RoadVitals

2010 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.
13
Latest Jun 7, 2022
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 Apr 20, 2010
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 20 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

  • Brakes522.7%
  • Driver assistance418.2%
  • Engine313.6%
  • Steering29.1%
  • Fuel system29.1%
  • Powertrain (other)29.1%
  • Interior & seats14.5%
  • Body & structure14.5%

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

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

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Apr 20, 2010
33,256 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The 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.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 10C11View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

AQ10001ClosedAudit Query

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010
Closed Dec 28, 2015

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Recent owner complaints

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

Electrical
Filed Jun 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer had provided an incorrect error code. The vehicle was also diagnosed by an authorized Ford tech who confirmed the failure with the computer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ID
11468066
Incident
Jun 8, 2020
Mileage
109,000 mi
BrakesInterior & seats
Filed Dec 31, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED TO SLIDE BACKWARDS AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT MADE A 360 DEGREE SPIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11292295
Incident
Dec 30, 2019
Filed Dec 8, 2019

DOORS LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONING AND CODING NUMBERS NOT FUNCTIONING. BEING LOCKED OUT WHEN USING CODE #S. CHAIN CRANKIN HARSHLY BUT NOT UNLOCKING DOORS. WHEN USING KEY INSTEAD OF CODE KEY DOES NOT UNLOCK NOR LOCK ANY DOORS EXCEPT DRIVERS DOOR LOCK.

NHTSA ID
11287792
Incident
Dec 1, 2019
Mileage
90,500 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 10, 2018

REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS FILLING WITH WATER PASS THE FILL PLUG. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT CAR AND NEVER OFF ROAD NOR DIRVEN IN DEEP WATER. FIRST TIME DISCOVERED AT 22000 MILES AND THE DEALER REPLACE THE PINION SEAL AND OIL, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. DIFFERENTIAL NOW MAKING NOISE AND AGAIN FULL OF WATER PAST THE FILL PLUG. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH FORD PRODUCTS. DEALER CANNOT FIND OR NOT WILLING TO FIND THE CAUSE. CALLED FORD AND THEY OFFER LITTLE TO NO SUPPORT. GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE DIFFERENTIALS TO LOCK UP AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND KILL A DOZEN OF SO PEOPLE.

NHTSA ID
11157272
Incident
Dec 10, 2018
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 26, 2016

AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE CAR STALLS. IT ALSO STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ID
10876658
Incident
Jun 23, 2016
Mileage
65,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 29, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LATCH BOTH OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELTS, THE BELTS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID
10778536
Incident
Aug 10, 2015
Mileage
60,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2015

FRONT BRAKES STARTED AUTOMATICALLY SEIZING UP RANDOM TIMES AND SPEEDS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT DISRUPTED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSORS. THIS CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING ISSUE. FORD REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OR PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10702320
Incident
Mar 6, 2014
Mileage
38,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Oct 5, 2014

SEE BELOW FROM: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC [MAILTO:[email protected]] SENT: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 8:57 AM TO: [XXX] CT: RE: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES CRM:01660000000018 HELLO[XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX], I AM FROM FORD`S CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER (CRC). I HAVE REVIEWED YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE CONCERNS ON YOUR 2010 MOUNTAINEER. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSIDERS THE SATISFACTION OF ITS OWNERS TO BE ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES. WE COMMIT VERY SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES AND EFFORT IN A SINCERE ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE CONCERNS OF OUR OWNERS. HOWEVER, LIMITS MUST BE PLACED ON THOSE EFFORTS. AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WE ARE SUPPORTING THE PREVIOUS DECISION AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REIMBURSE YOU FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY. WE ARE SORRY THAT WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS. SINCERELY, [XXX] CUSTTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY FROM: GENERIC - CRC CONTACT RECEIVED: 3/18/2014 5:45 PM TO: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC SUBJECT: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:THE VEHICLES BRAKES STARTED LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT CAUSED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING SCENARIO WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:N/A WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE REPAIRS ARE YOU THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE :YES MILEAGE : 38000 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : INPOSSESSION HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :NO INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10641517
Incident
Mar 13, 2014
Mileage
38,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

SSM 48130

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.

SSM 47976

POWER TRAIN

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.

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

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

DOR-S3J9G-11

STEERING

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

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
2010Viewing131135.8
2009600
2008962148.8
2007811140.8
20061172047.3
2005821142.8
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.