RoadVitals

2005 Mercury Mountaineer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
82
Latest Aug 17, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Dec 11, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 82 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer, most frequently naming the body & structure, driver assistance and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 49 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Dec 11, 2007
1,657 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
The remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA09013ClosedEngineering Analysis

Vehicle Rollaway Allegations

Opened Aug 18, 2009
Closed Feb 12, 2013

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Aug 17, 2023

Back rear windshield keeps exploding on its own I’m not the only person to complain about this

NHTSA ID
11539086
Incident
Aug 16, 2023
Fuel systemOther / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 3, 2023

The truck bearing keep going out the spark plugs overloaded and I can’t accelerate at times when I’m driving it slows down then starts back up

NHTSA ID
11536245
Incident
Jul 26, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 2, 2023

The Transmission won't shift into 3rd and 4th gear, hitting hard into gears at starting, slipping begins after 35 mph..replaced torque converter.

NHTSA ID
11505292
Incident
Feb 2, 2023
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2022

started losing power ,did not want to go pas 30 miles per hr ,then it ramed up and came to a stop with no acceleration ,i shut it off then start it again and was able to get home at a low rate of speed while continuing to have these problems, another day while far away from home the engine rammed up again minimizing my speed as the transmission was slipping and not go fast then my O/D over drive went on flashing a light ,while the engine kept steady at 20-30 miles per hour while accelerating increasing no speed ,now my SUV will not run wright, it will kick into gear at times constantly and cause problems driving safely ,this is a common problem I'm hearing and reading in the internet with the ford/ mercury mountaineer the manufactory does not want to accept responsibility with this problem ..... this is clear a RECALL ISSUE that needs to be addressed before someone gets killed on the highway by getting rammed by a semi-truck which it almost happened to me !!!! a multi-million dollar law suit is in order if they do not acknowledge and fix this problem

NHTSA ID
11478634
Incident
Jul 4, 2022
Filed Sep 18, 2020

THE PLASTIC THAT HOLD THE VISOR ARM ON PLACE CRUMBLES. BOTH SIDES WERE AFFECTED. THE OUTER SHIELD PLATES SEEM OK IT'S ONLY THE PIECE THAT I CAN ONLY GUESS, 'STABALIZES' THE VISOR WHEN YOU MOVE IT FROM FRONT TO SIDE OF THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY'RE ABOUT $30-$80 EACH TO REPLACE. THIS IS A 3RD HAND VEHICLE HOWEVER THE MILEAGE IS FAIRLY LOW FOR THIS YEAR AT 127,408. THESE ARE NOT PLASTIC PIECES THAT ARE IN THE SUN A LOT, THEY AREN'T AT ALL BUT CRUMBLE LIKE PLASTIC CAN BECAUSE OF SUN EXPOSURE. THERE IS GLUE IN THE PHOTO THAT I PUT ON AS A TEMPORARY FIX BUT IT PEELS OFF EASILY.

NHTSA ID
11359822
Incident
Aug 14, 2020
Mileage
1 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH FOUR COOPER DISCOVERER H/T TIRES, SIZE: 245/65R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES RUMBLED AND RODE ROUGHLY INSTEAD OF PROVIDING A SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE FACILITY MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT HAD NOT REQUESTED THAT THE TIRES BE SENT TO THEM FOR TESTING. THE CONTACT WAITED OVER TWO YEARS FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON HIS OWN. ONCE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, THE RUMBLING STOPPED. THE DOT NUMBER, VIN, AND TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11185090
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Body & structure
Filed Dec 31, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCHBACK PANEL WAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (FIVE STAR FORD, 6618 NE LOOP 820 AT RUFE SNOW, NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX 76180-7844, 817-500-0097) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11164258
Incident
Oct 13, 2013
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 8, 2018

I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER LAST MONTH, WITH 135,400 MILES, WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AND TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ROAD WENT FROM LEVEL TO A VERY SLIGHT DOWNGRADE. THE CAR THEN JUST SHUT OFF AFTER AUDIBLE WARNING BELL WAS HEARD. NOTICED DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ALL LIT AND BATTERY GAGE WAS NORMAL. I LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKES AND OIL PRESSURE. AFTER PULLING SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I RESTED FOR 30 SECONDS BEFORE RESTARTING THE CAR, WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY OPERATED NORMALLY. AFTER TAKING IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SAFETY CHECK, I WENT ON A 450 MILE WEEKEND TRIP AND HAD NO ISSUES, RESTRICTING CRUISE CONTROL TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE OTHER DAY, I WAS TRAVELING ON A DIFFERENT STRETCH OF LEVEL ROAD IN MY TOWN WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AT APPROX. 35 MPH. AFTER HEADING INTO A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, I AGAIN HEARD THE WARNING BELL, FOLLOWED BY ENGINE SHUT OFF. A "CHECK GAGE" LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING, OIL PRESSURE AND BRAKES. THIS TIME, I GENTLY SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND WHILE COASTING AT 15-20 MPH I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF BEFORE RESTARTING WITHOUT ISSUE. THE CAR HAS SUBSEQUENTLY OPERATED NORMALLY, BUT I HAVE NOT ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL AT ANY SPEED.

NHTSA ID
11150051
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
Mileage
136,200 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB 19-2026

STRUCTURE

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

TSB 19-2026

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

SSM 46085

ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

TSB-12-7-4

ENGINE

FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE

TSB-08-19-3

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT; POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE

07212

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Mountaineer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011000
2010131135.8
2009600
2008962148.8
2007811140.8
20061172047.3
2005Viewing821142.8
20042101350.3
20031521249.1
20023724561.2
2001224261.0
20001238264.1
19991519463.3
19982366768.5
19973287465.4
1996320
1995000
1994000
1993000
1992000
1991000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.