2007 Mercury Mountaineer Problems
- Complaints
- 81filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 67 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe two kinds of problems: the driver's power seat moving to its rearward "easy exit" position by itself while the vehicle is being driven, and transmission harshness such as clunking, slipping and lurching during stops or low-speed acceleration. Reports of the seat movement appear across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to over 200,000, while transmission complaints cluster around normal mid-life mileage. Several owners also mention coolant loss from a cracked thermostat housing or radiator, and occasionally resulting electrical trouble.
- Seats
Driver's seat moves back on its own while driving
- 34 complaints (42%)
- median 79,200 mi at 7.7 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2023
Owners describe the power driver's seat sliding to its full rearward position without warning, often together with the dome light coming on as if the key had been removed. Many say it can be corrected by pushing or wiggling the ignition key, and several note it is triggered by a bump, a turn or contact with the key or column. Dealers have sometimes diagnosed the ignition switch or the seat wiring harness; some owners report the seat was simply disconnected or not repaired. Reported from a few thousand miles up to beyond 200,000, at all speeds including highway driving.
What to check: Sit in the driver's seat with the engine running and try nudging the key and steering column; ask the seller whether the seat has ever moved on its own. If it has, get the ignition switch and seat harness inspected before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my vehicle and the driver's seat moved back, and the dome light came on. This really scared me! Thank god I wasn't on the highway traveling at a higher rate of speed with other vehicles when this occurred. The first time this happened was approximately 3 months ago (the seat moves back, I move the seat up & it goes back again, I move it up again...until it finally stops). This continues to happen periodically every since.”
NHTSA complaint #10670675, filed 2015-01, 65,000 miles“I was driving down the road at 75 MPH and the drivers seat moved back to the easy exit position and the light came on. This also happened to my 16 year old daughter as she was driving the vehicle to the store the other day and really frightened her.”
NHTSA complaint #10568176, filed 2014-03, 105,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh shifting, clunking and lurching transmission
- 23 complaints (28%)
- median 74,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2025
Complaints describe hard downshifts when slowing to a stop, a clunk or jolt going into reverse, slipping, and a lunge or surge forward when the brake is released or the gas is pressed. Owners say dealers often reprogrammed the computer or replaced electronic parts without resolving it, and some were told the transmission was fine; others eventually replaced or rebuilt the transmission. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 140,000 miles, often during stop-and-go or low-speed driving.
What to check: Test drive from cold through stop-and-go traffic and feel for clunks on downshift or a lurch when releasing the brake. Ask whether the PCM calibration updates in the service bulletins were applied and whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had to replace the transmission and some other related parts in my vehicle and I was informed by a dealership that there was a silent recall on this transmission and that even though ford motor company was aware of the issues as early as 2000 they continue to install them in vehicles. If you look online you will see quite a number of complaints on this transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #11270823, filed 2019-10, 130,000 miles“While driving my seat will randomly move back and forth as if I took the keys out. Thought something was wrong with my transmission but after having the garage put transmission fluid in it still feels like the transmission is messed up even though the garage says the transmission is fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11083828, filed 2018-04, 150,000 miles - Engine
Coolant loss from cracked thermostat housing or radiator
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 64,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2017
Owners report coolant disappearing, the engine running hot or shutting down, and repairs identifying a cracked plastic thermostat housing or a leaking radiator. Some mention coolant reaching wiring and causing electrical or transmission-like symptoms. Dealers replaced radiators or housings at the owner's expense in several cases, and owners often say they were told this was common on these vehicles. Usually reported between about 40,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue or seepage around the thermostat housing, radiator seams and hose connections. Ask whether the radiator or thermostat housing has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2007 Mercury Mountaineer never had any problems until recently, thought it was the transmission because of the way it drove. Took it to the mechanic and got transmission fluid put in but the problems remained the same and was told the transmission was fine. My thermostat housing unit was leaking (this is very common with these cars and very dangerous, needs immediate attention!) and had caused very expensive wiring issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11043298, filed 2017-11, 130,000 miles“I have a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer with 42,000 miles on it and was notified by my dealership that there is a leak in the radiator and it needs to be replaced. My dealership told me this was common problem with mountaineers but ford will not stand behind the equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #10376541, filed 2011-01, 42,500 miles - Electrical system
Electrical faults and wiring damage
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report intermittent instrument panel illumination, gauge and fuel-gauge oddities, door locks that cycle, and in some cases brittle engine or transmission harness wiring with exposed conductors causing the vehicle to drop into limp mode. Some traced the harness damage to coolant or chafing. Repairs ranged from replacing ignition components to replacing wiring and transmission parts. Most often reported above about 80,000 miles, sometimes following coolant leaks.
What to check: Check that all gauges, interior lights and door locks work consistently, and have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission harness for cracked insulation or chafing, especially near the coolant and exhaust areas.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Apparently there have been a lot of issues with the thermostat housing leaking fluid into the electrical system causing it to short out. I was driving, went to take off in rush hour traffic and they vehicle wouldn't go because the leak and ruined a part of the electrical system and the gears would shift. It was almost like the transmission had gone out. I have read several accounts where this has happened to tons of <09 mountaineers and explorers. Tsb 09-22-15 came out about this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10548767, filed 2013-10, 145,000 miles“I was driving home on a busy city street when I stop at a stop light to turn right. When I went to accelerate my Mercury Mountaineer when in to limp mode. As I inspected the SUV for problems I noticed the my engine/transmission wire harness was brittle and exposing bare wire and that the wires were touching each others cause them to short off the vehicle computer system and frying electrical components. It also caused the transmission to malfunction and shift wrong which in turn causing the torque converter to fail and destroy the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219659, filed 2019-06, 140,859 miles - Vehicle speed control
Transmission-like surge or lunge at low speed
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the vehicle lunging forward when slowing to a stop or when the brake pedal is released, and hesitation followed by a surge when the accelerator is pressed. Some say the condition was intermittent at first and then nearly every stop. Shops have suggested computer recalibration, and some owners report the behavior was incorrectly diagnosed as a transmission failure. Reported across low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, usually at stops, in parking, or in slow traffic.
What to check: During the test drive, stop several times and note whether the vehicle creeps or jumps forward with the brake released. Ask if the PCM has been reflashed and whether the throttle body has been cleaned or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When braking the vehicle accelerates, when slowing down to a stop sign or a red light and it happens when parking forward or reverse. I recently purchased the vehicle 8/2012. I am very dispointed because I really like this SUV. I hope the dealer will fix this speed control problem free of charge because this situation could get dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10485935, filed 2012-11, 97,700 miles“When coming to slow stop, the vehicle will lunge forward before completely stopping. This behavior started several months ago and was very random in the beginning, but has become more and more frequent - almost every time I come to complete stop. Vehicle also hesitates when gas is pressed and then surges forward. That behavior is very random at this stage, but car has done that over the past year. Because of the lunging at stops, I have taken vehicle to repair shop and they indicate the vehicle's computer needs to be updated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348886, filed 2010-08, 39,000 miles
Buying note. On a test drive, watch for the driver's seat moving back by itself and for clunking or lunging from the transmission, since those are the most frequently reported behaviors. Also check coolant level and look over the underhood wiring, and ask for records of any prior seat, transmission or cooling-system repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer. 67 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Seats26 32%
- Electrical system16 20%
- Vehicle speed control7 8.6%
- Other or unknown6 7.4%
- Engine5 6.2%
- Steering5 6.2%
- Body and structure5 6.2%
- Engine cooling4 4.9%
- Seat belts3 3.7%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Exterior lighting (2), Interior lighting (2), Tires (2), Air bags (1), Brakes (1), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Seats: “Driver's seat moved back, dome lights illuminated (vehicles easy exit feature) while driving at highway speeds. Luckily I am tall enough to reach the pedals and wheel while the seat was moved back, but my wife is only 5' 4 and would have a hard time reaching. This is a serious issue that has been happening to many other mountaineers as evidenced by the many reports on the internet. The cause is any slight bumping of the ignition switch or the steering column/wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10654146, filed 2014-11, 65,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle will not shift out of park. Shift is locked into park and will not shift to any gear and depressing lever button and brake will not release out of park. I purchased the vehicle from huntington ford in rochester hill and bought the extended warranty and was told by fords service department this is not covered and would cost $500.00 just for the part. After researching this problem I have noticed other complaints about this issue that the car will not move out of park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608724, filed 2014-07, 97,400 milesElectrical system: “When driving the vehicle at any speed the seat moves all the way back and the interior lights come on. This also happens when you brake or go over a bump. This is very dangerous to someone of my size because when the seat goes all the way back I can no longer touch the pedals. This is happening very often and I have googled it and I can see that a lot of other people who own this year make and model are having the same problems with their vehicle. I have taken it to several mechanics and ford dealers and nobody seems to be able to figure out what is wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10850509, filed 2016-03, 40,002 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer. While driving 12-14 MPH and attempting to slow down to a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact depressed the brake pedal more firmly to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who could not duplicate the failure. Once while driving in reverse, the vehicle lunged forward and pinned his son between his vehicle and another. The child sustained arm injuries. No police report was filed. The failure had been occurring since 2008. …”
NHTSA complaint #10381291, filed 2011-02, 50 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 67 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,500 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 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 RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
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 2007 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 | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243490Sep 7, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10148819Oct 2, 2018Steering. This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly…
- 10143079Jun 1, 2018Engine, Equipment. Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or…
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016Engine cooling, Engine. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB…
- 10055318Mar 1, 2014Brakes, Electrical system. Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor is key. 2006-2010…
- 10045340Jul 10, 2012Engine. Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and engine idle rpm fluctuation and exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0505, p0506, p2111…
- 10029205Jun 1, 2009Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation, loss of rpm on deceleration, difficulty starting, and/or idle rpm less than desired. The f53…
- 10028736May 1, 2009Transmission and drivetrain. Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
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
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer?
Owners of this model year most often describe two kinds of problems: the driver's power seat moving to its rearward "easy exit" position by itself while the vehicle is being driven, and transmission harshness such as clunking, slipping and lurching during stops or low-speed acceleration. The issues reported most often: Driver's seat moves back on its own while driving; Harsh shifting, clunking and lurching transmission; Coolant loss from cracked thermostat housing or radiator.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer have?
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer is reported most often?
Seats is named most often, in 26 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 25.
Has the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer (Mountaineer 2WD, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 13 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer reported?
Among the 67 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,500 and 110,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.