2002 Mercury Mystique problems
The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk. In December 1992, Autocar published a section on the Mondeo, and how it would conquer rivals.
Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra in Europe, the Ford Telstar in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in North America. Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared initially with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. Thus, the CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus and newer Fords developed under the "One Ford" policy turned out to be. The first generation Mondeo was replaced in 2000, by the larger second generation; in the United States and Canada, the Contour/Mystique were replaced initially by the Focus and later the Fusion.
Design and development
Mk I
Instigated in 1986 (just before its Sierra predecessor received a major facelift), the design of the car cost Ford US$6 billion. It was one of the most expensive new-car programmes ever. The Mondeo was significant as its design and marketing were shared between Ford USA in Dearborn and Ford of Europe. Its codename while under development reflected thus: CDW27 signified that it straddled the C and D size classes and was a "world car". The head of the Mondeo project was John Oldfield, headquartered at Ford Dunton in Essex.
A large proportion of the high development cost was due to the Mondeo being a completely new design, sharing very little, if anything, with the Ford Sierra. Unlike the Sierra, the Mondeo is front-wheel drive in its most common form, with a rarer four-wheel drive version available on the Mk I car only. Over-optimistically, the floor pan was designed to accept virtually any conceivable drivetrain, from a transverse inline-four engine to a longitudinal V-8. This resulted in a hugely intrusive and mostly disused bellhousing cover and transmission tunnel. Resultingly the front interior, especially the footwells, feels more cramped than would be expected from a vehicle of this size. The Mondeo featured new manual and automatic transmissions and sophisticated suspension design, which give it class-leading handling and ride qualities, and subframes front and rear to give it executive car refinement. The automatic transmission featured electronic control with sport and economy modes plus switchable overdrive. The program manager from 1988, and throughout its early development, was David Price.
By 1989, Ford had confirmed that it would be launching an all-new front-wheel drive car to replace the Sierra within the next four years, although it had not yet decided whether the Sierra name would continue or be replaced, with some subsequent reports even hinting that the Cortina name could make a comeback, having been axed in 1982 when replaced by the Sierra. Several prototypes were tested that year, but the launch of the Nissan Primera in 1990 prompted Ford to make a number of major alterations to the final product, as it saw the new competitor from Nissan to be the benchmark car in this sector, having previously identified the Honda Accord as the class leader.
The car was launched in the midst of turbulent times at Ford of Europe, when the division was haemorrhaging hundreds of millions of dollars, and had gained a reputation in the motoring press for selling products which had been designed by accountants rather than engineers. The fifth-generation Escort and third-generation Orion of 1990 was the zenith of this cost-cutting/high-price philosophy, which was by then beginning to backfire on Ford, with the cars being slated for their substandard ride and handling, though a facelift in 1992 had seen things improve a little. The Sierra had sold well, but not as well as the all-conquering Cortina before it, and in Britain, it had been overtaken in the sales charts by the newer Vauxhall Cavalier. Previously loyal customers were already turning to rival European and Japanese products, and by the time of the Mondeo's launch, the future of Europe as a Ford manufacturing base was hanging in the balance. The new car had to be good, and it had to sell. It was unveiled to the public on 23 November 1992, although sales would not begin for another four months. At this stage, Ford confirmed that the new car would feature a completely new name and would be called the Mondeo.
Safety was a high priority in the Mondeo design, with a driver's side airbag (it was the first-ever car sold from the beginning with a driver's airbag in all of its versions, which helped it achieve the European Car of the Year title for 1994), side-impact bars, seat belt pretensioners, and antilock braking systems (higher models) as standard features. Other features for its year included adaptive damping, self-leveling suspension (top estate models), traction control (V6 and 4WD versions), and heated front windscreen, branded Quickclear.
The interiors were usually well-appointed, featuring velour trim, an arm rest with CD and tape storage, central locking (frequently remote), power windows (all round on higher models), power mirrors, illuminated entry, flat-folding rear seats, etc. Higher-specification models had leather seats, trip computers, electric sunroof, CD changer, and alloy wheels.
During its development, Ford used the 1986 Honda Accord and in the later stages the 1990 Nissan Primera as the class benchmarks that the CDW27 had to beat.
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Common 2002 Mercury Mystique problems
The Mercury Mystique, a compact sedan produced by Ford Motor Company, has received mixed reviews from its owners. While many have praised the vehicle for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, others have reported several common problems that can affect the 2002 model. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Transmission Failure: Transmission issues have been a significant problem for the Mercury Mystique 2002. Owners have reported problems such as slipping, jerking, and sudden surges while driving. In some cases, the transmission has failed entirely, leading to expensive repairs. These issues are often caused by faulty solenoids, leaking seals, or worn-out gears.
- Engine Misfires: Some owners have reported engine misfires, which can cause a rough idle, stalling, and reduced fuel efficiency. This issue is often caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. In some cases, the problem can be traced back to a faulty mass air flow sensor, which can affect the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
- Steering Problems: Several owners have reported issues with the steering system, including a loose or wandering steering wheel, and difficulty turning the vehicle at low speeds. These issues are often caused by worn-out steering components, such as tie rods or bushings. In some cases, the problem can be traced back to a faulty power steering pump or leaking hoses.
- Electrical Issues: The Mercury Mystique 2002 has also been plagued by various electrical issues, including malfunctioning lights, power windows, and power door locks. These issues are often caused by faulty wiring or blown fuses. In some cases, the problem can be traced back to a faulty alternator or battery.
- Suspension Problems: Several owners have reported problems with the suspension system, including a rough ride, excessive bouncing, and noise while driving. These issues are often caused by worn-out shocks or struts, which can affect the vehicle's handling and stability. In some cases, the problem can be traced back to a faulty sway bar or bushings.
- Body Rust: The Mercury Mystique 2002 has been known to suffer from body rust, particularly around the wheel wells and rocker panels. This issue is often caused by exposure to road salt, water, and other contaminants. In some cases, the rust can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle, leading to expensive repairs.
It's worth noting that not all Mercury Mystique 2002s will experience these problems, and many owners have reported no issues at all. However, these common problems are worth considering if you're in the market for a used Mercury Mystique 2002. It's always a good idea to have any used vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase, and to be aware of any potential issues that may arise in the future.
What years of Mercury cougar to avoid?
Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
- 8th Generation Cougar. Years 1999–2002 Reliability 22nd out of 28 PainRank™ 4.77 Complaints 71.
- 7th Generation Cougar. Years 1989–1997 Reliability 3rd out of 28 PainRank™ 0.51 Complaints 17.
What year was the Mercury Mystique made?
The Contour and Mystique, sold from 1995-2000, were, in the U.S., offered only in a four-door sedan version.
What year Cougar is the most desirable?
And you'll have a luxury sports car. . . . With all of the flair of the finest European sports touring machines, Cougar for 1971 is more desirable than ever. It's dramatically new from bumper to bumper — longer, lower, wider with an increased tread for road-gripping stability.”
How reliable are Mercury cougars?
Mercury Cougar Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Is the Mercury Mystique the same as the Ford?
Since its introduction in 1995, the Mystique has been Mercury's counterpart to the Ford Contour. Based on the same platform, the Mercury has differentiated itself by having different styling and trim packages. But for all intents and purposes, the Contour and Mystique were the same car.
When was the Mercury Mystique made?
The Contour and Mystique, sold from 1995-2000, were, in the U.S., offered only in a four-door sedan version.
Was Mercury nicer than Ford?
What is the difference between a Ford and a Mercury? Most Mercury models were higher trim, than Ford models, but lower trim, than Lincoln. Mercury had more standard features, than Ford and was priced higher than Ford, but less than Lincoln.
Why did Ford stop Mercury?
Ford completely phased out the Mercury brand in 2011, as the company refocused its marketing and engineering efforts solely on the Ford and Lincoln brands. “Mercury has been a tremendous line for Ford Motor Company because it filled the niche between our Ford and Lincoln lineups,” said Kreipke.
2002 Mercury Mystique car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Mystique problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mercury Mystique vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Mercury Mystique complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mercury Mystique.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-15
- VIN: 1MEFM6537YK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, THAT PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-13
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE AIRBAG LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. AND WILL NOT DISAPPEAR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mercury Mystique problems:
Common 2002 & 2004 Mercury Cougar Problems - Q&A on ...
Dec 29, 2009 ... Yes they should have checked it and made sure it was full. You may have some recourse depending on the length of time since they did it. If it ...
2002 Mercury Cougar - Sunroof issues
May 11, 2011 ... Basically, you have a switch that could have failed (which would be the best case scenario, since it's less expensive, and ultimately the wire ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2002 Mercury Cougar Engine ...
Jan 5, 2009 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
2002 Mercury Cougar - alternator
Jul 21, 2010 ... He said this will take care of all of the problems with your alternator and battery because the bad ground is causing your the diodes in the ...
Any issues with a 2000 Mercury Cougar I should know before ...
Oct 3, 2013 ... I'm looking for an inexpensive car (less than $2,500, USD for those in other parts of the world) and I found a 2000 Mercury Cougar.
Other years of Mercury Mystique
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