Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports|Updated

Mercury Mountaineer — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Mercury Mountaineer model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
21
Years to Avoid
2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Best Years
2011, 2009, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
2011Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls7 TSBs
2010
24 complaints1 recalls1 invest.20 TSBs
2009Best Year
8 complaints0 recalls17 TSBs
2008
156 complaints2 recalls1 invest.21 TSBs
2007
119 complaints1 recalls1 invest.22 TSBs
2006
153 complaints2 recalls37 TSBs
2005
113 complaints1 recalls1 invest.49 TSBs
2004
271 complaints1 recalls3 invest.103 TSBs
2003
220 complaints1 recalls2 invest.120 TSBs
2002Avoid
504 complaints4 recalls5 invest.247 TSBs
2001
32 complaints4 recalls2 invest.102 TSBs
2000Avoid
164 complaints8 recalls2 invest.212 TSBs
1999Avoid
182 complaints9 recalls4 invest.340 TSBs
1998Avoid
298 complaints6 recalls7 invest.282 TSBs
1997Avoid
399 complaints7 recalls4 invest.293 TSBs
1996
3 complaints2 recalls57 TSBs
1995
0 complaints0 recalls27 TSBs
1994Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1993Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1992Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1991Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Mercury Mountaineer Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 Mercury Mountaineer are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Mercury Mountaineer, consider the 2011, 2009, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

21 model years analyzed