2002 Mercury Mountaineer Problems
- Complaints
- 372filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 259 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Mountaineer report transmission problems far more than anything else, most often harsh or delayed shifting, a flashing overdrive light, and loss of a gear, with many repairs described as rebuilds or replacements. Body and liftgate issues — cracked liftgate panels, rear glass and hatch struts — and broken rear coil springs also come up repeatedly, usually on vehicles with moderate to higher mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, harsh shifts and lost gears
- 129 complaints (35%)
- median 79,421 mi at 6.9 yrs old (111 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 38 quotes)
- filed 2001–2022
Complaints describe harsh or delayed shifting between gears, an overdrive-off light that flashes along with a check transmission message, and in some cases loss of a gear while driving. Owners say it can appear without warning, and several report that shops rebuilt or replaced the transmission; some describe the problem returning after fluid service. A number mention being told by shops that the condition is common on this model. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 120,000 miles, with many clustered in the 55,000-70,000 mile range and a few much lower.
What to check: Drive the vehicle through several up- and down-shifts, including a full-throttle merge, and watch for delayed engagement, a flashing overdrive light, or a check transmission message. Ask for transmission service records and whether any rebuild or replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our Mountaineer has 84,257 miles on it and the transmission already has to be rebuilt. The transmission shop told me there was nothing that I did wrong or I could of done to prevent it, that this is a common problem with this transmission. The dealership and ford won't help us because the warranty is up.”
NHTSA complaint #10220805, filed 2008-03, 84,257 miles“While driving at around 35 MPH the o/d light started flashing, error message check transmission and check engine light stayed on. The vehicle started shifting erratically from a start then had problems shifting into gears. I brought it to my mechanic and decided to change, clean and flush transmission fluids. This did not solve the problem. I then went on line to find cures for this problem at ford motor co web site and there was no information there . …”
NHTSA complaint #10650688, filed 2014-10, 48,012 miles - Body and structure
Cracked rear liftgate panel and hatch glass problems
- 86 complaints (23%)
- median 65,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (52 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2001–2022
Complaints describe a vertical crack forming in the liftgate panel below the glass, sometimes spreading to the handle area, and rear glass that shatters or drops when the hatch is closed or pushed open. Several owners report the hatch struts losing hold or detaching from the glass, and dealers telling them the panel or entire assembly needs replacement at the owner's cost. Reported from roughly 25,000 to 155,000 miles, with several between 25,000 and 70,000 miles; some owners mention cold weather when glass cracked.
What to check: Inspect the liftgate panel below the glass for cracks near the emblem and handle, check that both hatch struts hold the glass open on their own, and ask whether the glass or struts have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When shutting my rear hatch on my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer my lift cracked underneath the window. When I contacted ford they said that I would have to pay for this - I could not afford it. Then my hatch was harder and harder to close. One day while trying to shut it the entire window and hatch fell on my head the latch came undone. Now I hear the cylinder are a defect what about the entire hatch. This whole unit is a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10100015, filed 2004-11, 25,000 miles“A large crack spontaneously formed running vertically down the panel of the rear liftgate of our 2002 Mercury Mountaineer near the emblem. I have not been able to ascertain if the crack has LED to a failure of the tailgate integrity as far as waterproofing is concerned. .”
NHTSA complaint #10179046, filed 2007-01, 65,000 miles - Suspension
Broken rear coil springs
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report rear coil springs found cracked or broken in two, sometimes discovered during a routine inspection rather than from a specific event, and in some cases with corrosion visible on the spring. Complaints also describe the rear sitting lower than normal and worn rear shocks, with repairs quoted at a few hundred dollars. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 95,000 miles on vehicles described as used for ordinary driving rather than off-road or towing.
What to check: Look at the rear ride height and have the rear springs inspected with the wheels off the ground, checking for cracks or heavy corrosion. Ask whether rear springs or shocks have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Both rear coil springs were broken. Both had been weakened due to corrosion before they broke. This is a widely-known issue with this vehicle and I had been checking for this problem every couple months. I last checked in december of 2008 and neither spring was broken through and neither showed external corrosion at the time, but they must have been very deteriorated even then. My point is that a visual inspection with the wheels off did not reveal the problem before the springs broke. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267189, filed 2009-04, 95,000 miles“I had noticed the stance of the vehicle had change and during a routine new york state inspection it was determined that the rear springs on my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer had broken. The rear spring defect also cause the rear shocks to prematurely wear out and need replacement. The springs were cracked entirely in half. It appears as if there were a defect relating to the metallurgical properties of the metal used or possibly a defect in the manufacture of the springs. At no time was this vehicle driven off road or used to tow anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239543, filed 2008-08, 51,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and seat belt pretensioner faults
- 26 complaints (7%)
- median 79,421 mi at 6.2 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2019
Owners report the airbag light flashing and then staying on, with dealers identifying seat belt buckle pretensioners or wiring to the airbag as the cause and quoting repairs. Some describe the light returning after parts were replaced, and a few report airbag deployment at low speed or in a parked vehicle. Reported from about 36,000 to 110,000 miles, often during ordinary driving with no crash involved.
What to check: Turn the key to the run position and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; if it stays on or flashes, ask for a scan of the restraint system and the repair history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger air bag warning light activated / will not go out. / this a safety issue which chronic on this make and model year / should not be subject to normal warranty terms / should be repaired by Mercury and not the owner / costly repair / normal driving and wear / this issue has not been corrected on my vehicle needs repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10227186, filed 2008-05, 110,000 miles“The airbag light will flash, then continuously stay on. Had taken to a certified ford dealership to have it checked out and/or repaired on 3-15-06. The service advisor stated that even though we have an additional vehicle service contract, it will not cover any safety devices after 50,000 miles. The service advisor then gave us an estimate on the parts and labor which are approx. $232.00. The service advisor stated that the right hand buckle pretensioner needs replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152919, filed 2006-03, 75,003 miles - Engine cooling
Spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder head
- 14 complaints (4%)
- median 110,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2001–2015
Complaints describe a loud bang from under the hood followed by a popping or rough-running engine, with a spark plug found blown out of the cylinder head and, in some accounts, the coil damaged and fuel or arcing exposed. Owners report the vehicle then runs poorly or is hard to drive until repaired. Reported from about 65,000 to 125,000 miles, typically while driving at ordinary road or highway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the spark plugs have been replaced and whether any thread repair has been done on the cylinder heads, and listen for a ticking or popping sound from the engine on a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on i75, I heard a loud bang then a constant popping sound from under the hood. I pulled off the interstate and looked under the hood. I found that one of the spark plugs had blown out of the engine, which allowed fuel to escape into the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #10285210, filed 2009-09, 125,630 miles“I had a spark plug blow out of my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6l engine. The car has 86,000 miles on it but this is the second engine. The original engine was replaced in dec 2003 when it had 49,000 miles on it. The original engine seized up after an oil pump failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10144442, filed 2005-12, 86,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the transmission and the rear liftgate is worthwhile on this model year, and a service history showing transmission work is worth asking for. Budget for suspension and body repairs on higher-mileage examples.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 372 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. 259 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 38 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 39 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain144 39%
- Body and structure70 19%
- Suspension36 9.7%
- Engine cooling33 8.9%
- Brakes23 6.2%
- Steering23 6.2%
- Air bags20 5.4%
- Electrical system19 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control18 4.8%
Also reported: Equipment (13), Fuel system (8), Other or unknown (8), Tires (8), Seat belts (7), Latches, locks and linkages (6), Wheels (6), Engine (2), Seats (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle was parked. After starting the vehicle, with foot on brake pedal and parking brake released, I attempted to shift from park into drive and the gearshift broke off in my hand. Vehicle had to be towed to dealership and I am awaiting the estimate for repair costs. This is my second ford SUV to do this after 80k miles. The repair have been going for around $1300 or more.”
NHTSA complaint #10610170, filed 2014-07, 84,880 milesBody and structure: “The rear hatch hinge broke as I attempted to close the hatch. The hatch then slammed down on my head. Fortunately, I was not injured - a little dazed. My local dealer replaced the hinge for $230. I contacted ford hq service but they refused any concession. I had a similar incident in january 2005, and ford replaced the hinge at no cost under recall 04s20. Obviously, the original replacement was not a permanent fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10435261, filed 2011-11, 71,000 milesSuspension: “While driving my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer I hit a bump on a small bridge and my rear drivers side coilspring snapped in half. Oddly about ten days later I was following a Mountaineer that hit a dip in the road and the same coilspring broke. I do not know the year of that Mountaineer though. To repair the coilspring is extremely expensive because it is dealer only 300.00 for the part and 135.00 to install it.”
NHTSA complaint #10266177, filed 2009-04, 91,000 milesEngine cooling: “My spark plug on #2 cylinder just shot out of my truck's engine... Argh!!!! Destroyed my coil pack and could have busted the fuel line. And now I cant put in the spark plug. Wtf........???????”
NHTSA complaint #10706419, filed 2015-04, 200,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 259 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,319 and 105,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Mercury Mountaineer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Mountaineer 2WD FFV | 4.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Mountaineer 4WD FFV | 4.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 1997, 2002, Ford E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
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…
- 01V171000May 24, 2001Tires › SidewallCovers: Mercury Mountaineer 2002, Ford Explorer 2002
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.
Recall details for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 39 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10028736May 1, 2009Transmission and drivetrain. Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Engine cooling. Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome…
- 10019800Apr 29, 2006Electrical system. Low oil pressure indication/warning, a/c compressor inoperative and/or no crank condition on 4.6l equipped vehicles.
- 10019379Jan 1, 2006Fuel system. Malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling.
- 10014100Jan 1, 2006Transmission and drivetrain. Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10018959Dec 14, 2005Engine cooling. Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program is being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of the settlement extend the…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10013388Oct 31, 2005Fuel system. Fuel gauge slow to update after refueling.
Other model years of the Mercury Mountaineer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 13 | 38,660 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 6 | 47,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 96 | 65,800 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 81 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 117 | 58,849 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 82 | 56,750 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 210 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 152 | 78,784 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 372 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 22 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 123 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 151 | 70,000 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 236 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 328 | 124,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mercury Mountaineer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?
Owners of the 2002 Mountaineer report transmission problems far more than anything else, most often harsh or delayed shifting, a flashing overdrive light, and loss of a gear, with many repairs described as rebuilds or replacements. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips, harsh shifts and lost gears; Cracked rear liftgate panel and hatch glass problems; Broken rear coil springs.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have?
NHTSA recorded 372 consumer complaints for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 144 complaints (39% of the total), followed by body and structure with 70.
Has the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer (Mountaineer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer reported?
Among the 259 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 52,319 and 105,000 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.