2009 Mercury Mariner

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Mercury Mariner
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Mariner Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2003: 0 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 67 complaints 2005 2006: 63 complaints 2007: 33 complaints 2007 2008: 461 complaints 2009: 315 complaints 2009 2010: 269 complaints 2011: 87 complaints 2011
2009: 315 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20010
20020
20030
20040
200567
200663
200733
2008461
2009315
2010269
201187

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 53%

53% of complaints: steering — 166 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20241119

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, 20181025

LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ERROR CODE "POWER STEERING ASSIST ERROR"

NHTSA ODI report, 20181022

ENGINE 17%

17% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 41 distinct reports on file.

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, 20120109

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
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, 20241119

SAFETY TIMELINE

2009 — complaint volume: 315
I 20130221 — PE (closed 20140228)

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

R 20140718 — steering

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.

Campaign 14V284000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150401 — DP (closed 20180614)

Loss of power steering while driving

R 20150520 — suspension

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.

Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Mercury Mariner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (166 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (41 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V284000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2007 ▲ 2006 ▲ 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 2008 ■ 2010 ▲ 2011

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.