NHTSA vehicle safety data
2000 Mercury Mountaineer Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2000 Mercury Mountaineer has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 123 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 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2000 Mercury Mountaineer owner complaints
Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, describing incidents dated November 1, 1999 to March 13, 2025.
Most-cited components
- Vehicle Speed Control 28 complaints
- Tires 21 complaints
- Electrical System 19 complaints
- Power Train 15 complaints
- Air Bags 9 complaints
- Engine 8 complaints
Of the 123 complaints on file, 15 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 123 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11651158 · Filed
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…
ODI #11554860 · Filed
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.
ODI #11287826 · Filed
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
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer in 2 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
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/FMVSS 209/TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLES
NHTSA #00V228001 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice
Reported August 18, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 144,435 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S21 · Owners notified October 26, 2000 · Vehicles built May 3, 2000 – June 30, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 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.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/SIDE AIR BAGS
NHTSA #00V179000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice
Reported July 5, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 2,300 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S17 · Owners notified July 10, 2000 · Vehicles built June 1, 2000 – June 20, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN" POSITION AND THE SEATBELT WEBBING IS FORCIBLY EXTRACTED FROM A LOCKED RETRACTOR WITH A JERKING MOTION.
Safety consequence
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2000.OWNERS WHO 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/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).
Other Mercury Mountaineer model years
Check your 2000 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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