Model year record

2000 Mercury Mountaineer recalls & problems

The 2000 Mercury Mountaineer has 7 safety recalls and 123 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (28 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints123filed by owners

Crashes · fires15 · 12reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths17 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

Vehicle speed control

Recall 07V3360003,600,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E05600058,640 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

SeatsAug 5, 2003

Front assembly › Recliner

Recall 03V2810001,552,880 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
Risk: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle speed controlAug 5, 2003

Cables

Recall 03V280000448,005 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
Risk: THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Seat beltsAug 18, 2000

Seat belts

Recall 00V228001144,435 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Air bagsJul 5, 2000

Side/window

Recall 00V1790002,300 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN" POSITION AND THE SEATBELT WEBBING IS FORCIBLY EXTRACTED FROM A LOCKED RETRACTOR WITH A JERKING MOTION.
Risk: INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Electrical systemMar 7, 2000

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 00V072000208,903 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.
Risk: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4-DR. 4x4 w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Mountaineer 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Mountaineer 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Mountaineer 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Mountaineer 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	28	6	6	5	102,000 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	22	1	0	1	30,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Wiring › Interior/under dash	19	0	7	1	118,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	15	0	0	0	59,976 mi
Air bagsFrontal	9	7	0	11	72,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Stabilizer bar	7	0	0	0	18,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner	7	2	0	5	58,600 mi
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	6	0	0	0	52,907 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	6	4	0	1	32,780 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	6	0	0	1	59,744 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Gear box (other than rack and pinion)	5	1	0	0	48,000 mi
Exterior lightingTurn signal › Flasher unit; Turn signal › Switch	5	0	1	0	117,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments › Support device/strut1 injury
The contact's daughter owns a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that while her husband and her daughter were inspecting the engine compartment of the vehicle, the hinges of the hood failed, causing the hood to drop inadvertently. The contact's husband sustained a laceration on the arm but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the hood hinges were replaced. Additionally, the contact purchased a stick to hold the hood open. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Mar 13, 2025
Unknown or other
I unlocked my vehicle, put the key in the ignition and it made a noise, then immediately after that failure to start, everything stopped working. No lights, will not lock doors, no clicking sound as if it were a dead battery.
Nov 11, 2023
Power train
THE O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND IT DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC ITS VARY DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION
Feb 2, 2010 · 160,538 miles
Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY BECAME DIM AND SHUT OFF. AFTER THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED BACK ON AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Oct 16, 2018 · 82,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK(APPROX 12 MILES) AND DECIDED I'D TRY OUT THE CRUISE CONTROL IN MY NEWLY ACQUIRED 2000 MOUNTAINEER 302 AWD. THE FIRST PART OF THE COMMUTE IS WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER HARMLESS AND A VERY SAFE STRETCH TO TEST OUT THIS FEATURE SO I PRESS THE CRUISE BUTTON TO SET MY SPEED AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55MPH. ALL WAS WELL UNTIL I APPROACHED A SHARP HAIR PIN CURVE ABOUT 4 MILES INTO THE TRIP. I GENTLY STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO CANCEL THE CRUISE BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T RESPOND TO MY ATTEMPT. IN A STATE OF PANIC, I FIRMLY APPLY THE BRAKE TO REDUCE SPEED AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO DROP APPROXIMATELY 6-7 MPH. STILL WELL ABOVE THE ADVISED LIMIT FOR THAT PARTICULAR CURVE. AFTER…
Sep 15, 2015 · 153,000 miles
Structure › Body
REAR DOOR LATCH IS INOPERATIVE. ALSO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS INOPERATIVE.
Mar 10, 2016 · 101,489 miles
Electrical systemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALSO DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
Jul 27, 2015 · 155,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
I WAS DRIVING TO AN INTERSECTION WITH MY FAMILY WHILE GOING 45 MPH. I NOTICED BLACK COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I PULLED OFF TO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I PROCEEDED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNDER THE HOOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT IT OUT. THEY DID A LOOK THROUGH AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE FUSE BOX. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I'M NOW OUT THE 6500 I USED TO PURCHASE IT. I CANT FIX IT OR TRADE IT IN NOW. *TR
Sep 9, 2014 · 183,345 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
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…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENTClosedLed to recall 03V281000
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V281) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2001 FORD EXPLORER / MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 4-DOOR, MY 1998-2000 FORD EXPLORER 2-DOOR AND MY 2001-2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND SPORT TRAC VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING.A BOLT BETWEEN THE UPPER SEAT RECLINER ATTACHMENT AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME MAY FRACTURE.FORD WILL REPLACE THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT.BASED ON FORD'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE03020 · opened May 21, 2003 · closed Sep 5, 2003