FaultScore

FaultScore report

1999 Mercury Mountaineer problems

Owners have filed 182 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with NHTSA between 1999 and 2018. The largest single group is the tires. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 13 worst.

C

FaultScore 52/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Mountaineer.

How this is worked out

The numbers

182

Complaints

15

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

67,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

15%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 45 vs 50 Severity 82 vs 50 Early failure 25 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Mercury Mountaineer. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 82
15.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1999 compares with every other Mercury Mountaineer

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Tires 54 29.7%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,636 mi

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Brakes 15 8.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,131 mi

Airbags 14 7.7%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,000 mi

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 53,000 mi

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 58,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 8 4.4%

Median failure at 68,500 miles

Equipment & Accessories 6 3.3%

Median failure at 56,500 miles

Seats 4 2.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

Suspension 4 2.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Body & Structure 4 2.2%

Median failure at 71,500 miles

Steering 4 2.2%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Lights 3 1.6%
Doors, Latches & Locks 2 1.1%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Seat Belts 2 1.1%
Fuel & Propulsion 2 1.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 88,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 1 0.5%
Wheels 1 0.5%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Tread/Belt 18 29.0%
Windshield Wiper/Washer 18 29.0%
Sidewall 5 8.1%
Gasoline 5 8.1%
Frontal 5 8.1%
Recliner 4 6.5%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 4 6.5%
Accelerator Pedal 3 4.8%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 6.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 19.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 17 36.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 14.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 7 14.9%
150,000+ miles 4 8.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 1999 peak 15 May 2018

NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP05005 Opened 22 Sep 2005 Closed 4 Jan 2006 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

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 A...

PE03020 Opened 21 May 2003 Closed 5 Sep 2003 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT

BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V281) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2001 FORD EXPLORER / MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 4-DOOR, MY 1998-2000 FORD EXPLORER 2-DOOR AND MY 2001-2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND SPORT TRAC VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING.A BOLT BETWEEN THE UPPER SEAT RECLINER ATTACHMENT AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME MAY FRACTURE.FORD WILL REPLACE THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE...

PE99049 Opened 28 Jul 1999 Closed 24 Apr 2000 VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION

SQ99017 Opened 9 Jun 1999 Closed 22 Feb 2000 POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING

Recalls on the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

07V336000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

03V281000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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.

03V280000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

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.

00T005000

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

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.

00V072000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

99V164000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

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.

99V123000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 230,000 miles Montrose, CO Crash

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11061016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles South Carolina, SC Crash 1 injured

TIRES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10439000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 196,828 miles Fordland, MO Fire 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10410359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Piikeville, KY Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10399883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nevada City, CA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10226614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,717 miles Reston, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10186820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 130,000 miles Salt Lake City, UT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11098222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Montrose, CO Crash

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11061016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Romney, WV

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

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.

NHTSA complaint #10928208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Cold Spring, TX

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10617975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,901 miles Seal Beach, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

REAR WINDOW WIPER MOTOR , WASHER WORKS.

NHTSA complaint #10512583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Greencastle, IN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10439981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles South Carolina, SC Crash 1 injured

TIRES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10439000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 196,828 miles Fordland, MO Fire 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10410359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Piikeville, KY Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10399883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Westlake, OH

VISIBILITY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10286967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,162 miles Ridgway, PA

TIRES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10249272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nevada City, CA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10226614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Rossville, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

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.

NHTSA complaint #10220689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tomah, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #10219550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seabrook, MD

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10218285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sufvhur, LA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10212969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avondale, AZ

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10211509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,717 miles Reston, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10186820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Abilene, TX Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10175165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,602 miles Scottsdale, AZ Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10156533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,000 miles SAN Antonio, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAILGATE FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TAILGATE. THE WELDS HAD POPPED LOOSE WHICH ALLOWED THE HINGES TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION. UPDATED 04/12/06.

NHTSA complaint #10153317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trion, GA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TIRES, DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10137734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trion, GA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TIRES, DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10137734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trion, GA

AIR BAGS

1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TIRES, DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10137734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trion, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TIRES, DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR, LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10137734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.