Mountaineer (2001)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 215 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Mercury Mountaineer Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mercury Mountaineer regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer problems?
The 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer has accumulated 22 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Suspension, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mercury Mountaineer engine is most reliable?
The 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.0L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer a good used car?
The 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 22 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer have?
The 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2001 Mercury Mountaineer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mercury Mountaineer?
Before buying a used Mercury Mountaineer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Suspension, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Mountaineer?
The 2001 Mercury Mountaineer received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 22 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-23.