What year Mercury Mountaineer should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 Mercury Mountaineer have the highest Complaint Index among 6 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 117 complaints and 1 recalls.

What is the best year for the Mercury Mountaineer?

The 2009 and 2010 Mercury Mountaineer have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2009 at 6 complaints and 0 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Mercury Mountaineer?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are structure & body (129, 33%), engine (115, 29%), and transmission & powertrain (94, 24%).

How many recalls does the Mercury Mountaineer have?

NHTSA lists 3 distinct recall campaigns covering Mercury Mountaineer model years 2005–2010. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Mercury Mountaineer Best and Worst Years (2005–2010)

Mercury Mountaineer years to avoid: 2006 and 2008. Best years: 2009 and 2010. Based on 395 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns across 6 model years (2005–2010).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006 Avoid 2008 Best 2009 Best 2010

Model years: 6; 2005–2010
NHTSA complaints: 395
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 18
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Structure & Body

Mountaineer Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercury Mountaineer problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Good	40	82	6	0	0	Structure & Body	15	—
2006	Avoid	100	117	6	2	1	Engine	15	—
2007	Caution	60	81	3	0	0	Structure & Body	15	—
2008	Avoid	80	96	3	0	1	Structure & Body	15.5	—
2009	Best	0	6	0	0	0	Steering	16	—
2010	Best	20	13	0	0	1	Engine	16	—

Mountaineer years to avoid: what went wrong

2006 Mercury Mountaineer Index 100 · 117 complaints · 1 recalls

Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, led by engine (59), transmission & powertrain (39), and structure & body (12). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 6 crashes and 2 fires.

2006 engine problems →2006 transmission & powertrain problems →

2008 Mercury Mountaineer Index 80 · 96 complaints · 1 recalls

Owners filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, led by structure & body (55), electrical system (44), and engine (11). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 3 crashes.

2008 structure & body problems →2008 electrical system problems →

Most common Mercury Mountaineer problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Structure & Body129 (33%)
Engine115 (29%)
Transmission & Powertrain94 (24%)
Electrical System80 (20%)
Other31 (8%)
Brakes23 (6%)
Steering18 (5%)
Fuel System14 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers10 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercury Mountaineer should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 Mercury Mountaineer have the highest Complaint Index among 6 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 117 complaints and 1 recalls.
What is the best year for the Mercury Mountaineer?: The 2009 and 2010 Mercury Mountaineer have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2009 at 6 complaints and 0 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Mercury Mountaineer?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are structure & body (129, 33%), engine (115, 29%), and transmission & powertrain (94, 24%).
How many recalls does the Mercury Mountaineer have?: NHTSA lists 3 distinct recall campaigns covering Mercury Mountaineer model years 2005–2010. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.