1999 Mercury Mountaineer developed problems with the windshield wipers, tires, driver's side mirror, linkage on the transmission, check engine light and the airbag light.

- Trion, GA, USA

Brakes failed seven times within 70,000 miles. An independent mechanic determined that the GEM control module was the problem. When the GEM control module malfunctioned, the brakes failed, and the 4-wheel drive didn't operate. Also, windshield wipers operated intermittently.

- Mays Landing, NJ, USA

Windshield wipers come on uncommanded - - intermittently. Occurs most often when making a left-hand turn. Often happens when using turn signal lever. Occurs less frequently when traveling in a straight line. The speed of the wipers is also affected, most often starts in the slow speed mode, wiper speed remains the same despite increase/decrease by turning switch.

- Memphis, TN, USA

Windshield wipers will turn on by themselves without touching switch, and they will not function on high speed, causing a distraction or poor visibility.

- Williamsville, NY, USA

No summary.

- Paramus, NJ, USA

Shortly after car was purchased, the windshield wipers started to go on when they weren't prompted to do so. Channel 7 news did a report on this and called them phantom wipers. The problem they reported is the exact problem I am having. Also, when it rains heavily and I need the fast wiper speed, only the slow one works even when I put it on for the fast speed. This is very distracting. The wipers go on and off at any time - there is no consistency to when this happens. This is ruining the windshield as it has dry wipers go on and off and moving dirt constantly across the glass - must be doing some kind of damage to the glass and of course wearing the wipers out - all causing me unncessary expenses. It is extremely ridiculous to be told - " there is no fix". pleeeeeeeeaaaaaassssseeeee do something about this. I have always purchased only Mercury cars - for the quality and the service. I can assure you this is the last Mercury vehicle I will purchase.

- Garden City, NY, USA

Windshied wipers fail to work properly. Would stop or go on their own. Causing poor visibility to driver. Had wipers repaired seven times so far. Been through lemon law. Problem has since returned.

- Rosemount, MN, USA

Windshield wipers would intermittently come on while switch is in off mode, or when turn signal is used. Also wiper would stop working while operating. Dealer notifed and waiting on repair parts.

- Wynnewood, PA, USA

Windshield wipers come on all by themselves when consumer least expects.

- Burbank, CA, USA

Vehicle was being driven in heavy rain in dark early morning hours on I-94 in SE Michigan. When passing a tractor trailer, the windshield wipers (front and rear) spontaneously failed. Vehicle was driven off at next exit, and wipers would not operate. Driven back to dealer in dry daylight hours for warranty fix. Nothing conclusive found, then I read about your investigation in the newspapaer on 8/20/99.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

While making a right turn consumer hit a bump and the windshield wipers came on, steering wheel went to the right, and the consumer almost hit an enbankment.

- Croton, NY, USA

For no apparent reason the windshield wipers come on and go off without application. The dealer has been notified about this problem. Part to correct is on national back order.

- Milltown, NJ, USA

Windshield wipers would turn on automatically without indications. Occurs on bumps and turns when initializing turn signal.

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

Windshield wipers come on by themselves and stay on. Sometimes they do not come on even with application. Dealer replaced the switch, but problem still exists.

- Aurora, IL, USA

Windshield wipers have to be turned on high in order to function. When the wipers are on, they run at slow pace. Dealer can not fix them.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Windshield wipers are working intermittently, and sometime's don't work at all.

- Louiseville, KY, USA

When traveling and upon hitting a bump in the raod, the windshield wipers come on intermittently, causing the blades to wear. Also, air conditioner is blowing out hot air. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to replace parts.

- Temperance, MI, USA

The windshield wipers come on spontaneously. They do not operate at high speed unless I activate my turn signal which will activate the high speed (but not always). A right hand turn (with or without turn signal) seems to trigger them to come on (but not always). When they do come on spontaneously, they will be in the pause mode at different intervals. They stop operating just as spontaneously. They have come on at times even before I leave my driveway, sometimes after 20 miles or more, but usually within 1-2 miles of driving. The service representative at varsity told me he had never heard of the problem, but the next day he told me he had 5 vehicles that morning with the same problem and that Ford engineers were looking into it. I have a fear the wipers will not operate in a rainstorm and I will have an accident.

- Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA