1997 Ford Mountaineer
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 7 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY GOT IN NEXT MORNING CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY MELTED.FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS THEY SAID MY MODEL WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THIS PARTICULAR PLANT. ONE SIDE MELTED 2 MONTHS LATER OTHER SIDE MELTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140102
Also filed under AIR BAGS
THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. *JB MOST OF THE TIME WHEN STOPPED, BEGIN TO PUSH ON THE PEDAL, IT WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL THE PRESSURE THEN BREAKS FREE, WHILE GIVING MUCH GAS AND LUNGING FORWARD, AND HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20030325
1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
FIRESTONE TIRE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005 SHREDDED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20001101
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE FOOT OF WATER AT 5 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010607
1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
SEATBACK IS LOOSE AND KEEPS FALLING BACKWARDS. CAUSE UNKWOWN.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030813
SAFETY TIMELINE
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERN
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Campaign 01X001000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Ford Mountaineer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Ford Mountaineer reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Mountaineer?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Mountaineer have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.