Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-89
Well I'm glad I got to this site! I bought my 2002 v6 AWD Mercury Mountaineer Brand New in May 2002. I have 29000 mile on it. I have seats that wiggle; the truck sometimes “jumps” when shifted from park to drive. When I step on the pedal to pass on a highway I get that dreaded “rotten egg” smell. The smell is so bad my wife and I don’t drive the truck. I have an extended service plan, but every dealer I go to never has the time to look at the truck. I called mercury customer assistance – totally useless. With all the tranny problems I'm reading about, I will be trading it in, Nissan here I come!
Everyday you read / hear Ford is losing market share. Now I know why, I will never buy a Ford product. FORD = Found On Road Dead!
I have a 2002 mountaineer (awd v8). I have had nothing, but problems since I drove it off the lot. I purchased it in August of 2004, here is what I have been through since then.
August 2004 rear wiper motor
Oct 2004 ignition rewired
Jan 2005 front passenger window motor replaced
Jan 2006 replace engine
Nov 2006 replace transmission
Feb 2007 replace rear passenger window motor
Feb 2007 replace driver window switch for motor
mar 2007 replace rear passenger wheel bearing
mar 2007 clicking noise either in the floor or behind the heater, Ford dealer cannot find where or what the noise is. I am currently driving my truck with a loud annoying tapping noise.
I have a 2003 Mountaineer. This is my second mountaineer and up until now, I have really enjoyed the vehicle. I have noticed no problem with the transmission - no jerking or rapidly gear changing. However, last week the Check Transmission Light came on two separate times. We took in into the dealership and they said I needed a new transmission because they received a Code P0741. They said it would cost a minimum of $3100. The vehicle has 69,000 miles. They have lead me to believe that it is not under warranty, but was initially told it is up to 100,000 miles. We have taken it to a second dealer for a second opinion and he tells us he cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. I called Ford Motor Company and they said they have not had any reports on transmission problems with this vehicle. I am really distressed since we will be going on vacation in a couple of weeks. One dealer said it could go out tomorrow or a year from now. The other dealer said we would have a warning if it is indeed the transmission. Again, thus far there have been no mechanical problems except the light.
I also have a 2002 Mountaineer - I LOVE this car, but it has had it's problems, including all for window motors. However, I haven't had any of the BIG problems listed here. I did find a website with the following information that I thought might be of interest to a few:051001.
FORD - Engine ticking noise.
Engine: 2001 - 2004 4.6L V-8 (Built before 9/17/2003)
Irritating engine noise while engine idles.
Carbon buildup in the rear exhaust guides is the cause.
New design cylinder head and cam assemblies need to be installed to solve this problem. (Part Number 4L3Z-6049-AA and 4L3z-6049-BA).
051201.
Problem: High pitched squeal squeak or whistel coming from front axle.
Cause: combination of low temperature below 40 F and most likely due to dry seal at the outboard end of the right axle intermediate shaft housing and /or the left side of the differential carrier.
Solution: Replace with revised seal with better lubricity (P.N.# 12479302 and 12471618) Applying SynLube Lube-4-Life Grease to the seal lips will also scilence the noise.
Kim
Rochester, MN.
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.
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.
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 on line 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)
I wish I would have seen this website prior to purchasing my 2002 Mountaineer. It has been in the shop every 4-6 months with major repair bills. The bearings are constantly going out and I was told from the dealership service department that it is typical with the Mountaineers and Explorers that the bearings are a constant repair item. I have had the transfer case go out, drive shaft, transmission, bearings, couplings, you name it. If I can save anyone from buying this piece of junk it will be a good thing!
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!
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?
I have a mercury mountaineer 2002 I have a big clunk noise when turning wheel left or right or stopping and then going on with the drive took to three mechanics nobody knows whats wrong any ideas out there experiencing this problem as well.
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.
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!!!
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.
Hello.
I bought a used 2002 Mountaineer on May 13th, 2007 with 38k on the odometer. Today, my transmission suddenly craped out on me when I had my entire family inside. Seemed to not be able to shift from 1st gear until it eventually slipped altogether and was unable to move the car. I noticed the hard shutters from the day I bought it and thought it was just a characteristic of the tranny because I noticed the same shutter in a 2007 Explorer V6 (same engine and tranny). Anyways, I am having it towed to the dealer tomorrow and will post an update when it's fixed!