2009 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer problems
The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has a few common problems based on complaints from owners, as detailed below:
- Front Hub Assemblies: Some owners have reported a helicopter noise or jet plane sound, especially when turning back and forth. This is likely due to loose internals in the hub bearings. The only solution is to replace the bearing .
- Electronic Running Boards: If your Mountaineer has electronic running boards, you may experience problems over time, especially in areas with salt and sand. The hinges may corrode, causing the running boards to stay down, and the motors may get sand and debris, preventing them from working. The only fix is to disassemble, clean, and lubricate the components. If the corrosion is too severe, you may need to replace the entire system .
- Shift Interlock Control Module: This component, part of the shifter assembly, can cause issues with shifting out of park. Moisture or spilled beverages can cause the module to short out. If you experience this problem, you may need to replace the module .
- Heater Control Actuator and Door: If your heater is stuck on the hottest setting or you hear a clicking noise from the dash, the heater control actuator or door may be the culprit. Replacing the actuator can fix the issue, but replacing the door is a more involved job, requiring removal of the whole heater box .
- Steering and Suspension: Some owners have reported issues with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering, wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, and electronic or air suspension. These problems can lead to issues with steering and handling, and may require replacement of various suspension components.
- Cracked Lift Gate: Owners of 2002-2005 Mountaineers have reported cracked lift gates, which can lead to water seepage, corrosion, and damage to the rear wiper motor and shattered rear windows. Ford has faced a class-action lawsuit over this issue, which affects the 2nd generation Mountaineer, as well as the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator.
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is a common issue in the 2002 Mountaineer, with 41 complaints.
- Cracked Panel Below the Rear Window: This issue is prevalent in the 2002 and 2005 Mountaineers, with 41 and 18 complaints, respectively.
- Radiator Leaks: The 2006 Mountaineer has 17 complaints related to radiator leaks.
These problems are not exhaustive, and other issues may arise in the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, the above list covers the most common complaints from owners.
2009 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:
- Steering problems
- Seats problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Mercury Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Mercury Mountaineer complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
- VIN: 4M2EU38829U
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated while making a left or right turn, she heard an abnormal noise, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the Roll Stability Control (RSC) warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the Roll Stability Control (RSC) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-02
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MUFFLER. STILL HAS BAFFLES AND DAMPERS. CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS STILL ATTACHED. NOT LOUD OR OBNOXIOUS. DUE TO HAVING A 3IN IN DIAMETER TAIL PIPE. I WAS FAILED. I WAS APPROVED FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THESE NEW STRICT RESTRICTIONS ARE COSTING CONSUMERS UNNECESSARY COSTS. THIS WAS AN UNFAIR FAILURE THAT WAS POSTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT IS CLEARLY NOT. SUV WAS STATIONARY AND PASSED ALL OVER REQUIREMENTS. THIS WAS A JUDGEMENT CALL BY TYRE TRAK IN SPRINGFIELD.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-01
- VIN: 4M2EU38E49U
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE, THE POWER SEAT FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD FROM THE EASY EXIT POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SEAT WOULD ALSO MOVE BACKWARDS IN A POSITION THAT PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM REACHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 5/28/15 *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT DID MOVE FORWARD FROM EASY EXIT, BUT IMMEDIATELY OR WHEN STARTING VEHICLE RETURNED TO EASY EXIT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A WEAK BATTERY. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 9/17/2015*JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-09
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: HAVE A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH 71,000 MILES. IN THE PAST 10 DAYS, HAVE HAD FOUR INCIDENTS WHERE, WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT HAS SUDDENLY REVERTED TO THE EASY EXIT POSITION. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 22,000 MILES. HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR FOUR YEARS. MY WIFE AND I ARE TALL; HOWEVER, EVEN AT THAT, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55-70 (ON TURNPIKES AND MAJOR HIGHWAYS), THIS IS STILL AN ISSUE. TOOK CAR TO A FORD DEALER IN READING, PA - ON A SATURDAY (MAYBE THEY DON'T DO AS MUCH INTENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS ON WEEKENDS?) RECENTLY WHO FOUND NO ISSUES ALTHOUGH THEY INDICATED OTHER MOUNTAINEERS OF THE 2002 OR 2005 MODELS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND IT APPEARED TO BE AN PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. DID NOT GET THE IGNITION REPLACED BUT THE SEAT MOVED AGAIN TODAY WHILE MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR. WILL GO BACK TO THE FORD DEALER DURING THE WEEK TO GET MORE INTENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS. *JS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-10
- VIN: 4M2CU97G09K
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT TO PARK AND RESTART VEHICLE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-11
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ROCKED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IT MADE A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THE FORD AND MERCURY VEHICLES FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL WERE DESIGNED THE SAME WAY. THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ON THE INSIDE ALSO BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ABNORMAL WEAR, WHICH THE OWNER STATED COULD ALSO BE THE RACK AND PINION OR THE TIE ROD. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000.
Other years of Mercury Mountaineer
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