2002 Mercury Mountaineer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission9520.0%
- Body & structure7014.7%
- Powertrain (other)5110.7%
- Suspension367.6%
- Engine357.4%
- Visibility336.9%
- Brakes234.8%
- Steering234.8%
- Airbags204.2%
- Driver assistance194.0%
- Electrical194.0%
- Other / unspecified153.2%
- Tires & wheels91.9%
- Fuel system81.7%
- Seat belts71.5%
- Heating & air conditioning61.3%
- Interior & seats61.3%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. 70000 MILES NO TOWING JUST STREET DRIVING. HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. SEEMS TO BE COMMON ISSUE FOR FORD ON 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS AND FORD EXPLORERS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A VERY HARD SHIFT FOR A FEW MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER RECENTLY STATED THERE WAS A BLOW HOLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE HOLE EXPANDED WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT THAT COULD BE USED, BUT NOT UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 10/18/11*LJ UPDATED 3/22/12 *CN UPDATED 8/11/12
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 WAS A LEMON WITH A LOT OF ISSUES AND NONE OF THOSE ISSUES WERE DISCLOSED TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 WAS A LEMON WITH A LOT OF ISSUES AND NONE OF THOSE ISSUES WERE DISCLOSED TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE AS IF WERE "FLOATING". THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON EXAMINATION; THE CONTACT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. HE RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND AS HE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SWAY BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE SWAY BAR WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL SHOT OUT FROM THE #2 CYLINDER. A LARGE PERCUSSION BANGING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHICH WAS THE DETECTABLE EVIDENCE SOMETHING HAD JUST GONE DESPERATELY WRONG WITH THE ENGINE.
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........??????? *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO WIPE OFF THE CARS OF SNOW THIS MORNING IN OUR DRIVEWAY, AND WENT TO OPEN THE BACK WINDOW OF OUR 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TO GET SOMETHING OUT. WHEN HE WENT TO CLOSE THE WINDOW, EVEN BEFORE HE ACTUALLY CLOSED IT, THE WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. NO FORCE OR ANYTHING WAS USED IN CLOSING THE WINDOW, JUST A SUDDEN EXPLOSION OF GLASS. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 WAS A LEMON WITH A LOT OF ISSUES AND NONE OF THOSE ISSUES WERE DISCLOSED TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
I WENT TO TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR EMISSIONS TEST AND OIL CHANGE AND WHEN I WENT TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE, IT JUST DANGLED IN THE AIR. I FOUND THIS TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!, NEEDLESS TO SAY, MY KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION DUE TO IT BEING STUCK IN PARK. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THEN YESTERDAY WHILE HAVING THE BRAKES FIXED AND TRYING TO HAVE IT TEST DRIVEN, THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AGAIN AND NOT ABLE TO MOVE TO THE ENGINE START POSITION. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, IT NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION SINCE THIS IS AT SOME POINT, CAUSE AN INJURY. FORTUNATELY, BOTH TIMES MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED. BUT WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE ISN'T? PLEASE HELP US OUT. THESE ARE NICE VEHICLES AND THIS IS GIVING THEM A BAD REP. THANK YOU. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I GOT INTO MY MOUNTAINEER AND NOTICE A FAMILIAR RUMBLE. MY WHEEL BEARINS WENT BAD AGAIN! I WILL BE REPLACING THESE FOR THE 4TH TIME NOW. THIS IS ON TOP OF HAVING TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT TO THE TUNE OF $3700. I LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR BUT IT CONSTANTLY NEEDS REPAIRS AND THE REPAIRS NEED REPAIRS. I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR BUT I CAN'T KEEP FIXING THIS ONE!!! I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ONLY TO FIND OUT FORD HAD A FLY BY NIGHT LAW SUIT AND NEVER NOTIFIED PEOPLE TO HAVE THERE INTAKES CHECKED SO THAT WAS ANOTHER $300 JUST FOR THE PART. I THINK FORD SHOULD HELP US OUT THAT HELPED THEM OUT. *TR
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 85,000 MILES, AS CASE NUMBER 10187427. RUBBING SOUND IN DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL AS WHEEL ROTATES; GOING FRONTWARDS OR BACKWARDS BRAKES, PADS, ROTORS, CALIPERS ALL HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOISE HAS NOT CEASED. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH TIRES 105S RUGGED TRAIL T/A TIRES, SIZE: P245/65R17. THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE CRACKING AROUND THE TREAD FOR ALL FOUR TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE REVERSING AND TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED TO A LOUD NOISE WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL SHOT OUT FROM THE #2 CYLINDER. A LARGE PERCUSSION BANGING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHICH WAS THE DETECTABLE EVIDENCE SOMETHING HAD JUST GONE DESPERATELY WRONG WITH THE ENGINE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PLACE FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE NOZZLE STOPPED AFTER THREE GALLONS AND GAS BEGAN SPILLING OUT. THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE GAS TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED AN UNKNOWN REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,140. UPDATED 04-07-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR AJAR CHIME GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK DOES NOT LOCK FOR 5 MILES. UPDATED
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BECAME TOO TIGHT TO BREATHE AND WOULD NOT LOOSEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER V8 AWD 4.6 TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE HAD UNDER 60,000 MILES, BUT HAD SURPASSED EXTENDED WARRANTY TIME FRAME. REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. SHIFTED VERY HARD THROUGH GEARS. SOMETIMES TACKING AT 3000 RPM. TOOK TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. REPAIRED AT A COST OF 2600.00. HAVE SINCE RETURNED VEHICLE TO SAME PLACE FOR SAME ISSUES PLUS TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT LIGHT AND LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. SEAT BELTS LOCKED DOWN FOR NO REASON. WOULD NOT RETRACT. CALLED DEALER, COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I WAS OVER RESTRAINT WARRANTY BY 3000 MILES. HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS. FRONT AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON OR BLINKS, OR IS OFF. CALLED DEALER, STATED REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED DUE TO MILEAGE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW JUNE 2002. TODAY IT HAS 65,00 MILES ON IT. IS DRIVEN PRIMARILY ON THE HIGHWAY FOR VACATIONS. HAVE HAD SEVERAL SMALL REPAIRS THAT WERE COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLES DRIVE TRAIN AND SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM TO INCLUDE SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAG ISSUES. WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS I SEE ON LINE ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND FRONT AIR BAG ISSUES, SEEMS TO ME SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO HELP THOSE OF US THAT PURCHASED IN GOOD FAITH WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN A FORD/ MERCURY OWNER SINCE 1971. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE I HAVE HAD THAT HAD MAJOR ISSUES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILURE NO DEFROSTER HEAT COMPLETE SYSTEM FAILURE OF BLEND DOORS BROKEN HAD TO REPAIR MYSELF BECAUSE OF EXTREMELY HIGH COST FOR DEALER REPAIRS. THIS IS A FAILURE THAT WILL HAPPEN DO TO POOR DESIGN OF PLASTIC PARTS AND WILL HAPPEN TO ALL VEHICLES OF THIS YEAR AND TYPE BECAUSE OF FAILURE OF PLASTIC LIMIT PIN BREAKAGE POOR DESIGN BECAUSE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT HEATING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, AND THEN THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED EXCESSIVE HIGH VOLTAGE OF HEAT PENETRATION THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT. THE DRIVER SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR OF RUBBER IN THE FOAM SEAT CUSHION. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER WAITING TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES FOR THE SEATING AREA TO COOL DOWN, HE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE HEATED SEAT SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED NOT TO ACTIVATE THE HEATED SEAT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,00. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER ON VACATION IN FLORIDA 1400 MILES FROM HOME WITH MY KIDS, I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE 75 ON ALLIGATOR ALLEY WHEN I WAS COMING UP ON TWO SEMI TRUCKS, I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND INSTEAD OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUTTING OFF IT SPED UP FAST SENDING ME TOWARDS THE SEMI TRAILERS GOING ABOUT 85 MPH, I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND VEERED OFF THE INTERSTATE ONTO THE SHOULDER AND GRABBED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO DOWNSHIFT TO SLOW IT DOWN AND THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OF IN MY HAND, I GOT THE SUV HOME AND CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR FAILURE BUT THAT I HAVE TO PAY AROUND 1 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE SHIFTER ARM THAT BROKE OFF WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DEFECT CAUSED ALL OF THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE AND THE SHIFTER ARM SHOULD BE A RECALL ALSO AS THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF INSTANCES OF SHIFTER ARMS BREAKING ON THESE MODELS. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE FAILURE BEGAN WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD AND THEN OCCURRED DURING HOT TEMPERATURES. CURRENTLY, THE FAILURE IS CONSTANT, WHICH CAUSES THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AS WELL. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE TAIL LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .