Mercury Mountaineer fuel smell problems

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 200,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The contact stated that the gear shifter intermittently failed to move to the intended position. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the fuel level was lowered sooner than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The contact stated that there was a code for an EVAP failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Peoria Ford (9130 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) however, the contact was not provided the cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2016 · Fuel system, Suspension · LA

2003 mercury mountaineer recalls I have had to change the intake manifold, ignition coils, I'm having a gas smells now, transmission thumps hard when going into first gear, sounds like my rear end is about to fall out, my front seat is electric and doesn't move, the o/d light comes on, check engine light on, brake light on, I keep trying to fix everything the more I fix the more problems that come up, I have check the recall list for 2003 mercury mountaineer recall on transmission and also called the ford co they said there is nothing. The problem is getting worst and afraid I will be on the highway with my grandchildren when it breaks. I've had transmission level checked said it was fine. Getting ready to do a complete tune-up on it to see if that will help with the smell of gas and make it run better. It idles high. It's worst when I'm on the highway.

Filed Oct 17, 2014 · Engine · 240,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2000 mercury mountaineer. While driving approximately 65 MPH, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle and the engine began to smoke before it caught fire. The check engine indicator illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2014 · Engine · 105,000 miles · WI

I purchased a 2003 mercury mountaineer on 2/15/14 and I took it on a road trip on 2/16/4 with my grandkids. After entering the highway and gaining speed I started to smell a strong burnt rubber and exhaust smell. The smell was very toxic and stuck to our clothing. On 2/18/14, I took it to the dealer for his mechanic to take a look at it. The mechanic said there was some degreaser that overflowed from a cupler and leaked onto the exhaust. I asked if there was a leak and the mechanic responded by saying not really, which meant there was a leak. The mechanic assured me that the problem was taken care of, but if it still occurs, they would send it in for two days. I continued to smell the toxic smell and on 2/19/14 the hatch on lift gate just cracked. Also when I turn at a low speed, I hear a strange sound and vibration, coming from the tire area. I've heard of numerous issues and complications with the mercury mountaineers. I don't want my grandchildren nor my life put in danger. A driver should be ensured with safety when driving a vehicle. Ford doesn't care about their consumers to sell defective and nonsafe vehicles. Please recall this vehicle as it has too many issues that can be life threatening, like the rollover rate.

Filed Aug 23, 2013 · Engine · MA

I have 2 broken bolts on my rt side exhaust manifold and once and a while can smell exhaust fumes in the truck. I've taken it to five separate mechanics for diagnostics the repairs are very expensive and everyone said there should be a recall for this. After a little research there are hundreds if not thousands with this same problem I have grandchildren who have to drive in this truck every day and are subject to dangerous fumes why !!!!!!!!! Hasn't ford done anything about this. I called ford tell them what the problem is and get nowhere there exact word are ( there isn't enough complaints about this problem ) bs !! Look on the internet and you'll see the federal safety agency needs to help people with this now before it's to late.

Filed Jul 2, 2007 · Engine · 69,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that there is a crack in the center of the egr valve. The vehicle is making an unfamiliar noise and gas fumes are entering the vehicle. There were no warning indicators. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The purchase date, engine size, and a valid VIN were unknown. The current mileage is 72,000 and failure mileage was 69,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2003 · Airbags, Body · PA

To this date the following problems are present: gas gauge sticks, air bag warning light comes on and off, driver's side door rattles and knocks, driver's side window taps, driver's side window grinds while moving up and down, clock and radio do not light up or work when start vehicle, sun roof rattles and knocks, wind gets caught between roof and headliner which creates a loud vibration, the passenger side window also rattles and knocks, there is a loud rhythmic chirp toward rear of vehicle, heating and cooling controls squeal when turning on or switching vent settings, driver's seat feels rough when moving on seat track, the 3rd steering wheel still has defect under the leather which protrudes, driver's side leather seat was damaged after being at the dealership, 2nd row middle seat is almost impossible to lock in folded position, front windshield wiper control does not stay within setting, the vehicle vibrates and the steering wheel shakes when turning the wheel at a slow speed, the third row cup holder on the driver's side does not stay down in the fitting, there is a strong exhaust smell in the cabin when engine is in hard acceleration, engine starts to stall while driving. Steering wheel was defective by being malformed causing the airbag to be ineffective. The second steering wheel was also ill fitted causing sharp protruding parts on the steering wheel. The dealership has had to repair or replace the following: body work to defective paint on roof, front hood, and driver's side fender. The dealership damaged paint in two areas and only provided touch up paint. Replaced noisy rear windshield wiper motor, rear hatch glass because defrost would not work, rear hatch hinges, driver's side seat track. Suspension problems with vibration and pitching. Vehicle lurches forward upon acceleration.

Filed Mar 18, 2002 · Fuel system · AL · fire

While parking noticed a fuel smell coming inside of vehicle. Consumer backed out of the parking garage, and noticed that gasoline was leaking from underneath vehicle.

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Fuel system · MI

Upon purchase, a raw gas odor was noticeable--returned to dealer--no problem found; returned at 4000 miles with same problem--replaced fuel injector; third time major fuel leak from right side fuel rail at upper seal on cyl 3 & 4 o-ring replaced--dealer had us call tow service and the dealer took care of repairs under warranty--great concern about safety due to possible of a serious fire from fuel leakage onto hot engine.

Filed Oct 25, 2001 · Fuel system · TX

I purchased 2002 mercury mountaineer on 08/31/01 and in less than a month the vehicle leaked fuel. The first incident happened on 09/26/01 while the vehicle was idling in parking the engine started leaking fuel and emptyed the tank in about 2 minutes. The vehicle towed in for repairs that day and o-rings were replaced. The second incident happened on 10/03/01 while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate at 70 MPH, and this time smoke began to come from under the hood. The vehicle was towed and repaired one day later, and the repairs made were to replace the injector. The third incident happened on 10/17/01 while the vehicle was at an intersection wait at a signal light. The smell of fuel came in there the A/C vent and smoke was coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed in for repairs that day and is still in for repairs since 10/17/01. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and have made that known to the dealership and manufacter. I have requested a vehicle buy back and the only answer I get is to wait for more repairs. I fear for my life by driving this vehicle again. Thank you virgia rhymes