MERCURY MOUNTAINEER · model year

2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER

504 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2002MERCURYMOUNTAINEER carries 504 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 8 fires, 48 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 MOUNTAINEER is power train:automatic transmission with 89 filings, followed by power train (38) and structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments (23). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2002 MOUNTAINEER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

504
Complaints
19
Crashes
8
Fires
48
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

504 filings

Crashes Reported

19 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION89
POWER TRAIN38
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS23
STEERING15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING15
SUSPENSION:REAR15
STRUCTURE:BODY15
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
SUSPENSION11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE10
STRUCTURE9
AIR BAGS9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8

Recalls (4)

01V17100024/05/2001

TIRES:SIDEWALL

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.

09V39900013/10/2009

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

07E10400011/12/2007

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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 FEDER

01I01000010/04/2001

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS

Recent Complaints

20231227STEERING

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!

20220618ELECTRICAL 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 : 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 star vibration that may present a safety hazard.

20220618STRUCTURE:BODY

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 : 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 star vibration that may present a safety hazard.

20220618POWER TRAIN

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 : 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 star vibration that may present a safety hazard.

20220510FireUNKNOWN OR OTHER

Heard a pop noise under hood. Engine shut off battery light came on. Went to open hood and there was a fire.

20200205STRUCTURE: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.

20200205VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

20190306CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 250,000

20170701ELECTRICAL 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.

Mileage: 25,000

20170701UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Mileage: 25,000

20170605SERVICE 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.

20170605ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

20170605ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20170526SERVICE 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 ANYWHERE OTHER THAN BACK AND FORTH TO REPAIR SHOPS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB BUT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT THE COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE BUSINESS RESPONDED SAYING THE VEHICLE WAS USED AND I REJECTED THE RESPONSE AND THEN RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE BBB SAYING THAT THE CASE WAS CLOSED. THIS VEHICLE WA

20170526POWER TRAIN

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 ANYWHERE OTHER THAN BACK AND FORTH TO REPAIR SHOPS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB BUT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT THE COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE BUSINESS RESPONDED SAYING THE VEHICLE WAS USED AND I REJECTED THE RESPONSE AND THEN RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE BBB SAYING THAT THE CASE WAS CLOSED. THIS VEHICLE WA

20170526SUSPENSION

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 ANYWHERE OTHER THAN BACK AND FORTH TO REPAIR SHOPS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB BUT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT THE COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE BUSINESS RESPONDED SAYING THE VEHICLE WAS USED AND I REJECTED THE RESPONSE AND THEN RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE BBB SAYING THAT THE CASE WAS CLOSED. THIS VEHICLE WA

20170309AIR BAGS

WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD GOING 20-25 MPH, MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY STILL CONFUSED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. THEY INFORMED ME TO CALL FORD AND REPORT IT AND CUT THE AIRBAG ENOUGH TO SEE. WITH NO LUCK ON GETTING HELP FROM FORD OR MY INSURANCE COMPANY, I'M NOW DEALING WITH FAILING INSPECTION DUE TO MY AIRBAG LIGHT. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM AS I HAVEN'T MADE ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 199,000

20161121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHEN GOING 25-30 MPH VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT.IT ACTUALLY KICKED THE VEHICLE BACK. OD LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON.BEEN DOING THIS SINCE. WENT TO GO GET MOUNTAINEER READ AND OF COARSE..THE TRANSMISSION..SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE OTHERWISE THIS MIGHT EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A LAWSUIT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THE EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 150,351

20161121POWER TRAIN

WHEN GOING 25-30 MPH VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT.IT ACTUALLY KICKED THE VEHICLE BACK. OD LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON.BEEN DOING THIS SINCE. WENT TO GO GET MOUNTAINEER READ AND OF COARSE..THE TRANSMISSION..SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE OTHERWISE THIS MIGHT EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A LAWSUIT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THE EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 150,351

20161121VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN GOING 25-30 MPH VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT.IT ACTUALLY KICKED THE VEHICLE BACK. OD LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON.BEEN DOING THIS SINCE. WENT TO GO GET MOUNTAINEER READ AND OF COARSE..THE TRANSMISSION..SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE OTHERWISE THIS MIGHT EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A LAWSUIT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THE EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 150,351

Compare 2002MERCURYMOUNTAINEER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER have?
The 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER has 504 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 8 fires, 48 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER?
Yes, the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES:SIDEWALL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER?
The most-complained component for the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 89 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS.
Is the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.