NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 117 owner complaints for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (43) and power train (39). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Mountaineer model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 331 |
| 1998 | 241 |
| 1999 | 160 |
| 2000 | 125 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 389 |
| 2003 | 152 |
| 2004 | 210 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 117 |
| 2007 | 81 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 13 |
“The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that her husband informed her that the vehicle had experienced an unknown radiator failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the radiator was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was repaired for a second time by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,869.”
“MY CAR WILL JERK AS I'M DRIVING RPMS GOING HIGH WHILE NO SPEED IS PICKING UP. WITH JUMP OUT OF GEAR WHEN AT STOP LIGHT. LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM TIRES COULD HAVE FOOT ALL THE WAY DOWN ON GAS PETAL AND GO NO FASTER.”
“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES. THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OR DYING AS YOU MAY SAY AS I DRIVE. IT WILL BE OKAY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN JUST DIE RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY! ONCE IT DIES ONCE, THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS COOLED DOWN. I HAVE THE ENGINE CODES OF P2104, P2111 AND P2135 WITH A REFERE TO P2101. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND PAID WELL OVER $1,000 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND IT JUST CONTINUES. I AM AFRAID MY FAMILY MAY ALL DIE! WERE ON 93 RECENTLY HEADING TOWARD BOSTON AND MY CAR DIED RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF 495. I HAD ALL MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAVE FIXED THE FUEL SYSTEM (ERROR CODE LAST TIME), HAD A COMPLETE TUNE UP, AND THROTTLE SENSOR ETC.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Mountaineer 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Mountaineer 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Mountaineer 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (43), power train (39), engine (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).