2002 Mercury Mountaineer
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 328 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 151 |
| 2000 | 123 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 372 |
| 2003 | 152 |
| 2004 | 210 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 117 |
| 2007 | 81 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: power train — 89 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, JUMPED AND MADE CLUNKING NOISES. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. THE REAR HATCH FELL ONTO THE CONSUMERS HEAD WHICH RESULTED IN RETINAL DETACHMENT AND BALANCE TROUBLE. *MR *PH *AK *NLM PE04045.PCO
NHTSA ODI report, 20030616
10% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 23 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, JUMPED AND MADE CLUNKING NOISES. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. THE REAR HATCH FELL ONTO THE CONSUMERS HEAD WHICH RESULTED IN RETINAL DETACHMENT AND BALANCE TROUBLE. *MR *PH *AK *NLM PE04045.PCO
NHTSA ODI report, 20030616
4% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY MOTHER WAS AT HER PARENTS' HOUSE AND OPENED THE REAR GLASS PORTION OF THE LIFT GATE. UPON DOING SO, ONE OF THE LIFT GATE CYLINDERS DETACHED FROM THE GLASS. SHE WENT INSIDE TO GET HER FATHER TO COME OUTSIDE AND SEE IF HE COULD FIX THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121006
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200205
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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 AGREE
Campaign 01V171000 — check if this car was fixed
MIS-ASSEMBLED AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLY
STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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
Remedy: 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 REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
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
Remedy: 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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE.
Campaign 01I010000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mercury Mountaineer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01I010000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V171000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.