2001 Ford Mountaineer problems

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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.

2001 Ford Mountaineer

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Common 2001 Ford Mountaineer problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2001 Ford Mountaineer, several common problems have been reported:

  • Faulty Dashboard Display: Some complaints mention problems with the dashboard display in the 2001 Mountaineer, impacting the functionality and usability of the vehicle.
  • Knocking Noise from Engine: Owners have reported a knocking noise coming from the engine of the 1999 Mountaineer, indicating potential engine-related issues that may require attention.
  • Clicking Noise While Starting: Complaints include a clicking noise during the starting process in the 1997 Mountaineer, which could be indicative of electrical or ignition system problems.
  • Exploding Glass: Reports of glass exploding in the 2000 Mountaineer raise safety concerns and highlight potential issues with the vehicle's glass components.

These problems can significantly impact the performance, safety, and overall driving experience of the 2001 Ford Mountaineer. Owners experiencing these issues may need to seek professional assistance to address and resolve these common complaints effectively.

2001 Ford Mountaineer engine

Do Mercury Mountaineers have transmission problems?

Some of the more common Mercury Mountaineer transmission problems are unusually hard shifts, erratic shifting, and transmission fault codes. Many times, these issues are caused by excessive wear on the bushings, clutch drum, and clutches.

What happened to the Mercury Mountaineer?

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.

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.

Why won t my Mercury Mountaineer start?

The most common reasons a Mercury Mountaineer won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

What happened to the Mercury Mountaineer?

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.

What kind of engine does a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have?

Gas V6

Engine

Engine TypeGas V6
Displacement4.0L/245
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM210 @ 5100
SAE Net Torque @ RPM254 @ 3700

Do Mercury Mountaineers have transmission problems?

Some of the more common Mercury Mountaineer transmission problems are unusually hard shifts, erratic shifting, and transmission fault codes. Many times, these issues are caused by excessive wear on the bushings, clutch drum, and clutches.

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.

2001 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:

  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Ford Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Ford Mountaineer complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Ford Mountaineer.

2003-05-14

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4M2ZU76E01U
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR SHORT PEOPLE. WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS ADJUSTED, IT RESTED ON THE CONSUMER'S CHEST AND SLID UNDER HIS/HER ARM. *JB

2001 Ford Mountaineer recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2001 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Ford Mountaineer problems:

Q&A: 2001 Mercury Mountaineer AWD - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 2001 Mercury Mountaineer AWD - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/3qg05-2001-mercury-mountaineer-awd-i-m-starting-hear.html

Jul 11, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

2001 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
2001 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2001-mercury-mountaineer/problems

Top 2001 Mercury Mountaineer Problems · Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door · Problems With 5-speed Automatic Transmission are ...

Reliablity of AWD V8? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations
Reliablity of AWD V8? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/reliablity-of-awd-v8.258427/

Oct 26, 2009 ... It seems to work fine and have not had any issues. The 2001 is super clean and I would hate to pass it up if the AWD is good to go.

2001 Sport trac 4wd problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
2001 Sport trac 4wd problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/571660-2001-sport-trac-4wd-problems.html

Jan 23, 2007 ... Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator - 2001 Sport trac 4wd problems ... 2001 Ford Sportrax 4wheel Drive Problem ... Both are very common ...

2000 Mercury Mountaineer, Idle issues. | Ford Explorer Forums ...
2000 Mercury Mountaineer, Idle issues. | Ford Explorer Forums ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2000-mercury-mountaineer-idle-issues.412321/

Jul 31, 2014 ... With some luck in resolving my problems. I am hoping you guys can help me get this truck back to 100%. The patient is a 2000 Mountaineer with ...

Other years of Ford Mountaineer

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Mountaineer 2002
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Mountaineer 2003
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Mountaineer 1998
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Mountaineer 1999
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2001 Ford Mountaineer photo