2002 Mercury Mountaineer Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 19%of 372 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 19% of the 372 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,750 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Hello and good day, when I 1st purchased my Mountaineer (purchased used with approx 119,000 miles) I took it to get it washed. When I was getting it washed the rear hatch panel (the rectangular panel under the glass with the make and model name) cracked and broke apart. I tried to contact ford and Mercury concerning this to explain what happened and how part of the car literally fell off. They informed me that they would not recall this but that I could take it to my local dealer and they could fix it for $750! …”
NHTSA complaint #10547529, filed 2013-10, 119,000 miles“I was making sure all the doors of my 2002' Mountaineer were closed and when I shut the back lift gate one of the connecting brackets came out of place and caused the whole thing to shatter a spray glass in my face. I had glass stuck in my scalp and had to wash out my eyes for 4 hours as well as my hands and face being cut. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068285, filed 2004-05, 38,000 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“I own a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. The tailgate developed a crack between the emblem and the rear glass lift. Since this crack has developed, the door ajar light has stayed on consistently, causing the interior light to stay on, draining the battery, which had to be replaced. I have noticed the same crack in almost every ford explorer that I see. I have not yet attempted a repair because I don't feel I should have to pay out of pocket for an obvious manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10263178, filed 2009-03, 108,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 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…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 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…
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10013074Oct 1, 2002Sun visor rattle / detroit area dealers contact request.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 7 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 32% |
| 2004 | 79 | 38% |
| 2003 | 59 | 39% |
| 2002 | 70 | 19% |
| 2001 | 3 | 14% |
| 2000 | 6 | 5% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
144 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology