FaultScore

2002 Mercury Mountaineer transmission problems

149 of the 504 complaints about the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer are about the transmission — 30% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 78,279 miles.

D

149

Complaints

3

Crashes

1

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Automatic Transmission 89 59.7%
Power Train 38 25.5%
Differential Unit 5 3.4%
Axle Assembly 3 2.0%
Column Shift 3 2.0%
Driveline 3 2.0%
Torque Converter 2 1.3%
Manual Transmission 1 0.7%
Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch 1 0.7%
Driveshaft 1 0.7%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Mercury Mountaineer year

2000 15 4.1%
2002 149 41.2%
2003 45 12.4%
2004 67 18.5%
2005 22 6.1%
2006 39 10.8%
2007 25 6.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Hempstead, NY

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11469915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10991755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,351 miles Neenah, WI

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10927341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Brooklyn Park, MN

POWER TRAIN

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.. ANOTHER THING ABS LIGHT STAYS ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON ALL MY WINDOWS DOESN'T LET DOWN NOW WTF?

NHTSA complaint #10715424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

POWER TRAIN

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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10693931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,000 miles Fargo, ND

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10681939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morrow, GA

POWER TRAIN

I RECENTLY DECIDED TO BE #TEAMFORD....UNFORTUNATELY I'M DISAPPOINTED. MY TRUCK NOW HAS THE O/D LIGHT FLASHING EXCESSIVELY. THE TRUCK GOES IN TO 3RD GEAR BUT THUMPS & GOES DOWN INTO 2ND & THEN 1ST. I WAS TOLD THE REPAIRS WILL RUN ME ABOUT $1800. I REALLY WISH I WOULD'VE STUCK WITH CHEVROLET. .... I'VE USED GOOGLE TO SEE IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM....& YES THEY ARE. FORD SHOULD REALLY OWN UP TO THIS & FIX THIS PROBLEM OUR DO A RECALL. THIS IS SAD. BOY DO I MISS MY CHEVY.....

NHTSA complaint #10658747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,012 miles Shoreham, NY

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, ERROR MESSAGE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHIFTING ERRATICALLY FROM A START THEN HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING INTO GEARS. I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC AND DECIDED TO CHANGE, CLEAN AND FLUSH TRANSMISSION FLUIDS. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I THEN WENT ON LINE TO FIND CURES FOR THIS PROBLEM AT FORD MOTOR CO WEB SITE AND THERE WAS NO INFORMATION THERE . I SEARCHED THE WEB FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND CAME UP WITH OVER 500 COMPLAINTS WITH FORD BLAZERS' AND MOUNTAINEERS 2002 THROUGH 2004 TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS..5R555 SOLENOID PACK. I FOUND A COMPANY THAT CLAIMED THE PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION 5 SOLENOID PACK NEEDING A UP GRADE AND THIS SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM THROUGH USA INDUSTRIES IN BAY SHORE NY. PURCHASED THIS OEM FORD UPGRADE PACKET, INSTALLED THIS MIRACLE PART AND THE PROBLEMS WERE STILL THERE. NOW USA INDUSTRIES DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT REFUNDING MY MONIES EVEN THOUGH I AM STILL IN THE REFUND TIME LIMIT.. HOPEFULLY EBAY WILL RESOLVE THERE POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS ISSUE. FORD CLAIMS I NEED TO HAVE A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AT APPROXIMATELY $2500.00. I SPOKE TO SEVERAL FORD CERTIFIED MECHANICS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT ARE HESITANT TO ISSUE A RECALL SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS.. CAN THAT BE FOR REAL????? IS ANYONE ELSE READY TO STAND UP TO FORD FOR A RECALL DEMAND ON OUR CARS??

NHTSA complaint #10650688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,880 miles Quakertown, PA

POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL AND PARKING BRAKE RELEASED, I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE AND THE GEARSHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND I AM AWAITING THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR COSTS. THIS IS MY SECOND FORD SUV TO DO THIS AFTER 80K MILES. THE REPAIR HAVE BEEN GOING FOR AROUND $1300 OR MORE.

NHTSA complaint #10610170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10593250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

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.

NHTSA complaint #10593250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Louisville, KY

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE THE O/D LIGHT STARTS FLASHING VERY FAST. I CAN HEAR THE VEHICLE REVVING AS I AM PRESSING ON THE GAS. ALL OF A SUDDEN A HARD POP AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE. I TRY TO CONTINUE HOME AND THE VEHICLE GETS TO AROUND 30 MPH AND DOES IT AGAIN, AS TIME GOES ON (SAME DRIVE) IT GETS HARDER TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AROUND 20 MPH AND STAYS AT THAT SPEED. VEHICLE IS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER WITH 150,000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10584401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles North Prairie, WI

POWER TRAIN

THE SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF, IN REVERSE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT INTO PARK. THE LEVER BROKE IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN GEAR WITH NO MEANS TO PUT IN PARK. THE BASE OF THE LEVER THAT OPERATES THE GEAR CHANGE MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE MADE OF POROUS METAL. I WAS FORCED TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE, WITH THE KEYS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO ARRANGE A TOW. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC, ON A HILL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO PLACE SOME ITEMS BEHIND THE WHEELS TO PREVENT ROLLING (EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK WELL). THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS DOCUMENTED COMPLAINTS (ENOUGH THAT A PARTS MANUFACTURER HAS COME UP WITH A MORE DURABLE REPLACEMENT PART).

NHTSA complaint #10486594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles Mount Wolf, PA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10479440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Newport, NC

POWER TRAIN

I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS LOOKING THROUGH THE CENTER CONSOLE TO FIND MY PHONE. AFTER FINDING MY PHONE, I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND PULLED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE ROUGHLY 45 MINUTES LATER TO FIND THAT I HAD LEFT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND IT HAD ALLOWED ME TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. LUCKILY, THE PARKING LOT WAS LEVEL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ROLL AWAY. EVER SINCE THAT DAY, THE VEHICLE WILL ALLOW ME TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, REGARDLESS OF WHAT POSITION THE SHIFT LEVER IS, AS LONG AS THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10478864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Davie, FL

POWER TRAIN

I WAS PARKING THE CAR WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT STICK BROKE AND ENDED IN MY HAND THE WHOLE PART.

NHTSA complaint #10466926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,000 miles Lexington, NC

POWER TRAIN

I, AS SO MANY OTHERS, HAVE A FAILING TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IT REFUSES TO SHIFT PROPERLY AND WHEN IT DOES IT IS EXTREMELY HARD. OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS CONDITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND IT IS MY BELIEF THAT FORD REALIZES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE BUT REFUSES TO DO A RECALL. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE LOST ITS FORWARD MOMENTUM BETWEEN THE SHIFTS. I FEEL AS IF THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA complaint #10458765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Florence, MS

POWER TRAIN

AT 99,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO JUMP SLIGHTLY AS IT SHIFTED GEARS. THEN THE OD LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I TRIED TO GO IN REVERSE AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE. THEN, WHEN IT WAS PUT IN DRIVE IT JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED OR HOTRODDED.

NHTSA complaint #10452908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,600 miles Sunbury, OH

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION , I READ THIS IS A COMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL.

NHTSA complaint #10450189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,585 miles South Elgin, IL

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10446752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR AND FROM WHAT I AM TOLD IS THAT FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL IT IS A MASS PROBLEM NOT JUST A ISOLATED INCIDENT MY CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON THE DISPLAY MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY AND ONLY DRIVES AT 20MPH NOW.

NHTSA complaint #10443137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

I JUST FINISHED GETTING GAS. I TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. IT IS JUST DANGLING. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND TURN THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY SO THAT IT WOULD ROLL BACK AND CRASH INTO SOMEONE ELSE CAR OR JUST A PEDESTRIAN. I PAID TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME FOR $59. UPON GOING HOME, I CALLED SEVERAL FORD DEALERSHIPS WHO CLEARLY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I WAS GIVEN A QUOTE FOR THE PART AND LABOR IMMEDIATELY AFTER I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE. I TOOK IT ONE STEP FURTHER AND WENT ONLINE TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS HOWEVER, I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS AND 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND I AM OUTRAGED AND I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP REGARDING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10424086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

POWER TRAIN

CHANGING GEAR AND GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN HAND.

NHTSA complaint #10423803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Park Ridge, IL

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10421128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Sterling Heights, MI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10413804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Spokane, WA

POWER TRAIN

DROVE TO GROCERY STORE AND ATTEMPTED TO PLACE CAR IN PARK AND UNABLE TO GET IT INTO PARK. IT WILL GO IN EVERY OTHER GEAR BUT WILL NOT GO INTO PARK. ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE GEAR SHIFT AFTER THE GEAR SHIFT ARM BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHILE TRYING TO GET IT OUT OF PARK A FEW MONTHS AGO. NOW LOOKING AT MORE MONEY ON THIS PIECE OF JUNK CAR. NOW MUST LEAVE CAR IN GEAR AND LEAVE KEYS IN THE CAR. THIS IS JUST AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AROUND.

NHTSA complaint #10400935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Oconto, WI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS FAILED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE COLUMN SHIFT TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/26/118LJ UPDATED 02/11/11

NHTSA complaint #10368317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,929 miles LOS Angeles, CA Crash

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TL*THE 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.

NHTSA complaint #10365256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Spokane, WA

POWER TRAIN

2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER - DROVE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND PARKED THE CAR. CAME BACK A FEW MINUTES LATER TO GO HOME. STARTED THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE SUV WAS STUCK IN PARK. TRIED TO PUSH BREAK AND PULL BACK GEAR SHIFT TO PLACE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE IN HAND. CURRENTLY AT SHOP. TOLD CAR WILL NEED ENTIRE NEW STEERING COLUMN. ALSO SUV HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING. MAJOR DELAY WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR UNTIL IT ACTUALLY GOES IN GEAR. THERE IS USUALLY A PAUSE AND THEN CAR WILL JERK INTO PLACE.

NHTSA complaint #10361743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Aurora, IL

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WIFE DRIVING TO WORK WHEN CAR STOPPED MOVING. PULLED OFF STREET (NEAR A CAR SHOP), PAID $100 FOR THEM TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THEY SAID THAT GEARS AND BELT BLEW OUT AND THAT HE USED TO WORK WITH FORD AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN EARLIER 2000'S SUVS (EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEERS). ~$3000 TO FIX BY THEM. RESEARCHED ON LINE AND SAW ALL OF THE PROBLEMS PEOPLE ARE HAVING. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.

NHTSA complaint #10356078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2002 Mercury Mountaineer problems

← Full 2002 Mercury Mountaineer report