1998 Mercury Mountaineer Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1997–1998, Ford Explorer 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0l sohc engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). Some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. This reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the throttle body to contact or bridge the gap. If the engine…
Possible consequence: This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1998–1999, Ford Explorer 1998–1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.
Possible consequence: If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1998–1999, Ford Explorer 1997–1999, Ranger 1998–1999 +6 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5l, 3.0l ffv/efi or 4.0l engines and cruise control built from january 5, 1998 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 mustangs equipped with 3.8l, 4.6l…
Possible consequence: If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1997–1998, Ford Explorer 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line…
Possible consequence: The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
Remedy: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
← All problems reported for the 1998 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.