VehicleVerdict

2010 Mercury Mountaineer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Mountaineer years?

Mountaineer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mountaineer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Mercury Mountaineer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes521%
Speed Control417%
Engine313%
Transmission28%
Fuel System28%
Steering28%
Seat Belts14%
Seats14%
Lighting14%
Electrical System14%
Body & Structure14%
Other14%

Does the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V161000SeatsApril 20, 2010 · 33,256 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FRONT BRAKES STARTED AUTOMATICALLY SEIZING UP RANDOM TIMES AND SPEEDS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING THAT DISRUPTED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSORS. THIS CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING ISSUE. FORD REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OR PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 9, 2010

“AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE CAR STALLS. IT ALSO STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 23, 2016

“REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS FILLING WITH WATER PASS THE FILL PLUG. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT CAR AND NEVER OFF ROAD NOR DIRVEN IN DEEP WATER. FIRST TIME DISCOVERED AT 22000 MILES AND THE DEALER REPLACE THE PINION SEAL AND OIL, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. DIFFERENTIAL NOW MAKING NOISE AND AGAIN FULL OF WATER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 10, 2018

“AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE CAR STALLS. IT ALSO STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 23, 2016

2010 Mercury Mountaineer — common questions

Is the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2010 Mountaineer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.