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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2002 > Mercury > MOUNTAINEER

2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
4 Dr. Wagon/Sport Utility
All wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used MERCURY.

 

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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5 Door Became Unlatched  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 2 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   A
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Ford Explorer 4-door (except the Sport Trac model) and the Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned for the 2002 model year. Explorers and Mountaineers manufactured after October 2001 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a 2002 Explorer with the structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.</p> <p>The Explorer and Mountaineer have been re-engineered for the 2006 model year, and the Aviator has been dropped.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail, window frame, and B-pillar. Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head accelerations from the roof rail, window frame, and B-pillar hits were negligible. 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4511 front and rear head curtain airbags 114 190 72 4.0 L V6 15 20

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER . The crashworthiness data for this 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 71 Better than average
Collision Index 67 Substantially better than average
Theft Index Not rated Not rated


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 50,224
NHTSA campaign number: 01I010000
Defective part or component: VISUAL SYSTEMS:GLASS:WINDOW:TAILGATE AND BACK DOOR
Description: 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. Rotation of the brackets could potentially cause the lift cylinders to detach from the glass or, in some cases, could potentially cause the liftgate glass to break. Either condition is most likely to occur when the glass is being closed. Ford dealers will inspect the vehicles for the position of both the left and right liftgatge glass lift cylinder brackets. If the brackets are in the proper position, the bracket retainers will be tightened to a higher torque. In cases where the bracket is not properly position, the bracket must be re-aligned.
Recall date: 05-30-2001
Units potentially affected: 52,000
NHTSA campaign number: 01V171000
Defective part or component: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Description: 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. Over time, the tire could fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the tires and, if any slices are found, the cut tires will be replaced. Owner notification began June 7, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall date: 06-04-2001
Units potentially affected: 13,000,000
NHTSA campaign number: 01X001000
Defective part or component: TIRES:TREAD
Description: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Ford is replacing all Firestone Wilderness AT 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between plants. Ford is replacing these tires to prevent possible premature tire failure. The vehicles listed below may have been originally equipped with Firestone Wilderness AT tires or may have had Wilderness AT tires installed during the Firestone recall launched in August 2000: certain 1991 through 2002 Ford Explorers, certain 2001 through 2002 Explorer Sports and Sport Tracs, certain 1997 through 2002 Mercury Mountaineers, certain 1991 through 2001 Rangers, certain 1999 through 2001 Expeditions, certain 1991 through 1994, and 1997 model year F-series, certain 1991 through 1994 Broncos. Note: both original equipment and replacement tires are affected. Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death. The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.ford.com for possible assistance.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 955,732
NHTSA campaign number: 04V442000
Defective part or component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Description: On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break. If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur. Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from August 1, 2000 through March 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from March 3, 2002 through June 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on September 13, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.


This 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem with this vehicle is the failure of the Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) Sensor. Problems with the DPFE Sensor can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The cost to repair the DPFE Sensor is estimated at $68.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Transmission & Driveline General problems with this vehicle are with the 4 Wheel Drive System and the Transmission. This can result in a loss of 4 Wheel Drive operation and improper shifting of the Transmission, respectively. The failures are not specific to any one part. Therefore the $ cost of repairs will vary. Moderate Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Differential Speed Sensor and related wiring. The cost to repair will vary depending on the extent of the wiring problem but is estimated to be between $50.00 and $200.00 for parts and labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2002 - 2006):
Category:    Mountaineer AWD 4 Dr Sport Utility:
Depreciation $18,491
Financing $6,434
Insurance $5,805
State Fees $517
Fuel $5,754
Maintenance $1,681
Repairs $926
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $39,608

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance provided during basic warranty. Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles. Basic warranty covers adjustments (except alignment and wheel balance) and bulbs after 1 years or 12,000 miles. Tires are covered.  

This 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

New styling, new engines, new independent suspension.
By Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com

The Mercury Mountaineer AWD starts out at a reasonable $30,710, but options can take it over $37,000. Is a Mercury SUV worth that kind of money?

We go back to the bottom line and say that you can have all the flexibility of seven-passenger seating, easy flip-down rear seat entry, a V8 engine for towing, a beautiful interior, and plenty of comfort and entertainment accessories for a lot closer to $30,000 than $40,000.

The V6 version, perfectly adequate for most families, is nearly $700 less. With judicious study of the option list and a tight fist on your wallet, you can have one of these for very reasonable money. We think it's one of the best all-around bad weather family cruisers on the market today, with style that will outlast the competition.

One drawback for buyers is Ford's 36,000-mile, three-year warranty, the shortest in the industry.

Overview:

Mercury has been trying to find its identity since 1939. The new Mountaineer is leading the way toward that goal and represents the future design direction for Mercury. Though it still shares all major mechanical components with the Ford Explorer, the Mercury Mountaineer this time around has made a major design break with the Ford version. Today, the Mountaineer is one of the most expressively designed SUVs in the business.

Along with the design comes an all-new vehicle: the 2002 Mountaineer boasts a new frame, a new independent rear suspension, a new front suspension, new steering, new seating formats, and a raft of new standard and optional features. It is by far the newest Mercury in the entire lineup.

Read the complete 2002 Mercury Mountaineer review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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