MotorDeets

1996 Mercury Mountaineer: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1996 Mercury Mountaineer: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V074000 · 1997 · 23,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 0l engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles, when operated for extended periods of time at highway speeds and temperatures below -20 degrees farenheit, do not return to idle due to ice in the throttle…

Why it matters: Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.

The fix: Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Tire recall #00T005000 · 2000 · 14,400,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. Operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.

Why it matters: If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.

The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Tires2
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 1996 Mercury Mountaineer has 3 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 15 Mountaineer model years for complaints (well below the 133 average). Neighboring years: 1997 (328 complaints, 6 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Mercury Mountaineer.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1996 Mercury Mountaineer manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1996 Mercury Mountaineer manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1996 Mercury Mountaineer manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1996 Mercury Mountaineer manual

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FAQ

Does the 1996 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Mercury Mountaineer, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1996 Mercury Mountaineer problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (2), speed control / throttle (1).

Where can I get a 1996 Mercury Mountaineer repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Mountaineer years

199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010