Does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, the most recent reported on October 13, 2009 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?

Owners have filed 372 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (144 complaints), followed by structure (70).

How many 2002 Mercury Mountaineer complaints mention a crash or fire?

17 of 372 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 38 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls and problems

2 recalls and 372 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer.

recalls

372

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

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

Tires: sidewall

NHTSA campaign 01V171000 · reported May 24, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 52,000 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train144
Structure70
Suspension36
Engine and engine cooling33
Visibility31
Steering23
Air bags20
Electrical system19
Vehicle speed control18
Service brakes, hydraulic17

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 27, 2023 · Steering
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…

Jun 18, 2022 · Electrical system
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…

May 10, 2022 · Unknown or other · fire reported
Heard a pop noise under hood. Engine shut off battery light came on. Went to open hood and there was a fire.

Feb 5, 2020 · Structure
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 WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S SON…

Mar 6, 2019 · Air bags · 250,000 miles · crash reported
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 REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE…

Mountaineer model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	6	123	15	12
2001	3	22	2	1
2002	2	372	17	7
2003	0	152	6	5
2004	0	210	11	2
2005	0	82	6	0

Across all years, the 2002 Mountaineer has the most complaints (372). All Mercury Mountaineer years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, the most recent reported on October 13, 2009 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer?: Owners have filed 372 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (144 complaints), followed by structure (70).
How many 2002 Mercury Mountaineer complaints mention a crash or fire?: 17 of 372 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 38 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 27, 2023.