Three problems related to door latch have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driver door lock will only unlock, have replaced and still fails. Rear and pass. L/u button still control entire lock circuit.
Both rear door latches can not be released from inside vehicle. First right rear failed and about six months later left rear failed. Necessary to roll down windows to reach outside for door handle or have front seat passenger get out and open rear door. Child proof locks checked and verified selected to normal operating position. Have never selected child lock out position as we do not have any children. Have been told many Ford explorer owners have experienced same problem. This is potentially a serious situation if rear set passengers are unable open their doors without the aid of others. I have no idea what it will cost to have this repaired as I haven't been to a dealer yet.
Rear passenger side doors cannot be opened from inside. Whenever the door is locked or unlocked this would happen.
| Door Latch problems | |
| Hood Latch problems |