2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The contact's daughter owns a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that while her husband and her daughter were inspecting the engine compartment of the vehicle, the hinges of the hood failed, causing the hood to drop inadvertently. The contact's husband sustained a laceration on the arm but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the hood hinges were replaced. Additionally, the contact purchased a stick to hold the hood open. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

1 injured

I unlocked my vehicle, put the key in the ignition and it made a noise, then immediately after that failure to start, everything stopped working. No lights, will not lock doors, no clicking sound as if it were a dead battery.

THE O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND IT DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC ITS VARY DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY BECAME DIM AND SHUT OFF. AFTER THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED BACK ON AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK(APPROX 12 MILES) AND DECIDED I'D TRY OUT THE CRUISE CONTROL IN MY NEWLY ACQUIRED 2000 MOUNTAINEER 302 AWD. THE FIRST PART OF THE COMMUTE IS WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER HARMLESS AND A VERY SAFE STRETCH TO TEST OUT THIS FEATURE SO I PRESS THE CRUISE BUTTON TO SET MY SPEED AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55MPH. ALL WAS WELL UNTIL I APPROACHED A SHARP HAIR PIN CURVE ABOUT 4 MILES INTO THE TRIP. I GENTLY STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO CANCEL THE CRUISE BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T RESPOND TO MY ATTEMPT. IN A STATE OF PANIC, I FIRMLY APPLY THE BRAKE TO REDUCE SPEED AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO DROP APPROXIMATELY 6-7 MPH. STILL WELL ABOVE THE ADVISED LIMIT FOR THAT PARTICULAR CURVE. AFTER MAKING IT THOUGH THE CURVE, THE MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED AND I WAS OFF TO THE RACES. I PANICKED AND IN DOING SO, FAILED TO PROCESS AND THINK CLEARLY. MY INSTINCT WAS TO KEEP POUNDING ON THE BRAKES IN HOPE THAT THE CRUISE CABLE WITH BREAK OR POP FREE. AT 70MPH MY BRAKES WERE USELESS. IT ACCELERATED JUST PAST 80MPH AND FINALLY RIGHT BEFORE MY TURN OFF ONTO THE ROAD THAT I LIVE, MY HEAD CLEARED AND I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD. AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE, EVERY OUNCE OF COOLANT WAS BEING SHOT OUT OF THE RADIATOR AND ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE GLOWING CHERRY RED. I WAS SCARED THE THING WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. LIKE INCIDENT REPORT PRIOR TO MINE, MY CRUISE CABLE RETAINER HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS NO LONGER ANCHORED TO ITS USUAL POSITION. FORD HAS A MAJOR FLAW IN THE WAY THIS SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED AND NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION SO SOMEONE DOESN'T GET KILLED. HANDS DOWN, THE ABSOLUTE SCARIEST SITUATION I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.

REAR DOOR LATCH IS INOPERATIVE. ALSO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS INOPERATIVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALSO DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALSO DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

Fire

I WAS DRIVING TO AN INTERSECTION WITH MY FAMILY WHILE GOING 45 MPH. I NOTICED BLACK COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I PULLED OFF TO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I PROCEEDED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNDER THE HOOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT IT OUT. THEY DID A LOOK THROUGH AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE FUSE BOX. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I'M NOW OUT THE 6500 I USED TO PURCHASE IT. I CANT FIX IT OR TRADE IT IN NOW. *TR

Fire

I WAS DRIVING TO AN INTERSECTION WITH MY FAMILY WHILE GOING 45 MPH. I NOTICED BLACK COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I PULLED OFF TO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I PROCEEDED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNDER THE HOOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT IT OUT. THEY DID A LOOK THROUGH AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE FUSE BOX. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I'M NOW OUT THE 6500 I USED TO PURCHASE IT. I CANT FIX IT OR TRADE IT IN NOW. *TR

Fire

I WAS DRIVING TO AN INTERSECTION WITH MY FAMILY WHILE GOING 45 MPH. I NOTICED BLACK COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I PULLED OFF TO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I PROCEEDED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNDER THE HOOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT IT OUT. THEY DID A LOOK THROUGH AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE FUSE BOX. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I'M NOW OUT THE 6500 I USED TO PURCHASE IT. I CANT FIX IT OR TRADE IT IN NOW. *TR

Fire

I WAS DRIVING DON THE ROAD TO AN INTERSECTION GOING 45 MPH AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GOT MY FAMILY OUT THE CAR BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL WAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH TWO EXTINGUISHERS AND HELP FROM FELLOW BYSTANDERS. THE BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD HAD TO BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I RECEIVED A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT. THE AREA THAT THE FIRE HAD ORIGINATED FROM WAS THE FUSE BOX. I KNOW THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO ANY WORK IN THOSE AREAS. I WOULD LIKE COMPENSATION FOR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I'M NOW OUT 6500 DOLLARS AND I SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ ABOUT OVER A 100 EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER FIRES UNDER THE HOOD. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND I OWNED IT OVER 10 YEARS. *TR

Fire

I WAS DRIVING DON THE ROAD TO AN INTERSECTION GOING 45 MPH AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GOT MY FAMILY OUT THE CAR BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL WAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH TWO EXTINGUISHERS AND HELP FROM FELLOW BYSTANDERS. THE BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD HAD TO BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I RECEIVED A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT. THE AREA THAT THE FIRE HAD ORIGINATED FROM WAS THE FUSE BOX. I KNOW THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO ANY WORK IN THOSE AREAS. I WOULD LIKE COMPENSATION FOR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I'M NOW OUT 6500 DOLLARS AND I SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ ABOUT OVER A 100 EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER FIRES UNDER THE HOOD. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND I OWNED IT OVER 10 YEARS. *TR

Fire

I WAS DRIVING DON THE ROAD TO AN INTERSECTION GOING 45 MPH AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GOT MY FAMILY OUT THE CAR BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL WAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH TWO EXTINGUISHERS AND HELP FROM FELLOW BYSTANDERS. THE BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD HAD TO BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I RECEIVED A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT. THE AREA THAT THE FIRE HAD ORIGINATED FROM WAS THE FUSE BOX. I KNOW THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO ANY WORK IN THOSE AREAS. I WOULD LIKE COMPENSATION FOR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I'M NOW OUT 6500 DOLLARS AND I SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ ABOUT OVER A 100 EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER FIRES UNDER THE HOOD. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND I OWNED IT OVER 10 YEARS. *TR

Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS BECAME INOPERABLE AT TIMES AND TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE LATCH WOULD OPEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Fire

I AM DISABLE ON JUNE 11, 2014 I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY FLAMES GUSHED FROM THE DASH I STOPPED THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF FIRE WIPPED MY RIGHT SIDE AND I BROKE MY ANKLE TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. *JS

Fire 1 injured

WATER LEAKAGE IN INTERIOR OF VEHICLE IS A HEALTH HAZARD DUE TO MOLD ISSUES, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN. SICKNESS FROM MOLD CAN BE A LIFELONG AFFLICTION. IT IS A HEALTH SAFETY ISSUE. WATER LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR OF A CAR, WHETHER BY DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY OR DEFECTIVE DESIGN, SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD (AND PROBABLY OTHER MAKE) VEHICLES THAT HAVE MOONROOFS OR SUNROOFS. THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP THIS. FORD'S IMPLICIT DENIAL OF BLAME IS A MORAL FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WAS SENT TO FORD... WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:MY 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER HAS BEEN LEAKING IN THE INTERIOR FROM A KINKED MOONROOF DRAIN HOSE. I TOOK IT TO A BODYSHOP TO BE REPAIRED. THE DRAIN HOSE WAS PERMANENTLY KINKED FROM SLOPPY ASSEMBLY. THE DRAIN HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:MY DEALER SAW THE DRAIN HOSE AND AGREED IT WAS A FACTORY ASSEMBLY DEFECT. THEY GAVE ME THE 1-800-392-3673 AND TOLD ME TO CONTACT THAT NUMBER FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE COST TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROTOCOL OR RECALL TO ADDRESS THE DRAIN HOSE ISSUE. RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS TO BE A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:FORD SHOULD AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE DRAIN HOSE. $272.85. THERE WERE OTHER ISSUES SUCH AS MOLD WHICH I WAS ABLE TO FIX MYSELF. I STILL HAVE THE DEFECTIVE DRAIN HOSE. I AM CERTAIN THE DEALER WOULD PROVIDE AN AFFADAVIT THAT THIS WAS AN ASSEMBLY DEFECT. I CAN ALSO SEND A PHOTO. ARE YOU THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE :YES VIN : [XXX] MILEAGE : 150000 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : INPOSSESSION HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :YES DEALER NAME : WESTLIE FORD INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 06/26/13*LJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 06/27/13 *BF UPDATED UPDATED 07/02/2013 *JS

Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 06/26/13*LJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 06/27/13 *BF UPDATED UPDATED 07/02/2013 *JS

Fire

I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 2YRS. NOW. I KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR. I KEEP THE OIL CHANGED TIRES ROTATED, BRAKES FIXED, PASS THE EMISSION TEST EVERY YEAR SINCE PURCHASING IT. I'VE HAD THIS SQUEALING HIGH PITCH GRINDING NOISE COMIN FROM THE REAR TIRES.IT IS VERY LOUD. I HAVE NEW BRAKES ALL THE WAY AROUND,SHOES,ROTORS,PADS,IN IT STILL MAKES THIS VERY LOUD NOISE.IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER SINCE I HAVE ALL NEW BRAKES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS NOISE IS, BUT I KNOW ITS EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE,CAUSE THE NOISE IS SO LOUD. *TR

BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT LIGHTING. FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, THEN POOF OF SMOKE AT FUSE INSIDE, AND UNDER HOOD SMOKE CONTINUED FOR 2 MINUTES. FOUND CONNECTOR FOR SWITCH ON MASTER CYLINDER WAS MELTED AND SWITCH IS STILL BAD. DISCONNECTED CONNECTOR FROM SHORTED SWITCH CAUSING FUSE TO BLOW. THEN REPLACED FUSE AND NOW BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. CRUISE CONTROL WAS INTERMITTENT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. CONNECTOR IS TIED TO KEEP IT SECURE UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE. *TR

Fire

BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT LIGHTING. FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, THEN POOF OF SMOKE AT FUSE INSIDE, AND UNDER HOOD SMOKE CONTINUED FOR 2 MINUTES. FOUND CONNECTOR FOR SWITCH ON MASTER CYLINDER WAS MELTED AND SWITCH IS STILL BAD. DISCONNECTED CONNECTOR FROM SHORTED SWITCH CAUSING FUSE TO BLOW. THEN REPLACED FUSE AND NOW BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. CRUISE CONTROL WAS INTERMITTENT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. CONNECTOR IS TIED TO KEEP IT SECURE UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE. *TR

Fire

BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT LIGHTING. FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, THEN POOF OF SMOKE AT FUSE INSIDE, AND UNDER HOOD SMOKE CONTINUED FOR 2 MINUTES. FOUND CONNECTOR FOR SWITCH ON MASTER CYLINDER WAS MELTED AND SWITCH IS STILL BAD. DISCONNECTED CONNECTOR FROM SHORTED SWITCH CAUSING FUSE TO BLOW. THEN REPLACED FUSE AND NOW BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. CRUISE CONTROL WAS INTERMITTENT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. CONNECTOR IS TIED TO KEEP IT SECURE UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE. *TR

Fire

WHILE I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM A FILE CABINET AGAINST THE BACK WALL. THEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO MOVE BACK A FEW INCHES FOR BETTER CLEARANCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE FILE CABINET AND TOTALED IT PLUS DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, GRILL AND HOOD. NOTE THAT APPLYING THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. VERY THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPEN. *TR

Crash

WHILE I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM A FILE CABINET AGAINST THE BACK WALL. THEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO MOVE BACK A FEW INCHES FOR BETTER CLEARANCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE FILE CABINET AND TOTALED IT PLUS DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, GRILL AND HOOD. NOTE THAT APPLYING THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. VERY THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPEN. *TR

Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY FORTY-FIVE MINUTES WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT FRACTURED AND COLLAPSED BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS DONE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS DO NOT WORK ON ALL THE DOORS. I'VE HAD THESE LOCKS WORKED ON, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO NOT WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN YOU TRY THE AUTO-LOCKS, AND THE LOCK CANNOT BE MANUALLY PULLED UP, THUS LEAVING THE REAR-SEATED OCCUPANT TRAPPED IN THE CAR. THIS OFTEN TIMES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AS WELL. IT ALSO HAPPENS WITH THE REAR HATCH. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH HOUSING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. ..UPDATED 09/29/11 *BF THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/07/11

I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER THAT STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 70K MILES. IT HAS AN AOD TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN I WOULD HIT THE GAS TO DRIVE. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE SUV FROM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WAS LOW ON TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM SO I HAD THEM FILL THE FLUID. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY IT STARTED GOING THROUGH FLUID AND AT AROUND 85K MILES IT SLOWLY STARTED HAVING THE SHIFTING PROBLEMS AGAIN. NOW IT HARDLY SHIFT AT ALL. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE 2000'S TRANSMISSIONS FOR BOTH THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND FORD EXPLORERS. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE MANY TIMES WHERE I WAS MERGING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ONLY TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION FAIL TO ENGAGE AND I'VE ALMOST BEEN BROADSIDED BY THE ONCOMING CAR. HERE IS A WEBSITE THAT TALKS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MERCURY/MOUNTAINEER/2002/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_FAILURE.SHTML PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND HELP US GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BECAME ENGULFED INTO MASSIVE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED WITH NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOWING FACILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fire

CAR WAS IN PARK - AFTER RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE - I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHAFT BROKE OFF - COULD NOT PUT THE CAR IN GEAR - VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL AT THE TIME. *TR

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION FAILURE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 64,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN POWER FLUSHED BY OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH NO CORRECTION, WE WERE TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS SHIFT FLARE, WITH THE O/D LIGHT FLASHING IS COMMON WITH ALL 5R55E TRANSMISSIONS WITH 4.0L V6 ENGINES. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD BE BEST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A FACTORY REMANUFACTURED UNIT, RATHER THAN TRY TO REPAIR THE OLD TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2500.00 TO $3000.00 DOLLARS. WE ARE NOW TO A POINT WHERE WE CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY GREAT DISTANCE OTHER THAN RIGHT AROUND TOWN. ASSISTANCE FROM FORD WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THIS VEHICLE IS THE FOURTH FORD PRODUCT WE HAVE OWNED, WE NOW HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT OUR 2005 F150 4X4 SUPERCREW WE USE TO PULL OUR 26' TRAVEL TRAILER APPROX 4860LBS. OUR VEHICLE IS IN WONDERFUL CONDITION AND WE DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF IT, THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HELP ALL THE LOYAL FORD OWNERS THAT HAVE BELIEVED IN THERE PRODUCTS FOR MANY YEARS. *TR

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES NOW. *TR

JUST BOUGHT A USED 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER AND THIS MORNING WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND IT IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN AND STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE OF BEING ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. PUT IT BACK INTO PARK AND TRIED AGAIN TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. LOOKED UP ON GOOGLE AND NOW FIND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN INHERITED PROBLEM THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING. WHAT IS OUR RECOURSE ON THIS MATTER? *TR

NO SINGLE EVENT LED TO THE FAILURE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE REAR LIFT DOOR OF THE MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE MOUNTING PLATES FOR THE REAR DOOR HINGES HAVE FAILED. NOTE THAT THE HINGES HAVE NOT FAILED. THE FAILURE IS IN THE MOUNTING POINT IN THE DOOR. ONE SIDE HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH AND THE OTHER SIDE HAS PARTIALLY CRACKED. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT IF BOTH MOUNT POINTS FAIL THERE WILL NOT BE ANY THING HOLDING THE TOP OF THE REAR LIFT DOOR. THE DOOR COULD THEREFORE SEPARATE FROM THE CAR AND FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. IF THE MOUNT POINTS FAIL, THE ONLY ITEMS HOLDING THE DOOR WOULD BE THE SIDE LIFT CYLINDERS. THESE CYLINDERS WOULD NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO KEEP THE DOOR ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED 2 DAYS AGO. ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR ARE LIMITED TO GETTING ESTIMATES TO FIX PROBLEM. MERCURY DEALER REPRESENTATIVE WAS NOT HELPFUL SINCE VEHICLE IS A 2000 MOUNTAINEER AND NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY. HIS RESPONSE WAS LIMITED TO SAYING HE HAD NEVER SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE AND GIVING ME THE NAME OF A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR STRUCTURAL FAILURE AND A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IF THE HINGE MOUNTS FAIL COMPLETELY AND THE DOOR FALLS OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY, A MAJOR ACCIDENT MIGHT RESULT. *TR

FIRE UNDER HOOD WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE ENGINE, WIRING, BATTERY, FRONT TIRES, ALL RUBBER PARTS, BELTS DESTROYED. LOOKS TO BE TOTALED/BURT BEYOND REPAIR. *TR

Fire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS TIRES, SIZE P/235/75/R15. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY LOSE TIRE PRESSURE. HE TOOK THE TIRES TO A TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INNER SIDEWALL WAS SEPARATING ON ALL FOUR TIRES. HE CONCLUDED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL OF THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE CONTACT STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE OLD ONES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,140.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. SHE IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2007. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY HER VIA MAIL WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVE. AS OF APRIL 2, 2008, THE CONTACT HAS NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THEY STILL DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 05S28. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 04/16/08. *LJ

2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH A RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2007 AND THE VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. *KB THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. *JB

I RECEIVED A MOTIVE IN AUGUST 2007 WHICH ADVISED ME TO CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS AUTHORIZED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO "INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM" OF MY 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER (RECALL: 05S28). THAT UNTIL THIS REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, I SHOULD PARK MY VEHICLE "AWAY FROM STRUCTURES TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRE FROM SPREADING". I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THIS NOTICE, ALWAYS BEING TOLD THAT THE "REQUIRED PARTS ARE NOT IN YET". I BELIEVE I HAVE WORN DOWN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH MY CALLS, SINCE I WAS LAST TOLD: "THEY WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE IN" !! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WIPER WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE ARM, MOTOR, AND WIRING WERE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE FRONT WIPERS WOULD NOT RECEIVE WIPER FLUID. THE DEALER CORRECTED THE FAILURE AND THE WIPERS WORKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS. CURRENTLY, THE FRONT WIPERS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WERE NO LONGER INVOLVED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V072000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.