Mountaineer (2nd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mercury Mountaineer Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.6-V8-Gas
4.6L 8-cyl / 225 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 6 additional engine variants with limited data
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.2-V6-Gas
4.2L 6-cyl / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 130 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
7.2-I6-Diesel
7.2L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.4-V8-Gas
5.4L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cyl / 153 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mercury Mountaineer regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer problems?
The 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer has accumulated 1,142 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Body/Trim, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mercury Mountaineer engine is most reliable?
The 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer a good used car?
The 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,142 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer have?
The 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer has 1,142 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2010 Mercury Mountaineer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mercury Mountaineer?
Before buying a used Mercury Mountaineer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Body/Trim, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Mountaineer?
The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,142 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.