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1997 Mercury Mountaineer: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 328 complaints about the 1997 Mountaineer with NHTSA, and tires and speed control lead the list[1][2][3]. The EPA rates it at 14 MPG combined[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 328 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Of those, 41 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 19 injuries, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires[2] | 138 | 6 | 8 |
| Speed control[3] | 59 | 18 | 4 |
| Brakes[7] | 40 | 10 | 2 |
| Suspension[8] | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system[9] | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine[10] | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts[11] | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility[12] | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Tires. This is the largest group by far[2]. In a sample of 12 tire complaints we read, 9 describe tread or belts separating or a tire coming apart, often at highway speed[2]. One describes a rollover[2]. The group lists 6 crashes and 8 injuries[2].
Speed control. This group has the most crashes of any component, 18[3]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 10 describe the vehicle surging, not slowing down or taking off on its own, sometimes while braking or shifting[3]. Two describe a driver's foot hitting both pedals because they sit close together[3]. The median mileage at failure is 109,500[3].
Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 5 describe a pedal going to the floor or weak stopping, including the anti-lock system[7]. Three describe the vehicle accelerating while the brakes were on, and 3 say the brake and gas pedals are too close together[7].
Electrical system. This group has 15 complaints and 5 of them mention fires[9]. In a sample of 12 we read, 7 describe alternator or charging trouble and 3 describe a fire starting in wiring, a fuse box or the ignition[9].
Suspension, engine, seat belt and visibility complaints are far fewer, so we do not treat them as common problems[8][10][11][12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year[6]. Newest first[6]:
- Speed control deactivation switch (09V399). Date 2009-10-13[13]. A switch from one supplier can leak inside, overheat, smoke or burn, and a fire could start with or without the engine running. Ford said dealers would add a fused wiring harness, free of charge. The recall covers many Ford models and lists the 1997 Mountaineer[13].
- Throttle body (00V422). Date 2000-12-27[14]. Applies to SUVs with 4.0L SOHC engines that still have the original throttle body[14]. Deposits can bridge a narrow gap and harden, so the first press of the pedal on a cooled engine can take extra force, then the engine can surge when it breaks free. Dealers replace the throttle body[14].
- Front sway bar links (00V402). Date 2000-11-28[15]. A front sway bar link can break, which could affect handling and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace both the left and right links[15].
- Fuel lines (98V060). Date 1998-03-19[16]. Applies to vehicles with 4.0L single overhead cam engines[16]. Using the fuel line bracket as a jump start ground can damage the fuel line, which can leak and could cause a fire. Dealers add a warning label and a revised bolt in the alternator bracket as the jump start ground[16].
- Liftgate gas cylinder bracket (97V137). Date 1997-08-19[17]. The bracket was welded wrong, so it may not hold the liftgate up and someone could be hurt. Dealers reinforce it with two pop rivets. About 2,200 vehicles were affected[17].
- Cold weather throttle icing (97V074). Date 1997-04-30[18]. Applies to 5.0L engines sold or registered in certain northern states[18]. After long highway driving below -20 degrees Fahrenheit[18], ice in the throttle body can keep the engine from returning to idle. The vehicle can still be stopped with the brakes or by shifting to neutral, but pedal effort and stopping distance can increase. Dealers install a revised PCV system with a water heated vacuum source[18].
Our facts cannot say whether any single vehicle has had these repairs done, so ask a seller for records.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 2WD version at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG with the 5.0L 8-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic[4]. The 4WD version has the same ratings[5]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,800 for both, based on the EPA's current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the car was new[4][5].
Safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this vehicle as not rated[19].
How 1997 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 328 | 6 |
| 1998 | 236 | 5 |
| 1999 | 151 | 7 |
| 2000 | 123 | 6 |
| 2001 | 22 | 3 |
| 2002 | 372 | 2 |
| 2003 | 152 | 0 |
| 2004 | 210 | 0 |
| 2005 | 82 | 0 |
| 2006 | 117 | 1 |
| 2007 | 81 | 0 |
| 2008 | 96 | 1 |
| 2009 | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 | 13 | 1 |
Among Mountaineer model years, 1997 has the second most complaints with 328[6]. Only 2002 is higher with 372[6]. Next is 1998 with 236[6]. For recalls, 1997 has 6, behind 1999 with 7 and level with 2000 at 6[6]. Model years 2003 to 2005, 2007 and 2009 have no recalls on file[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 1997 Mountaineer?
The record is mixed. Tires and speed control draw the most complaints, and 18 of the speed control complaints mention a crash[1][3]. Six recalls cover fire, throttle, suspension and liftgate issues[6]. Fuel economy is low at 14 MPG combined[4][5]. If you consider one, ask for proof the recall repairs were done and check the tires carefully, since tire complaints are the largest group[2]. Our facts cannot say how any single vehicle has been kept up.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer?
- Tires have the most NHTSA complaints at 138, followed by speed control at 59 and brakes at 40[2][3][7].
- Does the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year, including a speed control switch fire risk and a throttle body surge issue[6][13][14].
- What is the gas mileage of a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer?
- The EPA rates both 2WD and 4WD at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG[4][5].
- Is the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer the worst year?
- Not by complaints. 2002 has more at 372 versus 328 for 1997[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
- Did the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer get a safety rating?
- NHTSA lists it as not rated[19].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 328 owner complaints on file for the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer (41 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 19 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 138 complaints name the tires component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 59 complaints name the speed control component group (18 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 109,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Mountaineer 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Mountaineer 4WD, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercury Mountaineer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 40 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 150,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 09V399, filed October 13, 2009: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V422, filed December 27, 2000: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V402, filed November 28, 2000: Suspension. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 98V060, filed March 19, 1998: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 97V137, filed August 19, 1997: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Support Device / Strut. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 97V074, filed April 30, 1997: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records