Three problems related to carrier/rack have been reported for the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer based on all problems reported for the 2003 Mountaineer.
On may 19 2014 while putting a bag in the rear I noticed when lifting the tail gate a crack had appeared around the Mercury emblem down to the bottom of the lift gate. I went to the local Ford dealer as there are no more Mercury dealers to question the problem. The collision manager told me this is a common problem on this model and Ford has not done a recall. I did not replace the plastic panel due to the cost of $500. 00. In my opinion Ford should have issued a recall. I also noticed on the internet how many people complained including this website. Why hasn't NHTSA done something about it?.
I purchased a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer on 2/15/14 and I took it on a road trip on 2/16/4 with my grandkids. After entering the highway and gaining speed I started to smell a strong burnt rubber and exhaust smell. The smell was very toxic and stuck to our clothing. On 2/18/14, I took it to the dealer for his mechanic to take a look at it. The mechanic said there was some degreaser that overflowed from a cupler and leaked onto the exhaust. I asked if there was a leak and the mechanic responded by saying not really, which meant there was a leak. The mechanic assured me that the problem was taken care of, but if it still occurs, they would send it in for two days. I continued to smell the toxic smell and on 2/19/14 the hatch on lift gate just cracked. Also when I turn at a low speed, I hear a strange sound and vibration, coming from the tire area. I've heard of numerous issues and complications with the Mercury Mountaineers. I dont want my grandchildren nor my life put in danger. A driver should be ensured with safety when driving a vehicle. Ford doesn't care about their consumers to sell defective and nonsafe vehicles. Please recall this vehicle as it has too many issues that can be life threatening, like the rollover rate.
Purchased the 2003 Mercury Mountaineer in 2007. We only drive the car locally for school and work and within 30 days of purchase, the car would not go into reverse. Was told the transmission was slipping and made the dealership/warranty pay for $1600 repair. Since then the check engine light comes on every 3 months. We get check fuel cap message, replaced that twice (last one from actual Ford dealership) because they told us it wasn't the original from the car. Car leaks water through the rear window/roof seal and now my light stays on when I lock the car and it tells me every time we get in the car that there is a door ajar no matter if we get out and reclose all 4 doors and back door. R&r wheel speed sensor and ball joints had to be replaced 8/29/08 for $555. Just recently had my transmission go out again (12/8/09) and had to have complete rebuild of a Mercury transmission which cost us another $4000. It still slightly vibrates going between 30 and 40 miles per hour. Also the back hatch has cracked completely down through the logo. Our Ford dealer charges $200 just to look at the vehicle!.