Mercury / Mountaineer / 1997
1997 Mercury Mountaineer problems
Owners have filed 399 complaints about the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with NHTSA. Tires account for 40.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of vehicle speed control at 14.8%.
Complaints399
Crashes48
Fires11
Injuries25
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Tires 40.6% · 162
Vehicle speed control 14.8% · 59
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.0% · 40
Electrical system 4.5% · 18
Suspension 4.0% · 16
Engine and engine cooling 4.0% · 16
Seat belts 3.0% · 12
Visibility 2.8% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 48 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire, 25 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Mercury Mountaineer in this data, 1997 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 124,646 miles.
In owners' own words
My lease exp on this vehicle 5/99 so I no longer have it. I was driving on a freeway approx 60 mph when I felt that my car was not gripping the road. I saw pieces of the tire disintegrating thru my rear view mirror. I pulled over and called ford road svc. I reported to firestone, no interest in helping. I went to star lincoln dealership to purchase rim and tire for $300.00. I would like a refund.( Dot number: ) Tires
I was driving and my tire exploded and shredded. I have never seen a tire look like that. Firestone told me they found a nail in the tire but every flat tire I have ever ahd has never done that. It sounded like a small plane was landing on my car. In light of recent developments I am very happy that all that was damaged was he tire and the rim it was a terrfying experience.( Dot number: tire size: p23575rx15 ) Tires
Charlie henderson ford say they are not responsible for the tire failure....Firestone dealership says it is not responsible because I did not purchase the tires and can not provide a receipt. These tires were brand new. Someone is responsible for 5 brand new tires that put my son in a life threatening situation and caused 3500.00 Damage to our vehicle. *Ak( dot number: tire size: p235/70r15 ) Tires
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…