U.S. public vehicle records

Ford MOUNTAINEER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

39 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

69,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 to 2004 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 39 complaints (7.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	5	12.8%
Transmission and shifting	4	10.3%
Steering behavior	4	10.3%
Engine operation	3	7.7%
Electrical and battery issues	2	5.1%
Fuel system concerns	1	2.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Tires:Tread/Belt

Vehicle Speed Control

Electrical System

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	3
Tires:Tread/Belt	3
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Electrical System	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock	2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)	2
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	2

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3; Tires:Tread/Belt: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Electrical System: 2; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl): 2; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000

2001

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2013

2014

2000: 7; 2001: 1; 2003: 7; 2004: 4; 2005: 4; 2006: 2; 2007: 9; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 876944 · 2000-12-22 (December 22, 2000)

WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES PEDAL BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD AND RESISTS APPLICATION, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 876944 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020298 · 2003-05-21 (May 21, 2003)

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020298 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020299 · 2003-05-21 (May 21, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION/MAIN COMPUTER, NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020299 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10185362 · 2007-03-16 (March 16, 2007)

I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REBUILT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD IT COST ME $1400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE IT REBUILT I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2003 I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.I KEEP GETTING THE SAME OLD SOUND AND DANCE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC WHO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISLOTED INCIDENT. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEN WITH FORD CARS AND TRUCK…

Owner-reported narrative. 851,655 miles reported. Look up ODI 10185362 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10558146 · 2014-01-02 (January 2, 2014)

CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY GOT IN NEXT MORNING CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY MELTED.FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS THEY SAID MY MODEL WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THIS PARTICULAR PLANT. ONE SIDE MELTED 2 MONTHS LATER OTHER SIDE MELTED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS AFFECTED AIR BAG. I AM 84 YRS OLD AND AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR WORRIED FIRE COULD START WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 67,950 miles reported. Look up ODI 10558146 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 889958 · 2001-06-07 (June 7, 2001)

MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE FOOT OF WATER AT 5 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 889958 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10152447 · 2006-03-10 (March 10, 2006)

MY 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WAS HAVING A SLOW START FOR THE PAST MONTH. A FEW TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, SOUNDING AS IF THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. IT WAS HAPPENING DURING THE COLD WEATHER SO WE ATTRIBUTED THESE SYMPTOMS TO THE COLD. WE HAD BATTERY CHECKED AND IT WAS FINE. ON MARCH 9,2006 WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHT FIRE. THANKS TO SOME FAST RESPONDING NEIGHBORS THERE WAS NO FIRE DAMAGE TO MY HOUSE. THE FIRE WAS MAINLY NEAR THE SOLENOID OR THE STARTER AND EVERYTHING IS COMPLETELY FIRE DAMAGED. I READ THAT THERE WAS …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10152447 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10193864 · 2007-06-20 (June 20, 2007)

THERE IS A CRACK THAT EXTENDS DOWN THE LIFTGATE ON THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. IF THIS CRACK IS NOT REPAIRED INEVITABLY THERE WILL BE WATER DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE LIFT DOOR SUCH AS A FAILURE OF THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER AND REAR WINDOW WIPER. I WISH TO HAVE THIS FAILURE REPAIRED AT MY FORD AUTHORIZED DEALER AT YOUR COST. ADDITIONALLY, THE TWO REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT LET DOWN. I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AND HAVE REPLACED ONE THAT WAS BROKEN. IT SOLVED THE PROBLEM ONCE. THE PR…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10193864 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10126732 · 2005-06-27 (June 27, 2005)

THE FEUL GAUGE BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING AND I TOOK THE VECHILE TO COUNTRY LINCOLN MERCURY WEST (676 WEST MERRICK ROAD VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 PHONE: [phone removed] FAX: [phone removed] ). THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, THERE WAS A SSM ON THE FUEL GAUGE. I THEN NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I CAME OUT OF THE VECHILE. WITHIN A WEEK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I RETURNED THE VICHELE TO THE SAME DEALER ON JUNE 21, 2005 ONLY TO FIND OUT THE GAS TANK WAS NOT SEALING PROPERELY. I AM BEING TOLD FORD DON'T HAVE ANY GAS TANK AVAILABLE UNTIL…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10126732 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

1997: 0; 1998: 1; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2004: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Ford MOUNTAINEER model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1997	7	0	Not available
1998	5	1	+1
1999	6	0	-1
2000	2	0	0
2001	1	0	0
2002	11	1	+1
2003	3	1	0
2004	4	0	-1

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

39 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

46.2%Usable mileage18 / 39 records

76.9%Valid incident date30 / 39 records

100.0%Valid filing date39 / 39 records

76.9%Ordered incident and filing dates30 / 39 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	327.3% ODI 10020299 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION/MAIN COMPUTER, NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE. *NLM Look up ODI 10020299 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires:Tread/Belt	114.3% ODI 555513 FIRESTONE TIRE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005 SHREDDED. *SLC Look up ODI 555513 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 555393 CONSUMER REPLACED FIRESTONE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005, CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC Look up ODI 555393 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	114.3% ODI 10558146 · 67,950 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY GOT IN NEXT MORNING CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY MELTED.FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS THEY SAID MY MODEL WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THIS PARTICULAR PLANT. ONE SIDE MELTED 2 MONTHS LATER OTHER SIDE MELTED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS AFFECTED AIR BAG. I AM 84 YRS OLD AND AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR WORRIED FIRE COULD START WHILE DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10558146 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10217117 TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IN AUGUST OF 2007 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000. UPDATED 02-25-08 BF Look up ODI 10217117 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 10020298 WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. *NLM Look up ODI 10020298 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10552420 THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR DOES NOT RELEASE: NOW THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE'VE BOOSTED IT AND IT WOULD RUN BUT ONCE TURNED OFF IT WOULD NOT TURN ON AGAIN. *TR Look up ODI 10552420 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10125734 · 13,000 mi I DRIVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON MY WIFE AND I NUMEROUS DIFFERENT TIMES WITH IN THE 14 MONTHS OF OWNING THE SUV. AT ONE POINT WE WERE ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT WITH OUR 1 YEAR DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD COMPANY 6 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE IS UNLESS FORD CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO ALLOW US TO RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED THE ZONE MANGER WHAT THEY CAN DO THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT A COMPUTER INSTRUMENT ON THE CAR AND DUPLICATE THE PROBLE… Look up ODI 10125734 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock	114.3% ODI 10012416 · 80,000 mi THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR, DOOR HANDLES AND LOCKS WERE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATED NOW AT 90,000 THE HANDLE AND LOCKS NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB THE LIFT GATE WILL NOT OPEN, 1 OR 2 DOOR LOCKS HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A LONG TIME. SCC Look up ODI 10012416 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10191467 · 71,000 mi 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 GU… Look up ODI 10191467 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	218.2% ODI 10068562 INTERMITTENTLY STEERING WHEEL DID NOT MOVE. THE GEAR SHIFT DID NOT MOVE FROM PARK, AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND NEITHER COULD LOCATE THE CAUSES OF THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10068562 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	114.3% ODI 10033804 · 38,000 mi SEATBACK IS LOOSE AND KEEPS FALLING BACKWARDS. CAUSE UNKWOWN.*AK Look up ODI 10033804 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10108818 RECALL CAMPAIGN: NOTICE RECEIVED FOR 03S04 DRIVER SEAT RECLINER BOLT. BF THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL SERVICE . AFTER A SUGGESTED RADIATOR FLUSH THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE SERVICE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED AN INVOICE FOR COMPLETED SERVICE BUT NO RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. TC Look up ODI 10108818 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	114.3% ODI 876944 WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES PEDAL BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD AND RESISTS APPLICATION, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 876944 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10196096 · 44,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10196096 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	459,828 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10185362 · 851,655 mi I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REBUILT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD IT COST ME $1400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE IT REBUILT I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2003 I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.I KEEP GETTING THE SAME OLD SOUND AND DANCE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC WHO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISLOTED INCIDENT. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEN WITH FORD CARS AND TRUCK… Look up ODI 10185362 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10197961 · 68,000 mi TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHUDDER WHEN SHIFTING, HAD DEALER POWER FLUSH AND FILL TRANSMISSION AND REPROGRAM PCM THIS FIXED PROBLEM FOR 3 DAYS, THEN PROBLEM RETURNED. HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION CAN GO OUT ANYTIME SO REPAIRS HAVE TO BE DONE AT A COST OF $3600.00 AT DEALER. *JB Look up ODI 10197961 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	67,950 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10558146 · 67,950 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY GOT IN NEXT MORNING CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY MELTED.FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS THEY SAID MY MODEL WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THIS PARTICULAR PLANT. ONE SIDE MELTED 2 MONTHS LATER OTHER SIDE MELTED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS AFFECTED AIR BAG. I AM 84 YRS OLD AND AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR WORRIED FIRE COULD START WHILE DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10558146 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	13,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10125734 · 13,000 mi I DRIVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON MY WIFE AND I NUMEROUS DIFFERENT TIMES WITH IN THE 14 MONTHS OF OWNING THE SUV. AT ONE POINT WE WERE ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT WITH OUR 1 YEAR DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD COMPANY 6 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE IS UNLESS FORD CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO ALLOW US TO RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED THE ZONE MANGER WHAT THEY CAN DO THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT A COMPUTER INSTRUMENT ON THE CAR AND DUPLICATE THE PROBLE… Look up ODI 10125734 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock	Too few reports for a range	75,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10012416 · 80,000 mi THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR, DOOR HANDLES AND LOCKS WERE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATED NOW AT 90,000 THE HANDLE AND LOCKS NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB THE LIFT GATE WILL NOT OPEN, 1 OR 2 DOOR LOCKS HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A LONG TIME. SCC Look up ODI 10012416 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10191467 · 71,000 mi 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 GU… Look up ODI 10191467 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)	Too few reports for a range	851,655 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10185362 · 851,655 mi I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REBUILT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD IT COST ME $1400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE IT REBUILT I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2003 I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.I KEEP GETTING THE SAME OLD SOUND AND DANCE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC WHO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISLOTED INCIDENT. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEN WITH FORD CARS AND TRUCK… Look up ODI 10185362 at NHTSA ↗
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	Too few reports for a range	38,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10033804 · 38,000 mi SEATBACK IS LOOSE AND KEEPS FALLING BACKWARDS. CAUSE UNKWOWN.*AK Look up ODI 10033804 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	44,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10196096 · 44,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10196096 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2003: 0 complaints · 2004: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2003	0	0	0
2004	0	2	2

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2003	3	0	0
2004	4	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Tires:Tread/Belt	Vehicle Speed Control	Electrical System	Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock	Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)	Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10185362 · 851,655 mi I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REBUILT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD IT COST ME $1400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE IT REBUILT I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2003 I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.I KEEP GETTING THE SAME OLD SOUND AND DANCE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC WHO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISLOTED INCIDENT. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEN WITH FORD CARS AND TRUCK… Look up ODI 10185362 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Tires:Tread/Belt	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)	1 ODI 10185362 · 851,655 mi I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER REBUILT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD IT COST ME $1400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE IT REBUILT I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2003 I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.I KEEP GETTING THE SAME OLD SOUND AND DANCE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC WHO REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISLOTED INCIDENT. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEN WITH FORD CARS AND TRUCK… Look up ODI 10185362 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 13,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 889958

MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE FOOT OF WATER AT 5 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 889958 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10020299

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION/MAIN COMPUTER, NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020299 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10125734 · 13,000 mi

I DRIVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON MY WIFE AND I NUMEROUS DIFFERENT TIMES WITH IN THE 14 MONTHS OF OWNING THE SUV. AT ONE POINT WE WERE ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT WITH OUR 1 YEAR DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD COMPANY 6 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE IS UNLESS FORD CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO ALLOW US TO RECEIVE A NEW VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED THE ZONE MANGER WHAT THEY CAN DO THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT A COMPUTER INSTRUMENT ON THE CAR AND DUPLICATE THE PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10125734 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 5.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10152447

Look up ODI 10152447 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10552420

THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR DOES NOT RELEASE: NOW THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE'VE BOOSTED IT AND IT WOULD RUN BUT ONCE TURNED OFF IT WOULD NOT TURN ON AGAIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10552420 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 5.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 889958

MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE FOOT OF WATER AT 5 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 889958 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 863811

WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT IT MAKES A LOUD NOISE. NOISE SOUNDS LIKE METAL WAS RUBBING TOGETHER. DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTUER ARE UNAWARE OF A REMEDY FOR DEFECT. DEALERSHIP HAS ADVISED CONSUMER THAT DEFECT CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING TO GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Look up ODI 863811 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10119834 · 20,000 mi

CONTACT STATED: FAMILY HAD JUST COME BACK FROM A FOUR HOUR ROAD TRIP AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL. HUSBAND WAS IN CAR WHEN IT IDLED NORMALLY, BUT AS SOON AS IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE IT LURCHED BACKWARD VERY QUICKLY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS STOPPED FINALLY IT WAS THEN PUT INTO DRIVE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN CAR LURCHED FORWARD. SUBSEQUENTLY, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DURING THE ENTIRE EVENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10119834 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10126732

Look up ODI 10126732 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b