What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1997–2001) Mountaineer?

Mountaineer owners have made 30 complaints about the 1997–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th out of 28 Mercury generations in overall reliability, with some interior and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Mountaineer Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (1997–2001) Mountaineer Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 30 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 10th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 28 eligible generations.