What years should you avoid Mercury Mariner?
The Mercury Mariner, a compact SUV produced by Ford's Mercury division, was a popular choice for drivers seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle. However, like any car model, certain production years of the Mariner have been associated with recurring issues that potential buyers or current owners should be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore the years you might want to avoid and why.
Why Some Mercury Mariner Years Are Problematic
While the Mercury Mariner generally has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle, certain model years have been plagued by mechanical and electrical issues. These problems can lead to costly repairs and a less-than-ideal ownership experience. Below, we’ll break down the most problematic years and the issues associated with them.
Years to Avoid and Common Issues
Based on reports from owners and automotive experts, the following Mercury Mariner model years are considered less reliable:
- 2005: The first model year of the Mercury Mariner faced several teething problems, including transmission failures and issues with the powertrain. Early production models often have more bugs to work out, and the 2005 Mariner was no exception.
- 2008: This year saw a significant number of complaints about power steering failures. Many owners reported that the electronic power steering system would suddenly stop working, leading to difficult and unsafe driving conditions.
- 2009: The 2009 Mariner was notorious for transmission problems, particularly with the 6F35 transmission. Owners frequently reported slipping, jerking, and complete transmission failure, often requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
- 2010: Electrical issues were a common complaint for this model year. Problems included faulty sensors, malfunctioning hybrid systems (for hybrid models), and issues with the vehicle’s computer systems.
What to Look for If You’re Considering a Used Mercury Mariner
If you’re in the market for a used Mercury Mariner, it’s essential to do your homework. Here are some tips to ensure you make a smart purchase:
- Check the Vehicle History Report: Use services like Carfax or AutoCheck to review the vehicle’s maintenance history and check for any reported accidents or major repairs.
- Have a Pre-Purchase Inspection Done: Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection. They can identify potential issues that may not be immediately apparent.
- Test Drive the Vehicle: Pay attention to how the car drives. Look for signs of transmission slipping, unusual noises, or warning lights on the dashboard.
- Research Recalls: Check if the specific model year has any outstanding recalls and whether those recalls have been addressed.
Conclusion
While the Mercury Mariner has its strengths, certain model years—particularly 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010—are best avoided due to recurring issues. If you’re considering purchasing a used Mariner, take the time to research and inspect the vehicle thoroughly to ensure you’re making a sound investment. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with pre-purchase inspections and expert advice to keep you on the road safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
