1997 Mercury Mountaineer Latches, locks and linkages Problems

“I currently own a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. My wife purchased this Mountaineer in early 1998, and up until now we have been very happy with its performance. Recently, I was charging the battery overnight. I left for work and instructed my wife on disconnecting the charger before she used the car. My wife disconnected the charger and closed the hood on the vehicle and took it out to run errands. Unfortunately, when she closed the hood, it did not latch completely. …”

“- the contact stated that while driving the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with 120000 failure mileage at 30 MPH on a windy day the hood latch failed and the hood opened. The hood hinges stopped the hood from slamming into the front windshield. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer and has not been repaired. The current mileage was 120000.”

“Both rear door latches can not be released from inside vehicle. First right rear failed and about six months later left rear failed. Necessary to roll down windows to reach outside for door handle or have front seat passenger get out and open rear door. Child proof locks checked and verified selected to normal operating position. Have never selected child lock out position as we do not have any children. Have been told many ford explorer owners have experienced same problem. This is potentially a serious situation if rear set passengers are unable open their doors without the aid of others. …”