Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have a used 2004 Mercury Mountaineer I purchased in 12/2008 it had 53,000 miles. I have done all of the required maintenance oil changes,brake pads,fluid changes, and 60,000-mile service package. I have nothing but problems with the vehicle. The failures I have are as follows: 1. Front/rear brake pads,front/rear rotors,spark plugs,-defected parts 2. Battery 3. Tires-constant flats 4. Lug torque-driver front/rear 5. Hood shocks,tire pressure sensor light 6. Transmission fluid leak/ front pump seal leak 7. Noise at harmonic balancer 8. Roar noise and shakes at all speeds 9. Hub assemblies making noise front left/right side; unless replaced vehicle unsafe to drive per Ford dealership 10. Brake pads- front/rear need to be replaced going bad (second time needing to be replaced) 11. Needs front alignment-pulls to the right side 12. Fuel filter 13. Needs all new tires 14. …
2004 Mercury Mountaineer has hub bearing defects, transmission defects, drive train defects, rear axle and differential defects. There are thousands of complaints about these components of Mercury Mountaineer and Ford explorer yet NHTSA does nothing. Ford will not fix these problems and has been doing band aid fixes under warranty. They deny there is a problem yet there are thousands of complaints on the various web sites. It makes me believe NHTSA is in bed with the auto manufacturers and really don't care about the public. Wheels fall off cars cause hub bearings fail yet there is no recall.. Ford puts the wrong transmission fluid in cars, transmission fails...there is no recall. Rear axle seal fails and no recalls why!!!
1) front wheel bearing hub assembly failure resulting in unsafe​ undriveable (this has been repeatedly​ reported by vehicle owners regardless of vehicles milage) failure accured while slowing down for a stoplight after exiting a parking lot of a restaurant 2) lift hatch cracked center of hatch above the emblem potentially allowing water into the interior working of hatch and causing untold and unseen water related damages​(this is an admitted Ford manufacturing defect across the entire vehicle​ line spending multiple years production)
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the rear driver's side wheel bearing was replaced 3 times within 16 months. On October 1, 2008, while driving out of the driveway at an unknown speed, she heard a loud noise. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the rear driver's side wheel bearing failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not driven on dirt roads, only in the city. She feels that either the wheel bearing is defective or the Ford dealer did not properly correct the previous failures. The Ford dealer stated that the vehicle is out of warranty and the wheel bearing is only good for 12,000 miles. The manufacturer took a report and stated that they will forward her information to the dealer. From there, the dealer will determine if the vehicle will be repaired. …
I purchased a used vehicle from redefined auto sales located in skokie, il on 3/11/17. Since then I have spent over $1500.00 in cost for repairs on this vehicle, beginning with I had to get the oil changed the same day that I bought the vehicle because the change oil required light came on as soon as I exited the expressway, I almost got into a serious accident on the expressway in route from the car dealership because a motorist tried to cut me off and that is when I discovered that the horn was not working. The next day the power door locks stopped working and things just has went down hill since then, the vehicle is in the shop right now as I'm typing this, I have not driven the vehicle anywhere other than back and forth to repair shops. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. The vehicle has toyo open country at tires, size p22570r15 (na). The tires were purchased brand new in May of 2007 from jensen tire company while driving 15 MPH. At 36,000 miles, the rear passenger tire blew out in June of 2008. The repair shop stated that the tire was worn down to the steel. The tire company from where the tire was purchased is providing reimbursement for the failed tire. The remaining tires were inspected by other shops and each shop recommended that the rest of the tires be replaced. Toyo stated that the tires needed an alignment. The contact stated that an alignment had just been performed; however, the manufacturer advised her to have another one. While the vehicle was at the shop, the mechanic stated that the ball joints were defective due to the damage caused by the tires and needed to be replaced. …
Dealer installed Ford towing hitch and wiring assembly. I noticed that the driver's rear side of the vehicle was significantly lower than the passenger's rear side of the vehicle. The service writer indicated that the driver's rear leaf spring was sagging , and that this was common for this era of explorers/mountaineers. He indicated that it was safe to tow as-is and that it was not necessary to replace the spring. When at a body shop this week I showed it to the manager who said that the problem was common to explorers/mountaineers of the era and he recommended having Ford replace the spring under recall or customer service/technical bulletin, if there was one. I called Ford 800 number. They indicated that there was no defect or recall issue.
Problems with radio, paint and rear windshield wiper. There was a loud grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle as well as the engine area, when the noise stopped, a cloud of black emitted from the vehicle. The dealer stated it was normal, because the all wheel drive had activated for the first time. The weather stripping around the windshield was replaced and there was a problem with the power train.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Mountaineer years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (36), 1997 (15), 1998 (11), 2003 (10) and 2000 (6) model years. Suspension complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Mercury Mountaineer suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-402 (suspension, Nov 28, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Mountaineer suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (21 mentions), followed by the rear (20).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.