2003 Mercury Mountaineer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure5928.8%
- Transmission2512.2%
- Powertrain (other)199.3%
- Electrical125.9%
- Engine115.4%
- Brakes115.4%
- Suspension104.9%
- Driver assistance94.4%
- Airbags94.4%
- Interior & seats94.4%
- Visibility73.4%
- Fuel system73.4%
- Steering62.9%
- Other / unspecified52.4%
- Seat belts31.5%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 2003 AND IT WAS STATIONED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE BACK MIDDLE OF THE HATCH NOW THERE A HUGE CRACK AND MY WINDOW OF THE TRUNK CAME UNHINGED AND FELL OFF I SEE THIS PROBLEM IN ALL MOUNTAINEERS THEY ALL HAVE THE CRACK IN THE HATCH HOPE THEIRS DON'T FALL OFF I SEE IT IN ALMOST EVERYONE'S. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED IF I WAS DRIVING AND IT FELL OFF THIS IS NOT SAFE. PLEASE HAVE THIS INVESTIGATED. THANK YOU!
1) FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE RESULTING IN UNSAFE​ UNDRIVEABLE (THIS HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY​ REPORTED BY VEHICLE OWNERS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLES MILAGE) FAILURE ACCURED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT AFTER EXITING A PARKING LOT OF A RESTAURANT 2) LIFT HATCH CRACKED CENTER OF HATCH ABOVE THE EMBLEM POTENTIALLY ALLOWING WATER INTO THE INTERIOR WORKING OF HATCH AND CAUSING UNTOLD AND UNSEEN WATER RELATED DAMAGES​(THIS IS AN ADMITTED FORD MANUFACTURING DEFECT ACROSS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE​ LINE SPENDING MULTIPLE YEARS PRODUCTION)
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE SO I COULD PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. WHEN I DID THIS, THE TRANSMISSION LEVEL BROKE RIGHT OFF. THE VEHICLE, SINCE IT IS FULL-TIME AWD, CANNOT BE MOVED OR TOWED SINCE ALL THE WHEELS ARE ENGAGED IN PARK. THE METAL HOLDING THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHEARED OFF WHICH I CAN ONLY CONSIDER TO BE A GRAVE SAFETY RISK IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THIS HAPPENED. *KB
REAR BACK HATCH CRACKED WHEN PURCHASED, PROMISED TO BE FIXED BY DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY NEVER HONORED THEIR PROMISE. I HAVE SINCE SEEN SEVERAL MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE REAR BACK HATCH CRACKED AS WELL, WONDERING WHY THEIR WASN'T A RECALL?? ALSO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ALREADY REPLACED TRANSFER CASE AND NOW POWER STEERING IS LEAKING. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
BIG O TECHS CONNED WIFE INTO BUYING 2 TIRES AND WE OWN AWD SUV THAT REQUIRES 4 AT THE SAME INTERVALS .I IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THEM THAT THIS IS NOT SAFE AND WILL DAMAGE MY CAR THEY CONTINUED FOR OVER 2 MONTHS TO LIE TO ME ABOUT HAVING SOMEMONE COMTACT ME . I HAVE ALL THE COMMUNICATIONS I'VE HAD WITH THEM THROUGH MESSAGES. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THEY PUT THE TIRES ON AND REFUSED TO TAKE THEM OFF AND PUT MY OLD O ES BACK ON AND ISSUE A REFUND WELL MY TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE FAILED I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY LIED TO ME ABOUT SOMEONE CONTACTING ME . I TOOK MY SUV TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP WE MEASURED OVER 2 INCH CIRCUMFERENCE DIFFERENCE. I INFORMED BIG O THAT I HAVE A TSB ISSUED BY FORD MY EMPLOYER THAT DATES BACK TO 2011 ON TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE PROCEDURES FOR TIRE DEALERS TO FOLLOW . THE RESPONSE I GOT WAS THAT BIG O REFUSES TO REVIEW OR ACKNOWLEDGE TSBS . THAT'S ALARMING AS TSBS ARE ISSUED MY THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SAFETY . I HAD MY SUV FIXED FOR 3000+ $ OUT OF POCKET AND CONTACTED BIG O THE DAY I PICKED IT UP ABOUT THE TIRES STILL BEING ON THERE . I WARNED THEM THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CAN HURT MY NEW DRIVETRAIN THE VERY NEXT DAY FROM GETTING MY SUV OUT OF THE SHOP THE TIRES AGAIN CAUSED BINDING TO OCCUR BUT THIS TIME IT LED TO WHAT SHOULD'VE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT WHERE AS THE AWD SYSTEM DONE IT'S JOB BUT THE TIRES BEING OFF BY SO MUCH MADE THE SUV BIND A THREE IN INTO 3 360 DEGREE SPIN AND SLAMMED THE CONCRETE MEDIAN TOTALING MY VEHICLE AND INJURING MY WIFE. I'VE DOCUMENTED ALL MESSAGES WITH BIG O AND HAVE MUCH MORE EVIDENCE RELATED TO THIS CASE THAT I'M UNABLE TO ADD IN THIS DESCRIPTION BECAUSE I'M RUNNING OUT OF ALLOWED CHARACTERS REMAINING . I DID CONTACT BIG O AGAIN AND SENT PHOTOS OF MY CRASHED SUV AND SUDDENLY THEY NOW WON'T RESPOND BACK AT ALL . I THINK THIS JUSTIFIES A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THERE REFUSAL TO REVIEW TSBS AND FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL MY
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO THERE ALWAYS A PROBLEM SHIFTING GEARS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'VE BEEN REVIEW THIS SITE AND SEE WHERE SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY 2003 MOUNTAINEER. THE REAR GATE IS CRACKING AROUND THE EMBLEM. I'VE HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND THEY TELL ME I CAN PAY TO FIX IT AND IF THERE IS RECALL THEY WILL REIMBURSE ME. IN ADDITION I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMING ON WHEN ALL ARE SHUT AND SECURE. I HAVE CONTACT FORD AND SEVERAL LOCAL DEALERSHIPS. THE DEALERSHIP ALL TELL ME THEIR HANDS ARE TIED UNTIL FORD MAKES A DECISION AND THAT I AM NOT ALONE. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING. IT'S ALMOST LIKE THEY DON'T CARE. WITH ALL THESE COMPLAINTS WHY ISN'T THIS AGENCY DOING SOMETHING? *TR
FORD HAS A TSB ON THEIR WEBSITE FOR THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED TYEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS IF THERE ARE SOOO MANY COMPLAINT FROM CONSUMERS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAME ISSUES IS THAT NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURE BEING IT CONSIDERED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT? I HAVE TO CHILDREN AND THIS IS OF EXTREME CONCERN TO ME THAT THESE ISSUES ON MY CAR CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. -BACK TRUNK DOOR IS CRACKED DOWN THE LATCH. -THE CAR DOESN'T SHIFT CORRECTLY AND TIRES SEEM LOOSE -THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING ALL THE TIME AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SIGNALING.. I HAVE FOUND SO MANY WEBSITES WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES ON 2003-2004 MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO THERE ALWAYS A PROBLEM SHIFTING GEARS
I PURCHASED A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER ON 2/15/14 AND I TOOK IT ON A ROAD TRIP ON 2/16/4 WITH MY GRANDKIDS. AFTER ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AND GAINING SPEED I STARTED TO SMELL A STRONG BURNT RUBBER AND EXHAUST SMELL. THE SMELL WAS VERY TOXIC AND STUCK TO OUR CLOTHING. ON 2/18/14, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR HIS MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS SOME DEGREASER THAT OVERFLOWED FROM A CUPLER AND LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A LEAK AND THE MECHANIC RESPONDED BY SAYING NOT REALLY, WHICH MEANT THERE WAS A LEAK. THE MECHANIC ASSURED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS TAKEN CARE OF, BUT IF IT STILL OCCURS, THEY WOULD SEND IT IN FOR TWO DAYS. I CONTINUED TO SMELL THE TOXIC SMELL AND ON 2/19/14 THE HATCH ON LIFT GATE JUST CRACKED. ALSO WHEN I TURN AT A LOW SPEED, I HEAR A STRANGE SOUND AND VIBRATION, COMING FROM THE TIRE AREA. I'VE HEARD OF NUMEROUS ISSUES AND COMPLICATIONS WITH THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. I DON'T WANT MY GRANDCHILDREN NOR MY LIFE PUT IN DANGER. A DRIVER SHOULD BE ENSURED WITH SAFETY WHEN DRIVING A VEHICLE. FORD DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CONSUMERS TO SELL DEFECTIVE AND NONSAFE VEHICLES. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE AS IT HAS TOO MANY ISSUES THAT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING, LIKE THE ROLLOVER RATE. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT. WHILE PARKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
MY ABS BRAKE LIGHT POPS ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE RESULTING IN UNSAFE​ UNDRIVEABLE (THIS HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY​ REPORTED BY VEHICLE OWNERS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLES MILAGE) FAILURE ACCURED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT AFTER EXITING A PARKING LOT OF A RESTAURANT 2) LIFT HATCH CRACKED CENTER OF HATCH ABOVE THE EMBLEM POTENTIALLY ALLOWING WATER INTO THE INTERIOR WORKING OF HATCH AND CAUSING UNTOLD AND UNSEEN WATER RELATED DAMAGES​(THIS IS AN ADMITTED FORD MANUFACTURING DEFECT ACROSS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE​ LINE SPENDING MULTIPLE YEARS PRODUCTION)
2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER RECALLS I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, IGNITION COILS, I'M HAVING A GAS SMELLS NOW, TRANSMISSION THUMPS HARD WHEN GOING INTO FIRST GEAR, SOUNDS LIKE MY REAR END IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT, MY FRONT SEAT IS ELECTRIC AND DOESN'T MOVE, THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, BRAKE LIGHT ON, I KEEP TRYING TO FIX EVERYTHING THE MORE I FIX THE MORE PROBLEMS THAT COME UP, I HAVE CHECK THE RECALL LIST FOR 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER RECALL ON TRANSMISSION AND ALSO CALLED THE FORD CO THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORST AND AFRAID I WILL BE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN WHEN IT BREAKS. I'VE HAD TRANSMISSION LEVEL CHECKED SAID IT WAS FINE. GETTING READY TO DO A COMPLETE TUNE-UP ON IT TO SEE IF THAT WILL HELP WITH THE SMELL OF GAS AND MAKE IT RUN BETTER. IT IDLES HIGH. IT'S WORST WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY (295 N ) NORTHBOUND, CHANGED LANES TO THE LEFT AND ACCELERATED. THE GAS PEDDLE WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR, STAYED THERE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES, BUT ONLY SOMEWHAT SLOWIED THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED UNTIL WE REACHED ABOUT 80MPH AND COMING CLOSE TO REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WENT OFF ON THE SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION KEY TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE BRAKE OVERHEATED BRAKES. I COULD NOT SEE A PROBLEM. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY A FLOOR MAT. THE PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOOR. I WIGGLED AND PULLED AND IT COME BACK UP WITH A POP. IN DAYLIGHT THE NEXT DAY, I INSPECTED THE PEDAL AND PUSHED IT DOWN. IT AGAIN WENT TO THE FLOOR AND STAYED THERE. I SLID UNDER THE DASH AND FOUND THAT THE HORIZONTAL PIN THAT HOLDS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BRACKET HAD BACKED OUT SIDEWAYS FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, ALLOWING THE PEDAL TO GO SOMEWHAT SIDEWAYS AND THE MOTOR FOR THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY HAD CAUGHT ON A METAL BRACKET KEEPING THE PEDAL FROM RETURNING TO THE UP POSITION. I REMOVED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND INSPECTED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS POOR ENGINEERING AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.. THERE ARE NO CLIPS OR PINS TO HOLD THE PEDAL PIN IN PLACE ! ! ! THE ASSEMBLY RELIES ON SLIGHT INTERFERENCE BETWEEN SPLINES ON THE PIN AND SPLINES INSIDE WHERE IT GOES THROUGH THE PEDAL. WHAT HAPPENED WAS, THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, FROM THE PEDAL WIGGLING, THE PIN BACKED OUT.FROM USE, ON ITS OWN. AGAIN, THIS NOT SUFFICIENT TO KEEP THE PEDAL ASSEMBLED. IT NEED CLIPS ON BOTH ENDS OR COTTER PINS ON BOTH ENDS OF THE PIN ASSEMBLY. A CONCERN IS THE USE OF PLASTIC BRACKET TO MOUNT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. IN MY PAST EXPERIENCE, THE MOUNTING BRACKETS HAD BEEN MADE OF METAL. PLASTIC FATIGUES FASTER THAN METAL AND IS PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE ENGAGED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESS SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO RELEASE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS A SOLID AIR BAG LIGHT ON. IT HAS A CODE OF 33, WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR ON, THE LIGHT GOES ON AND BLINKS 3 TIMES THEN 3 MORE TIMES. THIS INDICATES A CODE 33. FORD HAS A TECHNICAL LETTER ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE LETTER STATES THERE IS A KIT FOR THIS PROBLEM. 1L2Z-78610E22-AAA IS THE KIT FOR A MEDIUM DARK PARCHMENT KIT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. FORD WANTS TO CHARGE $281.00 FOR THE PART. OUTRAGEOUS. I WOULD BE FORCED TO PAY OR NOT GET MY STATE VEHICLE TEST PASSED. DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER SAFETY RECALL ! SEE INFORMATION : 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER BUILD DATE 09/02 VIN===[XXX] BELOW IS A COPY OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING YOUR CONCERN. YOU CAN BUY THE KITS THROUGH ANY FORD DEALER, THAT'S ABOUT THE ONLY PLACE TO GET THEM. YOU'LL FIND THE BUILD DATE ON THE VIN TAG ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. FORD:2002-2003 EXPLORER MERCURY:2002-2003 MOUNTAINEER ISSUE: SOME 2002-2003 4DR EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2292 AND LIGHT FLASHING CODE (LFC) 33 (DRIVER SEAT PRETENSIONER FAULT), OR LFC 34 (PASSENGER SEAT PRETENSIONER FAULT). THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY INTERMITTENT PRETENSIONER CONNECTION AT EITHER SEAT BELT BUCKLE. ACTION: INSTALL PRETENSIONER KIT FOR AFFECTED SIDE(S) BY BUILD DATE/COLOR. REFER TO THE FOLLOWING SERVICE INFORMATION FOR DETAILS. SERVICE INFORMATION OBTAIN CORRECT SERVICE KIT AND REFER TO INSTRUCTION SHEET INCLUDED WITH KIT FOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. 2002 MODEL YEAR THROUGH 3/3/02 BUILD DATES MEDIUM DARK PARCHMENT 1L2Z-78610E22-AAA 2002/2003 MODEL YEARS 3/4/02 THROUGH 1/17/03 MEDIUM DARK PARCHMENT 1L2Z-78610E22-BAA [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION, BUT THEY COULDN'T AFFORD TO GO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,610.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR AT A MODERATE RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BACK AND THE HEADREST FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE NECK AND BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SEAT AND HEADREST WERE NOT STRUCTURALLY SOUND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
PURCHASED THE 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER IN 2007. WE ONLY DRIVE THE CAR LOCALLY FOR SCHOOL AND WORK AND WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND MADE THE DEALERSHIP/WARRANTY PAY FOR $1600 REPAIR. SINCE THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY 3 MONTHS. WE GET CHECK FUEL CAP MESSAGE, REPLACED THAT TWICE (LAST ONE FROM ACTUAL FORD DEALERSHIP) BECAUSE THEY TOLD US IT WASN'T THE ORIGINAL FROM THE CAR. CAR LEAKS WATER THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW/ROOF SEAL AND NOW MY LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN I LOCK THE CAR AND IT TELLS ME EVERY TIME WE GET IN THE CAR THAT THERE IS A DOOR AJAR NO MATTER IF WE GET OUT AND RECLOSE ALL 4 DOORS AND BACK DOOR. R&R WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED 8/29/08 FOR $555. JUST RECENTLY HAD MY TRANSMISSION GO OUT AGAIN (12/8/09) AND HAD TO HAVE COMPLETE REBUILD OF A MERCURY TRANSMISSION WHICH COST US ANOTHER $4000. IT STILL SLIGHTLY VIBRATES GOING BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MILES PER HOUR. ALSO THE BACK HATCH HAS CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN THROUGH THE LOGO. OUR FORD DEALER CHARGES $200 JUST TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE! *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACK HATCH GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY (PARKED IN A PARKING LOG), AND THE DRIVER WAS CLOSING THE HATCH. BACK GLASS PORTION OF HATCH WAS BEING MANUALLY CLOSED AT A SLOW-MODERATE RATE, AND GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE GLASS, NOR ANY DISCERNIBLE REASON WHY THE GLASS SHOULD HAVE SUDDENLY SHATTERED. APPROXIMATELY 90% OF THE GLASS ENDED UP IN THE CAR OR ON THE PARKING LOT SURFACE, WITH ONLY ABOUT 10% OF THE GLASS REMAINING ATTACHED TO THE HATCH FRAME AND STRUTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE AND WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER RECALLS I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, IGNITION COILS, I'M HAVING A GAS SMELLS NOW, TRANSMISSION THUMPS HARD WHEN GOING INTO FIRST GEAR, SOUNDS LIKE MY REAR END IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT, MY FRONT SEAT IS ELECTRIC AND DOESN'T MOVE, THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, BRAKE LIGHT ON, I KEEP TRYING TO FIX EVERYTHING THE MORE I FIX THE MORE PROBLEMS THAT COME UP, I HAVE CHECK THE RECALL LIST FOR 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER RECALL ON TRANSMISSION AND ALSO CALLED THE FORD CO THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORST AND AFRAID I WILL BE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN WHEN IT BREAKS. I'VE HAD TRANSMISSION LEVEL CHECKED SAID IT WAS FINE. GETTING READY TO DO A COMPLETE TUNE-UP ON IT TO SEE IF THAT WILL HELP WITH THE SMELL OF GAS AND MAKE IT RUN BETTER. IT IDLES HIGH. IT'S WORST WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE RESULTING IN UNSAFE​ UNDRIVEABLE (THIS HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY​ REPORTED BY VEHICLE OWNERS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLES MILAGE) FAILURE ACCURED WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT AFTER EXITING A PARKING LOT OF A RESTAURANT 2) LIFT HATCH CRACKED CENTER OF HATCH ABOVE THE EMBLEM POTENTIALLY ALLOWING WATER INTO THE INTERIOR WORKING OF HATCH AND CAUSING UNTOLD AND UNSEEN WATER RELATED DAMAGES​(THIS IS AN ADMITTED FORD MANUFACTURING DEFECT ACROSS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE​ LINE SPENDING MULTIPLE YEARS PRODUCTION)
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM FOR A COUPLE YEARS WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT DOESN'T "LOCK" IN THE GEAR I HAVE TO ADJUST IT TWICE, DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AND THANK GOD NO ACCIDENT. BUT I JUST LEARNED TO DEAL WITH IT UNTIL I SAW THIS. WANT UPDATES ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BIG O TECHS CONNED WIFE INTO BUYING 2 TIRES AND WE OWN AWD SUV THAT REQUIRES 4 AT THE SAME INTERVALS .I IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THEM THAT THIS IS NOT SAFE AND WILL DAMAGE MY CAR THEY CONTINUED FOR OVER 2 MONTHS TO LIE TO ME ABOUT HAVING SOMEMONE COMTACT ME . I HAVE ALL THE COMMUNICATIONS I'VE HAD WITH THEM THROUGH MESSAGES. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THEY PUT THE TIRES ON AND REFUSED TO TAKE THEM OFF AND PUT MY OLD O ES BACK ON AND ISSUE A REFUND WELL MY TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE FAILED I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY LIED TO ME ABOUT SOMEONE CONTACTING ME . I TOOK MY SUV TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP WE MEASURED OVER 2 INCH CIRCUMFERENCE DIFFERENCE. I INFORMED BIG O THAT I HAVE A TSB ISSUED BY FORD MY EMPLOYER THAT DATES BACK TO 2011 ON TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE PROCEDURES FOR TIRE DEALERS TO FOLLOW . THE RESPONSE I GOT WAS THAT BIG O REFUSES TO REVIEW OR ACKNOWLEDGE TSBS . THAT'S ALARMING AS TSBS ARE ISSUED MY THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SAFETY . I HAD MY SUV FIXED FOR 3000+ $ OUT OF POCKET AND CONTACTED BIG O THE DAY I PICKED IT UP ABOUT THE TIRES STILL BEING ON THERE . I WARNED THEM THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CAN HURT MY NEW DRIVETRAIN THE VERY NEXT DAY FROM GETTING MY SUV OUT OF THE SHOP THE TIRES AGAIN CAUSED BINDING TO OCCUR BUT THIS TIME IT LED TO WHAT SHOULD'VE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT WHERE AS THE AWD SYSTEM DONE IT'S JOB BUT THE TIRES BEING OFF BY SO MUCH MADE THE SUV BIND A THREE IN INTO 3 360 DEGREE SPIN AND SLAMMED THE CONCRETE MEDIAN TOTALING MY VEHICLE AND INJURING MY WIFE. I'VE DOCUMENTED ALL MESSAGES WITH BIG O AND HAVE MUCH MORE EVIDENCE RELATED TO THIS CASE THAT I'M UNABLE TO ADD IN THIS DESCRIPTION BECAUSE I'M RUNNING OUT OF ALLOWED CHARACTERS REMAINING . I DID CONTACT BIG O AGAIN AND SENT PHOTOS OF MY CRASHED SUV AND SUDDENLY THEY NOW WON'T RESPOND BACK AT ALL . I THINK THIS JUSTIFIES A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THERE REFUSAL TO REVIEW TSBS AND FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL MY
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO THERE ALWAYS A PROBLEM SHIFTING GEARS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND I HAVE HAD IT SINCE FEBRUARY 2007. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND THE LAST PROBLEMS WAS THE BREAKING POINT. I HAVE THREE MORE YEARS TO PAY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND I WANT SOMETHING TO BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHCILE. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VEHICLE AND FIXING THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH IT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM COMMUNITY FORD IN NEW ALBANY, MS IN FEBRUARY 2007 WITH 45,000 MILES ON IT. I COULDN'T GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OR ANY WARRANTY WITH THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD. AFTER A YEAR, I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT END AND IT WAS $500.00 AT GEORGE'S TIRE SERVICES. I TOOK IT IN DUE TO THIS NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND I WAS ADVISED THAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE THE WORK DID IT WOULD LOCK UP ON ME WHILE I AM DRIVING AND CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. I NOTICED THAT MY STRUCTURE BODY:HATCHBACK/TAILGATE HAS CRACKED COMPLETELY. MY SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IN THE BACK DON'T WORK. MY ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM AIRCOMPRESSOR HAS WENT OUT AND I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHERE MY OIL GAUGE IS CONSTANTLY SAYING IT'S LOW. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES. I AM HEARING THIS NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET GOING TO FORD TO SEE WHAT IT IS. I HAVE BEEN SMELLING THIS BURNING COMING FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS EITHER. MY LASTEST PROBLEM IS MY TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT AND I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS AND I HAVE THREE MORE YEARS OF PAYMENT ON THIS VEHICLE. MY TRANSMISSION COST ME AROUND $3500 AND I DON'T HAVE ANY WARRANTY ON IT. THIS IS A LEMON I HAVE PURCHASED AND I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ELASTIC STRAPS CONNECTED TO THE CLOTH COVER OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WHICH WRAPPED AROUND THE SEAT CAN BE REMOVED EASILY. THE CONTACT'S CHILD WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE STRAPS, AND WRAP THE STRAPS AROUND THE NECK. THE CHILD WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED, BUT THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THEM SOON. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS DOREL JUVENILE GROUP. MODEL COSCO CONVERTIBLE FORWARD FACING; MODEL NUMBER IS: 22-100-TTD. THE MANUFACTURER DATE WAS 2-15-05.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE AUTOMATIC TIRE WARNING SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED SINCE THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. EVERY TIME HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER EVERY 3,000 MILES, BUT THIS HAS NOT IMPROVED THE CONDITION. WHEN HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THEY TELL HIM TO TAKE IT TO THE TIRE DEALER. THE TIRE DEALER REFERRED HIM BACK TO FORD BECAUSE IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ITSELF. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER DID NOT WARN HIM IF THERE WAS A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN ANY OF THE TIRES. THIS OCCURRED FIRST IN 12-2003, AND HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN A TRIP IN 5-2004, AND IT KEPT RECURRING. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE INSIDE DOME LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE SIDE MIRRORS DO NOT GO OFF UNTIL 15 TO 20 MIN'S AFTER IT HAS BEEN ALARMED THIS HAS RUN DOWN MY BATTERY I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNKING SOUND, SLID BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. A/C BLOWER MOTOR MADE A HUMMING SOUND. WHILE DRIVING THE MOTOR WOULD MISFIRE. *KB WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DASH LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY TURNING THE LIGHTING SWITCH. WHEN THE SWITCH WAS TURNED THE DASH LIGHT CAME ON BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER'S INDICATED THAT THEY SOMETIMES HEAR POPPING SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH SEEMS TO BE OF AN ELECTRICAL NATURE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .