Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 87 | −41% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2010 | 270 | 3.7× | 2 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 2009 | 315 | 3.3× | 1 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2008 | 461 | 4.3× | 3 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2007 | 33 | −80% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2006 | 63 | −65% | 3 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2005 | 67 | −66% | 2 | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Mariner year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercury Mariner problems
Latest Mercury Mariner recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Hybrid propulsion system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge.
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped without side air curtains or moonroofs fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." during testing, the free motion head form registered a measurement above the permitted limit at the left hand a-pillar…
Remedy: Dealers will make modifications to the energy absorbing material located above the headliner in the affected area free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercury Mariner should you avoid?
2008, 2010 and 2009 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Mariner years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2008.
What is the best year for the Mercury Mariner?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other Mariner years at the same age, followed by 2005 and 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercury Mariner problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (557), transmission & drivetrain (231) and engine & cooling (192). Steering complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercury Mariner had?
6 recalls across 2005–2011. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Mercury Mariner recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.