Mercury Mountaineer Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercury Mountaineer options? We analyzed 10 model years (2001–2010) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercury Mountaineer has 1,169 owner complaints and 17 safety recalls across model years 2001–2010. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2002 drew the most complaints; 2009 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mercury
- Model
- Mountaineer
- Model years analyzed
- 2001–2010 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,169
- Safety recall campaigns
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 54
- Fire-related complaints
- 17
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2002 (390 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2009 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mercury Mountaineer: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MERCURY MOUNTAINEER has 1,169 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. 54 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,169 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 17 federal recall campaigns
- 54 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
17 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2001–2010. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,169 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,169 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read 14 more owner reports
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
SEE BELOW FROM: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC [MAILTO:CRCFMC@FORD.COM] 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
FROM: TIER 1 EMAIL - [XXX] SENT: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 8:57 AM TO: [XXX]SUBJECT: RE: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES CRM:01660000000018 [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. 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. [XXX]FORD MOTOR COMPANY ------------------- ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------------- FROM: GENERIC - CRC CONTACT RECEIVED: 3/18/2014 5:45 PM TO: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC 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 VIN : [XXX] MILEAGE : 38000 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : INPOSSESSION HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :NO DEALER NAME : N/A INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THERE IS A MANUFACTURING FAULT WITH THE POSITION OF THE BRAKE AND THE GAS PEDAL. IT IS VERY EASY TO MOVE THE RIGHT FOOT FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE AND LEAVE ENOUGH OF THE FOOT ON THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME. IT ALLOWS THE BRAKE TO BE PRESSED BUT ALSO APPLIES GAS TO GIVE A VEHICLE A SURGE WHILE BRAKING. HAD THE SAME SITUATION WITH A 2001 FORD TAURUS AND FORD ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE PLACEMENT OF PEDALS CHANGED. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE MOUNTAINEER I WAS SLOWING FOR A STOPLIGHT SHORTLY AFTER STARTING IT UP (HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 1/3 MILE). THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO SPEED UP AND REQUIRED SIGNIFICANT EXTRA BRAKING FORCE TO COME TO A STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE RAN AT ABOUT 3,300 RPM FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE SECOND TIME THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BUT NO DEFECT COULD BE FOUND. THE SECOND TIME I ALSO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT ALSO RAN AT ABOUT 3,300 RPM FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, PLACED SHIFTER IN PARK, TURNED OFF IGNITION, RELEASED BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AS IF NOT IN PARK. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE AND NO RESPONSE. SET PARKING BRAKE. COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO PARK, SHIFTER MOVED REGARDLESS OF BRAKE ON OR NOT AND WOULD NOT START. MOVED SHIFTER THROUGH ENTIRE RANGE OF GEARS AND RETURNED TO PARK, VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START AND PARK WOULD NOT HOLD. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN. RETURNED TO VEHICLE AND TRIED ONCE MORE AND IT STARTED AND PROCEEDED TO RESPOND NORMALLY. VEHICLE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM OR CAUSE OF PRECEDING SITUATION. ON TWO SUBSEQUENT DATES (MOST RECENT 5/25/2012), VEHICLE WAS BACKED INTO A PARKING SPACE, PLACED IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN AN ATTEMPT TO RESTART VEHICLE WAS MADE THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. PARK APPEARED TO HOLD NORMAL, BUT UNABLE TO ENGAGE IGNITION. DASH LIGHTS, CHIMES AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS APPEAR TO WORK NORMAL BUT WAS STILL UNABLE TO ENGAGE STARTER. AGAIN STARTED PROCESS TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR OF SITTING (WITH NO OTHER ACTION) VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. AGAIN DEALER AT A LOSS FOR CAUSE AND CANNOT EFFECT REPAIR SINCE UNABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM. CONCERN IS FOR TRANSMISSION/IGNITION INTERLOCK FAILURE OR OTHER ACTION THAT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE OR INJURY. *TR
The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated while making a left or right turn, she heard an abnormal noise, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the Roll Stability Control (RSC) warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the Roll Stability Control (RSC) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
MUFFLER. STILL HAS BAFFLES AND DAMPERS. CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS STILL ATTACHED. NOT LOUD OR OBNOXIOUS. DUE TO HAVING A 3IN IN DIAMETER TAIL PIPE. I WAS FAILED. I WAS APPROVED FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THESE NEW STRICT RESTRICTIONS ARE COSTING CONSUMERS UNNECESSARY COSTS. THIS WAS AN UNFAIR FAILURE THAT WAS POSTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT IS CLEARLY NOT. SUV WAS STATIONARY AND PASSED ALL OVER REQUIREMENTS. THIS WAS A JUDGEMENT CALL BY TYRE TRAK IN SPRINGFIELD.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE, THE POWER SEAT FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD FROM THE EASY EXIT POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SEAT WOULD ALSO MOVE BACKWARDS IN A POSITION THAT PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM REACHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 5/28/15 *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT DID MOVE FORWARD FROM EASY EXIT, BUT IMMEDIATELY OR WHEN STARTING VEHICLE RETURNED TO EASY EXIT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A WEAK BATTERY. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 9/17/2015*JS
HAVE A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH 71,000 MILES. IN THE PAST 10 DAYS, HAVE HAD FOUR INCIDENTS WHERE, WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT HAS SUDDENLY REVERTED TO THE EASY EXIT POSITION. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 22,000 MILES. HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR FOUR YEARS. MY WIFE AND I ARE TALL; HOWEVER, EVEN AT THAT, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55-70 (ON TURNPIKES AND MAJOR HIGHWAYS), THIS IS STILL AN ISSUE. TOOK CAR TO A FORD DEALER IN READING, PA - ON A SATURDAY (MAYBE THEY DON'T DO AS MUCH INTENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS ON WEEKENDS?) RECENTLY WHO FOUND NO ISSUES ALTHOUGH THEY INDICATED OTHER MOUNTAINEERS OF THE 2002 OR 2005 MODELS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND IT APPEARED TO BE AN PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. DID NOT GET THE IGNITION REPLACED BUT THE SEAT MOVED AGAIN TODAY WHILE MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR. WILL GO BACK TO THE FORD DEALER DURING THE WEEK TO GET MORE INTENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT TO PARK AND RESTART VEHICLE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ROCKED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IT MADE A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THE FORD AND MERCURY VEHICLES FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL WERE DESIGNED THE SAME WAY. THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ON THE INSIDE ALSO BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ABNORMAL WEAR, WHICH THE OWNER STATED COULD ALSO BE THE RACK AND PINION OR THE TIE ROD. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000.
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.
Showing 20 of 1,169 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mercury Mountaineer
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercury Mountaineer, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercury Mountaineer has 1,169 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercury Mountaineer has 17 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 54 of the Mercury Mountaineer's 1,169 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercury Mountaineer vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercury Mountaineer vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercury Mountaineer has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Mercury Mountaineer by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mercury Mountaineer.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Mercury Mountaineer reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercury Mountaineer reliable?
Poor. The Mercury Mountaineer has 1,169 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercury Mountaineer years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2002 (390 complaints), 2004 (210 complaints), 2003 (152 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mercury Mountaineer problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (350 complaints); STRUCTURE (254 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (118 complaints).
Does the Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?
Yes — 17 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mercury Mountaineer. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.