Is the Mercury Mariner reliable?

The Mercury Mariner has 1,718 NHTSA complaints, or 1684.3 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is STEERING. Source: VinItel

What Mercury Mariner years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2008 model year of the Mercury Mariner — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2008 model year alone has 554 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Mercury Mariner?

Among Mercury Mariner model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2007 (40 complaints), 2006 (91 complaints), 2005 (100 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Mercury Mariner problems?

The most common Mercury Mariner problems reported to NHTSA are: STEERING (549 complaints, 1.5% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (203 complaints, 1.0% crash rate); VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (172 complaints, 2.9% crash rate); ENGINE (162 complaints, 0.6% crash rate); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (109 complaints, 0.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Mercury Mariner?

Used Mercury Mariner buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2007, 2006, 2005. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Mercury Mariner Reliability

1,718 NHTSA complaints (2005–2011). Complaint rate: 1684.3 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

2384.3

Complaints

1,718

Crash Rate

2.8%

Fire Rate

0.2%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2008–2010 Mercury Mariner. The 2007 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STEERING.

Avoid These Years

2008–2010

~456/yr complaints · 26 crashes

Average

2005–2006

~96/yr complaints

2011

~120/yr complaints

Better Years

2007

~40/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Mercury Mariner?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Mercury Mariner — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2008 (554)

Common Mercury Mariner Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
STEERING	549	1.5%
POWER TRAIN	203	1.0%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	172	2.9%
ENGINE	162	0.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	109	0.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	96	1.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	57	7.0%
SERVICE BRAKES	51	5.9%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	33	0.0%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	26	0.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2005	—	100	10	—	View →
2006	—	91	8	—	View →
2007GOOD	—	40	1	—	View →
2008AVOID	—	554	11	—	View →
2009AVOID	—	420	11	—	View →
2010AVOID	—	393	4	4	View →
2011	—	120	3	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Mercury Marineraccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Mercury Mariner?

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