1999 Ford Mountaineer problems

ford logo

The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was sold by Mercury from 1996 until 2010. Sharing many of its features with the Ford Explorer, the vehicles were virtually identical in terms of hardware. Externally, they were styled somewhat differently, and the Mountaineer was positioned with a more upscale interior, with the Mountaineer's MSRP coming in at $1,000–$6,000 more than the Explorer. It was last redesigned for the 2006 model year with a new frame, looking very similar to its previous model.

Some controversy resulted after the media highlighted a number of rollovers involving Explorers and Mountaineers fitted with Firestone tires. The Mountaineer has been praised for its excellent handling and stability. The Mountaineer was never sold in Canada. As part of the discontinuation of the Mercury brand, production of the Mountaineer ended in late 2010.

Background

In 1990, General Motors introduced the Oldsmobile Bravada sport-utility vehicle, derived from the four-door Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. Though far lower in price, the Bravada was marketed as a competitor to the Range Rover (and the later Land Rover Discovery) and Toyota Land Cruiser. While sharing its body with the Blazer, Oldsmobile differentiated the Bravada with the use of model-specific trim and a dedicated all-wheel drive powertrain (in place of part-time four-wheel drive). For 1993, Jeep briefly revived the long-running Grand Wagoneer nameplate as part of the Jeep Grand Cherokee model line, using woodgrain exterior trim and a leather interior; limited sales led to its cancellation after a single model year.

As a response to the Bravada and the Grand Wagoneer, Ford introduced the 1993 Ford Explorer Limited in 1992. In contrast to the outdoors-themed Explorer Eddie Bauer, the Limited was geared towards on-road driving; it was fitted with all-wheel drive in place of traditional four-wheel drive. The Limited was also distinguished by monochromatic body trim, body-color bumpers, and chrome wheels.

As part of the redesign of the Explorer for 1995, the Limited remained part of the Explorer lineup, with the segment gaining additional competitors through the use of badge engineering. For 1996, the Acura SLX (Isuzu Trooper), Infiniti QX4 (Nissan Pathfinder), and the larger Lexus LX450 (Toyota Land Cruiser) were introduced together.

As these brands, along with Oldsmobile, competed more directly with luxury brands than the Ford model line, Ford Motor Company sought to develop SUVs for its Lincoln-Mercury division. To minimize model overlap, Mercury was chosen to sell a version of the mid-size Ford Explorer, while Lincoln would sell a version of the then-upcoming full-size Ford Expedition.

1999 Ford Mountaineer

Social links

Common 1999 Ford Mountaineer problems

The 1999 Ford Mountaineer, a mid-size SUV, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from electrical problems to major system failures.

One of the most common problems reported is a crack on the lift gate, with 322 people having reported this issue. This problem can lead to water and debris entering the vehicle, causing further damage to the interior.

Electrical problems are also a significant issue for the 1999 Ford Mountaineer. For instance, some owners have reported issues with the brake lights, where all three brake lights have gone out, despite having 12V running through the pedal switch. In some cases, there is no voltage at the bulbs, leaving the driver without any functional brake lights, which can be a significant safety hazard.

Another electrical problem reported is related to the gauges, where they would all go to zero, then vibrate, then go back to normal, and the interior lights would flash, and the radio would turn off and on. This issue usually happens in colder weather and can be a significant inconvenience for the driver.

In addition to these electrical problems, the 1999 Ford Mountaineer has been reported to have major system failures. For instance, some owners have reported that their vehicle suddenly dies without any warning, even when driving at low speeds. This issue can be a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle can die in flight, making it challenging to find a safe place to stop.

The root cause of this problem is not always clear, but some possible causes include ignition problems, fuel issues, or even issues with the crankshaft position sensor. In some cases, replacing the relay or using the starter fluid trick can help pinpoint the area of trouble.

Another major system failure reported is related to the battery, where the battery appears to be volting low based on the dashboard reading. This issue can cause the vehicle to have difficulty starting, especially from a warm start, and can be a significant inconvenience for the driver.

In summary, the 1999 Ford Mountaineer has several common problems, including a crack on the lift gate, electrical problems, and major system failures. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to significant safety hazards, making it essential for owners to address these problems promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicle.

1999 Ford Mountaineer engine

What year was the Mercury Mountaineer discontinued?

2010

Following the June 2010 announcement by Ford Motor Company to shelve the Mercury brand, 2010 would be the end of Mountaineer production; the final vehicle was produced on October 1, 2010. Unlike the Milan, Mariner, and Grand Marquis, the Mountaineer was not produced for a short 2011 model year.

Is a Mercury Mountaineer the same as a Ford Explorer?

In comparing the Mercury Mountaineer's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Explorer have the same fuel efficiency base engine power.

How long is a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer?

190.1″1999 Mercury Mountaineer / Length

What is the Ford equivalent to the Mercury Mountaineer?

The Mercury Mountaineer, twin to the Ford Explorer, is roomy inside. The four-door version easily seats five and offers a large load area.

How long can a Mercury Mountaineer last?

Well maintained they could be good for 200,000+ miles. It all depends on how it was taken care of. There is a bit of luck involved also. Also it is probable that the transmission will need rebuilt during this 200,000 miles.

Is a Mercury Mountaineer the same as a Ford Explorer?

Sharing many of its features with the Ford Explorer, the vehicles were virtually identical in terms of hardware. Externally, they were styled somewhat differently, and the Mountaineer was positioned with a more upscale interior, with the Mountaineer's MSRP coming in at $1,000–$6,000 more than the Explorer.

Is Mercury Mountaineer a luxury car?

2007 Mountaineer

The 2007 Mercury Mountaineer is an entry-level luxury, mid-size SUV that offers seating configurations for passengers numbering from five up to seven.

What is the Ford equivalent to the Mercury Mountaineer?

The Mercury Mountaineer, twin to the Ford Explorer, is roomy inside. The four-door version easily seats five and offers a large load area.

1999 Ford Mountaineer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Mountaineer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Ford Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Ford Mountaineer complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Ford Mountaineer.

2009-09-14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-09-11
  • VIN: 4M2ZU55P5XU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND HE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE IT. THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO SHIFT GEARS INTO NEUTRAL TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF; HOWEVER, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE RESET ITSELF, BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. REPORT 1499871479 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE COST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 119,000.
2008-02-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-08-01
  • VIN: 4M2ZU55P9XU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IN AUGUST OF 2007 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000. UPDATED 02-25-08 *BF
2005-04-27

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-03-06
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND A BEEPING NOISE WAS HEARD INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT AIR BAGS MAY INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM MAYBE THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
2003-09-15

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED, IF VEHICLE HITS A BUMP, PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. FORD HAS REPLACED A NUMBER OF PARTS ON THE FRONT END, AND PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. *AK
2000-09-03

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-24
  • VIN: 4M2ZU55P6XU
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: SIDEWALL SEPERATION AT THE TREAD( DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRE SIZE: P23575R15 )
2000-09-03

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-24
  • VIN: 4M2ZU55P6XU
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: SIDEWALL SEPERATION AT THE TREAD( DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRE SIZE: P23575R15 )
2000-08-24

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-11
  • VIN: 4M2ZU55POXU
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE ON EXPRESSWAY. I DID NOT HIT OR RUN OVER ANYTHING NOTICABLE. THE VECHICLE "FISHTAILED" AND ALMOST TURNED OVER.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 23575R15 )

1999 Ford Mountaineer recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Ford Mountaineer.

2001-05-22
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
  • Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
  • Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
  • Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Leave your review of 1999 Ford Mountaineer

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Ford Mountaineer problems:

1999 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
1999 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1999-mercury-mountaineer/problems

Top 1999 Mercury Mountaineer Problems · Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door · Plastic Intake Manifold May Crack Causing Coolant Leak.

Common 1999 Mercury Mountaineer Problems: Expert Q&A
Common 1999 Mercury Mountaineer Problems: Expert Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/ffr6h-1999-mercury-mountaineer-v6-4-0-automatic-driving.html

Nov 5, 2020 ... The cause was mice that ate and destroyed the wire harness under the intake and behind the engine. I would suspect that or the wire harness was ...

1999 Explorer Problems (Common Issues) | Ford Explorer Forums ...
1999 Explorer Problems (Common Issues) | Ford Explorer Forums ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/1999-explorer-problems-common-issues.471441/

Apr 17, 2018 ... The tires in the front wear down from the inner part or (toe wear). It might be wearing down because the shocks are old and worn or the sway bar ...

Need help on unknown major problem in 1999 Mercury Mountaineer!
Need help on unknown major problem in 1999 Mercury Mountaineer!
https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-help-on-unknown-major-problem-in-1999-mercury-mountaineer/90191

Jun 6, 2015 ... Parts guessing is distasteful but crank sensors are a known problem with any car and they're generally cheap and easy to swap. Barkydog June 6, ...

Transfer Case - 1999 Mountaineer 5.0L | Ford Explorer Forums ...
Transfer Case - 1999 Mountaineer 5.0L | Ford Explorer Forums ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/transfer-case-1999-mountaineer-5-0l.243653/

May 1, 2009 ... Hello, Thank you for taking the tine to read this message. I have a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0L AWD. I have been having a problem trying ...

Other years of Ford Mountaineer

ford mountaineer 2000 photo
Mountaineer 2000
Ford

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford mountaineer 2001 photo
Mountaineer 2001
Ford

1

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford mountaineer 2002 photo
Mountaineer 2002
Ford

11

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford mountaineer 2003 photo
Mountaineer 2003
Ford

3

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford mountaineer 2004 photo
Mountaineer 2004
Ford

4

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford mountaineer 1997 photo
Mountaineer 1997
Ford

7

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1999 Ford Mountaineer?

Add car complaint
1999 Ford Mountaineer photo