2003 Mercury Mountaineer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,494miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, 5% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,494 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.
“Back hatch glass exploded while the vehicle was stationary (parked in a parking log), and the driver was closing the hatch. Back glass portion of hatch was being manually closed at a slow-moderate rate, and glass suddenly shattered without warning. There was no impact to the glass, nor any discernible reason why the glass should have suddenly shattered. Approximately 90% of the glass ended up in the car or on the parking lot surface, with only about 10% of the glass remaining attached to the hatch frame and struts.”
NHTSA complaint #10789075, filed 2015-11, 143,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the rear liftgate became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the technician stated that the liftgate and window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10631981, filed 2014-09, 111,500 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact drove over a pothole and the rear passenger window, rear driver side window and the rear lift gate window began rattling abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 03/05/12”
NHTSA complaint #10398644, filed 2011-05, 60,000 miles“The contact stated the front seatbelts would not retract. The dealership installed a modified repair kit and there have been no further problems. Also, the fuel gauge was not reading the correct amount of fuel. The dealership replaced the fuel gauge, but the low fuel warning light has become inoperable. Additionally, while the moon roof was being opened, it buckled. The dealership and manufacturer determined this was how the vehicle was manufactured.”
NHTSA complaint #10153304, filed 2006-03, 46,000 miles“To this date the following problems are present: gas gauge sticks, air bag warning light comes on and off, driver's side door rattles and knocks, driver's side window taps, driver's side window grinds while moving up and down, clock and radio do not light up or work when start vehicle, sun roof rattles and knocks, wind gets caught between roof and headliner which creates a loud vibration, the passenger side window also rattles and knocks, there is a loud rhythmic chirp toward rear of vehicle, heating and cooling controls squeal when turning on or switching vent settings, driver's seat feels…”
NHTSA complaint #10043237, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10013303Jan 24, 2005Rear power window(s) inoperative.
- 10016832Jan 1, 2005Backglass difficult to close and an intermittent door ajar lamp.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 33 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 14% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 22 | 15% |
| 1998 | 9 | 4% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
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 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 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