While driving, the transmission light came on. I did nothing unusual, the problem just occurred while driving. It was very hard to take this is the first time it occurred. I own a 2002 mercury mountaineer, 66,000 miles and I have a transmission problem. I have no warranty, and to fix it costs $1,500. I was trying to find the cost of a new transmission and realized from blogs about 02 mountaineers and most ford vehicles seem to have a transmission problem at about 55,000 miles. I would appreciate if you could investigate this occurrence because im not the only consumer with this problem.
2002 Mercury Mountaineer transmission complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 144, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The transmission on my car went.
O/d light blinks and transmission shifts hard or misses shifts. Feels like tranny might be about to go... Started about a year ago but went away after changing tranny fluid. Now it is back, issue is worse, and seems like it is here to stay.
2002 mercury mountaineer 4.6l v8 awd 100,000miles! Various transmission problems o/d light flashing one day causing transmission not to shift correctly. Ten minutes later start the vehicle and light not on and transmission shifts fine. Happens on several occasions. Transmission began to slip. Take to mechanic fluid level and filter are fine. Hook up to computer and says various internal problems. Torque converter also began whining and making noise which probably means its coming apart inside. Estimated fix between 1800.00-2800.00! Several with similar vehicles have reported same problems! Also has wheel bearing issues!
On dec. 19, 2008, the o/d light began to flash and then on dec.26th the service engine soon light came on. As I was driving the car began to rev up when I was not mashing the gas. I have not driven it since. I called the ford dealership and was told to do a diagnostic test on it, it would cost $98 per issue. I searched the issue online and found that many people have complained about this and have paid thousands of dollars to have it fixed. I would like to know if this is a recallable issue due to the about of complaints? I just spent $300 having the door ajar sensor fixed, something that others have also complained about.
I bought this mountaineer in early 2007 with 62,000 miles on it. From the start it shifted very rough. It has progressively worsened until this week when my wife was driving it would not shift out of second gear at all and was nearly broadsided with four children in the vehicle because she could not move. Took it to a repair shop and was informed that I needed to have the transmission fixed. From other comments I have read this seems to be a fairly common problem with this vehicle. Also had to have the rear differential replaced at around 75,000 miles which seems fairly ridiculous, and a bearing has gone out twice on the same wheel. This vehicle doesn't seem to be built to last.
I went to shift my car into reverse and the stick shift located next to steering wheel came off in my hand, went to dealer and the part was $800.00 for the whole steering column, the part that broke was a small piece holding the stick, but dealer said it had to replace all of it. Since I could not afford that amount I searched for a used part and everyone said it was very common on these cars and I finally found one for $200.00 but have not had it installed due to costs. And to add to my problems I was driving on the freeway and the od light starts to flicker and after numerous calls and researching the problem was told that it is the transmission and would probably need to repair/replace and that it is a common problem with these cars.
Major safety concern: 2002 mercury mountaineer awd, purchased with around 79000 miles, in 2007. A few days after purchase started shifting really hard into 3rd gear, called dealer and he said to have transmission fluid changed, changed that cost 100.00. Seemed to help some, now at 100,000 miles or so car will not go over 30mph. Driving vehicle in busy traffic and car only going up to 30 in a serious hazard. Ford needs to be held accountable for this. Too many 2002 are having exact same problem. Car jerks into reverse, o/d flashes, check transmission light comes on , hard jerks and shudders into 3rd gear....come on how many more people have to give up hard earned money to fix fords mistakes??? In process of trying to find a transmission shop to take this heap of junk to.
2002 mercury mountaineer. The transmission went out at 66000 mile and 1 month after extended warranty. Called ford costumer assistance center and the person said she has never heard of this problem. Went on-line (edmunds.com, carsurvey.org, etc. And saw one after another complaints about exact same problem. The check transmission warning light first went on at 59000 mile (still under warranty). But I read the manual first before taking it to dealer. The manual stated SUV was up for flashing the transmission fluid at 60000 miles. Flushed the fluid and warning light went away. Six months later transmission warning light is back (warranty has just expired). Found out there is a recall on the same transmission on the explorer but the mountaineer (which is same truck with different branding) does not. So why is this the case? Luckily for me I was not in the freeway went the transmission went out.
Complaint in detail for, mercury mountaineer : july 24, 2007 I purchased a 'as is warranty' 2002 mercury mountaineer from toyota of scion in concord, nc. This car was advertised on their website for $11,995 and reported mileage of 51,972. Subsequent to my purchase below is an outline of my experience with the vehicle: I reviewed the car-facts very meticulously, and arrived at the findings noted below with regard to the reported mileage: 1.11/20/2004 source: nc motor vehicle dept. Indian trail nc title # 771444062507118 mileage was reported at 48,000. 2.12/15/2005 source: new york motor vehicle dept., hicksville, ny mileage was reported at 39,412 which signify a decrease of -8,588. 3.9/7/2006 source: nc motor vehicle dept. Indian trail, nc, mileage was reported at 45,200 which signify an increase of +5,788. 4.as mentioned above on 7/24/08 I purchased the vehicle with reported mileage of 51, 972 which signify an increase of +6772.
Transmission failed at around 100,000 miles. Had transmission rebuilt in july 2007. Now transmission is failing again this july 2008. I've had many shifting problems with the transmission and now there are times it won't shift at all.
In my 2002 mercury mountaineer (75k miles), the transmission pump suddenly failed, luckily the car was parked at home when we noticed the issue. The ford dealership wants $1500 to replace the pump since they have to tear apart the transmission to get to the pump. According the technician, the transmission has no signs of any problems (no metal shavings, fluid looks great, no wear). Ford stated the vehicle was too old and had too many miles for ford to take any kind of responsibility. Ford stated it was outside their 3 yr / 36,000 mile responsibility. Ford will do nothing. 1. None, one day I went to drive the vehicle and every gear I shift to acted like it was in neutral. 2. The pump failure happened once, then needed towed to the dealer for repair. 3. The transmission pump was rebuilt (parts - $200, labor - $1300).
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercury mountaineer. While driving (MPH unknown) the vehicle would not accelerate. The mechanic stated that the transmission band broke and was the cause of the failure. In addition, they informed him of a tsb regarding his year, make and model. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a ford dealer for further assistance. The failure and current mileages were 60,482.
My 2002 mountaineer has had transmission problems since we purchased the vehicle in new in late 2001. It has always had a very hard shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. We have complained to the service department during the warranty period and they found nothing wrong with the car. At 57,734 miles we had to replace the torque converter and solenoid assembly for a total bill of $1,438.00. My car now has 90,000 miles. On may 2 2008 I was driving to town to pick up my children and suddenly my car would not shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. The overdrive light went crazy and my check transmission light came on. I brought my car to the dealer and they reported that my vehicle will need a new transmission for a cost of $3,200. This problem poses serious safety issues. My vehicle malfunctioned on a road with a speed limit of 55 MPH. I could have been seriously injured by another car since my car could not move more than 25 MPH when it malfunctioned. This vehicle has been well maintained and is only used to transport myself and my children around town. We have owen many other vehicles with more than 200,000 miles on them and have never experienced any problems like this.
The vehicle is a 2002 mercury mountaineer. The incident/issue involves the transmission. For model year 2002 & 2003, ford installed the transmission 5r55w in the explorer and mountaineer vehicles. The transmission typically gives out between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. Mine gave out at a very busy intersection with my two children. Luckily, we did not get hit, but upon researching this issue it is huge. There are two websites concerning this issue of transmission failure with these two models and year. Ford has been notified, as well as you, the federal safety agency, and nothing is being done. You have received complaints, and according to your own monthly investigation reports, from 10/2007 to 03/2008, you have not even investigated it. It's going to take numerous people to die before any action is taken on your behalf. This is a huge problem with this transmission and the number of these vehicles on the road.....do something!!
Our mountaineer has 84,257 miles on it and the transmission already has to be rebuilt. The transmission shop told me there was nothing that I did wrong or I could of done to prevent it, that this is a common problem with this transmission. The dealership and ford won't help us because the warranty is up.
01/18/07 when truck shifts gears it vibrates. Solution: flush automatic transmission fluid. (also changed oil) helped for a few months but problem is back. ($198.95) 5/29/07 air bag light stays on. Solution: replaced drivers side pretensioner. (also changed oil). $273.19 6/26/07 heard very loud clunking noise. Solution: replaced front differential (internal damage to clutches), both rear axle seals (because of leakage) $1580.23 11/07/07 truck makes loud noise from the rear and seems to jump while turning. Solution: front end alignment and replace seals in rear. $482.97 still have the loud noise and jumping. 12/13/07 take truck to different place with same problem. Solution: replace left front hub bearing. $401.73. 02/18/08 still have same problem with loud noise and jumping. Solution: left rear hub bearing, drums in rear, and now mechanic tells me I need clutch packs in rear to solve problem. Tells me I should take it back to the dealer.??? $380.00. Now I can add all of this up 198.95+273.19+1580.23+482.97+401.73+380.00=$3017.07 to finally get my truck fixed---------priceless!!!!!!!!!
On my 2002 mercury mountaineer, the transmission failed and has to be rebuilt at 70,000 miles. After reading several websites, it is apparent that this has been a very common and ongoing problem that should qualify it for a recall.
After reading other complaints regarding 2002 mountaineers and explorers, I can hardly type I am so frustrated. The number of power train complaints for this year, make and model are astounding. The transmission in my 2002 mountaineer (aka money sucker) needs to be replaced. The car is currently being fixed at the ford dealer for $3500. The car has always had a funny shutter when shifting from 2nd to 3rd as well as hesitation when dropping into reverse and drive. While driving in icy conditions yesterday my wife thought her tires were spinning when she was trying to proceed at a stop light. She thankfully avoided being rear ended by a semi that was able to swerve onto the apron and avoid contact with her. She was able to limp the car to the side of the road where she then called me. After I arrived, I attempted to get the car to the ford dealership where it could be diagnosed. However, the car would only reach 30mph and the rpms were at 4,000 to 5,000 at that speed. The overdrive light flashed and the check engine light came on. I parked it and removed the battery cables for 10 minutes to see if the computer would reset itself ? This did not help. In fact, the car would not even move in drive or reverse. Had the dealer pick it up to get it fixed. This car has 108,000 miles on it ? Not exactly knew this is true, but it sounds like I was one of the lucky ones to get that many miles out of it ? From the reports I've read on the internet. Have also experienced and replaced front left bearings, rear left bearing and have the problem with the steering that many have reported on this vehicle (binding, tension, can't make full turns, popping sounds).
Front end noise and vibration this is happening to a large number of ford SUV explorers and mountaineers. It is effecting the driving and shakes the steering wheel. The SUV springs are making a large noisy sound when turning and cant turn all the way in one direction. Truck just stops at a certain point.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercury mountaineer. While driving 55 MPH and towing a camper, the overdrive off light illuminated. The vehicle also skipped gears. The dealer stated that the transmission fluid needed to be changed, but the contact declined to have it changed. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist who stated that the servo piston in the transmission was worn, which damaged the bands and drums. The transmission specialist made the repair. The failure mileage was 67,678 and current mileage was 67,800. Updated 02-01-08. *kb updated 02/01/08
Traveling I-95 n between baltimore,md and wilmington de when transmission started slipping in 2002 merc mtnr. Transmission slipping when shifting into 3rd gear at toll both. Pulled off hwy at rest stop but did not turn off engine. Pulled back onto hwy, accelerated and check transmission indicator came on. O/d light began flashing. Pulled off hwy, called for tow and was taken to local ford dealership. Was told band was broken in transmission and replacement was needed at cost of $4361. Had just replaced left rear wheel bearing and rear parking brakes week prior for $650. Vehicle had 75k miles. Couldn't justify spending that much money on 6 year old vehicle that had left me stranded five hours from home. Traded vehicle (got annihilated on trade!) and continued my trip.
2002 mountainer had rear axles replaced twice, front once , still leaks differntial fluid . All seals replaced twice, dealer said it wasn't ongoing problem ,but most 2002 mountaineer owners seemed to have simliar problems. This was 1st year awd models were produced, now 3 months after last repair steeering buckles in low range tires seem to fight turning. Car isn't safe.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercury mountaineer. While driving 35mph and losing control, the vehicle was in a ditch on a dirt road. The tie rod broke and two front tires had to be replaced and the truck is damaged. The contact has paid over $6000.00 in repairs since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had to repair the front differential, lower ball joints, sealing for both shafts, four brake pads, bearings on all four tires, and the rear transfer case was flushed twice. Ford stated that the vehicle can be repaired. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved and request that the dealer purchase the vehicle from her. The failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 102,000.
My wife was driving the mountaineer and the check transmission light came on and the o/d light started flashing. We took it to the local mechanic and they said we probably needed a new transmission. We then took it to a transmission specialists and they confirmed we needed to rebuild the transmission. They replaced all seals and valves, torque converter, solenoid pack, transfer case, prndl switch, at a cost of $2500. After reading about several transmission complaints for this model year of mountaineer, I felt I should report this complaint.
I recently bought a 02 mercury mountaineer with 58k miles. A few days after I bought it, I noticed a "groan" from the rear end of the vehicle. I have worked on many vehicles before and it was obvious it was the differential. I planned to have the bearings in the rear end replaced, but after doing some investigation on the internet, I have realized that there are a lot of people that have had this problem and spent a lot of money to get it fixed with no good results. Even with a used car purchase, I think ford should be embarassed at the fact that I am embarassed for making the purchase of the vehicle. I wish ford would do the right thing and re-gain our trust in them and fix our vehicles the right way. They have knows since day one that they were not right and have done nothing to fix them. I won't buy another ford until they do something about this. I know they don't care, but right now I own three fords and they will be the last if this is not rectified. Thanks for listening!!!
Transmission slipped between 2nd and 3rd gears,and between 3rd and 4th. Rpm raced high. Od light would flash, check engine light came on. Rpm's would race high, but the vehicle would not move, then suddenly catch. Transmission had to be rebuilt with only 56k miles. Two weeks in the shop, $600. Repair bill. Vehicle has been properly maintained at the dealership and has all service records.
I have a 2002 mercury mountaineer that has 59,000 or so miles on it. I just had to have the transmission replaced. I now know that this was the first symptom though at the time I didn't think much about it, the car would not go into gear right away when I shifted into reverse or drive. It would rev a little before going into gear. Then it started to vibrate when it would shift gears while driving. Ultimately, I had to have the transmission completely rebuilt,( replaced torque converter, the transmission case was repaired, the seals and bands replaced) at a cost of $3070.00. I had the work done at aamco so I don't know if the old parts are still available.
2002 mercury mountaineer - transmission failed several times on way to work this morning while pulling onto highways. Car taken to transmission shop and we have been told that the transmission is gone and will cost $2,400 to repair. Mechanic also stated that this is a known problem in mountaineers but has not been recalled as it is not deemed a safety hazard. Apparently the car maker has not been in such a car when this happens on a busy freeway! We also had no indications of a problem prior to this happening.
I have a 2002 mercury mountaineer with 58,000 miles. I bought this car, so my wife would have something safe to drive. So far, I believe that this car is unsafe. The transmission doesn't shift right. If she were to try to cross a busy intersection or to attempt to merge and this were to occur, it could be a tragedy. I looked through your service bulletins. I believe what I refer to is documented. 10014089. This car is almost new. Ford should pay for it to be fixed. Please force a recall! Thanks.
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