Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
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's bs with all what I have been reading it's just a rip off I don't have $3500 to get this fix. Now seeing not once not twice so many complaints I read that people paid for 2 or more tranny for the vehicle's and nothing is been done about it. And the Ford deals knows about it..... Do a human being has to lose their life before Ford dealer's can own up to there responsibility? If they was in our shoes they would want the same thing vice verse they say u reap what you sow. Please please please help up just fix our transmission that's all.. …
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 found out there is none. When I checked online for help I found all the other complaints that were exactly like mine. It is very disappointing that Ford will not issue a recall on this obviously poorly designed transmission. This is a very expensive part for an owner to replace and is a safety issue as you could lose the ability to accelerate at a critical moment. With as many complaints as I am seeing online there should definitely be a recall. I hope it doesn't take somebody getting hurt or killed for action to be taken.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. While driving 35mph and losing control, the vehicle was in a ditch on a dirt road. The tie rod broke and two front tires had to be replaced and the truck is damaged. The contact has paid over $6000.00 in repairs since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had to repair the front differential, lower ball joints, sealing for both shafts, four brake pads, bearings on all four tires, and the rear transfer case was flushed twice. Ford stated that the vehicle can be repaired. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved and request that the dealer purchase the vehicle from her. The failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 102,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact applied pressure to the brakes and heard a grinding sound. He then began to smell something burning and noticed smoke underneath the vehicle. He inspected the vehicle and did not notice any leaking. The following day he noticed an extensive amount of oil on the ground and the vehicle was pulling. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and the contact was informed that oil was coming from three different places and traveling to the rear differential. The dealer and the manufacturer have not been notified. The current mileage was 118,169 and failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. While the vehicle was parked, a 19 month old toddler sitting in the driver's seat moved the gear shifter into reverse without the keys being in the ignition. The rear door was open and the vehicle crashed into a gate and rolled into the middle of the street. The rear door and the gate were damaged. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,929.
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.
While reversing in low speed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated into a pole. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The consumer experienced sudden acceleration. The consumer believed that the pedal stuck. The transmission pan was removed and then re-sealed. The main control valve body was removed and repaired.
I bought a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer May 16th 2003 with approx 45,000 miles. About a week later we noticed that the shifting seemed to be jerky going from 2-3 gears. Took it back into the person I bought it from and he called our local Ford dealer who he purchased it from 2 days prior for me. They stated there were not bulletins out on the transmission. We had the transmission fluid checked and it appeared to be OK. A couple of months went by and then a soft shudder started when going to the next gears. I took it to a local transmission place and the tech stated that he had seen 2 of these incidents in the last 6 months. Recommended I get rid of the vehicle as there was a flaw in the transmission design. In November of 2003 we had the transmission serviced (approx $250). Cleared up the problem for a couple of months but reappeared and then went into a hard shift going to each gear. …
My transmission failed while I was driving on the freeway with my child in the car. This cause my car to "buck" and come to almost complete stop. Thankfully I was in the right lane and able to get off onto the shoulder. My car then would only go into 1st and 2nd gear. It would not shift to 3rd. I took it to a service center (actually 3 of them) who told me I need a new transmission. This is an extremely dangerous situation occurring with these cars. There were not tell tail signs. It was not slipping or rattling previous to this. In searching the internet on google I find there are thousands of people who are have experienced this same problem with Mercury or Ford 2000-2003 vehicles. Why isn't there a recall on this part. This is unacceptable. Eventually someone is going to get hurt. This repair is going to cost me approx. $3000. In addition to this one of my seat belts stopped working. …
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular…
Transmission complaints in other Mountaineer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?
NHTSA has 144 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 39% of the model year's 372 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (89 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mercury Mountaineer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.