2003 Mercury Mountaineer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,747miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, 7% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,747 miles.
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.
“I purchased a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer on 2/15/14 and I took it on a road trip on 2/16/4 with my grandkids. After entering the highway and gaining speed I started to smell a strong burnt rubber and exhaust smell. The smell was very toxic and stuck to our clothing. On 2/18/14, I took it to the dealer for his mechanic to take a look at it. The mechanic said there was some degreaser that overflowed from a cupler and leaked onto the exhaust. I asked if there was a leak and the mechanic responded by saying not really, which meant there was a leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565042, filed 2014-02, 105,000 miles“We have experienced two well known issues with the explorer/Mountaineer. The body panel on the back hatch is cracked in the middle and friday we had the spark plug blow out of the head/socket stripping the threads out to the point that the common repair kit used for these instances won't work and the only solution is a replacement head which is quoted at a $3500 job and the vehicle is only worth about $5700. I understand ford accepts no responsibility for this engine/head defect despite the fact that it has occurred on factory tightened plugs.”
NHTSA complaint #10423238, filed 2011-09, 134,600 miles“The heater stop working 3 different times, the first time they replaced the thermostat, 2nd could not find anything wrong, dealer thinks might be intake manifold or head gasket, 3rd time say must take it apart to figure out but pressure test are within normal range.”
NHTSA complaint #10259284, filed 2009-02, 85,000 miles“The problem persisted and concern with stalled vehicle, serviced and problem still continue. These problems elevated to vehicle stalling, the alternator was replaced, there were continuous occurrences of the battery fail/check engine indicator light, vibration when braking, and the torque converter locked. The consumer requested a new lease and or early termination of the lease.”
NHTSA complaint #10099122, filed 2004-10“Dt contact states she was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the service mechanic said that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The catalytic converter was replaced last year.”
NHTSA complaint #10120699, filed 2005-05Related service bulletins
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017881Apr 1, 2005No start/hard start n hot soak restart.
- 10016798Jan 1, 2005Hard start/no start condition during cold ambeint temperatures after short hot soak period-4.0l engine.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10013064Oct 28, 2002Excessive sulfur smell from exhaust.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 37% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 7% |
| 2002 | 33 | 9% |
| 2001 | 1 | 5% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 12 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 8% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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