Mariner (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mercury Mariner Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cyl / 153 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.5-I4-Gas
2.5L 4-cyl / 171 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 360 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 132 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.6-V8-Gas
4.6L 8-cyl / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.3-V6-Gas
3.3L 6-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner
That's below the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 9 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2007] 90sWhile driving, the vehicle will suddenly display a warning message that says “Stop Safely Now”. When this message appears, the hybrid system overheats and the vehicle immediately loses power. The gasoline engine and electric motor both shut down without warning, even at highway speeds. I am forced to coast to the side of the road, which is extremely dangerous in traffic. This happens after the
- [2007] WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR THE VEHICLES WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND REGEN DISABLED SHOW UP AND THE VEHICLE WON'T ACCELERATE. I CAN SHUT IT OFF AND BACK ON AND THE WRENCH LIGHT WILL GO AWAY FOR A COUPLE MILES THEN BACK ON WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS
- [2008] FORD'S RECALL "CODE 14S19" ON 2005-2008 MARINER HYBRIDS AND ESCAPE HYBRIDS SHOULD COVER ALL OF THESE HYBRIDS BUT IT HAS EXCEPTIONS! FORD HAS ISSUED A RECALL ON *SOME* OF THE 2005-2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS AND *SOME* OF THE CORRESPONDING MERCURY MARINER HYBRIDS. HOWEVER THEY ARE REFUSING TO ISSUE A RECALL ON MY PARTICULAR 2008 MARINER HYBRID (WHICH IS EXHIBITING THE ELECTRONIC OVERHEATING PROBLEM
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2007] 90sWhile driving, the vehicle will suddenly display a warning message that says “Stop Safely Now”. When this message appears, the hybrid system overheats and the vehicle immediately loses power. The gasoline engine and electric motor both shut down without warning, even at highway speeds. I am forced to coast to the side of the road, which is extremely dangerous in traffic. This happens after the
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mercury Mariner regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner problems?
The 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner has accumulated 1,298 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mercury Mariner engine is most reliable?
The 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.3L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner a good used car?
The 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,298 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner have?
The 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner has 1,298 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mercury Mariner?
Before buying a used Mercury Mariner, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Mariner?
The 2011 Mercury Mariner received an overall 3-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 3 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (20.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,298 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-22.