2001 Mercury Mountaineer Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer. The part named most often is suspension, with 4 complaints (18% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and body and structure (3). 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension4 18%
- Brakes3 14%
- Body and structure3 14%
- Tires3 14%
- Seats2 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 9.1%
- Air bags1 4.5%
- Engine1 4.5%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Dealer installed ford towing hitch and wiring assembly. I noticed that the driver's rear side of the vehicle was significantly lower than the passenger's rear side of the vehicle. The service writer indicated that the driver's rear leaf spring was sagging , and that this was common for this era of explorers/mountaineers. He indicated that it was safe to tow as-is and that it was not necessary to replace the spring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112430, filed 2005-03, 35,245 milesBrakes: “- the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, while driving at a speed15 MPH the contact applied the brakes the rear wheel locked, causing the vehicle to spin out into the left side of the road. The rear end of the vehicle hit a phone booth. At the time of the incident there were light flurries falling. The contact stated that the vehicle had brake service work done in december 2006. The failure and current mileage were 70000.”
NHTSA complaint #10182338, filed 2007-02, 70,000 milesBody and structure: “Problems with radio, paint and rear windshield wiper. There was a loud grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle as well as the engine area, when the noise stopped, a cloud of black emitted from the vehicle. The dealer stated it was normal, because the all wheel drive had activated for the first time. The weather stripping around the windshield was replaced and there was a problem with the power train.”
NHTSA complaint #10042066, filed 2003-09, 500 milesTires: “Left rear tire felt wobbly while driving up hill, then exploded, separating tread from sidewalls. Was able to pull over safely immediately. Tires were inspected during oil change about 2 days prior to incident. Police responded while I was changing tire, but no report filed (by me, anyway). Reported incident to firestone and Mercury cust. Srvc. Firestone declined to help in any way to replace tires. Mercury helped expedite replacement, which was done w/in 2 days. I am happy with the new tires, from bf goodrich. (tiresize: p23575r15)”
NHTSA complaint #753713, filed 2001-10Mileage when problems were reported
38% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 35,245 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer · sedan (side air bags) | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 2 |
| Mountaineer · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 2 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Mercury Mountaineer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Mountaineer 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 03V280000Aug 5, 2003Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford Explorer 1999–2001, Explorer Sport 2001 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0l sohc engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated.
- 03V281000Aug 5, 2003Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Body and structure. Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Other model years of the Mercury Mountaineer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 13 | 38,660 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 6 | 47,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 96 | 65,800 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 81 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 117 | 58,849 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 82 | 56,750 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 210 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 152 | 78,784 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 372 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 22 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 123 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 151 | 70,000 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 236 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 328 | 124,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mercury Mountaineer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 4 complaints (18% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (Mountaineer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 35,245 and 107,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.