1997 Mercury Mountaineer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 328 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 270,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer, 2% of the 328 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 270,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I use the cruise control and then turn it off I can't seem to push my gas pedal when you are driving the vehicle. I have to keep putting extreme pressure on the accelerator pedal until something breaks or pops and then it allows me to push the pedal. I keep having problems with smoke coming from on top of the steering column like something is burning when you are driving, now I have electrical problems to where my horn will not work anymore. I keep having problems with the front frame of the SUV. …”
NHTSA complaint #10904769, filed 2016-09“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 385,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11402578, filed 2021-03, 385,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. He experienced difficult steering, because the front sway bar linkage had fractured. Secondly he would intermittently smell an odor of gasoline inside of the vehicle. Thirdly during brake application the accelerator pedal would also stick. This condition would cause the vehicle to lurch forward. Lastly the main bar that held the two bumpers together had corroded. The failures were described in recalls (98v060000, 00v422000, 00v402000). …”
NHTSA complaint #10295389, filed 2009-12, 156,000 miles“Gas guage does not show accurate level of fuel. This has happened approximately seven times, leaving consumer stranded. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #885387, filed 2001-04Related recalls
- 98V060000Mar 19, 1998Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is…Covers: Mercury Mountaineer 1997–1998, Ford Explorer 1997–1998
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
138 complaintsVehicle speed control
59 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology