Which Mercury Mariner years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2008 and 2009, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100. Both years are dominated by steering complaints, which made up 64% of 2008 complaints and 53% of 2009 complaints.

What is the biggest problem area for the Mercury Mariner overall?

Steering leads across all model years with 557 complaints, 43% of the total 1,296 complaints logged for the model.

Are there recalls related to Mariner steering problems?

Yes. Recall campaign 14V284000 covers 2008-2011 Mariners for a steering torque sensor issue, remedied with a software update to the power steering control module.

Which Mercury Mariner years are rated best?

2006, 2007, and 2011 carry Good verdicts with complaint indexes of 17, 0, and 33. However, 2006 and 2007 verdicts are capped at Good because complaint records for those years are less complete.

Did the 2008 or 2009 Mariner have engine problems too?

Yes, but at lower rates than steering. The 2008 had 46 engine complaints (10% share) and the 2009 had 84 (27% share), at median mileages of 80,000 and 69,500 respectively.

Mercury Mariner Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Avoid the 2008 and 2009 Mercury Mariner: they carry complaint indexes of 83 and 100, driven mostly by steering complaints (64% and 53% of each year's total). The 2006, 2007, and 2011 model years score far lower on complaints and are rated Good, though 2006-2007 verdicts are capped due to incomplete records.

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

Avoid 2008 Avoid 2009

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	Good	17	63	5	0	3	Engine	20	—
2007	Good	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

The 2009 Mariner has the highest complaint index in the lineup, 100, from 315 total complaints. Steering again leads with 167 complaints (53% share) at a median mileage of 119,588, with owners reporting sudden power steering loss and seizure at low speeds, in some cases leading to collisions. Engine complaints (84) appeared at a median of 69,500 miles, and transmission/powertrain issues (44) at 69,000 miles. One recall addresses the steering torque sensor via software update. Nine crashes were reported for this model year, matching 2008.

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

2008 Mercury Mariner Index 83 · 461 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2008 Mariner logged 461 complaints, the second-most of any year in this model's history, with a complaint index of 83. Steering issues dominate, accounting for 297 complaints (64% share) at a median mileage of 120,000. Owners describe power steering failing or the wheel seizing while driving, sometimes during a crash. Transmission and powertrain problems (66 complaints) surfaced around 62,061 miles. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, covering transmission shift-lever bolts, a hybrid coolant pump, and a steering torque sensor software update. Nine crashes were reported.

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

Most common Mercury Mariner problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercury Mariner years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2008 and 2009, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100. Both years are dominated by steering complaints, which made up 64% of 2008 complaints and 53% of 2009 complaints.
What is the biggest problem area for the Mercury Mariner overall?: Steering leads across all model years with 557 complaints, 43% of the total 1,296 complaints logged for the model.
Are there recalls related to Mariner steering problems?: Yes. Recall campaign 14V284000 covers 2008-2011 Mariners for a steering torque sensor issue, remedied with a software update to the power steering control module.
Which Mercury Mariner years are rated best?: 2006, 2007, and 2011 carry Good verdicts with complaint indexes of 17, 0, and 33. However, 2006 and 2007 verdicts are capped at Good because complaint records for those years are less complete.
Did the 2008 or 2009 Mariner have engine problems too?: Yes, but at lower rates than steering. The 2008 had 46 engine complaints (10% share) and the 2009 had 84 (27% share), at median mileages of 80,000 and 69,500 respectively.