Before you buy
This 2002 Mercury Mountaineer has 390 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Mercury Mountaineer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2002 Mercury Mountaineer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2002 Mercury Mountaineer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 2002 has 390 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Top issues include Transmission / Drivetrain (149 complaints) and Structural Problems (71). Buyers should inspect these areas and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mercury
- Model
- Mountaineer
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 390
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2002 Mercury Mountaineer problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Structural Problems
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Structural Problems, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?
The 2002 Mountaineer has high complaint counts, especially in transmission and structure. It may be a risky choice unless thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed.
Transmission and structural issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free used SUV should avoid this year due to high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping or hard shifting
- Check for structural rust or damage
- Examine suspension components for wear
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission thoroughly
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for transmission and structural repairs
- Test drive to check for transmission issues
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer has 390 complaints and 4 recalls. The top concern is Transmission / Drivetrain with 149 complaints, followed by Structural Problems with 71. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other years, 2002 has elevated complaints, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Transmission / Drivetrain accounts for 149 complaints, the highest count.
- Structural Problems total 71 complaints, the second most.
- There are 17 crash-related complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures
- Structural Problems
- Suspension Failures
Full breakdown
All 2002 Mercury Mountaineer complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 149 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 71 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 39 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 37 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 34 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 21 | 9 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 p…
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 do…
Heard a pop noise under hood. Engine shut off battery light came on. Went to open hood and there was a fire.
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 WARNIN…
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 RE…
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.
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 V…
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 LIG…
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 …
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 MIGH…
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY & STOPPED AT ONE OF THE SERVICE STATIONS ALONG THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE I PUT MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, TURNED IT ON, PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE HIT THE GAS & THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. I TRIED PUTTING IT IN REVERSE & NOTHING HAPPENED. THE C…
STARTED VEHICLE TO GO TO WORK LIKE EVERY DAY TRIED TO SHIFT INTO R SHIFTER BROKE OF IN MY HAND. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I AM GLAD IT HAPPENED IN DRIVE WAY. I LIVE ON HIGHWAY AND IT COULD HAVE BROKE AFTER I WAS IN HIGHWAY SHIFTING INTO D.
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 NEEDE…
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.
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING ALL I HERE WAS DING DING DING OD/OFF STARTED FLASHING . SEC LATER CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON NOW WHEN I DRIVE PUTTING FOOT ON THE PADDLE TO GO IT WILL IDLE UP I RELEASE AND IT WILL SHIFT N GO. AAMCO SAYING THAT I NEED A REBUILT TRANNY THAT'…
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DI…
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 UNKN…
WHILE DRIVING THE "OD" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO THIRD GEAR. IT WOULD JUST REV UP. IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT WOULD USUALLY SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. I WAS GOING TO TRY TO CHECK THE FLUID BUT COULDN'T FIND THE DIPSTICK. I CHECKED THE MANUAL AND …
THE CAR WOULD HAVE A WARNING DISPLAY THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR AND WE WOULD CHECK ALL THE DOORS AND RE-CLOSE THEM ALL AND THE WARNING WOULD STILL APPEAR. THEN WE WOULD CHECK THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ON THE BACK AND RE-CLOSE IT AND THE DISPLAY WOULD GO AWAY, BUT THE LIFT GATE WAS CLOSED TH…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer.
Safety recalls
2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Mercury Mountaineer buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 390 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Mountaineer has high complaint counts, especially in transmission and structure. It may be a risky choice unless thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (149 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (71 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 390 total complaints. 39 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?▾
The 2002 Mountaineer has high complaint counts, especially in transmission and structure. It may be a risky choice unless thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Transmission and structural issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mercury Mountaineer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.