VehicleVerdict

2000 Mercury Mountaineer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2000 Mercury Mountaineer sits mid-pack among Mountaineer years: 164 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with 8 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (28), electrical system (25), and tires & wheels (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

164

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

2

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Mountaineer years?

Mountaineer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted504 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 399 complaints1998: 298 complaints1999: 182 complaints2000: 164 complaints2001: 32 complaints2002: 504 complaints2003: 220 complaints2004: 271 complaints2005: 113 complaints2006: 153 complaints2007: 119 complaints2008: 156 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 24 complaints
Mountaineer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mountaineer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mercury Mountaineer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control2817%
Electrical System2515%
Tires & Wheels2415%
Transmission159%
Airbags95%
Engine95%
Brakes85%
Suspension74%
Seats74%
Body & Structure64%
Other53%
Steering53%
Lighting53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Latches & Locks32%
Fuel System32%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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.

03V280000Speed ControlAugust 5, 2003 · 448,005 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

03V281000SeatsAugust 5, 2003 · 1,552,880 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

00T005000Tires & WheelsAugust 21, 2000 · 14,400,000 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

00V228001Seat BeltsAugust 18, 2000 · 144,435 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

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.

00V179000AirbagsJuly 5, 2000 · 2,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

00V072000Electrical SystemMarch 7, 2000 · 208,903 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 27, 2010 · 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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 11, 2014 · fire

LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN 2 RIGHT-SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT OFF RIMS AND LEFT ME TO DRIVE ON ONLY THE RIMS.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 28, 2000 · crash

CONSUMER NOTICED AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF FLUID IN THE DRIVEWAY WHICH DID NOT APPEAR TO BE OIL. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. CONSUMER HAD THE REPAIRS DONE. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING , THE GEARS WOULD NOT CONNECT PROPERLY. CONSUMER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 13, 2004

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 16, 2014 · fire

2000 Mercury Mountaineer — common questions

Is the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mountaineer: 164 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 Mountaineer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (28 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), tires & wheels (24 complaints).

Does the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Mountaineer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mountaineer years to avoid are 2002, 1997, 1998, 2004. The cleanest record among Mountaineer years belongs to 1996.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.