1999 Mercury Mountaineer

1999 Mercury Mountaineer

The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size SUV that was offered with three different engine options:

• 4.0L V6 (215 hp, 260 lb-ft torque)
• 5.0L V8 (215 hp, 315 lb-ft torque)
• 5.4L V8 (230 hp, 325 lb-ft torque)

Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

The Mountaineer was praised for its comfortable interior, spacious cargo area, and powerful engine options. However, it was criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of refinement compared to some competitors.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, rough idle, poor performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle or knocking, reduced power, Check Engine Light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• No Issues Found

5.4L V8

• Spark plug failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, poor performance
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Clutch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping, grinding
  • Solution: Replace clutch assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping, delayed engagement
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front lower control arm bushings wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps, misalignment
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear leaf spring failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven tire wear, handling issues
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery drain, electrical system warnings
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No crank, clicking noises, grinding
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Roof rack corrosion:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust or corrosion on roof rack crossbars
  • Solution: Replace or repair roof rack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: 98V103000
• Tailgate latch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing tailgate, tailgate rattles
  • Solution: Replace tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center console latch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing center console
  • Solution: Replace center console latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window switch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not operate, intermittent operation
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer can be a reliable SUV with proper maintenance. However, it is prone to certain issues, particularly with the engine, transmission, and suspension. These issues can be costly to fix, so it is important to be aware of them and factor them into the cost of ownership.