISE IS, BUT I KNOW ITS EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE,CAUSE THE NOISE IS SO LOUD. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed May 25, 2012132,000 milesNY

BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT LIGHTING. FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, THEN POOF OF SMOKE AT FUSE INSIDE, AND UNDER HOOD SMOKE CONTINUED FOR 2 MINUTES. FOUND CONNECTOR FOR SWITCH ON MASTER CYLINDER WAS MELTED AND SWITCH IS STILL BAD. DISCONNECTED CONNECTOR FROM SHORTED SWITCH CAUSING FUSE TO BLOW. THEN REPLACED FUSE AND NOW BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. CRUISE CONTROL WAS INTERMITTENT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. CONNECTOR IS TIED TO KEEP IT SECURE UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 26, 2012CA

WHILE I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM A FILE CABINET AGAINST THE BACK WALL. THEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO MOVE BACK A FEW INCHES FOR BETTER CLEARANCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE FILE CABINET AND TOTALED IT PLUS DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, GRILL AND HOOD. NOTE THAT APPLYING THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. VERY THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPEN. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 27, 2011119,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY FORTY-FIVE MINUTES WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Seats
Filed Oct 18, 2011144,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT FRACTURED AND COLLAPSED BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS DONE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 11, 201170,000 milesFL

THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS DO NOT WORK ON ALL THE DOORS. I'VE HAD THESE LOCKS WORKED ON, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO NOT WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN YOU TRY THE AUTO-LOCKS, AND THE LOCK CANNOT BE MANUALLY PULLED UP, THUS LEAVING THE REAR-SEATED OCCUPANT TRAPPED IN THE CAR. THIS OFTEN TIMES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AS WELL. IT ALSO HAPPENS WITH THE REAR HATCH. *KB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2011117,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH HOUSING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. ..UPDATED 09/29/11 *BF THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/07/11

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 2, 201170,000 milesMN

I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THAT STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 70K MILES. IT HAS AN AOD TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN I WOULD HIT THE GAS TO DRIVE. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE SUV FROM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WAS LOW ON TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM SO I HAD THEM FILL THE FLUID. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY IT STARTED GOING THROUGH FLUID AND AT AROUND 85K MILES IT SLOWLY STARTED HAVING THE SHIFTING PROBLEMS AGAIN. NOW IT HARDLY SHIFT AT ALL. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE 2000'S TRANSMISSIONS FOR BOTH THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND FORD EXPLORERS. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE MANY TIMES WHERE I WAS MERGING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ONLY TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION FAIL TO ENGAGE AND I'VE ALMOST BEEN BROADSIDED BY THE ONCOMING CAR. HERE IS A WEBSITE THAT TALKS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MERCURY/MOUNTAINEER/2002/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_FAILURE.SHTML PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND HELP US GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Nov 1, 2010TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BECAME ENGULFED INTO MASSIVE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED WITH NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOWING FACILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Sep 7, 201085,000 milesCA

CAR WAS IN PARK - AFTER RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE - I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHAFT BROKE OFF - COULD NOT PUT THE CAR IN GEAR - VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL AT THE TIME. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 23, 201059,976 milesKY

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION FAILURE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 64,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN POWER FLUSHED BY OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH NO CORRECTION, WE WERE TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS SHIFT FLARE, WITH THE O/D LIGHT FLASHING IS COMMON WITH ALL 5R55E TRANSMISSIONS WITH 4.0L V6 ENGINES. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD BE BEST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A FACTORY REMANUFACTURED UNIT, RATHER THAN TRY TO REPAIR THE OLD TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2500.00 TO $3000.00 DOLLARS. WE ARE NOW TO A POINT WHERE WE CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY GREAT DISTANCE OTHER THAN RIGHT AROUND TOWN. ASSISTANCE FROM FORD WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THIS VEHICLE IS THE FOURTH FORD PRODUCT WE HAVE OWNED, WE NOW HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT OUR 2005 F150 4X4 SUPERCREW WE USE TO PULL OUR 26' TRAVEL TRAILER APPROX 4860LBS. OUR VEHICLE IS IN WONDERFUL CONDITION AND WE DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF IT, THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HELP ALL THE LOYAL FORD OWNERS THAT HAVE BELIEVED IN THERE PRODUCTS FOR MANY YEARS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 13, 201070,104 milesNY

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES NOW. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 13, 2009MA

JUST BOUGHT A USED 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND THIS MORNING WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND IT IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN AND STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE OF BEING ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. PUT IT BACK INTO PARK AND TRIED AGAIN TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. LOOKED UP ON GOOGLE AND NOW FIND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN INHERITED PROBLEM THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING. WHAT IS OUR RECOURSE ON THIS MATTER? *TR

Structure
Filed Jul 27, 2009125,780 milesNC

NO SINGLE EVENT LED TO THE FAILURE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE REAR LIFT DOOR OF THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE MOUNTING PLATES FOR THE REAR DOOR HINGES HAVE FAILED. NOTE THAT THE HINGES HAVE NOT FAILED. THE FAILURE IS IN THE MOUNTING POINT IN THE DOOR. ONE SIDE HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH AND THE OTHER SIDE HAS PARTIALLY CRACKED. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT IF BOTH MOUNT POINTS FAIL THERE WILL NOT BE ANY THING HOLDING THE TOP OF THE REAR LIFT DOOR. THE DOOR COULD THEREFORE SEPARATE FROM THE CAR AND FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. IF THE MOUNT POINTS FAIL, THE ONLY ITEMS HOLDING THE DOOR WOULD BE THE SIDE LIFT CYLINDERS. THESE CYLINDERS WOULD NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO KEEP THE DOOR ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED 2 DAYS AGO. ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR ARE LIMITED TO GETTING ESTIMATES TO FIX PROBLEM. MERCURY DEALER REPRESENTATIVE WAS NOT HELPFUL SINCE VEHICLE IS A 2000 MOUNTAINEER AND NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY. HIS RESPONSE WAS LIMITED TO SAYING HE HAD NEVER SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE AND GIVING ME THE NAME OF A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR STRUCTURAL FAILURE AND A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IF THE HINGE MOUNTS FAIL COMPLETELY AND THE DOOR FALLS OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY, A MAJOR ACCIDENT MIGHT RESULT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 19, 2009138,000 milesCA

FIRE UNDER HOOD WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE ENGINE, WIRING, BATTERY, FRONT TIRES, ALL RUBBER PARTS, BELTS DESTROYED. LOOKS TO BE TOTALED/BURT BEYOND REPAIR. *TR

Tires
Filed Mar 16, 200930,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS TIRES, SIZE P/235/75/R15. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY LOSE TIRE PRESSURE. HE TOOK THE TIRES TO A TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INNER SIDEWALL WAS SEPARATING ON ALL FOUR TIRES. HE CONCLUDED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL OF THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE CONTACT STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE OLD ONES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,140.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 2, 2008VA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. SHE IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2007. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY HER VIA MAIL WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVE. AS OF APRIL 2, 2008, THE CONTACT HAS NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THEY STILL DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 05S28. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 04/16/08. *LJ

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 20, 2008GA

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH A RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2007 AND THE VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. *KB THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 9, 2008NJ

I RECEIVED A MOTIVE IN AUGUST 2007 WHICH ADVISED ME TO CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS AUTHORIZED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO "INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM" OF MY 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER (RECALL: 05S28). THAT UNTIL THIS REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, I SHOULD PARK MY VEHICLE "AWAY FROM STRUCTURES TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRE FROM SPREADING". I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THIS NOTICE, ALWAYS BEING TOLD THAT THE "REQUIRED PARTS ARE NOT IN YET". I BELIEVE I HAVE WORN DOWN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH MY CALLS, SINCE I WAS LAST TOLD: "THEY WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE IN" !! *TR

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 4, 2008126,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WIPER WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE ARM, MOTOR, AND WIRING WERE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE FRONT WIPERS WOULD NOT RECEIVE WIPER FLUID. THE DEALER CORRECTED THE FAILURE AND THE WIPERS WORKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS. CURRENTLY, THE FRONT WIPERS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WERE NO LONGER INVOLVED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V072000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 27, 200742,238 milesSC

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 42,000 MILES W/O WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS! *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 2, 200760,000 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER (05S28) IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY ADVISED HER TO SEND PHOTOS UNDER REFERENCE NUMBER 383940900. THE FORD INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE MOTOR WAS TOO BADLY BURNED TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE RECALL. THE INVESTIGATOR AGREED WITH HER, BUT HE HAD TO FOLLOW THE COMPANY'S DECISION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 12/12/07

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 24, 2007WI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2007. HE FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING REPAIRED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. HE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH DISCONNECTED, BUT HAD NOT DONE SO. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 10, 200795,000 milesMA

MY DRIVE TO WORK IS ~ 14 MILES, ON 1/8/2007 WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (TRAVELING AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED) MY VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. I ACTUALLY THOUGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT AFTER COMING TO A STOP I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY LEFT AND THEN RIGHT A NUMBER OF TIMES. I SEE A SIMILAR COMPLAINT (ODI ID NUMBER: 10038075), THIS HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Aug 4, 200650,000 milesUT

SMOKE COMING FROM TURN SIGNAL WHEN BEING USED. HAPPENS ONLY WHEN YOU ARE TURNING LEFT. BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS FOR A FEW WEEKS THEN NEEDS MOTOR TO BE REPLACED. STEREO LIGHTS QUITE WORKING WILL COME ON ONLY IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed May 11, 2006102,000 milesTX

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 2WD. CAUGHT FIRE IN A PARKING LOT WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. SPARKS FELL FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPT. RESPONDED TO FIRE. *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Feb 21, 200691,000 milesNC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND STRUCK THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A ROLLOVER. IN THE ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO ONE WAS INJURED, SEATBELTS WERE WORN AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 17, 200581,000 milesCA

PUT CAR IN REVERSE, HAD VERY FAST SUDDEN HIGH ACCELERATION WITHOUT TOUCHING THE THROTTLE. HELD BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET UNTI I COULD TURN IGNITION OFF. AFTER LOOKING FOR OBVIOUS SIGN OF PROBLEM (FOUND NONE), TURNED CAR BACK ON AND IT ACTED NORMAL. ALMOST RAN OVER MY SON. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Nov 1, 200536,001 milesOH

LCD DISPLAY ON STEREO/CLOCK ONLY WORKS OCCASIONALLY MOST OF THE TIME THERE IS NOT A TIME DISPLAY AVAILABLE. AND WE HAVE VARIOUS GAUGES THAT WILL NOT WORK AND THEN WILL WORK FOR A BRIEF TIME AND THEN AGAIN STOP WORKING. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Oct 18, 200564,000 milesMN

OCTOBER 18, 2005 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION NVS-210, 400 7TH STREET SW WASHINGTON, DC 20590 DEAR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: I AM WRITING BECAUSE OF A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MERCURY 2000 MOUNTAINEER. MY MOUNTAINEER, VIN #[XXX], HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A DESIGN DEFICIENCY. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHES SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN COMES ON STEADY. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BAD. THEY SAID THAT TESTS SHOWED THAT THE HARNESS WAS CORRODED. SINCE THE HARNESS RUNS UNDER THE CARPET ON THE FLOOR, WATER AND SALT HAD PROBABLY ENTERED THE HARNESS AND CORRODED IT. THEY SAID THAT MY AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS UNRELIABLE. I BELIEVE IT IS UNREASONABLE AND DANGEROUS TO INSTALL A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM COMPONENT IN A KNOWN LOCATION OF CORROSIVES AND MOISTURE, UNLESS THAT COMPONENT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AGAINST THOSE HAZARDS. IT APPEARS THAT THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS IS NOT SO DESIGNED. AS THESE VEHICLES AGE, THIS COULD BECOME MORE AND MORE OF A PROBLEM. THE REPAIR IS EXPENSIVE, I WAS QUOTED $970. THE TRADE IN VALUE OF MY VEHICLE IS ABOUT $8600. AS THESE VEHICLES AGE THEY WILL HAVE LESS AND LESS VALUE AND THE COST OF REPAIR WILL BECOME A LARGER AND LARGER PERCENTAGE OF VEHICLE VALUE. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD QUERY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND FIND OUT HOW PREVALENT THIS PROB

Electrical System
Filed Sep 29, 2005KS

CONSUMER LOST USE OF ALL ACCESSORIES IE. LIGHTS, MIRRORS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, WIPERS POWER WINDOWS ETC. THE CONSUMER HAD GEM MODULE AND WIPER MOTOR REPLACED. *TS *NM

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2005VA

INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, IT WAS ALWAYS OUT, AND INSTEAD OF PAYING EXTRAVAGANT DIAGNOSTIC FEES THEY SAID MAY NOT SHOW PROBLEM, I DID NOT GET IT LOOKED AT. IT WAS REPAIRED TODAY....A HARNESS ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WHICH I FEEL SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED TO THE CUSTOMER. THE SHORT IS FOR SOMETHING THAT ONLY A CERTIFIED TECH REPAIRS. AIRBAGS HARNESSES ON THIS VEHICLE PER THE REPAIR TECH GO OUT REGULARLY, WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME. THE REPAIR PASSED ON TO ME WAS MORE THAN $300! ALSO, IAC ATTACHED WITH TOO LITTLE SILICONE, WHICH CAUSES THE IAC TO BURN AND MALFUNCTION. IT WAS ALSO REPAIRED. I DO NOT HAVE PARTS.....DEALERSHIP KEPT THEM. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Aug 14, 200546,827 milesNY

LAST NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING HOME ON THE NYS THRUWAY, APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES FROM MY EXIT, THE CRUISE CONTROL DIDN'T DISENGAGE. IT WAS LATE, AND WE CAME UPON SOME ROAD WORK, SO I DEPRESSED THE COAST BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES TO LOWER MY SPEED. I HAVE DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE WITHOUT ANY MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL/SOFTWARE PROBLEM. WHEN THIS DIDN'T LOWER MY SPEED, I DEPRESSED THE OFF BUTTON NUMEROUS TIMES-THIS DIDN'T WORK-SO I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE-AND THIS DIDN'T WORK. I BECAME SCARED AND IMMEDIATELY PUT THE SUV IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE RPM WENT HIGH OVER 5 ON THE TACHOMETER SO I PUT THE TRANSMISSION BACK INTO DRIVE. THE SPEED CONTROL INDICATOR DASH LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON BUT THE SUV'S RPM WAS STILL HIGHER THAN NORMAL LIKE THE SPEED CONTROL WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE SUV NOW WAS NOT TRYING MAINTAIN PREVIOUS SPEED BUT IT WAS STILL PULLING AHEAD WITHOUT AND ANY GAS PEDAL. USING A LOT OF BRAKES, I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN WAY IN ADVANCE AND STOP. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AND STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY (APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILES FROM THE THRUWAY EXIT). I PURCHASED MY 2000 MOUNTAINEER NEW AND HAVE NEVER ABUSED IT. NO OFF ROAD - MOSTLY JUST WINTER DRIVING. LESS THAN 47 K MILES. I NOTICED A RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE WHICH CAN BECOME FLARED AT THE END. THIS IS FOR CERTAIN MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES. MY ENGINE IS A V-8; THE OLDER 5.0L THAT EARLIER MUSTANGS HAD. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED LATE AT NIGHT WITH NO TRAFFIC ON THE THRUWAY AND VERY LITTLE IN THE VILLAGE OF SAUGERTIES. SO TH

Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Aug 8, 20051,000 milesIL

I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND MY STABILIZER BARS HAVE BROKEN TWICE NOW WHEN I SPOKE TO FORD MECHANICS THEY STATED THAT IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THAT TO HAPPEN WHEN I LOOKED FOR RECALLS ON INTERNET I FOUND THAT (FORD CORP) HAD RECALLED 95-97 FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM AS A SUV CAN TURN OVER. WHEN I CONTACTED (FORD) THEY SAID SORRY NOT OUR PROBLEM THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2000 NOW THEY WANT ME TO REPAIR IT AGAIN AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE AT ANY POINT AND I BELIEVE THAT TO BE WRONG AND HOW MANY OTHER MOUNTAINEERS OR EXPLORERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND WONT KNOW ABOUT IT TILL THERE VEHICLES TURN OVER AND TAKE A LIFE IS THIS WHAT FORD WAITS FOR BEFORE THEY ACT AND RECALL A VEHICLE PLEASE HELP I FELT SO ALONE WHEN I SPOKE TO FORD. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT . THANK YOU. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jul 13, 2005GA

I HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION INTO 2002 MY FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THAT SEEMS TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed May 9, 200589,600 milesNC

DT: 4/28/05 BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, FUSES WERE CHECKED BY TECHNICIAN, CRUISE CONTROL/BRKAKE FUSE WAS BLOWN. FUSE WAS REPLACED BY TECHNICIAN, AFTER TECHNICIAN PARKED VEHICKLE, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASH. TECHNICIAN DISCONNECTED CRUISE CONTROL FROM MASTER CYLINDER AND SMOKE STOPPED. TECHNICIAN NOTICED WIRES WERE MELTED. VEHICLE IS REGULARLY SERVICED WITH SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE.

Complaints 1-50 of 123, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201013100Routine
20096000Routine
200896200Routine
200781100Routine
2006117220Routine
200582100Routine
2004210120Above average
2003152150Routine
2002372470Above average
200122410Routine
2000 — this page1238120Routine
1999151951Fatalities reported
19982366231Fatalities reported
19973287101Fatalities reported
19963200Routine

Compare every Mountaineer year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.