1997 Mercury Mountaineer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Mountaineer › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 sd through F-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. on 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. repairs will be completed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 27, 2009. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. this reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
Remedy
The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on august 29, 2001. however, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. the engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle IS jump started and the ground cable IS attached to the fuel line bracket that IS located near the battery. since the bracket IS not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. the liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. these vehicles, when operated for extended…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.
Owner complaints
328 complaints41 involved a crash10 involved a fire19 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 385,000.
- Seat belts
Drivers side seat belt buckle will not latch. 185,000 miles.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact's husband owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. As a result, the contact's husband rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no…
TL* the contact's husband owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. As a result, the contact's husband rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Seat belts
Driver side seat belt refuses to latch and, if it does latch, comes unlatched on its own. On inspection, the 'guts' of the mechanism are gone.
- Electrical system
I was at a gas station making a purchase with my disabled mother. We left the store, and got into my truck. I started my truck and proceed to dive towards the exit of the gas station when I smelled something like burning rubber. I said to my mother that something smelled funny and then looked and…
I was at a gas station making a purchase with my disabled mother. We left the store, and got into my truck. I started my truck and proceed to dive towards the exit of the gas station when I smelled something like burning rubber. I said to my mother that something smelled funny and then looked and saw a thin steam of smoke coming up from in between my legs. I parked the truck and jumpers out leaving my om in the car. I then saw a fire inside of the metal track in which my seat moves mechanically underneath my seat, where the wires are. I ran into the gas station panicked and asked the attendant for a fire extinguisher, to which he replied " no, I don't know I don't have one" and did nothing. So I ran back outside to my truck where my mother was having trouble exiting my truck as she has anxiety and health issues. She finally got out and a tow truck that was driving by, saw the smoke getting heavier and flowing out of my truck, he stopped and out the fire out with an extinguisher. The flames were coming through my seat and I was at a gas station. I was terrified. I have ptsd and this hasn't helped my sleep at all. Also, we were at a gas station and as you know, fire IS very dangerous at a gas station. We could've been seriously hurt or worse.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
When I use the cruise control and then turn it off I can't seem to push my gas pedal when you are driving the vehicle. I have to keep putting extreme pressure on the accelerator pedal until something breaks or pops and then it allows me to push the pedal. I keep having problems with smoke coming…
When I use the cruise control and then turn it off I can't seem to push my gas pedal when you are driving the vehicle. I have to keep putting extreme pressure on the accelerator pedal until something breaks or pops and then it allows me to push the pedal. I keep having problems with smoke coming from on top of the steering column like something IS burning when you are driving, now I have electrical problems to where my horn will not work anymore. I keep having problems with the front frame of the SUV. The frame sounds and feels like it IS going to fall apart and it doesn't matter if you are driving or stationary. The mechanic says it IS the sway bar that IS causing that problem. I have been calling ford about it and they keep saying there IS no recall on my vehicle.
- Seat belts
The driver's seat belt will not latch.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that the front driver side seat belt buckle failed to latch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Power train
Major and recurring issue with front drive shaft, and front differential, grinding, shaking, with near crash due to difficulty to handle (this was on the way to the mechanic). *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that he shifted into drive and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact mentioned that he had to shift to neutral in order to stop the vehicle and stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that he shifted into drive and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact mentioned that he had to shift to neutral in order to stop the vehicle and stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000 and the current mileage was 170,000. *tr
- Seat belts
I attempted to connect the two portions of the driver front seat belt and the latching mechanism in the female portion would not latch, thereby defeating my ability to secure the seat belt. I took the vehicle to a repair shop that quoted me almost $200 to repair the belt, indicating the oem kit was almost $150. someone IS profiteering on defective safety equipment. *tr
- Seat belts
Driver's seat belt will not fasten. *Tr
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. He attempted to put the drivers side seat belt on and the buckle would not snap into place. The failure had been on going for one week. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The approximate failure and current mileage was 150,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact applied the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. the contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle as it accelerated. The left side of the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact applied the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. the contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle as it accelerated. The left side of the vehicle began to skid abnormally and the contact crashed into a wire fence. The vehicle then rolled over and crashed into several trees before coming to a stop. The passenger sustained major injuries to the head and bodily trauma. The contact sustained injuries to the head. The contact and passenger were transported to the hospital via ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Vehicle speed control
My 1997 mercury mountaineer (that I purchased feb 2010) IS experiencing the same acceleration problems as described in the 4.0 SOHC campaign # 00v422000 and action # ea99001. I have to apply extra acceleration to make the car drive when engine IS "cold". After it warms up, or if I start the engine and allow it to warm up before driving, I do not have that problem. Has there been any other V8 complaints? *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Structure · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. He experienced difficult steering, because the front sway bar linkage had fractured. secondly he would intermittently smell an odor of gasoline inside of the vehicle. thirdly during brake application the accelerator pedal would also stick. This…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. He experienced difficult steering, because the front sway bar linkage had fractured. secondly he would intermittently smell an odor of gasoline inside of the vehicle. thirdly during brake application the accelerator pedal would also stick. This condition would cause the vehicle to lurch forward. Lastly the main bar that held the two bumpers together had corroded. the failures were described in recalls (98v060000, 00v422000, 00v402000). However he was advised by representatives from the dealer and the manufacturer that the previous owner had the vehicle repaired according the recalls. The current mileage was approximately 157,000. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Cruise control works at times and sometime does not work. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. the vehicle caught fire while parked and without warning. the vehicle was completely destroyed and a fire report was filed. the contact has pictures of the failure. the cause of the failure has not been determined; however, a firefighter…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. the vehicle caught fire while parked and without warning. the vehicle was completely destroyed and a fire report was filed. the contact has pictures of the failure. the cause of the failure has not been determined; however, a firefighter speculated that it may have been due to electrical failure. the failure and current mileages were 125,000. updated 07/14/09 *bf updated 07/15/09
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I had just gotten into the driver's seat of my parked 1997 mercury mountaineer at an auto repair shop lot when I remembered that I needed to retrieve an article from underneath the seat. I got out of the vehicle and knelt down next to it. As I reached under the seat, the car door hit me and dragged…
I had just gotten into the driver's seat of my parked 1997 mercury mountaineer at an auto repair shop lot when I remembered that I needed to retrieve an article from underneath the seat. I got out of the vehicle and knelt down next to it. As I reached under the seat, the car door hit me and dragged me along the ground. I then realized the vehicle was not only moving in reverse but was picking up speed, as it was on a slight incline. I knew I could not stop this heavy SUV; I also saw that its left front tire was heading right for me. I was then a 60-year-old female who had played sports and was still in good physical condition. I did a football-style tuck and rolled away from the mountaineer to avoid getting run over. The vehicle stopped moving only after hitting another parked and unoccupied vehicle: the pickup truck that belonged to the owner of the auto repair shop. local police investigated and found no human error or fault; no ticket was issued. Also, while I suffered some scrapes and bruises I did not need emt or hospital attention. I reported this first-ever accident to my auto insurance company, but the adjuster expressed no interest in following up on what I and the auto repair shop owner still believe to be its root cause: a ford SUV transmission design flaw that allows for slippage out of park position under inexplicable conditions, such as pavement incline and/or motor vibration. no transmission parts were damaged or replaced on this vehicle because of this incident; nor has there been a repeat of this problem. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
We really don't have any information regarding the incident. The car had been parked outside for approximately 4 hours, when upon waking at around 3:50 am on sunday morning, I smelled a strange odor emanating from somewhere in the house. As I investigated, I soon found out that the smell was not in…
We really don't have any information regarding the incident. The car had been parked outside for approximately 4 hours, when upon waking at around 3:50 am on sunday morning, I smelled a strange odor emanating from somewhere in the house. As I investigated, I soon found out that the smell was not in the house, but outside, and that's when I found my car ablaze. The fire department had already been called by the time I realized what it was, and the fire was put out. No police came, and no report was filed. The only information given to any official was my name, my cell number, the license plate number, and possibly the vin. The 1997 mercury mountaineer now sits in my driveway. *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mystique (na). while driving 55 mph, the tail light and instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. the contact noticed a smoldering smell coming from the vehicle. the mechanic stated that the head lamp switch terminal burned and the wiring harness connector…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mystique (na). while driving 55 mph, the tail light and instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. the contact noticed a smoldering smell coming from the vehicle. the mechanic stated that the head lamp switch terminal burned and the wiring harness connector was damaged. the manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 99v103000 (exterior lighting: headlights: switch). the failure and current mileages were 90,000. updated 11/29/07
- Seat belts › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury mountaineer. the contact stated that she was unable to latch the driver side seat belt because the release mechanism was stuck. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 103,000. updated 01/07/08. *lj updated 12/31/07
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Blend air door square drive broken causing severe discomfort in summer and improper defroster operation during adverse weather conditions. Master techs in area indicate problem occures with excess frequency on various model and years of ford trucks. They further indicate the failure rate IS extremely excessive compared to all other makes and models.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
TL*- the contact stated that while driving the 1997 mercury mountaineer with 120000 failure mileage at 30 mph on a windy day the hood latch failed and the hood opened. the hood hinges stopped the hood from slamming into the front windshield. the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer and has not been repaired. the current mileage was 120000.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
1997 mountaineer firestone tire separated while driving. *ts the consumer was informed that he would be reimbursed for the tires that he replaced. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Windshield wiper malfunction
There is no summary currently available
- Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel line damage from jump starting
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003831An uncommanded shift to 4X4 low.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002643Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving.
- 10001922Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092199Some 4X4 vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal.
- 6092122Some vehicles with 4.0L SOHC engines may exhibit a vibration / moan / boom at idle.
- 6092013Use kleenex brand juniors or li'l travelers to refill tissues for certain vehicles with the high series center console facial tissue compartment.
- 6091841Exhibiting a power steering fluid leak from the steering gear boot(s).
- 6091778Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag light on intermittently with diagnostic trouble code b1924.
- 6091761Concerns with the in-dash cd stops operating when hot / radio display reads cd too hot.
- 6091754Brief information on checking transmission fluid level. *T
- 6091686Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition when parked on an incline with the vehicle in a noise down position and less than 1/4 tank of fuel.
- 6091661Service tips when servicing a 4.0L SOHC short block assembly.
- 6090871Some vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines may exhibit a vibration / moan / boom at idle.
- 6090757Service tip information when servicing the 4.0L SOHC short block assembly.
- 6090690Service tips information provided to assist when servicing vehicles with short block assembly.
- 6090598Information regarding neutral tow kit available. *Mjs
- 6090591Information regarding seat that willl not move forward. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090532Information regarding 4.0L SOHC engine repair procedure update. *Mjs
- 6090522Information regarding SOHC engine noise (cam chain noise). *Mjs
- 6090520Information regarding 4.0L SOHC engine noise (cam chain noise). *Mjs
- 6090518Information regarding 4.0 l SOHC camshaft bolt torque. *Mjs
- 6090438Information regarding neutral tow kit availability. *Mjs
- 6090430Information regarding seat that will not move forward. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090303Subject regarding 4.0L SOHC engine repair procedure update.
- 6090293Some vehicles may exhibit engine noise(cam chain noise).
- 6090291Information regarding 4.0L SOHC camshaft bolt torque.
Every Mercury Mountaineer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.