MYRModel Year Report

2009 Mercury Mariner

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Mercury Mariner
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
315
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

53% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 67 complaints 2005 2006: 63 complaints 2006 2007: 33 complaints 2007 2008: 461 complaints 2008 2009: 315 complaints 2009 315 2010: 270 complaints 2010 2011: 87 complaints 2011
2005: 67 complaints 2005 2006: 63 complaints 2006 2007: 33 complaints 2007 2008: 461 complaints 2008 2009: 315 complaints 2009 315 2010: 270 complaints 2010 2011: 87 complaints 2011
2005: 67 complaints 2005 2006: 63 complaints 2006 2007: 33 complaints 2007 2008: 461 complaints 2008 2009: 315 complaints 2009 315 2010: 270 complaints 2010 2011: 87 complaints 2011

2009: 315 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20010
20020
20030
20040
200567
200663
200733
2008461
2009315
2010270
201187

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

53% · 167 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

This is an update to the complaint from June- Because I have to compensate manually for the electric power steering, I’ve aggravated upper back injuries and strained hip muscles I incurred from work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-19

Also filed under Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. While driving 5 MPH, the steering seized while making a left turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated. As a result, another vehicle struck the rear driver's side of the contact's vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-25

Loss of power steering while driving error code "Power steering assist error"

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-22

Engine

17% · 53 reports

Power train

14% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Vehicle speed control

13% · 41 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact was entering a parking space when the vehicle exhibited an abnormally loud revving sound and accelerated into a fence without warning. There were no injuries nor was a police report filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-09

Electrical system

7% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

INJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2009Complaint volume 315 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
  3. R
    2014-07-18Steering14V284000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2018-06-14 Loss of power steering while driving
  5. R
    2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...

    Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Mercury Mariner — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 167 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 44 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V284000 · Steering
  • Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Mercury Mariner reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Mercury Mariner is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mercury Mariner?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mercury Mariner have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.