2003 Ford Mountaineer problems
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.
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Common 2003 Ford Mountaineer problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2003 Ford Mountaineer, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Failure: Another significant problem reported by owners is transmission failure, especially in the 2002 model. This issue can lead to jerking and difficulties in shifting gears, impacting the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle.
- Electrical Issues: Complaints about electrical problems, such as issues with the ignition system and transceiver, have been raised by owners. These issues can manifest as starting problems, dashboard warning lights, and erratic behavior while driving, affecting the vehicle's reliability and performance.
- AWD System Malfunctions: Owners have reported issues with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, including grabbing and jerking sensations while turning or backing up. Problems with components like the viscous coupler in the transfer case have been identified as causes of these issues, leading to potential costly repairs.
- Suspension and Drivetrain Concerns: Complaints about various suspension and drivetrain problems have been highlighted by owners. These include issues with bushings, front wheel bearings, and differential components, impacting the vehicle's handling, stability, and overall driving comfort.
These common problems with the 2003 Ford Mountaineer can significantly affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall ownership experience. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
How many miles will a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer last?
Best Answer. Well maintained they could be good for 200,000+ miles.
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.
What is the safety rating of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer?
In crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, the Mountaineer received a four-star rating for the driver and a five-star rating for the front passenger.
How long do 2004 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.
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 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.
2003 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Suspension problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Ford Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Ford Mountaineer complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford Mountaineer.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. BRAKES ARE STARTING TO FAIL WHEN LIGHT IS OFF, NOT WHEN THE ABS LIGHT IS ON. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-25
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS REAR DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES. LOUD HUMMING COMING FROM BACK END. POTENTIAL FAILURE IS POSSIBLE AT ANYTIME WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOCKING OF BACK WHEEL.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU86K93U
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: MY 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAD A LIFT GATE RECALL. LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER IN HYANNIS, MA REPLACED PARTS TO FIX. THIS WAS LAST YEAR. THIS WEEK THE LATCH BROKE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW AND THE GLASS FELL AGAIN. LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER IN HYANNIS CHARGED ME FOR THE PART! THIS ALL IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE EARLIER RECALL I WOULD BELIEVE. THE DEALER SAYS NO. THE ORIGINAL RECALL SAID LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY DISENGAGE OR HINGE MAY FRACTURE, ALLOWING GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK. AM I WRONG? AND IF IT NOT PART OF THE RECALL THEN I GUESS IT SHOULD BE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
2003 Ford Mountaineer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Ford Mountaineer.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
- Consequence: IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Ford Mountaineer problems:
2003 Mercury Mountaineer -- common problems? : r/Ford
Oct 21, 2013 ... The rear hatch, not the WHOLE liftgate, but the glass hatch will have a plastic panel that will most likely crack straight down the middle ...
2003 Mercury Mountaineer Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 2003 Mercury Mountaineer Problems · Crack on Lift Gate · Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door · Problems With 5-speed Automatic ...
Common 2003 Mercury Mountaineer Problems - Q&A with Expert
Jul 20, 2010 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
Mercury Mountaineer Questions - Please Help..just bought '03 ...
Apr 9, 2011 ... the master ford mechanic had hell to find the problems. ... common problem with the AWD Mountaineer. My ... 2003 Mercury Mountaineer Convenience AWD.
2003 Explorer 4.0 common oil leak problem areas? | Ford Explorer ...
Mar 31, 2022 ... My 4.0 seems to have a decent oil leak and I'm wondering where the common trouble spots are. I read about PCV valves and valve cover gaskets ...
Other years of Ford Mountaineer
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