The most frustrating thing that has happened is the lift-gate has cracked at the Mercury symbol. There was a slight crack and now there are several. There is no recall at the moment, but I know of several people who have had this same problem with 2002 Explorers.
The brakes have needed repairs and one rear axle and one front axle.
All in all I really like the Mountaineer. I have not had a lot of problems like I just read about. I like the 3-seat feature and the leather seat. I like the roomy front seats and the middle row seats.
The Mountaineer handles well on the road.
I would buy it again if it got better gas mileage.
I have had problems with my lift gate cracking around the symbol. It is bad and getting worse. I have had it repaired once before and now its doing it again. I complained to Ford and they told me there wouldn't be a recall because it had nothing to do with safety, but after all my complaining they did pay for the first job. Poor quality of parts and there are several people in my town that have the same problem-in Explorers and Mountaineers.
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