2010 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 2010 Mercury Mountaineer problems
The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 is a popular SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on the complaints from the owners:
- Crack on Lift Gate: A common issue with the Mercury Mountaineer 2010 is a crack on the lift gate. This problem is caused by the design of the lift gate, which is prone to cracking due to the weight of the tailgate and the pressure applied when it is closed. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the lift gate, which can be expensive.
- Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting: Another common problem with the Mercury Mountaineer 2010 is the heater getting stuck on the hottest setting. This issue is caused by a broken heater blend door, which controls the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the heater blend door, which can be a complicated and expensive repair.
- Problems with 5-speed Automatic Transmission: The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 has a 5-speed automatic transmission, which is prone to problems. The most common issues include slipping, jerking, and shifting hard. These problems are caused by worn-out clutches, solenoids, and other components of the transmission. The only way to fix these issues is to replace the faulty parts or rebuild the transmission, which can be expensive.
- Front Hub Assemblies: The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 has front hub assemblies that are prone to failure. The most common symptoms of this problem include a helicopter noise or a jet plane sound, especially when turning. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the front hub assemblies, which can be expensive.
- Electronic Running Boards: The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 has electronic running boards that are prone to corrosion and failure, especially in areas with a lot of salt and sand. The most common symptoms of this problem include the running boards staying down or not working at all. The only way to fix this issue is to take them apart, clean and lubricate all the components, and replace them if they are corroded beyond repair.
- Shift Interlock Control Module: The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 has a shift interlock control module that is prone to failure. The most common symptom of this problem is the car not shifting out of park. This issue is caused by moisture getting into the module, especially if someone spills coffee or other beverages down in there. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the module, which can be expensive.
- Heater Control Actuator and Door: The Mercury Mountaineer 2010 has a heater control actuator and door that are prone to failure. The most common symptoms of this problem include the heat being stuck in the on position or a clicking noise coming from the dash. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the actuator and door, which can be a complicated and expensive repair.
These are some of the most common problems with the Mercury Mountaineer 2010 based on the complaints from the owners. If you own this vehicle or are considering buying one, it is essential to be aware of these issues and their potential solutions. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring or catch them early before they become more serious and expensive to fix.
2010 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Mercury Mountaineer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2010 Mercury Mountaineer complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-08
- VIN: 4M2EN4JE5AU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer had provided an incorrect error code. The vehicle was also diagnosed by an authorized Ford tech who confirmed the failure with the computer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
SEATS,INTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-30
- VIN: 4M2EN4HE2AU
- Components: SEATS,INTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED TO SLIDE BACKWARDS AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT MADE A 360 DEGREE SPIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-01
- VIN: 4M2EN4HE3AU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DOORS LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONING AND CODING NUMBERS NOT FUNCTIONING. BEING LOCKED OUT WHEN USING CODE #S. CHAIN CRANKIN HARSHLY BUT NOT UNLOCKING DOORS. WHEN USING KEY INSTEAD OF CODE KEY DOES NOT UNLOCK NOR LOCK ANY DOORS EXCEPT DRIVERS DOOR LOCK.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-10
- VIN: 4M2EN4J82AU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS FILLING WITH WATER PASS THE FILL PLUG. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT CAR AND NEVER OFF ROAD NOR DIRVEN IN DEEP WATER. FIRST TIME DISCOVERED AT 22000 MILES AND THE DEALER REPLACE THE PINION SEAL AND OIL, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. DIFFERENTIAL NOW MAKING NOISE AND AGAIN FULL OF WATER PAST THE FILL PLUG. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH FORD PRODUCTS. DEALER CANNOT FIND OR NOT WILLING TO FIND THE CAUSE. CALLED FORD AND THEY OFFER LITTLE TO NO SUPPORT. GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE DIFFERENTIALS TO LOCK UP AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND KILL A DOZEN OF SO PEOPLE.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-23
- VIN: 4M2EN4HE7AU
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE CAR STALLS. IT ALSO STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-10
- VIN: 4M2EN4J86AU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LATCH BOTH OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELTS, THE BELTS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-06
- VIN: 4M2EN4JE1AU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES STARTED AUTOMATICALLY SEIZING UP RANDOM TIMES AND SPEEDS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT DISRUPTED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSORS. THIS CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING ISSUE. FORD REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OR PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *TR
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-13
- VIN: 4M2EN4JE1AU
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: SEE BELOW FROM: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC [MAILTO:[email protected]] SENT: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 8:57 AM TO: [XXX] CT: RE: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES CRM:01660000000018 HELLO[XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX], I AM FROM FORD`S CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER (CRC). I HAVE REVIEWED YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE CONCERNS ON YOUR 2010 MOUNTAINEER. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSIDERS THE SATISFACTION OF ITS OWNERS TO BE ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES. WE COMMIT VERY SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES AND EFFORT IN A SINCERE ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE CONCERNS OF OUR OWNERS. HOWEVER, LIMITS MUST BE PLACED ON THOSE EFFORTS. AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WE ARE SUPPORTING THE PREVIOUS DECISION AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REIMBURSE YOU FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY. WE ARE SORRY THAT WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS. SINCERELY, [XXX] CUSTTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY FROM: GENERIC - CRC CONTACT RECEIVED: 3/18/2014 5:45 PM TO: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC SUBJECT: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:THE VEHICLES BRAKES STARTED LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT CAUSED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING SCENARIO WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:N/A WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE REPAIRS ARE YOU THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE :YES MILEAGE : 38000 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : INPOSSESSION HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :NO INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-17
- VIN: 4M2EN4JE1AU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FROM: TIER 1 EMAIL - [XXX] SENT: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 8:57 AM TO: [XXX]SUBJECT: RE: VEHICLE SERVICE ISSUES CRM:01660000000018 [XXX], MY NAME IS [XXX], I AM FROM FORD`S CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER (CRC). I HAVE REVIEWED YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE CONCERNS ON YOUR 2010 MOUNTAINEER. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSIDERS THE SATISFACTION OF ITS OWNERS TO BE ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES. WE COMMIT VERY SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES AND EFFORT IN A SINCERE ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE CONCERNS OF OUR OWNERS. HOWEVER, LIMITS MUST BE PLACED ON THOSE EFFORTS. AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WE ARE SUPPORTING THE PREVIOUS DECISION AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REIMBURSE YOU FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY. WE ARE SORRY THAT WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS. [XXX]FORD MOTOR COMPANY ------------------- ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------------- FROM: GENERIC - CRC CONTACT RECEIVED: 3/18/2014 5:45 PM TO: TIER 1 EMAIL - CRCFMC WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:THE VEHICLES BRAKES STARTED LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT CAUSED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING SCENARIO WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:N/A WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE REPAIRS ARE YOU THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE :YES VIN : [XXX] MILEAGE : 38000 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : INPOSSESSION HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :NO DEALER NAME : N/A INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-14
- Components: STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THERE IS A MANUFACTURING FAULT WITH THE POSITION OF THE BRAKE AND THE GAS PEDAL. IT IS VERY EASY TO MOVE THE RIGHT FOOT FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE AND LEAVE ENOUGH OF THE FOOT ON THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME. IT ALLOWS THE BRAKE TO BE PRESSED BUT ALSO APPLIES GAS TO GIVE A VEHICLE A SURGE WHILE BRAKING. HAD THE SAME SITUATION WITH A 2001 FORD TAURUS AND FORD ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE PLACEMENT OF PEDALS CHANGED. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-02
- VIN: 4M2EN4JE7AU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE MOUNTAINEER I WAS SLOWING FOR A STOPLIGHT SHORTLY AFTER STARTING IT UP (HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 1/3 MILE). THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO SPEED UP AND REQUIRED SIGNIFICANT EXTRA BRAKING FORCE TO COME TO A STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE RAN AT ABOUT 3,300 RPM FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE SECOND TIME THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BUT NO DEFECT COULD BE FOUND. THE SECOND TIME I ALSO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT ALSO RAN AT ABOUT 3,300 RPM FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-09
- VIN: 4M2EN4J86AU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-07
- VIN: 4M2EN3HE0AU
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, PLACED SHIFTER IN PARK, TURNED OFF IGNITION, RELEASED BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AS IF NOT IN PARK. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE AND NO RESPONSE. SET PARKING BRAKE. COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO PARK, SHIFTER MOVED REGARDLESS OF BRAKE ON OR NOT AND WOULD NOT START. MOVED SHIFTER THROUGH ENTIRE RANGE OF GEARS AND RETURNED TO PARK, VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START AND PARK WOULD NOT HOLD. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN. RETURNED TO VEHICLE AND TRIED ONCE MORE AND IT STARTED AND PROCEEDED TO RESPOND NORMALLY. VEHICLE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM OR CAUSE OF PRECEDING SITUATION. ON TWO SUBSEQUENT DATES (MOST RECENT 5/25/2012), VEHICLE WAS BACKED INTO A PARKING SPACE, PLACED IN PARK AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN AN ATTEMPT TO RESTART VEHICLE WAS MADE THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. PARK APPEARED TO HOLD NORMAL, BUT UNABLE TO ENGAGE IGNITION. DASH LIGHTS, CHIMES AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS APPEAR TO WORK NORMAL BUT WAS STILL UNABLE TO ENGAGE STARTER. AGAIN STARTED PROCESS TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR OF SITTING (WITH NO OTHER ACTION) VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. AGAIN DEALER AT A LOSS FOR CAUSE AND CANNOT EFFECT REPAIR SINCE UNABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM. CONCERN IS FOR TRANSMISSION/IGNITION INTERLOCK FAILURE OR OTHER ACTION THAT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE OR INJURY. *TR
2010 Mercury Mountaineer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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