1997 Mercury Mountaineer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 328 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer, 2% of the 328 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Dealer inspected clunking noise in turns and over bumps during mild/moderate acceleration. Diagnosis: lower steering column was worn and causing noise. Dealer confirmed that failure of this part would result in loss of control of vehicle. Dealer was unable to answer why this part could possible wear out after 40,000 miles of normal driving.”
NHTSA complaint #739444, filed 2001-01“If driving through a puddle right front wheel splashes water onto serpetine belt, resulting in temporary loss of power steering control/ alternator charge, and air conditioning. Vehicle has been checked by dealer, who advised consumer that since there was no recall it was not their problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8013704, filed 2002-07“Outer right connecting tie rod threads stripped from inner connecting tie rod, causing seperation, that resulted in instantaneous loss of steering control.”
NHTSA complaint #539850, filed 1998-08Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 4% |
| 2002 | 23 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 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 29, 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