Engine
5.0L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 249 of 328 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 30 of 328 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Tires
162 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"ORGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 97 MOUNTAINEER. TREAD SEPARATED ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. *AK FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 235/75/R15 *MW..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →
Speed control
59 complaint records1 fire report18 crash reports
"ACCELERATOR TOO CLOSE TO BRAKE PEDAL, VEHICLE SPEEDS UP WHEN APPLYING BRAKE IN A PANIC SITUATION, RESULTS IN ACCIDENT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Brakes
42 complaint records1 fire report11 crash reports
"ON FOUR OCASSIONS WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY EXHIBITED MINIMUM BRAKING ABILITY/ABS DID NOT ACTIVATE ON ANY OCCASION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
| PE99049 opened Jul 1999 | closed Apr 2000 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION - led to recall 00V072000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE99045 opened Jul 1999 | closed Oct 1999 | Steering | STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS There is no summary currently available |
| RQ98020 opened Nov 1998 | closed Nov 2000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTING - led to recall 98V060000 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09V399000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY... | Normally free |
| 00V422000 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). | Normally free |
| 00V402000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 98V060000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. | Normally free |
| 97V137000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED. | Normally free |
| 97V074000 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA,... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009292 2009-10-14 | Other | 492,877 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030508 Apr 2005 | Power Train | FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 02138 Nov 2003 | Power Train | LOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT | |
| 03203 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16935 Jul 2003 | Power Train | AN UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 16735 Apr 2003 | Suspension | VARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 0358 Mar 2003 | Power Train | FLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB | |
| 03261 Jan 2003 | Power Train | NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 16040 Jul 2002 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A CLICKING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 15887 May 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, A NO ENGINE BRAKING CONDITION IN MANUAL 1 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO) OR P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO). *TT | |
| 15910 May 2002 | Service Brakes | CONCERNS WITH BRAKE VIBRATION, ROUGHNESS AND / OR GRINDING NOISE, AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR CORROSION. *TT | |
| 0282 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/15/2001 MAY EXHIBIT LOW LINE PRESSURE READINGS WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, NO ENGINE BRAKING IN MANUAL 1ST AND SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS. *TT | |
| 0242 Mar 2002 | Power Train | CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 15692 Mar 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT | |
| 0232 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 (RANDOM MISFIRE) OR P0301. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 15532 Jan 2002 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITNG FUEL LINE DAMAGE DUE TO PINCHING/SQUEEZING OF THE FUEL RETURN LINE. *TT | |
| 15563 Jan 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300/P0301.*YH | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01B77 Oct 2001 | Tires | OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 15249 Sep 2001 | Service Brakes | CONCERNS WITH HIGH BRAKE PEDAL FORCE TO STOP AFTER ROTOR MACHINING. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 15168 Aug 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT HIGH FREQUENCY BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *YH | |
| 070101 Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 01M01 SUPPLEMENT #2: REVISED TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS AND NEW LABOR OPERATION. NLM | |
| 0186 Apr 2001 | Power Train | ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 01M01 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 01M01 REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE ASSEMBLY. *TT | |
| 14819 Apr 2001 | Power Train | SOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 14847 Apr 2001 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHBIT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 14868 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0 SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A PRIMARY CHAIN RATTLE NOISE (SOMETIMES DESCRIBED AS A SPARK KNOCK-TYPE NOISE). *TT | |
| 01M01 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON THE FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR RENTAL VEHICLES WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM (SOHC) ENGINES. *TT | |
| 13752 Mar 2001 | Power Train | SOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE PINION SEAL. *TT | |
| 13879 Mar 2001 | Electrical System | INFORMATION ON REPLACING A GEM MODULE ON 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC, OHV AND THE NEUTRAL TOW KIT. *TT | |
| 00E11 Feb 2001 | Power Train | SERVICE ACTION 00E11, SUPPLEMENT #1 - UPDATE INFORMATION REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT | |
| 01M01 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADVANCE NOTICE ON UPCOMING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM WHICH WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON THE FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE ASSEMBLY ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 14560 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE START UP TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *JB | |
| 14583 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH BROKEN THERMOSTATS ON ENGINES. *JB | |
| 14617 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO BROKEN THERMOSTAT. *JB | |
| 00E11 Dec 2000 | Equipment | SERVICE ACTION BULLETIN REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT | |
| 00M12 Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION SUPPLLEMENTAL PROGRAM FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES - CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ADDITIONAL COVERAGE. *TT | |
| 00243 Nov 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON SOME VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE OR SEPARATED FROM THE DASH PANEL. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY REPEATED EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, RESULTING IN CRACKING OF THE DASH PANEL SHEET METAL AT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 00M12 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR THE 4.0L SOHC CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *TT | |
| 00213 Oct 2000 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB | |
| 00201 Oct 2000 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HESITATION ON ACCELERATION OR WHILE TURNING. *JB | |
| 00M11 Oct 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE PROGRAM FOR SWAY BAR LINKS. *JB | |
| 00L09 Sep 2000 | Equipment | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE INFLATION LABEL. *JB | |
| 14371 Sep 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING POP / CREAK NOISE FROM THE REAR UNDERBODY WHILE DRIVING. *JB | |
| 00M11 Sep 2000 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SWAY BAR LINK . *YH | |
| 0083 Apr 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RUBBING NOISE DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. **MR |
Showing 60 of 291 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Mountaineer →