NHTSA vehicle safety data
1999 Mercury Mountaineer Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 151 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mercury dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1999 Mercury Mountaineer owner complaints
Owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer, describing incidents dated December 22, 1998 to October 11, 2017.
Most-cited components
- Tires 52 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 22 complaints
- Air Bags 14 complaints
- Engine 12 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 11 complaints
- Electrical System 10 complaints
Of the 151 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 151 complaints, owners report 9 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11098222 · Filed
CURSE CONTROL OCCASIONALLY MAKES ENGINE ACCELERATE WHILE AND AFTER BRAKE APPLIED WHILE MOVING UNDER 5 MPH AND EVEN WHILE STOPPED WITH BRAKE STILL APPLIED. MORE THAN ONCE A PEDESTRIAN WAS AT RISK IN A CROSSWALK WHILE VEHICLE STOPPED WITH BRAKE STILL APPLIED, THEN ENGINE SUDDENLY BECAME NEAR FULL…
ODI #11061016 · Filed
EXPLODING AIRBAGS FILLED VEHICLE WITH SMOKE AND ASH. I RECEIVED MINOR BURNS AND ABRASIONS ON ARMS AND FACE, DAUGHTER RIDING IN BACK SEAT RECEIVED BLACK EYE FORM FLYING OBJECT AND REQUIRED SCAN OF HEAD TO RULE OUT HEAD INJURY. WAS RESULT OF ACCIDENT
ODI #10928208 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER H/T TIRES, SIZE: P265/75R15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Defect Petition DP05-005: SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Closed January 4, 2006
- Preliminary Evaluation PE03-020: FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT
Closed September 5, 2003
- Preliminary Evaluation PE99-049: WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION
Closed April 24, 2000
- Service Query SQ99-017: VEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING
Closed February 22, 2000
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH
NHTSA #07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice
Reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 3,600,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 05S28 · Owners notified August 13, 2007 · Vehicles built June 16, 1998 – September 27, 2000 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 05S28.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION;S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FUEL LEAK/FIRE
NHTSA #06E056000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice
Reported June 13, 2006 · UFI FILTERS USA
Potentially affected: 58,640 vehicles
Owners notified August 4, 2006
Defect description
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Safety consequence
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FORD/HIGH BACK SEATS
NHTSA #03V281000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 1,552,880 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 03S04 · Owners notified August 29, 2003 · Vehicles built May 13, 1997 – December 24, 2000 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
Safety consequence
THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 03S04.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/SPEED CONTROL CABLE
NHTSA #03V280000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Cables · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 448,005 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 03S03 · Owners notified August 29, 2003 · Vehicles built March 5, 1999 – December 24, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
Safety consequence
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 03S03.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FIRESTONE/TREAD SEPARATION
NHTSA #00T005000 · Tires — Tread/Belt · NHTSA notice
Reported August 21, 2000 · BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
Potentially affected: 14,400,000 vehicles
Owners notified August 26, 2000 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Safety consequence
IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Manufacturer remedy
THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
FORD/ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS
NHTSA #00V072000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Fuses and Circuit Breakers · NHTSA notice
Reported March 7, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 208,903 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S04 · Owners notified April 15, 2000 · Vehicles built September 14, 1998 – September 12, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.
Safety consequence
AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH
NHTSA #99V164000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported June 29, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 854,288 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 99S18 · Owners notified July 14, 1999 · Vehicles built April 25, 1997 – May 17, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Safety consequence
IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/BRAKE LINE
NHTSA #99V123000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported May 18, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 15,681 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 99S16 · Owners notified May 17, 1999 · Vehicles built April 16, 1999 – May 3, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE TO THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) CONNECTION COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE LINE TO LEAK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLARE NUT ON THE BRAKE LINE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/CRUISE/SPEED CONTROL CABLE
NHTSA #99V062001 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice
Reported March 30, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 898,739 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 99S09 · Owners notified March 27, 1999 · Vehicles built January 5, 1998 – March 4, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Safety consequence
IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
Notes
A PRE-RELEASE WARNING LETTER THAT IDENTIFIED AN INTERIM FIX UNTIL THE PARTS FOR THE PERMANENT FIX BECAME AVAILABLE WAS MAILED TO OWNERS BEGINNING MARCH 27, 1999.A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, IDENTIFYING THE PERMANENT FIX WAS MAILED TO OWNERS BEGINNING MAY 24, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Mercury Mountaineer model years
Check your 1999 Mercury Mountaineer VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mercury Mountaineer at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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