1998 Mercury 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 1998 Mercury Mountaineer problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Crack on Lift Gate:
- 322 people have reported this problem.
- This issue involves a crack on the lift gate of the Mercury Mountaineer, which can affect the functionality and aesthetics of the vehicle.
- Electrical Problems:
- Complaints include brake lights going out, gauge issues, interior lights flashing, radio turning off and on, and dash lights malfunctioning.
- One owner experienced gauge cluster problems that were resolved by replacing the main ground from the engine to the firewall, which was corroded.
- Transmission Overheating:
- Owners have reported overheating issues with the 4R70W transmission.
- Despite replacing the filter and draining the fluid, some owners faced challenges with fluid flow, potentially due to a bypass valve, check valve, or sensor issue.
- Interior Problems:
- Complaints include faulty dashboard displays, knocking noises from the engine, clicking sounds during starting, and issues with the ambient temperature gauge.
- One owner mentioned dash lights, night driving lights, brights, temperature and compass lights, and radio lights not working simultaneously.
- Transmission Failure:
- The 1998 Mountaineer has faced transmission failures, with reports of slipping between gears, soft shift points, and lack of third gear.
- Common codes like P0401 related to the EGR system have been associated with transmission issues.
These problems highlight various challenges faced by owners of the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer, ranging from exterior issues like the lift gate crack to critical internal components such as the transmission and electrical system. Addressing these issues promptly and with professional assistance can help maintain the performance and safety of the vehicle.
1998 Mercury Mountaineer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Mountaineer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mercury Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Mercury Mountaineer
The NHTSA has received 262 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Mercury Mountaineer vehicles.
2018-01-14
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-20
- VIN: 4M2ZU54EXWU
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: AT THIS POINT ALL 4 DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES ARE MESSED UP. BOTH DRIVER &PASSENGER BACK DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. DRIVER &PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE UNLESS OPEN FROM INSIDE FIRST. KEY WON'T UNLOCK DOORS. BACK GLASS ON HATCH DOOR WON'T OPEN. BACK WIPER BROKEN. BACK HATCH WOULDN'T OPEN UNTILL I PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THEY SAID MY TRUCK NOT ON RECALL LIST & WANTED ME TO PAY TO FIX IT. MY TRUCK HAS SAME ISSUES AS THE ONES BEING RECALLED. HOW DO THEY DETERMINE WHICH ONES TO RECALL?
2017-11-19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P7WU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNDER MY HOOD STARTED SMOKING, I POPPED MY HOOD TO FIND FLAMES UNDER IT. I HAD TO GET MY KIDS OUT THE TRUCK AND PUT THE FLAMES OUT WITH AND EXTINGUISHER. THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS MELTED AND SO WERE THE WIRES THAT CONNECT TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. NOT I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND GET MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
2016-06-03
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-06
- VIN: 4M2ZU52P7WU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BROKEN UNABLE TO ADJUST FOR PROPER VISION VIA WINDSHIELD.
2015-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-18
- VIN: 4M2ZU54E2WU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: ONE OF THE BRAIDED STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINES THAT ATTACHES TO THE ENGINES FUEL RAIL DEVELOPED A LEAK. I KEPT SMELLING A STRONG ODOR OF GAS, BUT I COULD NOT FIND OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF SMELLING THE GAS, I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY SHOWED ME THE GAS SQUIRTING FROM THE BRAIDED HOSE GOING TO THE ENGINE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND SHOWED THEM THE LEAK. THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN THEIR SHOP AND REMOVED THE FUEL LINES. BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, FORD DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS. I WAS UNABLE TO GET REPLACEMENT FUEL LINES FROM FORD. I CHECKED WITH "JUNK YARDS" ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. I HAD NO LUCK FINDING REPLACEMENT FUEL LINES. JUNK YARDS CUT THE FUEL LINE WHEN THEY PULL ENGINES. I FINALLY LOCATED A COMPANY IN NEW CASTLE, DE THAT SUPPLIES HYDRAULIC HOSES, ETC. I TOOK MY OLD FUEL LINES TO THEM AND THEY REMOVED THE FITTINGS AND INSTALLED THEM ON NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED LINES. I TOOK THE NEW LINES BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED THEM ON MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID THE NEW HOSES HAD NO LEAKS. THE FORD DEALER CHARGED ME OVER $400.00 TO REMOVE THE OLD HOSES AND INSTALL NEW HOSES. THE SHOP IN NEW CASTLE, DE ONLY CHARGED ME $40.00 FOR A PAIR OF NEW HOSES. I'M VERY LUCKY I DID NOT HAVE AN ENGINE FIRE. THESE STAINLESS HOSES ARE USED ON A LOT OF FORD VEHICLES. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY REPLACEMENT HOSES. *TR
2014-08-04
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-05
- VIN: 4M2ZU52P3WU
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE RODS, WHEEL BEARINGS, AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
2014-08-03
STEERING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT,CHILD SEAT,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-04
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT,CHILD SEAT,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: HAD A WRECK COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. EMERGENCY BRAKE DIDN'T WORK RAN INTO A TREE AND DAMAGED A MAILBOX (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1998, MAKE=MOUNTAINEER , MODEL=MERCURY ). *TR
2014-02-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-17
- VIN: 4M2ZU52E3WU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS, POWER WINDOWS AND FRONT AND BACK WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T FUNCTION. I WAS DRIVING IT STARTED TO RAIN AND I COULD SEE VERY WELL WITHOUT FUNCTIONING WIPERS. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I FIGURE THAT A FUSE MIGHT HAVE BLOWN BUT WHEN I CHECKED ALL FUSES THEY SEEM TO BE OK. I WAS REVIEWING A RECALL FOR A 1999 MOUNTAINEER FOR A GEM PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS A 1998, COULD THIS PROBLEM BE SIMILAR TO THE 1999 RECALL. IT APPEARS TO HAVE ALL THE SIMILAR SYMPTOMS . IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MY 1998 MOUNTAINEER HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
2013-02-13
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-03
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER REQUESTS LIST OF VEHICLE TIRE TREAD PROBLEMS. *SMD
2012-05-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU52EXWU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: AT 2 AM WE SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW IT COMING FROM GARAGE, WHEN I OPENED GARAGE DOOR FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF FRONT OF CAR. MY MOTHERS CAR BURNT AND IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE HAD TO CALL FIRE DEPT. MY GARAGE WAS WRECKED. MY HOUSE HAS SMOKE DAMAGE. *TR
2011-04-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P9WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: MOVED MY TRUCK TO LET ANOTHER CAR OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY. PULLED BACK IN TURNED THE TRUCK OFF CAME IN THE HOUSE AND HEARD A LOUD BOOM. LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP BY THE WHEEL. *TR
2010-12-28
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-20
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P4WU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY AND MOST TIMES WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE LATCH HANDLE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WITH MOST 1998 - 2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS, FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD RANGERS. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SUCH AS A CRASH, I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
2010-10-21
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU52E6WU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH TURBO TECH RADIAL A/SR TIRES, LINE SIZE P235/75R15, DOT NUMBER UT1TT2E4305. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LOUD POP SOUNDED FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE AND LANDED ONTO THE CENTER LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.
2010-04-03
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P3WU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AT APPROXIMATELY 2:15 I PARKED MY 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 I HEARD THE VEHICLE THEFT ALARM GO OFF. WHEN I WENT TO SHUT OFF ALARM, I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL. (I COULD NOT SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF VEHICLE) I WENT BACK INTO MY HOUSE TO FETCH MY DRY CHEM FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I WENT BACK TO THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, I HAD MY SON CALL 911 FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE. A FIRE TRUCK RESPONDED WITHIN 3-5 MINUTES AT WHICH TIME THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT WITHIN 5 MINUTES. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE MOTOR COMPARTMANT WAS CONSUMED BY THE BLAZE AND THE FIRE HAD STARTED TO BURN THE DASH AND INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS.
2009-08-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU54E7WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. EARLY IN THE MORNING, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. AS A RESULT, THE GARAGE AND PART OF THE HOUSE WERE BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT IT ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SEVERE INJURIES COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
2008-10-28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING CHAINS/TIMING CHAIN GUIDES FAILURE.*TR
2007-10-01
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-30
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P2WU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE CHECKING THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE, THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILED THAT HOLDS THE HOOD. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD RELEASED AND NEARLY CRASHED THE CONTACTS HAND. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THAT COMPONENT, HOWEVER, THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 10/16/07 *TR
2007-07-20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-19
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P0WU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE HIS FOOT BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND PULL IT UP IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAS STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.
2007-07-02
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-05
- VIN: 4N2ZU55PXWU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE EGR VALVE. THE VEHICLE IS MAKING AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE AND GAS FUMES ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE, ENGINE SIZE, AND A VALID VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 72,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
2007-05-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-21
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P1WU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BEING THE SPACE IS LIMITED, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AS FOLLOWS: MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE HAD VARIOUS SHOPS USE THEIR COMPUTER TO FIND OUT WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON AND HAVE PAID FOR CLEANING VALVES, SENSORS, AND HOSES AS WELL AS HAVING NEW SENSORS INSTALLED. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED AT 90,000 MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE. TODAY, THE SHOP WHERE I NOW TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICING USED THEIR COMPUTER TO SEE WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON YET AGAIN AND IT GENERATED A TSB FROM FORD, ARTICLE 04-7-5 WHICH SUPERSEDES ARTICLE TSB 03-25-1. THIS ARTICLE STATES THE ISSUE AS "SOME 1998 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD-BANK 1) AND/OR P0430 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD - BANK 2). THE ACTION LISTED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM IS STATED AS "TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING WDS RELEASE B28.3 OR HIGHER. REPLACEMENT OF CATALYST'S IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF THIS CONDITION." THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM FORD INSTALLED ON THESE 1998 MOUNTAINEERS AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SAFELY. THE WORKER AT THE SHOP TOOK THE TIME TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS ARTICLE MEANT AND THE POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS TO THE FUNCTIONING OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM CAUSED BY FORD NOT HAVING THE CORRECT COMPUTER PROGRAM RUNNING IN THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC IS TELLING ME THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS 3 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND WILL COST ABOUT $3000 FOR THE PARTS ALONE. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS OR INSPECTION. I WENT 1 YEAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOW IT IS BACK AGAIN. *JB
2007-01-17
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU54E6WU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V422000( VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES, AS WELL AS, COPY OF THE INCIDENT REPORT. *JB
2006-11-27
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-07
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 1998 MOUNTAINEER'S TIRES WERE APART OF A RECALL AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH WILDERNESS AT TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THESE TIRE IN 2004 AFTER THE CONSUMER WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS RESULT OF THE FAULTY TIRES. *NM
2006-11-09
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-15
- VIN: 4M2ZU55PXWU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL LETTER # 02S28 WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE SEAT BELT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO REPLACE SEAT BELT BOLT, THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO HAVE A REMOTE DOOR OPENER INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE, AS WELL. WHILE THE SERVICE DEALER WAS ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL THE REMOTE DOOR OPENER, THERE WERE PROBLEMS PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE WHICH RESULTED IN A MALFUNCTION OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED UNHAPPINESS WITH THE LONG WAIT AND THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALER IN REPAIRING THE VEHICLE.
2006-10-30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU54E6WU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE . *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 8/25/06. THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS SCHEDULED FOR 8/28/06. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THE BLUE BOOK VALUE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
2006-08-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P1WU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, V8, AWD, VIN [XXX] WITH 142,000 MILES. I PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY ON FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 14, 2006 WHERE THE CAR REMAINED UNUSED UNTIL SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 16, 2006. ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 16, 2006, AROUND 1:00 PM THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE, ALSO CATCHING MY HOUSE ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND THE HOUSE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE IN ONE AREA. THE CAR WAS NOT USED BETWEEN THE TIME IT WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT FIRE. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2006-08-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-01
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P2WU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. IT HAD 60,000 ON THE ODOMETER. THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER NEVER WORKED, AND DOES ONCE IN A WHILE AND THE RADIO LIGHT NEVER STAYS ON. ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL SHOW THE STATION OR THE TIME. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE. MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A YEAR AFTER I GOT IT AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. IT SAY EGR FLOW INSUFFICIENT AND YET I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THOSE AND HAD THE COMPUTER RESET. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK UNLESS I LOCK IT BY HAND AND THEN YOU CAN'T OPEN IT. THE BACK SEATS SOMETIMES LOCK AND OTHER TIMES WON'T. MY SEAT WAS RECALLED AND I TOOK IT, AND NOW IT IS BROKEN. THESE CARS ARE NOT MADE VERY WELL AND I THINK WE SHOULD GET LETTERS ON THE RECALLS. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED BUT ONE LETTER AND I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY, BUT I SEE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER RECALLS AND I WASN'T NOTIFIED. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? *JB
1998 Mercury Mountaineer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer.
2003-08-05
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
2000-12-27
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 THROTTLE BODY TO CONTACT OR BRIDGE THE GAP. IF THE ENGINE DEPOSITS BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN THE THROTTLE PLATE AND BORE AND THEN HARDENED, ON THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THE OPERATOR WOULD NEED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BREAK THE BRIDGE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.
2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
1999-06-29
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.
1999-03-30
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
- Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
1998-03-19
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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 POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: 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.
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