Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer with NHTSA between 2001 and 2018.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 13 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Mercury Mountaineer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 81
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Mercury Mountaineer
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
412.5%
Median failure at 35,245 miles
Brakes
412.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,000 mi
Seats
39.4%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Tires
39.4%
Median failure at 73,500 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
39.4%
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Body & Structure
39.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,250 mi
Doors, Latches & Locks
26.3%
Median failure at 35,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
26.3%
Engine & Cooling
26.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 65,250 mi
Other & Unspecified
13.1%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
13.1%
Median failure at 500 miles
Seat Belts
13.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Lights
13.1%
Airbags
13.1%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.1%
Median failure at 500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
628.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
523.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
29.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
628.6%
150,000+ miles
14.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2001 Mercury Mountaineer 4-DR. w/SAB
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—
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2001 Mercury Mountaineer 4-DR.
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—
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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.
Nov 2001peak 7Jun 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE 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...
PE03020Opened 21 May 2003Closed 5 Sep 2003SEATS: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...
Recalls on the 2001 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 191,500 milesClarksville, MD1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I OPENED THE REAR GLASS AND WHILE THE GLASS WAS BEING RAISED BY THE PISTONS, I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED ALL OVER ME AND THE BACK OF THE MOUNTAINEER. I GOT GLASS IN MY FACE AND ARMS AND FEET. I HAD LACERATIONS TO MY ARMS FROM THE GLASS AND GLASS SPLINTERS IN MY FEET WHERE THE GLASS GOT INTO MY SHOES. THE GLASS DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS WAS ONLY PART OF THE WAY UP WHEN IT SHATTERED. I DID NOT OPEN THE FULL REAR GATE, JUST THE GLASS PANEL WHICH IS UNLOCKED WITH A PUSH BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THE REAR GATE HANDLE LATCH. THE DAY WAS HOT AND I HAD THE AC RUNNING SO THERE WAS TEMPERATURE GRADIENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AS I WAS INJURED AND OTHER COULD BE MORE SEVERELY INJURED BY THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11003795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAntioch, ILFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10462142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNortheastern, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND WHEN THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER, SEATED IN THE PASSENGERS SEAT SECURED THE SAFETY SEAT BELT.AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG OCCURRED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE OCTOBER 9, 2009 DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUES TO WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 11/16/10.
NHTSA complaint #10320093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSylvania, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED15 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE HIT A PHONE BOOTH. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THERE WERE LIGHT FLURRIES FALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BRAKE SERVICE WORK DONE IN DECEMBER 2006. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 70000.
NHTSA complaint #10182338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durango, COCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE
VEHICLE'S REAR END "KICKED OUT" COUNTER CLOCKWISE ON STEEP DOWNHILL GRADES. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A SPIN OUT ACCIDENT WHERE THE REAR END SPUN OUT CLOCKWISE ON A STEEP DOWNHILL GRADE OF SNOW. THE CONSUMER FOUND THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR SMALL FRAMED PEOPLE APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET 2 INCHES OF HEIGHT. THE SEAT BELT HAD COME OFF THE CENTER/STERNUM AND SLIPPED UNDER HER ARM PIT, AND DID NOT LOCK DOWN ON THE LAP. THE SEAT BELT CUT INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE NECK AND DURING THE ACCIDENT THE BELT SLIPPED OFF THE CONSUMER'S CHEST TO HER ARM PIT. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER USE A CLIP. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10026158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durango, COCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
VEHICLE'S REAR END "KICKED OUT" COUNTER CLOCKWISE ON STEEP DOWNHILL GRADES. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A SPIN OUT ACCIDENT WHERE THE REAR END SPUN OUT CLOCKWISE ON A STEEP DOWNHILL GRADE OF SNOW. THE CONSUMER FOUND THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR SMALL FRAMED PEOPLE APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET 2 INCHES OF HEIGHT. THE SEAT BELT HAD COME OFF THE CENTER/STERNUM AND SLIPPED UNDER HER ARM PIT, AND DID NOT LOCK DOWN ON THE LAP. THE SEAT BELT CUT INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE NECK AND DURING THE ACCIDENT THE BELT SLIPPED OFF THE CONSUMER'S CHEST TO HER ARM PIT. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER USE A CLIP. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10026158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesMinong, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FRAME IN BACK IS RUSTING THROUGH. THE BACK CROSS MEMBER AT THE REAR BUMPER IS RUSTED BAD. IT RATTLES ALL THE TIME.BACK SWAY BARS ARE RUSTED BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11103719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMinong, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRAME IN BACK IS RUSTING THROUGH. THE BACK CROSS MEMBER AT THE REAR BUMPER IS RUSTED BAD. IT RATTLES ALL THE TIME.BACK SWAY BARS ARE RUSTED BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11103719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,500 milesClarksville, MD1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I OPENED THE REAR GLASS AND WHILE THE GLASS WAS BEING RAISED BY THE PISTONS, I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED ALL OVER ME AND THE BACK OF THE MOUNTAINEER. I GOT GLASS IN MY FACE AND ARMS AND FEET. I HAD LACERATIONS TO MY ARMS FROM THE GLASS AND GLASS SPLINTERS IN MY FEET WHERE THE GLASS GOT INTO MY SHOES. THE GLASS DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS WAS ONLY PART OF THE WAY UP WHEN IT SHATTERED. I DID NOT OPEN THE FULL REAR GATE, JUST THE GLASS PANEL WHICH IS UNLOCKED WITH A PUSH BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THE REAR GATE HANDLE LATCH. THE DAY WAS HOT AND I HAD THE AC RUNNING SO THERE WAS TEMPERATURE GRADIENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AS I WAS INJURED AND OTHER COULD BE MORE SEVERELY INJURED BY THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11003795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAntioch, ILFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10462142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGreen BAY, WI
SEATS
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER ON MY 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 5.0 SUV. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NO LONGER WORKS. CANNOT MOVE IT, ADJUST IT, ETC. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10349464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGreen BAY, WI
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER ON MY 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 5.0 SUV. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NO LONGER WORKS. CANNOT MOVE IT, ADJUST IT, ETC. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10349464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNortheastern, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND WHEN THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER, SEATED IN THE PASSENGERS SEAT SECURED THE SAFETY SEAT BELT.AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG OCCURRED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE OCTOBER 9, 2009 DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUES TO WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 11/16/10.
NHTSA complaint #10320093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flagstaff, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD IN AUGUST 2007 AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE A PART AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10222219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. Topsail Beach, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY COMPLAINT BUT RATHER ABOUT SERVICE RECEIVED ON RECALL OF SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FOR A 2001 MOUNTAINEER, 05S28. WE RECEIVED NOTICE IN SEP 2007 & CALLED AND SETUP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE PART REPLACE ON OCT 11 2007. UPON ARRIVAL WE WERE TOLD THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE BUT THEY WOULD DISCONNECT CRUISE CONTROL. WE WAITED OVER AN HOUR TO HAVE THIS DONE WHICH WAS FRUSTRATING. PLUS FORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN UPFRONT AND TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE TWO TRIPS TO HAVE PROBLEM CORRECTED. WE TRAVELED 90 MILES ROUND TRIP. ON FEB 24TH, I SENT THE DEALERSHIP AN EMAIL CONCERNING THE STATUS OF REPLACEMENT PARTS SINCE IT HAD BEEN NEARLY 6 MONTHS SINCE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN DISABLED. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THE PARTS HAD COME IN FRIDAY, FEB 22 AND SET UP A 2:00PM APPOINTMENT TO INSTALL NEW PARTS. WHEN WE GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE MOUNTAINEER WERE NOT IN. ANOTHER 90 MILES FOR NOTHING. IN ADDITION, THEY CANNOT TELL US WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE IN!
NHTSA complaint #10219401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesGreen BAY, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE SUV WAS SQUEAKING. JUST WITHIN A WEEK, IT BECAME EXTREMELY LOUD AND EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT'S THE BALL JOINTS WHICH IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10218801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesPalm Springs, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER DISCOVERER H/T, SIZE P235/75/R15 TIRES. THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE WAS UNAVAILABLE IN THE DROP DOWN MENU AT THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE TIRES WERE INSPECTED AND FOUND TO HAVE DIMPLES ON THE SIDEWALLS AT ONLY 33,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD EXPLODED OFF THE TIRE AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE PLACE WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED STATED THAT THEY HAVE SOLD HUNDREDS OF THESE TIRES AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY FAILURES. THEY OFFERED TO GIVE HIM NEW TIRES AT $20.00 OFF SINCE HE HAD A RANDOM SET OF DEFECTIVE TIRES. THE CONTACT DID NOT ACCEPT THEIR OFFER. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AS SCHEDULED AND HE JUST HAD THE TIRES ROTATED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #10196810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSylvania, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED15 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE HIT A PHONE BOOTH. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THERE WERE LIGHT FLURRIES FALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BRAKE SERVICE WORK DONE IN DECEMBER 2006. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 70000.
NHTSA complaint #10182338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,245 milesDillon, MT
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
DEALER INSTALLED FORD TOWING HITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY. I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE PASSENGER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE WRITER INDICATED THAT THE DRIVER'S REAR LEAF SPRING WAS SAGGING , AND THAT THIS WAS COMMON FOR THIS ERA OF EXPLORERS/MOUNTAINEERS. HE INDICATED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO TOW AS-IS AND THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE SPRING. WHEN AT A BODY SHOP THIS WEEK I SHOWED IT TO THE MANAGER WHO SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON TO EXPLORERS/MOUNTAINEERS OF THE ERA AND HE RECOMMENDED HAVING FORD REPLACE THE SPRING UNDER RECALL OR CUSTOMER SERVICE/TECHNICAL BULLETIN, IF THERE WAS ONE. I CALLED FORD 800 NUMBER. THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT OR RECALL ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10112430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
THIS WAS AT MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY THE 23RD OF JULY. AFTER I WENT INSIDE MY RESIDENCE, I LOOK OUTSIDE THE WINDOW TO SEE IF THE MIRROR LIGHTS WERE OFF. AFTER A PERIOD OF 15-20 MINUTES, THE LIGHTS DIMMED OFF. AT 3 AM, I WENT OUT AGAIN TO THE CAR, TO RUN AN ERRAND, AND USING THE KEYFOB UNLOCK THE DOORS, AND GOT IN MY CAR. STARTING THE IGNITION, THE DOOR AJAR MESSAGE APPEARRED ON THE CONSOLE. ALSO I NOTICE THE DOME LIGHT WAS ON. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I GOT OUT THE CAR AND WALKED AROUND TO OPEN/CLOSE THE OTHER THREE DOORS, NOT THE GATE. BEING SATISFIED THAT THE OTHER DOORS WERE CLOSE, WENT BACK TO THE DRIVER SIDE GOT IN AND CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DOOR AJAR WARNING WAS STILL LIT, AS WELL AS, THE DOME LIGHT. THINKING THAT A SHORT HAD OCCURRED IN THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, IT WAS MINIMAL. AFTER PULLING OFF AND GOING A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET IN THE COMPLEX RESIDENCE, I PULL OVER TO THE SIDE AND GOT OUT TO CHECK THE DOORS ONCE MORE, THIS TIME INCLUDING THE LIFTGATE. I UNLATCH THE LIFTGATE AND PULLED DOWN TO CLOSE IT. I NOTICE THE LEFT LIFTGEAR ARM JUTTING OUT BENEATH THE WINDOW. I NEVER REALIZED THAT THE LIFTGLASS ASSEMBLY IS SEPARTE FROM THE GATE. I PULLED THE LIFTGLASS UP AND SAW THAT THE LEFT LIFTARM WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE BRACKET AS WAS THE RIGHT LIFTARM. I TRIED TO DETERMINE IF THE ARM HAD BROKEN OFF THE BRACKET, BUT THERE WERE NO INDICATION OR SIGNS(SHEARED OR JAGGED EDGES, ONLY MINIMAL RUSTING) OF THIS HAPPENING. I CHECKED THE RIGHT LIFTARM ASSEMBLY TO SEE IF IT WAS ATTACHED TO ITS BRACKET, AND IT WAS. I PULLED THE GLASS DOWN, TO SHUT IT CLOSE. AT THIS POINT THE GLASS SHATTERED/EXPLODED, WITH THE ELECTRONIC/HYDRAULIC HOSE KEEPING THE GATE ASSEMBLY FROM FALLING OUT COMPLETELY. I TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO MY DEARLERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MONDAY JULY 26, TO HAVE THEM TO ORDER THE FULL LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY, BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10082926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS WAS AT MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY THE 23RD OF JULY. AFTER I WENT INSIDE MY RESIDENCE, I LOOK OUTSIDE THE WINDOW TO SEE IF THE MIRROR LIGHTS WERE OFF. AFTER A PERIOD OF 15-20 MINUTES, THE LIGHTS DIMMED OFF. AT 3 AM, I WENT OUT AGAIN TO THE CAR, TO RUN AN ERRAND, AND USING THE KEYFOB UNLOCK THE DOORS, AND GOT IN MY CAR. STARTING THE IGNITION, THE DOOR AJAR MESSAGE APPEARRED ON THE CONSOLE. ALSO I NOTICE THE DOME LIGHT WAS ON. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I GOT OUT THE CAR AND WALKED AROUND TO OPEN/CLOSE THE OTHER THREE DOORS, NOT THE GATE. BEING SATISFIED THAT THE OTHER DOORS WERE CLOSE, WENT BACK TO THE DRIVER SIDE GOT IN AND CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DOOR AJAR WARNING WAS STILL LIT, AS WELL AS, THE DOME LIGHT. THINKING THAT A SHORT HAD OCCURRED IN THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, IT WAS MINIMAL. AFTER PULLING OFF AND GOING A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET IN THE COMPLEX RESIDENCE, I PULL OVER TO THE SIDE AND GOT OUT TO CHECK THE DOORS ONCE MORE, THIS TIME INCLUDING THE LIFTGATE. I UNLATCH THE LIFTGATE AND PULLED DOWN TO CLOSE IT. I NOTICE THE LEFT LIFTGEAR ARM JUTTING OUT BENEATH THE WINDOW. I NEVER REALIZED THAT THE LIFTGLASS ASSEMBLY IS SEPARTE FROM THE GATE. I PULLED THE LIFTGLASS UP AND SAW THAT THE LEFT LIFTARM WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE BRACKET AS WAS THE RIGHT LIFTARM. I TRIED TO DETERMINE IF THE ARM HAD BROKEN OFF THE BRACKET, BUT THERE WERE NO INDICATION OR SIGNS(SHEARED OR JAGGED EDGES, ONLY MINIMAL RUSTING) OF THIS HAPPENING. I CHECKED THE RIGHT LIFTARM ASSEMBLY TO SEE IF IT WAS ATTACHED TO ITS BRACKET, AND IT WAS. I PULLED THE GLASS DOWN, TO SHUT IT CLOSE. AT THIS POINT THE GLASS SHATTERED/EXPLODED, WITH THE ELECTRONIC/HYDRAULIC HOSE KEEPING THE GATE ASSEMBLY FROM FALLING OUT COMPLETELY. I TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO MY DEARLERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MONDAY JULY 26, TO HAVE THEM TO ORDER THE FULL LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY, BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10082926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSaint Joseph, MO
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
SPARE TIRE MOUNTED UNDER THE REAR UNDERCARRIAGE FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10055613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesHales Corners, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED AND DESTROYED BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10048101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesHales Corners, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED AND DESTROYED BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10048101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
SUSPENSION
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
STRUCTURE
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesNeptune, NJ
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
PROBLEMS WITH RADIO, PAINT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER.*MR THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AREA, WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED, A CLOUD OF BLACK EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TS THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL, BECAUSE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAD ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10042066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission Viejo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GETS LOUD. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD NOISE OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *AK THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10042909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.