29th Jul 2007, 07:02

I guess I'll add my two cents worth.

I bought a 2002 Mountaineer (V8-AWD) in 2004 with less than 30,000 miles on it. I've had the following problems between 40,000 and 80,000 miles:

1. Replaced the rear trans seal three times! Apparently the first two fixes were with a poorly designed seal that was prone to leaking. The third time was with a "new and improved" seal.

2. Replaced rear window (recall). The dealer did a schlock job and had glue squeeze out on a rear body panel, then scratched the paint when I asked them to clean up the glue squeeze out.

3. Replaced two wheel bearings on the right side.

4. Replaced a speed sensor that was causing the ABS light to come on.

5. Replaced calipers with last brake job.

6. Replaced driver's side window/lock master switch panel.

7. Replaced rubber door stops (minor, but $2 each and $13 to install). Was hoping with all the repairs the dealer would do that gratis, guess not.

8. Paint peeling on front plastic bumper.

9. Was on vacation this week and the rear passenger window (driver's side) stopped working. Will attempt fix myself, seems to be either the motor or the window regulator, probably both.

10. Last, but certainly not least. Have been experiencing the transmission shudder for the past 25,000 miles. Have had it reprogrammed and flush/filled with Mer-con V, and had some friction modifier additive. All to no avail. Next step is either the solenoid that folks have mentioned in this forum or the whole transmission replaced.

My last several vehicles were Honda accords, which weren't perfect, but weren't even close to the repairs and headaches I've had with this lemon. It's been a real expensive disappointment. Steer clear.

5th Sep 2007, 09:21

I bought my used 2002 Mountaineer 2 years ago. I believe it had 45k miles on it and it has 66k right now. It has been working great until this past summer.

- Struts (bought all four $90/strut, and fixed them myself) $400

- Rear Brakes (while changing struts, saw rear brakes were completely shot, fixed myself) $75

- Rear Spring Coils (again, while changing brakes, saw both rear coil springs broken in multiple places. Bought them at dealership and fixed myself) $300

- Rear Differential (again, while working under body, saw seal completely broken and will need to be replaced since it is leaking fluid. A transmission friend is going to fix since I do not have the tool to do it. Not sure how much this will cost, even being a family friend.)

- Check Transmission & O/D OFF Flickering (these lights have been on for about a month. They both turned on at the same time. The transmission is shifting horribly in the 1st or 3rd shift and at the end of my braking. Again, family transmission friend will be looking at soon and I am fearful to hear the results)

Up until this past summer, I have had little to no problems.

10th Sep 2007, 21:26

I own a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, and have had my share of problems as well.

First paint started peeling off the rack. Then by the passenger side, on top of the door, paint was peeling off.

Took the car back to my Mercury dealer, and they said that I repainted the car.

Called the regional manager and left messages.

No response.

I had my rear differential seal replaced because it was leaking oil, and just recently did the front one.

After getting the car back from the mechanic, I started hearing a low pitched sound (growl) coming from under the car.

It is most prevalent when you are midway between acceleration and deceleration. I looked online, and it seems to be the drive chain on all 2002 AWD models that needs replacement.

From http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2002-to-2005-mercury-mountaineer-6.htm

Engine noise: A low-speed growl on AWD models requires replacement of the transfer case drive chain. (2002)

9th Oct 2007, 12:13

Had a 2002 (NEW bought November 2001) - LEMON - the car wouldn't start, but this happened only sporadically, which means you did not know when it was going to happen. The problem with not starting was that the starter would not even turn over, it was like the security system was killing the ignition.

If you left it sitting for a period of time SOMETIMES it would start, other times not. We actually rented a car for the last three months of ownership since we could not rely on the Mountaineer.

The replacement vehicle (2003 Mountaineer, replaced November 2003) has bee OK. @ 75,000 miles replaced two wheel bearings and bypass valve (idling @ 3,000 RPM).

I would NEVER buy another Ford product!

13th Oct 2007, 20:43

2002 Mercury Mountaineer - Gear Shift broke off of the column. Car repair center informs me that the entire steering column will need to be replaced. However, the part has been on a national backorder for weeks now. I am seeing red flags here. Anyone else ever hear of this happening?

18th Oct 2007, 07:48

I have a 2002 AWD V-8 with 111,000 miles and I've recently noticed a clicking noise occasionally when I 1st take off or drive after stopping.

I went to a ford dealer to find out what the problem was and I drove with the technician several minutes stopping and starting before he heard the sound. Six hours later I was told it was the internal torque converter and would require a transmission replacement @ $3500. Unsolicited, they told me to clean the vehicle and get rid of it ASAP before the sound became more noticeable.

19th Oct 2007, 12:19

Mercury Mountaineer AWD 2002 and my dilemmas. First I love the truck.. but Jeez!! Thank Heavens for extended warranty!

30,000 within 2 weeks of purchase transmission shudders. Solenoids out. Next both drivers window motors. Next O2 sensor and ABS sensor. Recall on back window strut. Rear axle seal. Rear wheel bearings. Brakes all the way around 2 times now. And the last fiasco... Lost front pinion seal took out the differential with a BANG and warranty says it is lack of maintenance...huh? And the Ford Cert shop I go to says oops sorry!!!

14th Nov 2007, 11:42

I have a 2002 Mountaineer 2wd V8 purchased new in August '01 This is the second Mountaineer I have owned.

Car now has 82,000 miles and has virtually been defect free.

The only problem we have had is the door hinges on the front doors became loose over time and I tightend them myself.

MY big complaint on this SUV is the comfort of the front seats, on highway trips they are miserable, I no longer drive it on trips over 1 hr. because my lower back can't handle it.

Other than this it's been a great vehicle - very dependable.

29th Nov 2007, 13:38

I own a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. I bought it in 2003 as a program car. I did buy the extended warranty at the time. I have had no problems with the car until last week when I was driving and the RPM's started revving up too high, almost immediately the OD light came on and the check transmission light came on. I took it to a transmission shop, but they said since the car only had 60k on it and it was a sealed transmission, if they opened it I may void my warranty. So I took it to Ford, the next day the bad news... new transmission @ 3200.00 So no problem, I bought the extended warranty, problem was the warranty expired Oct 20. So it's all out of pocket. Sad 2 this time of year : (