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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2010

Mercury Mountaineer recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns and 1,992 owner complaints for the Mercury Mountaineer, covering model years 1996 to 2010. The 2002 model year drew the most complaints (372), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercury Mountaineer VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 19 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,992 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 15 model years with data (1996–2010)
  • most complaints: 2002 (372 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (385 complaints)
  • latest recall 10V161000 (reported Apr 20, 2010)
  • 145 complaints reporting a crash (7.3%)
  • 67 complaints reporting a fire (3.4%)
  • 117 complaints reporting an injury (5.9%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Mercury Mountaineer complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2002 model year has the most complaints: 372 of 1,992, or 18.7%. Next come 1997 (328) and 1998 (236). The fewest are for 1996, with 3 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercury Mountaineer owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2010Column chart of 1,992 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2002 with 372. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 3 complaints319961997: 328 complaints32819971998: 236 complaints23619981999: 151 complaints15119992000: 123 complaints12320002001: 22 complaints2220012002: 372 complaints37220022003: 152 complaints15220032004: 210 complaints21020042005: 82 complaints8220052006: 117 complaints11720062007: 81 complaints8120072008: 96 complaints9620082009: 6 complaints620092010: 13 complaints132010
Show the figures for all 15 model years
Mercury Mountaineer complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercury Mountaineer complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199630000
19973284110161
19982362223231
199915113581
20001231512100
2001222130
2002372177250
20031526590
2004210112150
2005826010
20061176260
2007813010
2008963000
200960000
2010130000
All model years1,992145671173

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercury Mountaineer components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 385 complaints (19.3% of all 1,992), followed by Tires (327) and Structure (283).

Components named most often in Mercury Mountaineer complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercury Mountaineer complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train38519.3%
Tires32716.4%
Structure28314.2%
Vehicle Speed Control21510.8%
Electrical System1829.1%
Engine and Engine Cooling1618.1%
Seats1256.3%
Visibility974.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic964.8%
Suspension954.8%
Air Bags814.1%
Steering703.5%
Unknown or Other613.1%
Engine532.7%
Equipment492.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercury Mountaineer recalls

19 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Mountaineer, newest first. The 19 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2010. The 1999 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 19 recall campaigns
Mercury Mountaineer recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 1 campaign1997: 6 campaigns1998: 5 campaigns1999: 7 campaigns
2000: 6 campaigns2001: 3 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: no campaigns2004: no campaigns2005: no campaigns2006: 1 campaign2007: no campaigns2008: 1 campaign2009: no campaigns
2010: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 10V161000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

    Model year 2010

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, explorer, explorer sport trac, and Mercury Milan and Mountaineer vehicles manufactured between December 15, 2009 through February 3, 2010 equipped with front seat manual recliners. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202, "head restraint." The recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V399000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1997, 2002

    Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 SD through F-550 SD diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the Texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (SCDS). The SCDS may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

    Consequence:
    A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the SCDS. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking SCDS, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 27, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-888-222-2751.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 07V453000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines

    Model year 2008

    On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with the 4.6L engine and 6R transmission, the bolt securing the transmission oil cooler line fittings at the transmission may not have been sufficiently torqued during vehicle assembly. As a result, the bolt may loosen and the transmission oil cooler lines may disengage from the transmission, causing a transmission fluid leak.

    Consequence:
    If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and have the transmission cooler line attachment bolt tightened free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 07V336000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1999–2001

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 05V520000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

    Model year 2006

    On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.

    Consequence:
    After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or Lincoln/Mercury at 1-800-521-4140.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 03V281000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

    Model years 1998–2001

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V280000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Cables

    Model years 1999–2001

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 01V171000

    Reported

    Tires › Sidewall

    Model year 2002

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right side tires may have horizontal cuts on the edge of the tread that could have occurred during vehicle assembly.

    Consequence:
    Over time, the tire could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the tires and, if any slices are found, the cut tires will be replaced. Owner notification began June 7, 2001. 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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V422000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1997–1998

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97JF-9E926AB or 97JF-9E926-AC). Some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. This reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the throttle body to contact or bridge the gap. If the engine deposits bridged the gap between the throttle plate and bore and then hardened, on the initial application of the accelerator pedal after the engine has cooled, the operator would need to apply additional force to the accelerator pedal to break the bridge.

    Consequence:
    This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 00V402000

    Reported

    Suspension

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.

    Consequence:
    Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 9 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 00V228001

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2000

    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."

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 00V179000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model year 2000

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 00V072000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers

    Model years 1999–2000

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 99V164000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch

    Model years 1998–1999

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 99V123000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 1999

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V062001

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1998–1999

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 98V060000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 1997–1998

    Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.

    Consequence:
    The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 97V137000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.

    Consequence:
    The gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 97V074000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1996–1997

    Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan (upper peninsula only), Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles, when operated for extended periods of time at highway speeds and temperatures below -20 degrees farenheit, do not return to idle due to ice in the throttle body.

    Consequence:
    Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a revised PCV system with water heated vacuum source.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercury Mountaineer questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercury Mountaineer have?

NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercury Mountaineer, covering model years 1996 to 2010. The most recent, 10V161000, was reported on April 20, 2010 and is filed under “Seats”. The 1999 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which Mercury Mountaineer model year has the most complaints?

The 2002 model year, with 372 of the 1,992 complaints in NHTSA’s file (18.7%). The next are 1997 (328) and 1998 (236). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercury Mountaineer complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 385 complaints, or 19.3% of all 1,992. Tires (327) and Structure (283) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercury Mountaineer?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercury dealer.

How many Mercury Mountaineer complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,992 complaints, 145 report a crash, 67 a fire, 117 at least one injury and 3 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercury models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercury models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercury VIN decoder with every Mercury model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercury models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.