Hood Latch problems of the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer

The contact owns a 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. While checking the fluids in the vehicle, the hydraulic system failed that holds the hood. As a result, the hood released and nearly crashed the contacts hand. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on that component, however, they would investigate the failure. The current and failure mileages were 86,000. Updated 10/16/07.

: the contact stated the hood latch corroded and the latch pivot was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was not taken for inspection. There is a NHTSA recall, # 99v164000, regarding the hood latch. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Electronic controls operated by the generic control module (wipers, rear defroster, power windows etc. ) have locked up. Throttle sticks after full stop and use of cruise control and needs excessive force to move forward. Existing recalls should cover these repairs, as well as two other recalls for the corrosive hood latch, and speed control where the throttle could ice up in prolonged cold weather. I went in armed with documentation and the recall information from the website but the sayville Ford dealership in sayville, NY, refused to service them, stating they were "campaigns" not actual recalls. If your vehicle doesn't come up for service on their computer, they do not acknowledge the legal recalls and won't do the repairs. Recall #'s: 00v072000, 99v062001, 99v164000, 97v074000.

While driving on highway with cruise control on, had to slow down, applied brakes, but it didn't turn off the cruise control. Kept applying brakes, and cruise control finally turned off. Had vehicle serviced for hood latch recall, and let them know about cruise control problem. However, was not able to fix it because they had to order a carburetor kit.

Recall number 99v164000 secondary hood latch, arrived to the dealer on scheduled appointment, but no parts were available to correct the problem. Repaired by dealer on 8/18/99.