What year Mercury Mariner should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 and 2009 Mercury Mariner have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2009 model year ranks worst with 315 complaints and 1 recalls.

What is the best year for the Mercury Mariner?

The 2006 and 2007 Mercury Mariner have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2007 at 33 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Mercury Mariner?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are steering (557, 43%), engine (319, 25%), and transmission & powertrain (231, 18%).

How many recalls does the Mercury Mariner have?

NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Mercury Mariner model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Mercury Mariner Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Mercury Mariner years to avoid: 2008 and 2009. Best years: 2006 and 2007. Based on 1,296 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across 7 model years (2005–2011).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008 Avoid 2009 Best 2006 Best 2007

Model years: 7; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 1,296
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 35
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Steering

Mariner Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercury Mariner problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Caution	50	67	7	0	2	Engine	19	—
2006	Best	17	63	5	0	3	Engine	20	—
2007	Best	0	33	1	0	2	Engine	20	—
2008	Avoid	83	461	9	0	3	Steering	20.5	—
2009	Avoid	100	315	9	0	1	Steering	21	—
2010	Caution	67	270	2	2	2	Engine	21.5	—
2011	Good	33	87	2	0	2	Engine	21.5	3★

Mariner years to avoid: what went wrong

2009 Mercury Mariner Index 100 · 315 complaints · 1 recalls

Owners filed 315 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Mercury Mariner, led by steering (167), engine (84), and transmission & powertrain (44). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 9 crashes.

2009 steering problems →2009 engine problems →2009 transmission & powertrain problems →

2008 Mercury Mariner Index 83 · 461 complaints · 3 recalls

Owners filed 461 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mercury Mariner, led by steering (297), transmission & powertrain (66), and engine (46). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 9 crashes.

2008 steering problems →2008 transmission & powertrain problems →2008 engine problems →

Most common Mercury Mariner problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering557 (43%)
Engine319 (25%)
Transmission & Powertrain231 (18%)
Fuel System145 (11%)
Electrical System110 (8%)
Brakes82 (6%)
Other61 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires47 (4%)
Airbags31 (2%)
Structure & Body30 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercury Mariner should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 and 2009 Mercury Mariner have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2009 model year ranks worst with 315 complaints and 1 recalls.
What is the best year for the Mercury Mariner?: The 2006 and 2007 Mercury Mariner have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2007 at 33 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Mercury Mariner?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are steering (557, 43%), engine (319, 25%), and transmission & powertrain (231, 18%).
How many recalls does the Mercury Mariner have?: NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Mercury Mariner model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.