2003 Mercury Mountaineer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, 4% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 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 have a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. I just recently found out from a mechanic that the racket pinion steering column is leaking and the mechanic feels it is a manufacturer defect. I have contacted ford and they will not even look at it.”
NHTSA complaint #10244887, filed 2008-10, 61,000 miles“Rear back hatch cracked when purchased, promised to be fixed by dealership, but they never honored their promise. I have since seen several Mercury mountaineers with the rear back hatch cracked as well, wondering why their wasn't a recall?? Also transmission problems, already replaced transfer case and now power steering is leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10347101, filed 2010-08, 88,000 miles“I have had a problem for a couple years when I put the car in gear it doesn't lock in the gear I have to adjust it twice, didn't think much of it and thank god no accident. But I just learned to deal with it until I saw this. Want updates on this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10428385, filed 2011-10Steering: 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 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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