1998 Ford Mountaineer

○ Not enough data
1998 Ford Mountaineer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:55:07.053Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004

1998: 5 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19977
19985
19996
20002
20011
200211
20033
20044

Known problem areas

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

2 of 5 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer replaced firestone tires because they were included in recall 00T-005, consumer requests reimbursement.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-11-01

#P23575R15,while check tires noticed some separation on all four tires. Dealer has been notified. *ak firestone dealer confirmed that all four tires were defective, but indicated the tires were not on recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-14

Electrical system

2 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My 1998 Mercury Mountaineer was having a slow start for the past month. A few times the vehicle would not start, sounding as if the battery was dead. It was happening during the cold weather so we attributed these symptoms to the cold.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-10

The passenger front door does not release: now the car would not start. We've boosted it and it would run but once turned off it would not turn on again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-15

Also filed under Structure

Suspension

1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

When steering wheel is turned left it makes a loud noise. Noise sounds like metal was rubbing together. Dealership and manufactuer are unaware of a remedy for defect.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-06-19

Structure

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-06-04Tires01X001000 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…

    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.

  2. I
    2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
  3. R
    2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Ford Mountaineer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01X001000 · Tires
  • Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Ford Mountaineer?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Mountaineer have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.