VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercury Mariner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 422 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median Mariner year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 11 Mariner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 167 reports (40% of the total).

422

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Mariner years?

Mariner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted554 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 100 complaints2006: 91 complaints2007: 40 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 422 complaints2010: 393 complaints2011: 121 complaints
Mariner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mariner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercury Mariner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering16740%
Engine6014%
Transmission4410%
Speed Control4110%
Fuel System307%
Electrical System266%
Other164%
Brakes143%
Tires & Wheels72%
Airbags41%
Suspension31%
Body & Structure31%
Driver Assistance20%
Lighting20%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2009 Mercury Mariner have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E045000SuspensionJune 3, 2015 · 576 units

Defect

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 Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Consequence

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

14V284000SteeringMay 29, 2014 · 740,878 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Power steering works or I have to manhandle the wheel to drive. If I turn car off and jiggle the steering wheel while turning it on sometimes it will come back other times it won’t. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 1, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON; STOPPED AND HAD A HARD TIME CRANKING BUT WAS ABLE TO GO ON. 2ND TIME PULLING ONTO A BUSY STREET, SAME INCIDENT, ABLE TO GET TO CENTER LAN AND RECRANK THIS TIME SURGING FORWARD BUT GAINED CONTROL AND WENT ON, VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 30, 2013

“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. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 7, 2012 · crash

“DRIVING 30MPH CAR BEGINS TO SURGE AND SLOW DOWN HAD TO PULL OVER TO ROAD SHOULDER. FUEL GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WHEN THERE IS A FULL TANK. CUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR FIVE MINUTES, START ENGINE TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR IS STILL SURGING AND SLOWING DOWN, THEN STARTS TO RUN NORMALLY. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 18, 2013

2009 Mercury Mariner — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercury Mariner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 422 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 11 Mariner years. It is one of the Mariner years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Mariner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (167 complaints), engine (60 complaints), transmission (44 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mercury Mariner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mercury Mariner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Mercury Mariner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Mariner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mariner years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Mariner years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.