Model year record

2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls & problems

The 2002 Mercury Mountaineer has 3 safety recalls and 372 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (149 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints372filed by owners

Crashes · fires17 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths38 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

Vehicle speed control

Recall 09V3990004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

VisibilityDec 11, 2007

Glass, side/rear

Recall 07E1040001,657 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

TiresMay 24, 2001

Sidewall

Recall 01V17100052,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
Risk: OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Mercury Mountaineer 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Mountaineer 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Mountaineer 2WD FFV FFV

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Mountaineer 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Mountaineer 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Mountaineer 4WD FFV FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Mountaineer 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit	149	3	1	12	78,279 mi
StructureBody › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments; Body	73	0	0	11	58,500 mi
SuspensionRear; Front	42	0	0	0	75,800 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	33	0	1	2	86,000 mi
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Power window devices and controls	32	0	0	6	80,000 mi
SteeringColumn; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	23	1	0	2	104,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	20	9	0	11	87,000 mi
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Ignition › Switch	19	0	1	0	60,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Pedals and linkages	19	1	0	1	44,269 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	18	4	1	0	67,000 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings	14	0	0	1	107,500 mi
TiresSidewall; Tread/belt	8	0	0	0	90,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
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!
Jan 2, 2023
Electrical system
Body : to much rust, corrosion, on rear of truck other failure or detachment of exterior body like rear gate frame components, and other structural components that may present a safety hazard. Electrical :Â electrical systems and items such asa wiring and cable on or inside the door, ignition switch cover detach ,instrument panel and gauges blinking that causes motors and actuators that power mechanical devices like (windows, sunroofs, seats, etc.) Generate some kind of electrical problem that may present a safety hazard. Power train :transmissions, transfer cases fluid hard to check ,electronic control units and shift lever inacurated, drive axles, hubs, shafts, differentials, CV joints…
Jun 18, 2022
Unknown or otherFire
Heard a pop noise under hood. Engine shut off battery light came on. Went to open hood and there was a fire.
May 10, 2022
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT STATED ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE LIFT GATE AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S SON WENT TO CLOSE THE LIFT GATE AND GLASS SHATTERED. THE CONTACT HIRED A GLASS REPAIRMEN TO FIX THE WINDOW FOR $250.00. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01I010000 (VISIBILITY) WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jun 1, 2017
Air bagsCrash1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLID ON ICE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, CHEST, LOWER AND UPPER BACK, ABDOMINAL, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
Feb 28, 2019 · 250,000 miles
Electrical system
MY POWER WILL STAY ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME ALSO I'M HAVING AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO GO TO ABOUT 25 MI TILL 26 FOR IT TO PICK UP ANY SPEED IT TAKES A VERY LONG TIME FOR IT TO PICK UP ANY SPEED IN THE 1ST PLACE.
Jun 27, 2017 · 25,000 miles
Service brakes
I PURCHASED A VEHICLE ON MARCH 11, 2017 FROM A DEALERSHIP NAMED REDEFINED AUTO SALES IN SKOKIE, IL. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE SPENT OVER $1,500 IN COSTS FOR REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE, BEGINNING WITH I HAD TO GET AN OIL CHANGE ON THE SAME DAY THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CHANGE OIL REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS I EXITED THE EXPRESSWAY IN ROUTE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, AS I WAS EN ROUTE FROM THE DEALERSHIP, ON THE EXPRESSWAY A MOTORIST TRIED TO CUT ME OFF AND THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THINGS HAVE JUST WENT DOWNHILL FROM THERE.
Mar 11, 2017
Service brakes
I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE FROM REDEFINED AUTO SALES LOCATED IN SKOKIE, IL ON 3/11/17. SINCE THEN I HAVE SPENT OVER $1500.00 IN COST FOR REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, BEGINNING WITH I HAD TO GET THE OIL CHANGED THE SAME DAY THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CHANGE OIL REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS I EXITED THE EXPRESSWAY, I ALMOST GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN ROUTE FROM THE CAR DEALERSHIP BECAUSE A MOTORIST TRIED TO CUT ME OFF AND THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THE NEXT DAY THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AND THINGS JUST HAS WENT DOWN HILL SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW AS I'M TYPING THIS, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE…
Mar 11, 2017

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Vehicle Rollaway AllegationsClosed
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information…
EA09013 · opened Aug 18, 2009 · closed Feb 12, 2013
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
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 COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
STUCK ENGINE THROTTLEClosed
ON JULY 7, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE COMPLAINTS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE STANDARD AVAILABLE 4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE.AT THAT TIME, ODI WAS AWARE OF 15 COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGED STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE CAUSING UNWANTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND 1 ALLEGED CRASH AS A RESULT.SIX COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE REPLACEMENT REMEDIED THE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE CONDITION.ADDITIONALLY, ODI WAS AWARE OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT REFERRED TO AN ACCELERATOR CABLE DESIGN CHANGE.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JULY 18, 2005 REQUESTING CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THESE VEHICLES. ACCORDING TO FORD, APPROXIMATELY 234,092 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 14, 2000 (?JOB 1?) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,…
PE05037 · opened Jul 7, 2005 · closed Nov 2, 2005
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLYClosedLed to recall 04V442000
COMPLAINTS REPORT FAILURE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT WHILE THE OPERATOR IS OPENING OR CLOSING THE GLASS.THE FALLING GLASS CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDER.THE INJURIES REPORTED ARE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND.ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 955,732 MY 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND/OR HINGES.SEE NHTSA RECALL 04V442 FOR DETAILS. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE04045 · opened Jun 2, 2004 · closed Sep 28, 2004
MIS-ASSEMBLED AIRBAG CLOCKSPRINGClosed
IN JULY 2001, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE ANNOUNCING THAT SOME AIR BAGCLOCKSPRING DEVICES MAY PRODUCE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED FULL LEFT OR RIGHT.FORD WAS AWARE THAT SOME CLOCKSPRINGS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY ALSO CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.STARTING WITH VEHICLES PRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 2001, FORD ADDING LENGTH TO THE CLOCKSPRING WIRE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DAMAGE FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION.ODI'S INVESTIGATION REVEALED 32 COMLAINTS (VEHICLE BUILT PRIOR TO SEPT. 2001) OF WARNING LIGHT BUT NO CRASHES, INJURIES, LAWSUITS OR CLAIMS.A SAFETY DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED…
EA02010 · opened Jul 2, 2002 · closed Feb 25, 2003