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What years should you avoid Mercury Mariner?

The Mercury Mariner is a compact SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 2005 to 2011. While the Mariner can be a reliable and capable vehicle, there are certain years that are generally recommended to avoid when purchasing a used model. Based on industry reviews and consumer reports, the 2005-2007 and 2010-2011 model years of the Mercury Mariner should be approached with caution.


2005-2007 Mercury Mariner Models


The early years of the Mercury Mariner's production run were plagued by a number of issues that made these models less desirable for used car buyers. Common problems included transmission failures, engine reliability concerns, and electrical system malfunctions. These model years also suffered from poor crash test ratings, which raised safety concerns.


2010-2011 Mercury Mariner Models


Towards the end of the Mariner's production, Ford made some updates to the vehicle, but it still struggled with a number of issues that carried over from previous years. Key problems included:



  • Transmission failures and slipping

  • Electrical system glitches and malfunctions

  • Suspension and steering problems

  • Reliability concerns with the engine and other components


These model years also had lower customer satisfaction ratings compared to other compact SUVs on the market.


Recommended Years to Consider


If you are in the market for a used Mercury Mariner, the 2008-2009 model years are generally considered the most reliable and problem-free. These models benefited from design improvements and addressed many of the issues that plagued the earlier and later versions of the Mariner.

Why did they stop making Mercury Mariner?


This version of the Mariner was its last, as Ford discontinued the Mercury brand due to declining sales. Ford ended production of the Mariner in October 2010. The last Mariner was assembled on October 5, 2010.



Is a Mariner engine the same as a Mercury?


Even though Mercury and Mariner had been the same product — except for paint and decals — for more than a decade, the faithful never accepted the reality, expressing a wish for the return of Mariner in the U.S.



How much is a 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier worth?


A 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier Sport Utility 4D has depreciated $1,474 or 33% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $2,983 and trade-in value of $902.



What problems do mercury mariners have?


Mercury Mariner Reliability Problems
Mariner owners have made 166 complaints over 7 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility , with significant transmission and steering concerns.



Is the 2006 Mercury Mariner reliable?


As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 122 out of 200 of owners (61% of them) rank the 2006 Mariner five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2006 Mercury Mariner.



How many miles do Mercury mariners last?


We had this car last us over 300,000 miles. We put it through a lot of work in a decade because we were a single-car family and made quite a few road trips in it around the country. We had to replace the transmission around 220,000 miles and did some front end work after that.



Are mercury mariners expensive to maintain?


The annual maintenance cost of a Mercury Mariner is $497. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.



Are Mercury's reliable?


Both Mercury and Yamaha have built solid reputations for producing reliable outboard motors. Over the years, they have earned the trust of countless boaters worldwide.



What year was the last Mercury Mariner made?


The 2011 model year was the last for the Mercury brand. The Mariner has a roomy interior and great visibility out of the large windows. Handling is relatively nimble. The 3.0-liter, 200-hp V6 serves up adequate acceleration, but fuel economy is disappointing at just 18 mpg overall.



Are Mercury Mariners reliable cars?


The Mariner has also gotten good scores from users on Cars.com. The model got an average of 4.5 out of 5.0, with 90% of the owners recommending the vehicle.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.