Mercury Mountaineer power steering loss problems

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Steering · AZ

Aftermarket rack and pinion system re-manufactured by Detroit Axel began leaking fluid and caused a loss of power steering within 3 months of purchase. A second unit was installed and after about a year had the exact same failure as the first unit. Also resulting in the loss of power steering. It is my contention that Detroit Axel is not capable of re-manufacturing to a satisfactory safety standard. I believe they should be investigated and perhaps subject to a product recall. I pray nobody has yet been killed by their ineptitude!

Filed Nov 8, 2018 · Acceleration · 136,200 miles · CT

I purchased a used 2005 mercury mountaineer last month, with 135,400 miles, while using cruise control and traveling approximately 35 MPH, the road went from level to a very slight downgrade. The car then just shut off after audible warning bell was heard. Noticed dashboard lights were all lit and battery gage was normal. I lost power steering, brakes and oil pressure. After pulling safely to the side of the road, I rested for 30 seconds before restarting the car, which subsequently operated normally. After taking it in for an oil change and safety check, I went on a 450 mile weekend trip and had no issues, restricting cruise control to highway speeds. The other day, I was traveling on a different stretch of level road in my town while using cruise control at approx. 35 MPH. After heading into a slight downgrade, I again heard the warning bell, followed by engine shut off. A "check gage" light came on and I lost power steering, oil pressure and brakes. This time, I gently shifted the car into neutral, and while coasting at 15-20 MPH I turned the ignition off before restarting without issue. The car has subsequently operated normally, but I have not engaged the cruise control at any speed.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · TN

While my 17 year old daughter was driving with the cruise control on in a 30 -40 MPH zone, several lights came on, the power steering went out, and the vehicle stalled. She was on a small 2 lane road, and there were no warnings prior to the occurrence. She was very scared, she turned on the hazard lights and called me immediately. The vehicle then restarted and she drove home. Today (jan. 5, 2016) the problem occurred again, fortunately in a slow speed zone again. She was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. This problem is potentially very dangerous and needs to be addressed by the manufacturer, or they need to offer a buy back at full value for placing people at risk.

Filed Aug 29, 2014 · Steering · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mercury mountaineer. While driving 45 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Steering, Transmission · 83,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that while attempting to change the wheel drive, the vehicle failed to utilize the forward wheel drive. In addition, the vehicle began exhibiting several failures simultaneously. The power steering assist failed, the gear shifter failed, and the transmission was causing the vehicle to jerk abnormally. Also, the power windows had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The contact was informed that the transfer case and transmission needed to be replaced. The additional failures were not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 70,000 miles · SD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury mountaineer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and there was a sudden loss of power steering. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jan 19, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 130,629 miles · MD

Engine stalls when activating cruise control which results in hazardous driving situation due to loss of power steering and brakes. Have to pull over to side of road, put the vehicle in park and restart. Starts every time. Has repeated 3 times. This is a serious flaw in the ford electrical computer design to result a failure mode that stalls the vehicle engine while under speed.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Engine · 93,000 miles · CT

Shut off while driving lost power steering etc.

Filed Oct 21, 2010 · Engine · 42,000 miles · MA

2004 mercury mountaineer - harmonic balancer failed. It was noticed when a squeaky noise was coming from the engine. Although is was caught before any serious injury occurred, this failure may have LED to one. If the balancer had completely failed, it could have resulted in loss of steering and at highway speeds would have been catastrophic. Steering is lost because drive belt would have come lose. Unit was replaced at a cost of $475. Old part was saved for inspection.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Acceleration · 91,303 miles · PA

To ford motor company (fmc) via website: your inquiry: has any mechanic every came across a situation similar to my 2004 mountaineer cruise control problem as follows: every time I set the cruise control between 27-45mph and descend a hill, the engine shuts down! That's right; no power steering, no power brakes, no engine running! This is definitely a safety/warranty issue to me? The mercury service manager said that he never heard of such a problem and it's going to cost me at least $70.00, just for him to figure out what's wrong! From fmc: thank you for contacting the ford motor company customer relationship center regarding the cruise control concern on your 2004 mercury mountaineer. I sincerely understand the frustration that this experience has brought you. Please be advised that complete vehicle service records are maintained at the servicing dealership only. As dealerships are independently owned and operated, we do not have access to other vehicles' service records; thus, cannot determine if this is considered to be a common occurrence. Moreover, our dealers determine how the diagnostic fee will be applied when assigning technicians to service vehicles. In this instance, the $70 diagnostic fee that was quoted to you and the manner in which it would apply, is a standard practice for this dealership. I invite you to speak with the customer relations manager or the service manager, as he/she would be in the best position to address your diagnostic fee. At this time, I recommend that your vehicle be inspected by a lincoln-mercury dealership to determine the cause of any symptoms your vehicle may be experiencing. They have factory-trained technicians, the most current engineering service information, and the specialized equipment required to resolve your vehicle concerns. If there is no coverage under applicable warranties, recalls or extended service plans, repairs and services would be your responsibility. Make an appointment with fmc dealer.