2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercury Mountaineer has 2 safety recalls and 372 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercury dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
372
Crashes / fires
17 / 7
Injuries / deaths
38 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercury Mountaineer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls

Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 instruments speed control deactivation switch (Scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

Fix: 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 connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Recall 01V-171: Tires

Reported May 24, 2001 · 52,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Over time, the tire could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train149
Structure73
Suspension42
Engine and Engine Cooling33
Visibility32
Steering23
Air Bags20
Electrical System19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic19
Vehicle Speed Control18
Equipment14
Tires8

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 89
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 23
  • Suspension › Rear — 15
  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 12
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 10
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercury Mountaineer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Dec 27, 2023
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!
Electrical System · reported Jun 18, 2022
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 :Â 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…
Structure · reported Feb 5, 2020
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…
Air Bags · at 250,000 miles · reported Mar 6, 2019
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.
Electrical System · at 25,000 miles · reported Jul 1, 2017
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 Mercury Mountaineer years

Compare all Mercury Mountaineer years · All Mercury models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer: 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 01V-171 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?

Owners report power train problems most often (149 reports), followed by structure (73). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.

Are Mercury recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercury dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.