2008 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 2008 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
- Interior & seats5437.0%
- Electrical3926.7%
- Engine96.2%
- Powertrain (other)74.8%
- Exterior lighting64.1%
- Brakes53.4%
- Seat belts42.7%
- Visibility32.1%
- Body & structure32.1%
- Driver assistance32.1%
- Fuel system32.1%
- Other / unspecified32.1%
- Steering32.1%
- Transmission21.4%
- Tires & wheels10.7%
- Airbags10.7%
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
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SEAT ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT WILL MOVE ITSELF BACKWARDS WHILE CAR IS MOVING. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO THIS PROBLEM, IT IS RANDOM.
WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR THE SEAT WILL MOVE BACK ON IT'S OWN VOLITION INTO EXIT POSITION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT GOES OVER A BUMP OR IF THE KEY IS JIGGLED IN THE IGNITION. IT HAPPENED IN MULTIPLE SITUATIONS LAST WEEK. VERY FRIGHTENING AS I HAVE TO SCRAMBLE TO REACH THE BRAKE AND ALSO MOVE THE SEAT BACK INTO POSITION. I HAVE TURNED OFF THE EASY EXIT OPTION SO THIS HAS STOPPED IT BUT IT UPSETS ME THAT I NO LONGER HAVE A FEATURE THAT I PAID FOR.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO MARITIME FORD (1305 FRANKLIN ST, MANITOWOC, WI 54220) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE PLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *DT*JB
CAR WHEN IDLE SHUTS OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LOCKING BREAK AN STEERING WHEEL CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THANK GOD I WAS CLOSE TO EMERGENCY EXIT CAR SHUTOFF NOT ALLOWING TO BRAKE HAD TO PRESS EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The contact stated that the gear shifter intermittently failed to move to the intended position. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the fuel level was lowered sooner than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The contact stated that there was a code for an EVAP failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Peoria Ford (9130 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) however, the contact was not provided the cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
SINCE I PURCHASED IN 2009, ENGINE KILLS ANYTIME, MOSTLY WHEN GAS PEDAL NOT PRESSED. PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOTS, SITTING AT RED LIGHTS, OR LETTING OFF GAS ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE JUST KILLS. SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE A JOLT. I HAVE TO PUT THE SHIFT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. RECORDS OF ALL VISITS FOR THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP. NEVER COULD SOLVE PROBLEM, BUT TOO UNSAFE TO DONATE TO MY GRANDSON. IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO HIM BECAUSE OF A DEFECT THAT WAS NEVER FOUND, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'D DO. CANNOT CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL. SEALED. I DO HAVE SOME FLUID STAINS ON MY DRIVEWAY. FOR YEARS I'VE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SPECIFIED THE CONCERN FOR SAFETY BUT TO NO AVAIL. IT KILLS ANYTIME. MAY NOT DIE FOR A WEEK, OR TOMORROW, OR EVEN A MONTH. NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. FEELS LIKE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IF I'M SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WITH MOTOR RUNNING, SOMETIMES IT JUST KILLS. IT'S THE SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND STREETS TO RESTART WHILE MOVING I'M WORRIED ABOUT. I'VE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS CLAIM THEY FIXED IT BUT TO NO AVAIL. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION. ALL THE SHOPS I'VE GONE TO ARE REPUTABLE BUSINESSES. ONE MECHANIC SAID THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN (COMPUTER BOX) MIGHT BE CAUSING AND SAID TO SEND IT TO MERCURY FOR RECALCULATION. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT. MOST OF THE READ OUTS ARE EPA RELATED.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE I PURCHASED IN 2009, ENGINE KILLS ANYTIME, MOSTLY WHEN GAS PEDAL NOT PRESSED. PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOTS, SITTING AT RED LIGHTS, OR LETTING OFF GAS ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE JUST KILLS. SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE A JOLT. I HAVE TO PUT THE SHIFT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. RECORDS OF ALL VISITS FOR THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP. NEVER COULD SOLVE PROBLEM, BUT TOO UNSAFE TO DONATE TO MY GRANDSON. IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO HIM BECAUSE OF A DEFECT THAT WAS NEVER FOUND, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'D DO. CANNOT CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL. SEALED. I DO HAVE SOME FLUID STAINS ON MY DRIVEWAY. FOR YEARS I'VE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SPECIFIED THE CONCERN FOR SAFETY BUT TO NO AVAIL. IT KILLS ANYTIME. MAY NOT DIE FOR A WEEK, OR TOMORROW, OR EVEN A MONTH. NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. FEELS LIKE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IF I'M SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WITH MOTOR RUNNING, SOMETIMES IT JUST KILLS. IT'S THE SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND STREETS TO RESTART WHILE MOVING I'M WORRIED ABOUT. I'VE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS CLAIM THEY FIXED IT BUT TO NO AVAIL. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION. ALL THE SHOPS I'VE GONE TO ARE REPUTABLE BUSINESSES. ONE MECHANIC SAID THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN (COMPUTER BOX) MIGHT BE CAUSING AND SAID TO SEND IT TO MERCURY FOR RECALCULATION. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT. MOST OF THE READ OUTS ARE EPA RELATED.
AT 28000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING ERRATIC, THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM AND COVERED UP THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANT ENDED AND THE BATTERY FAILED AT WHICH TIME THE CAR REVERTED BACK TO DEFAULT AND CONTINUED TO BUCK AND JERK UNTIL THE CAR REACHED HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY FAILED DURING OPERATION ON THE HIGHWAY ON 3/5/20. THE ABS MODULE JUST FAILED DURING LOW SPEED OPERATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ALSO THE CAR INDICATED THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE IN GOOD OPERATIONAL CONDITION. THIS ERROR COMES AND GOES CONSTANTLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
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
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT SUDDENLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN, WE FINALLY FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE IGNITION, WITH THE CAR ACTING LIKE THE KEY JUST GOT PUT IN THE IGNITION OR JUST PULLED OUT, AND THE SEAT MOVING ALL THE WAY BACK FOR EASIER INGRESS/EGRESS AND THE COURTESY LIGHTS COMING ON. SINCE I AM ONLY 5 FOOT 4 INCHES, WHEN THE SEAT MOVES BACK I CAN NO LONGER REACH THE PETALS, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING.
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50 - 65 MILES PER HOUR THE ELECTRIC DRIVER SEAT WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE OPEN DOOR PARK POSITION AND THE INSIDE LIGHTS WILL COME ON. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE OCTOBER 2014. THERE IS NO SET PATTERN, IT IS COMPLETELY RANDOM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT 28000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING ERRATIC, THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM AND COVERED UP THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANT ENDED AND THE BATTERY FAILED AT WHICH TIME THE CAR REVERTED BACK TO DEFAULT AND CONTINUED TO BUCK AND JERK UNTIL THE CAR REACHED HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY FAILED DURING OPERATION ON THE HIGHWAY ON 3/5/20. THE ABS MODULE JUST FAILED DURING LOW SPEED OPERATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ALSO THE CAR INDICATED THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE IN GOOD OPERATIONAL CONDITION. THIS ERROR COMES AND GOES CONSTANTLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT SUDDENLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN, WE FINALLY FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE IGNITION, WITH THE CAR ACTING LIKE THE KEY JUST GOT PUT IN THE IGNITION OR JUST PULLED OUT, AND THE SEAT MOVING ALL THE WAY BACK FOR EASIER INGRESS/EGRESS AND THE COURTESY LIGHTS COMING ON. SINCE I AM ONLY 5 FOOT 4 INCHES, WHEN THE SEAT MOVES BACK I CAN NO LONGER REACH THE PETALS, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING.
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
ON A 2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY HOOKED IN IT COMES LOSE.
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WITH NOT STAY LOCKED IN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEVERAL PROBLEMS. FIRST, THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT MALFUNCTIONS. MOVES WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION; DOESN'T MOVE WHEN KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION. WAS REPAIRED ABOUT 15 MONTHS AGO; SAME PROBLEM EXISTS AGAIN. SECONDLY, REAR WINDOW POPS OPEN IF CAR IS UNLOCKED. WILL ONLY REMAIN CLOSED WHEN VEHICLE IS LOCKED. THIRDLY, REAR WIPER HAS QUIT WORKING. REALLY STRANGE SINCE IT IS RARELY USED IN 3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. *TR
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT IN A FORD WITH A HEATED WINDSHIELD. THE LINES IN THE WINDSHIELD CREATE GLARE AND HAZE WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS OF ONCOMING CARS HIT THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
**I FIRST NOTICED MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON UPON PURCHASING MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE AIR MAY HAVE BEEN LOW AND COULD FLUCTUATE WITH THE WEIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. HE FILLED THE TIRE THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN LOW AND IT TURNED OFF MOMENTARILY. A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I WOULD ADD AIR WHICH ALLEVIATED AGAIN IN THE SAME TIRE, BUT FOR A FEW HOURS LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN WHICH I FOUND OUT ENDED UP BEING AN ISSUE WITH ALL 4 OF THE TIRES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF FILLING AND REFILLING OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND USING "A FILLER" (CAN OF AIR FOR FLAT TIRES) IS WHEN I KNEW THEN ALL 4 TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE AIR PRESSURE GOES ON AND OFF AND HAS NOW STAYED ON! I AM LUCKY IF IT TURNS OFF AT ALL NOW! THE TIRES ARE FIRESTONE DESTINATION A/T TIRES. **ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK PANEL (WHERE THE GAS FILL-TANK HOLE PANEL IS) WAS MANUFACTURED IN PROPERLY AS IT IS SEVERELY RUSTING, BUBBLING PAINT, AND CHIPPING AWAY ONLY BUT IN THIS ONE SPOT. THE RUST SIZE IS THE ONLY SPOT ON THE VEHICLE IN WHICH IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE PALM OF MY HAND. **I ALSO HAVE AN OUTSTANDING COMPLAINT ALREADY WITH A VERY DANGEROUS FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH STALES THE VEHICLE AND RENDERS IT UNCONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING AND IN MOTION. *TR
DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACK INTO EXIT POSITION AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED PERIODICALLY AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS. I AM VERY SHORT SO WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME REACHING THE GAS/BRAKE. I HAVE 4 YOUNG CHILDREN AND THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR WHEN IDLE SHUTS OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LOCKING BREAK AN STEERING WHEEL CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THANK GOD I WAS CLOSE TO EMERGENCY EXIT CAR SHUTOFF NOT ALLOWING TO BRAKE HAD TO PRESS EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY DRIVERS SEAT WENT FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND SEAT WENT IN THE LAST MEMORY POSITION AS FAR FORWARD AS POSSIBLE POSITION JAMMING DRIVERS FOOT ON GAS PEDAL FOR AN UNSPECIFIED AMOUNT OF TIME, AND DOME LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER COULD NOT GET FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL AND COULD ONLY GET THE SEAT TO GO BACK BY MANUALLY USING THE SEAT BUTTONS. DRIVERS SEAT WAS SO FAR FORWARD IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR DRIVER TO GET HAND BETWEEN DOOR AND SEAT TO GET TO BUTTON AND DRIVER WAS SO FRANTIC AND SCARED TRYING TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET HAND BETWEEN SEAT AND DOOR TO REACH AND FIND CORRECT BUTTON TO MOVE SEAT BACK WHEN THERE ARE 3 DIFFERENT SEAT BUTTONS. DRIVER HAS DISABLED PERSON THAT SETS BEHIND DRIVERS SEAT SO DRIVERS SEAT UPON DISABLED PERSON ENTERING VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PUT IN THE FARTHEREST POSITION FORWARD TO ENABLE DISABLED PERSON SPACE TO GET IN VEHICLE. UPON FINALLY GETTING SEAT BACK DRIVER HAS NO RECOLLECTION OF ANY EVENTS OCCURRING AFTERWARD BECAUSE DRIVER WENT INTO SHOCK. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND PROBLEM SHOP MANAGER GOT IN ATTEMPTING TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM INSTEAD THE SEAT WOULDN'T EVEN MOVE AS IT'S AUTOMATICALLY PROGRAMMED TO DO, THEN SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FORTH, THEN WENT ALL THE WAY FORWARD. DEALERSHIP MADE TWO NEW IGNITION KEYS TO REPLACE THE WORN KEY, REPLACED COMPUTER MEMORY CYLINDER IN STEERING WHEEL WHERE IT WAS FOUND IF WORN IGNITION KEY LOST CONTACT BECAUSE OF KEY BEING WORN, WITH CYLINDER, SEAT HAD A MIND OF IT'S OWN. THIS RESULTED IN A SPEEDING TICKET. *TR
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
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The contact stated that the gear shifter intermittently failed to move to the intended position. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the fuel level was lowered sooner than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The contact stated that there was a code for an EVAP failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Peoria Ford (9130 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) however, the contact was not provided the cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
TAKATA RECALL WHILE MY VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, & WHEN I STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, IT'S SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, & ON CITY STREETS AT NORMAL SPEEDS. IT HAS PROVEN DANGEROUS SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE JERKS VERY HARD. ALSO WHEN I DRIVE FOR MORE THAN 6 TO 7 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR COMES ON.
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
**I FIRST NOTICED MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON UPON PURCHASING MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE AIR MAY HAVE BEEN LOW AND COULD FLUCTUATE WITH THE WEIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. HE FILLED THE TIRE THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN LOW AND IT TURNED OFF MOMENTARILY. A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I WOULD ADD AIR WHICH ALLEVIATED AGAIN IN THE SAME TIRE, BUT FOR A FEW HOURS LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN WHICH I FOUND OUT ENDED UP BEING AN ISSUE WITH ALL 4 OF THE TIRES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF FILLING AND REFILLING OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND USING "A FILLER" (CAN OF AIR FOR FLAT TIRES) IS WHEN I KNEW THEN ALL 4 TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE AIR PRESSURE GOES ON AND OFF AND HAS NOW STAYED ON! I AM LUCKY IF IT TURNS OFF AT ALL NOW! THE TIRES ARE FIRESTONE DESTINATION A/T TIRES. **ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK PANEL (WHERE THE GAS FILL-TANK HOLE PANEL IS) WAS MANUFACTURED IN PROPERLY AS IT IS SEVERELY RUSTING, BUBBLING PAINT, AND CHIPPING AWAY ONLY BUT IN THIS ONE SPOT. THE RUST SIZE IS THE ONLY SPOT ON THE VEHICLE IN WHICH IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE PALM OF MY HAND. **I ALSO HAVE AN OUTSTANDING COMPLAINT ALREADY WITH A VERY DANGEROUS FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH STALES THE VEHICLE AND RENDERS IT UNCONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING AND IN MOTION. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT SUDDENLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. AFTER A MOMENT, THE SEAT WENT BACK TO NORMAL POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WENT BACK OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN, WE FINALLY FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE IGNITION, WITH THE CAR ACTING LIKE THE KEY JUST GOT PUT IN THE IGNITION OR JUST PULLED OUT, AND THE SEAT MOVING ALL THE WAY BACK FOR EASIER INGRESS/EGRESS AND THE COURTESY LIGHTS COMING ON. SINCE I AM ONLY 5 FOOT 2 INCHES, WHEN THE SEAT MOVES BACK I CAN NO LONGER REACH THE PETALS, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING. I HOPE THIS GETS FIXED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT, AS I HAVE A COUPLE FRIENDS WITH MOUNTAINEERS, ONE IS THE SAME YEAR, WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
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
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to remove the key after disconnecting the battery. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the steering column lock module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,782.
POWER STEERING PROBLEM INTERMITTENT STEERING SEEMS TO CHANGE FROM MANUAL STEERING WHEN TURNING MAKING VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER IS HAVING A STRONG TRANSMISSION KICK WHEN DOWN SHIFTING AND A SQUICKING NOISE WHICH I THINK IS COMING FROM THE BREAK AND MY DEALER KEPT ON REPORTING BACK TO ME AS "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM. THIS SUV WERE BOUGHT AS BRAND NEW AND I FEEL LIKE THAT THE CAR IS GOING TO BREAK APART OR LOOSE MY BREAK EVERYTIME I FEEL THOSE RATTLES. EVERYTIME I WOULD GO TO MY DEALER FOR A SERVICE, I WOULD ALWAYS MENTION ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHICH THEY CAN'T FIX! *TR
MY FORD MOUNTAINEER 2008 TRANSMISSION IS ERRATIC AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE SLIPPING IS TAKING PLACE. BRAKING IS ALSO ERRATIC AS I FEEL A BUMPING WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT FEELS LIKE TO TRANSMISSION AND BRAKE/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IS ABOUT TO GO. I CALLED FORD AND THEY HAVE KNOW OF THE PROBLEM SINCE 2006 AS THE TRANSMISSION USED (6R60) CONTINUALLY NEEDS SOFTWARE UPDATES. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, MOST ALL OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS TRANSMISSION EVENTUALLY HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT VERY RARELY WITH THE BASE WARRANTY PERIOD, SO NOW ALL OF US HAVE TO PAY BUT FORD HAS KNOW OF THE PROBLEM EVEN B/4 MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED.........WHAT DO I DO, FORD IS NOT RECALLING FOR THIS A SHIFTING THE RISK OF THE ACCIDENT AND REPAIR TO THE CONSUMER. PLEASE HELP AND LET ME KNOW WHAT MY NEXT STEP MIGHT BE....THANK YOU *TR
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
**I FIRST NOTICED MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON UPON PURCHASING MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE AIR MAY HAVE BEEN LOW AND COULD FLUCTUATE WITH THE WEIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. HE FILLED THE TIRE THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN LOW AND IT TURNED OFF MOMENTARILY. A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I WOULD ADD AIR WHICH ALLEVIATED AGAIN IN THE SAME TIRE, BUT FOR A FEW HOURS LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN WHICH I FOUND OUT ENDED UP BEING AN ISSUE WITH ALL 4 OF THE TIRES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF FILLING AND REFILLING OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND USING "A FILLER" (CAN OF AIR FOR FLAT TIRES) IS WHEN I KNEW THEN ALL 4 TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE AIR PRESSURE GOES ON AND OFF AND HAS NOW STAYED ON! I AM LUCKY IF IT TURNS OFF AT ALL NOW! THE TIRES ARE FIRESTONE DESTINATION A/T TIRES. **ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK PANEL (WHERE THE GAS FILL-TANK HOLE PANEL IS) WAS MANUFACTURED IN PROPERLY AS IT IS SEVERELY RUSTING, BUBBLING PAINT, AND CHIPPING AWAY ONLY BUT IN THIS ONE SPOT. THE RUST SIZE IS THE ONLY SPOT ON THE VEHICLE IN WHICH IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE PALM OF MY HAND. **I ALSO HAVE AN OUTSTANDING COMPLAINT ALREADY WITH A VERY DANGEROUS FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH STALES THE VEHICLE AND RENDERS IT UNCONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING AND IN MOTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
ONCE THE KEY IS INSERTED THE SEAT WILL MOVE INTO POSITION AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN OFF. THAT IS WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS IS MY KNEE NUDGES THE KEY THE CAR WILL THINK I HAVE TAKEN THE KEY OUT AND WILL TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON AND MOVE MY SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK TO ITS OUT POSITION. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE ME FEET NO LONGER TOUCH THE PEDALS. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT NO CODES ARE SHOWING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND I AM SURPRISED THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS SINCE THERE ARE OTHERS SUFFERING WITH THIS AS WELL THAT I HAVE SEEN POSTED IN ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
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 .