2002 Ford Mountaineer

○ Not enough data
2002 Ford Mountaineer
RENDERED 2026-10-31T14:33:21.197Z

Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 11 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 11 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002 11 2003: 3 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004

2002: 11 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19977
19985
19996
20002
20011
200211
20033
20044

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

8 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Mountaineer. The contact stated that the transmission gear shift lever on the column was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-08

While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealership replaced the transmission/main computer, now the cruise control is inoperative.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-21

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Visibility

2 of 11 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.

Show complaint excerpts

When the brakes were depressed the vehicle continued to accelerate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-21

Suspension

1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing wheel bearing.

Steering

1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing column.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.

  2. I
    2001-12-12SQClosed 2002-07-02 Inoperative air bag system
  3. I
    2004-06-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-09-28 Rear liftgate glass assembly
  4. R
    2004-09-30Structure04V442000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.

    Remedy: Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from August 1, 2000 through March 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate…

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Ford Mountaineer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01X001000 · Tires
  • Recall 04V442000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 2002 Ford Mountaineer reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Mountaineer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 73% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Mountaineer have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.