Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mercury Mountaineer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I went to shift my car into reverse and the stick shift located next to steering wheel came off in my hand, went to dealer and the part was $800.00 for the whole steering column, the part that broke was a small piece holding the stick, but dealer said it had to replace all of it. Since I could not afford that amount I searched for a used part and everyone said it was very common on these cars and I finally found one for $200.00 but have not had it installed due to costs. And to add to my problems I was driving on the freeway and the od light starts to flicker and after numerous calls and researching the problem was told that it is the transmission and would probably need to repair/replace and that it is a common problem with these cars.
I had driven my 2002 Mountaineer to work, I gently pulled back on the gear shift, to put it into park, and it broke off in my hand. I had to leave it in drive and also had to leave my keys in the car. I didn't really worry about it being stolen because it won't go anywhere. I feel that Ford should have put a recall on this model of Mountaineer, do to so many problems. Transmissions, auto windows, gear shifts, wheel welds, and now a fire May start in the car even if it's not running. Really, I guess we will have to wait till one of them blows up, killing someone, before Ford will listen.
2002 Mountaineer stalls, transmission control assembly, main control valve, and gasket had to be replaced. The lift gate was sticking, and while closing it, the glass shattered, the glass was recalled, and was suppose to have been fixed. The oil light illuminated. The trim on the front door fell off while driving. There was a grinding noise coming from the rear wheels, it was determined that there was severe rust on the brake componets, the park brake shoes fell apart due to corrosion, the rear wheel bearing and knuckle assembly had excessive rust.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact stated that the steering column gear shifter became fractured while attempting to switch the transmission from park to reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic were it was diagnosed and repaired. The contacted indicated that the entire steering column was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle recently experienced the same defect but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury moutaineer. The contact stated that the gear shift handle broke off when she attempted to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that there were no related recalls. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 166,000.
Shifting gears from reverse to drive when gear shifter broke off in my hand leaving car stuck in reverse with no way of changing gears. Had to have complete steering column replaced because column is not designed to let you replace the broken part only. Had to search for the part in junk yards and all the columns that could be found in junkyards had the same trouble broken off shifter. Had to order a new steering column and I do have the old column and receipts.
I went to go pick up my son from school, when I went to put it on drive the shifting handle broke off. I didnt even do it hard. I had to get my car towed to my house and had to pay to get it fixed. I looked it up and theres alot more people that have complaints about this and that it should go to recall its just not safe, what if were driving and changing gears on the road and someone gets hurt even death.
While attempting to put the vehicle in park, the gear shifter snapped in half. It is currently attached by just a wire. The vehicle is currently stuck in reverse, and the key is stuck in the ignition. It snapped off from the housing unit, part of the bolt is left in the gear shifter and the rest is inside the steering column. The battery had to be disconnected, since unable to take the key out.
Steering complaints in other Mountaineer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 6% of the model year's 372 complaints. The component named most often is column (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mercury Mountaineer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercury Mountaineer steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.