1998 Ford Mountaineer
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 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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER REPLACED FIRESTONE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005, CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20001101
#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. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20000914
1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension.
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, 20000619
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131115
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow 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, 20060310
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131115
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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Ford Mountaineer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
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:tread/belt, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.