23rd Feb 2009, 09:54

I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, and I too have had several problems with this SUV.

It is a V8, and the transmission has never seemed to work just right, always changed gears hard, and going up hills was a nightmare with very hard changes and low speeds.

I have had brake problems, bearings and hubs have had to be changed already. My transmission has completely went out in August 08, had it totally rebuilt at a cost of @ $2200. Now, I told the mechanic it was changing very hard into second gear, but what does a woman know. I was told, Ford has never figured out those automatic transmission.

It has made a terrible loud noise, which I was told was my alternator, still makes the noise and now slipping terribly going into second gear also with a smell.

While parked on level ground, could not get into Drive at all, finally after a half hour of turning on and off and tugging and pulling the gear shift, I get it into reverse. I took it to the mechanic and he told me the loud noise is now the transmission pump. So it is in the shop again and I don't know what it is going to cost me this time.

I am still making payments on this car, and with all the repairs to it, it is like making 2 payments.

I am really dissatisfied with this car, and I think that Ford should recall these 2002 models with all the repairs purchasers are having to make. They cost way too much not to last at least until they are paid for.

I have had mine serviced regularly, and still have these issues.

Debbie in NC.

3rd Mar 2009, 00:41

Uh Oh, just bought a Mercury Mountaineer V8 AWD 2002 with 109k, delay going into gear, dealer replaced torque converter under my 30 day warranty 1142.00. Nice, but it still stays in first gear a little too long when it's cold. My door is not ajar even though it says it is.

This truck is awesome for my family and handles like a sports car, however with the info from this site, I am running back to the dealer to have them check the solenoid and why 1st gear holds for so long before releasing, (hopefully with my new found knowledge I will be talking mechanic talk with service dept.). It only happens when I first drive it in the morning, and only randomly.

However I believe the old saying holds true for us Northlanders believers. Ford trucks never die, they just get tougher and tougher.

11th Mar 2009, 10:55

We purchased a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer as a third vehicle. It was red and silver and just too cool to pass up. After having it for a couple of months and hardly driving it we decided that we should sell it. After sitting on the lot for a few months and putting a new battery in, we drove the vehicle drove down the road and stalled at 60 mph. It is in the local Ford garage and they have no clue what is wrong. The Ford garage decided it was the alternator and replaced that. It did not do a thing for it. It sat for 2 days and died a few minutes after starting it. It is still at the garage. Any ideas?

29th Mar 2009, 23:40

Have 02 AWD driving down to Florida from Michigan. With all these tranny problems should I do it? I have only owned the truck for about 6 months. 107,000 on it now, already had bearing on front passenger side replaced.

1st Apr 2009, 12:08

Well here is another comment on these 2002 Mountaineers. Purchased with 85000 miles, September 2008. It has 101,000 miles currently.

Just now starting to slip in the O/D. Diagnostic test said, transmission gear ratio five and insufficient coolant temp. So I changed transmission filter and added the 5 liters of fluid that were lost while taking out the transmission pan. Filled back up with Mercon v and added additive for seals in with it, that works in all transmission types. Shifting fine now, but engine light still on and now shows just insufficient coolant temp, code numbers said to replace thermostat. Doing that tonight. Wish me luck, and I do like this SUV for now.

In Minnesota.

3rd Apr 2009, 16:20

I just purchased a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer in January. I have had a problem with the ignition. It had to be replaced and I only had the car for 32 days. I was angry and was told it was not covered by the warranty. Well I had a shock for the dealer, I asked them to pay half, first they refused. When I explained to them I had made the deposit on my credit card and had up to 6 mos to charge it back if the product was defective they agreed. It was either lose $2000. or pay $115. What do you think they chose. See my car loan company told me they had nothing to do with the deposit, and if I charged it back the dealer could break the contract, but it would not be considered a repro. Always remember, if you make a large deposit, always use your credit card. Even if it's your credit card, use it where you have to sign it, because you have up to six months to get your money back.

17th Jun 2009, 19:27

My 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V8 has the same transmission issue at 76000 miles. Luckily I have the extended warranty.. only paid 1k for the (100,000 miles warranty) new transmission.. Now the rear end is having a noise that sounds like an airplane taking off.. this will be a costly repair again...

I think we are so so stupid buying these American-made products.. Detroit only knows how to profit money from us.. The dealership doesn't even know how to fix this problems... My next car would be an import... Stupid bailout from the government... The big 3 don't learn anyway... greed... greed and stupidity...

23rd Jun 2009, 17:15

Last time I checked, Ford refused to take any money from the Government.

4th Jul 2009, 18:35

I bought a used 2002 Mercury Mountaineer (automatic) in Jan 2009 with 101,000 miles, not knowing anything about the transmission issues or solenoid issues.

The last three days I have noticed the A/C is not cooling right, sometimes I get cold air and sometimes it blows hot. So, not having the time to take it in, I ignored it (so far).

However, late yesterday as I was driving home I notice in infamous "O/D not on" light flashing. It does not come on right away, but within about 5 minutes or so and stays on. I took it to a shop, but they said nothing was wrong. Came here to find out what the problem is - now I know: check the solenoid first. Fortunately I bought it used and did not pay a lot. But, I should have come here first before buying.

5th Jul 2009, 10:38

And when is the last time that you checked the rear differential fluid level? When was the last time you had the transmission fluid and filter changed, or even checked? Uh-huh, that's what I thought... Maybe you need to start by pointing the finger at yourself first for not knowing how to do even the most basic maintenance on such a major investment.