Problems · NHTSA complaints
2009 Mercury Mariner problems
Owners filed 315 complaints about the 2009 Mercury Mariner with NHTSA between Sep 2009 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is steering (167).
Complaints
315
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering167
- Engine53
- Power train44
- Vehicle speed control41
- Electrical system22
- Fuel/propulsion system15
- Fuel system, gasoline15
- Service brakes11
- Wheels7
- Engine and engine cooling7
- Electronic stability control (esc)4
- Air bags4
- Suspension3
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
4
6
6
64
23
19
30
26
27
20
19
17
18
12
12
5
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 64 |
| 2014 | 23 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Steering
167 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“My vehicle was returned to me following a torque sensor replacement on 4/9/2026 in poor condition (locked steering and a catastrophic gash in the driver-side tire) rendering it undrivable and unsafe. Crossroads Ford of Prince George shop's inspection report claims the tire damage was pre-existing, I have conclusive evidence to the contrary: Virginia State Inspection: My vehicle passed a Virginia state safety inspection on 2/27/2026. Per state law, any tire with a gash or sidewall crack is an automatic failure. This legally certifies the tire was intact immediately prior to their service. Recent Tire Service: I replaced my rear tires at OK Tire and Auto on 3/30/2026. At that time, a full tread and sidewall inspection of my front tires confirmed they were in good condition. The timing of the dealership's communication confirms the damage occurred while in their care: I arrived for my 9:30a appointment around 9:25a. No damage was noted during the initial intake. I was in their facility when I watched a mechanic drive to the other side of the service parking lot without being informed of a "catastrophic" safety issue. I was only notified of the gash at the end of…”
Engine
53 reports
“MY 2009 MERCURY MARINER (HAS 56,000 MILES), WITHOUT ANY WARNING, IT JUST SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. HAS HAPPENED TWICE. WAS ABLE TO GET THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT ALL. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP NOW TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT.”
Power train
44 reports
“I have been intermittently losing power steering. The code is B1342. After researching, it looks like Ford is aware of this problem but is unwilling to fix the issue. This fix must be done at a dealership since it is a software issue and going to cost $2,000. Obviously losing power steering when going at fast speeds is incredibly dangerous for myself and others. There is no check engine light that comes on when the issue arises.”
Vehicle speed control
41 reports1 crash
“TOOL LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR LOSES POWER IN TRAFFIC, VERY, VERY DANGEROUS. DEALERSHIP UPDATED WITH COMPUTER BUT VEHICLE IS STILL DOING IT. PLEASE DO A RECALL FORD.”
Electrical system
22 reports
“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. I have to attend physical therapy for those injuries now, but it’s useless if my only mode of transportation prolongs my recovery.—— My 2009 Mercury Mariner’s steering wheel started locking up 3 months ago, and it’s hard to get the steering wheel and the tires to agree on one direction. I looked up the make and model to see if there was a safety recall for it and there was, but my VIN wasn’t included in the recall campaign, even though it fits the criteria exactly. ///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. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.”
Fuel/propulsion system
15 reports
“Charcoal canister and purge valve defective stuck at open. Check engine light, dropped fuel economy. Forced vehicle to shut off engine and no power, stop on freeway at full speed.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.