2010 Mercury Mariner Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Mercury Mariner, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance7118.7%
- Engine6316.6%
- Fuel system6316.6%
- Steering6116.1%
- Powertrain (other)5715.0%
- Electrical297.7%
- Visibility82.1%
- Body & structure71.8%
- Brakes51.3%
- Exterior lighting41.1%
- Airbags41.1%
- Transmission30.8%
- Suspension20.5%
- Seat belts10.3%
- Other / unspecified10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, TURNING ON HIGHWAY, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES, SEEMS LIKE WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. RECALL 14S05C SHOWS UP IN SERVICE RECORDS FROM THIS CAR. WORKS WAS DONE MY MAHOPAC FORD, MAHOPAC, NY. REFLASH IC AND PSCM. THIS RECALL WAS APPARENTLY ADDRESSED, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS COME BACK. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR USED TWO WEEKS AGO. IT DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL I TURNED THE HEAT ON. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO.
I HAVE A 2010 MERCURY MARINER VOGA EDITION JUST TODAY A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAIL CAME ON THE DASHBOARD LOOK ONLINE SAYS BY MY MANUFACTURING DATE IT'S COVERED BUT ENTERED VIN IT DOESN'T SO WHY ISN'T IT I NEED THIS FIX THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM !!!
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Me and my wife purchased a vehicle from a private seller to use for personal commute. A month later we started to notice more issue were occurring with the car then stated from the seller. I took it to an auto body shop to get it inspected and possibly serviced and upon that inspection the clerk stated that there was a milage adjustment done to the vehicle. We contacted the seller to try and return the vehicle and receive our money back, but the dealer refused and requested us to resell it.
When the weather is hot (close to 100 degrees or more) and I am driving with the a/c - my vehicle on 3 occasions will not start after parking the vehicle and trying to restart it. The red padlock sign blinks and it won't start. At first it is trying to turnover but then will continually sound worse and all other warning lights go haywire. I leave the car alone for half a day and it starts up again like nothing happened. On the fourth occasion, the car stopped while driving, just a quiet shutdown and the car glided. This time it did not work for over 24 hours and then started up again like nothing happened. Multiple mechanics and also the dealership cannot figure out the problem because by the time i have it towed to shop, it works again. They did a full check on the car and cannot find anything wrong and there were no diagnostic codes. This issue happens when the weather is hot and poses a safety concern as now it is shutting off while driving and I become stranded each time. (First incident happened 8/25/18, last incident 5/14/22) Total of 4.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine light came on after putting fuel in my car it is hapless the codes read emission and fuel issues to replace cap but it is hapless it says it's an issue that needs to be fixed now my engine light won't go off
My vehicle keeps throwing codes for the EVAP system. I have noticed many of these vehicles have to have their Purge Valve Cannister replaced along with the selenoid for it. I have to replace mine. Is that not a defect if the vehicle? I have owned several vehicles and never had this issue with any of them.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the steering wheel locked up. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Failure" was displayed, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), which the contact related to the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
lost of steering control because of power steering failed. And caused elec. system to go nuts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCURY MARINER WHICH WAS BEING TOWED BY A 2004 FLEETWOOD TIOGA MONTARA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE MOTOR HOME WAS PULLED OVER, THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHUCK COLVIN FORD NISSAN (1925 N HWY 99 W, MCMINNVILLE, OR 97128, 503-472-6124), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN OCCURRENCE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. *TT
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Me and my wife purchased a vehicle from a private seller to use for personal commute. A month later we started to notice more issue were occurring with the car then stated from the seller. I took it to an auto body shop to get it inspected and possibly serviced and upon that inspection the clerk stated that there was a milage adjustment done to the vehicle. We contacted the seller to try and return the vehicle and receive our money back, but the dealer refused and requested us to resell it.
When the weather is hot (close to 100 degrees or more) and I am driving with the a/c - my vehicle on 3 occasions will not start after parking the vehicle and trying to restart it. The red padlock sign blinks and it won't start. At first it is trying to turnover but then will continually sound worse and all other warning lights go haywire. I leave the car alone for half a day and it starts up again like nothing happened. On the fourth occasion, the car stopped while driving, just a quiet shutdown and the car glided. This time it did not work for over 24 hours and then started up again like nothing happened. Multiple mechanics and also the dealership cannot figure out the problem because by the time i have it towed to shop, it works again. They did a full check on the car and cannot find anything wrong and there were no diagnostic codes. This issue happens when the weather is hot and poses a safety concern as now it is shutting off while driving and I become stranded each time. (First incident happened 8/25/18, last incident 5/14/22) Total of 4.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ON A US ROUTE (NO OVERPASSES IN THE AREA), I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND THEN THE GLASS OF MY SUNROOF SHATTERING. THE INTERIOR SHADE WAS CLOSED SO I COULD NOT SEE THE DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE ROAD THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF GLASS AND THE GLASS WAS RAISED UPWARDS AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN IMPACTED FROM AN OBJECT THROWN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY OBJECT THAT MIGHT HAVE IMPACTED IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
REAR HATCH DOESN'T SEAL TIGHTLY, RESULTING IN LEAK WHEN IT'S RAINING- THEN BECAUSE OF LEAK (I THINK) THE REAR DEFROST DOESN'T WORK- AND I'M IN MICHIGAN! ALSO, THE SEALCOAT ON THE RIMS CHIPPED/WORE OFF? THIS RESULTED IN RIMS RUSTING AND WHEN I HAD TIRES REPLACED, NOW THE TIRE WON'T SEAL TO THE RIM EDGE BECAUSE OF PITTING. NOW I HAVE NO REAR DEFROST, A LEAKING LIFT GATE, AND HAVE TO REPLACE RIMS BECAUSE THE SEALCOAT FAILURE ALLOWED MY RIMS TO RUST. THE LIFT GATE AND REAR DEFROST FAILURE HAPPENED A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER MY WARRANTY TIME EXPIRED (MY CAR ONLY HAS 25K MILES ON IT); AND THE RIM I JUST FOUND OUT AFTER REPLACING ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO 'DRY ROT' (NOT WORN DOWN) FROM THE CAR NOT GETTING DRIVEN ALL THE TIME.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger side of the subframe has holes and will veer hard right when it brakes
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN THE POURING RAIN GOING 45MP, MY HOOD FLEW OPEN, BUSTED MY WINDSHIELD, DAMAGED THE HOOD AND A FEW OTHER THINGS, I COULD NOT SEE WHERE I WAS GOING AS I WAS SCARED DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED I FINALLY PULLED OF THE ROAD AND SAT THERE CONFUSED, APPARENTLY THE SAFETY LATCH DID NOT CATCH , THIS SHOULD NEVER OF HAPPENED, SO GOING ON 3 WEEKS AND 2,500 IN DAMAGES AND NO VECHICLE LATER WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD OF HAPPENED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving downhill after dropping my children off at school heard a loud popping noise and brake pedal fell to the floor. Total loss of brakes. Coasted to the side off the road narrowly avoiding busy intersection. Vehicle was looked at by mechanic, traced to faulty ABS Sensor. Serious safety hazard— Recall must be issued immediately to prevent accidents and injuries!
Brake pedal went to floor on my 10 Mariner, slid into intersection, no warning lights came on, checked for any fluid leaks and there were none. This is 2nd time it has happened and is extremely dangerous! Believe, like others that it is the ABS control. Ford should fix this immediately!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE AREA. AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF FOR 15 MINUTES AND RESTARTING THE LACK OF POWER STEERING REMAINED, BUT THERE WAS NOW A MESSAGE SAYING "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". THIS CAR HAS SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH REGARD TO THE A/C & BLOWER, AND ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND DOME LIGHTS WORK SPORADICALLY.
RETURNING HOME FROM WORK, WIFE IN FRONT OF ME. CENTER HIGH STOP LIGHT HAD SOME BAD BULBS. REMOVED ASSEMBLY, FOUND MELTED REFLECTOR AND BROKEN BULBS. TOOK MANY PHOTOS. INFORMED LOCAL DEALERSHIP BY EMAIL. TOLD THEM U/W. PART ARRIVED 1 WEEK LATER, PICKED UP ON SATURDAY MORNING, HAD TO PAY $90.41. I BADGERED DEALERSHIP FOR REIMBURSEMENT, FINALLY GOT CHECK AT END OF DECEMBER. STILL HAVE PICS AND PART. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL WAITING ON PARTS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AT ERRATIC TIMES. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER, IT TURNS OUT THE INTERNAL FAULT WITH RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. THIS REPAIR WILL COST ALMOST $900 TO REPAIR A SAFETY ITEM THAT IS NOT A WORN PART BUT A ELECTRICAL MODULE THAT DEPLOYS THE AIRBAG. I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT SUCH AN ITEM IS THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. IF IT IS AN ITEM THAT WEARS, YES, MECHANICAL, YES BUT THIS IS A MODULE THAT IS DESIGNED FOR THE EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT OF THE SAFETY AIRBAGS AND FORD HOLDS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. MILEAGE AND AGE SHOULD NOT COME INTO PLAY ON THIS ISSUE. I PRAY MY FAMILY REMAINS SAFE, I CANNOT AFFORD THIS COST. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving when it felt like the vehicle was reving in park then the "wrench" icon appeared on my dash. I went a couple blocks & my vehicle felt like it wasn't shifting automatically as it should. I pulled over & turned it off. It started right back up with no lights on, I went half a block & stopped at a stop sign but while stopped the engine reved up. I was worried I was going to be in an accident. Then the "wrench" light came back on, since I was close to home I figured I'd just try to get home. About another block, the check engine light came on & was making strange noises. I kept my vehicle at about 5-10 mph & got it home. My car was very jerky.
2010 MERCURY MARINER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HESITATION INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BEGAN NOTICING THE PROBLEM IN 2011, AFTER A 2010 UPDATE OF THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE IN A FACTORY RECALL. IN ADDITION TO THE HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THERE WERE ALSO A FEW INSTANCES WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMED TO EITHER SURGE OR BACK DOWN, AS IF IT DIDN'T KNOW QUITE HOW TO RESPOND, USUALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS, WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, WITH THE MOTOR IDLING, SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO TO GEAR ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, WHEN IT DID SHIFT, IT SHIFTED VERY HARD AND NOISILY INTO GEAR ON THE 2ND ATTEMPT. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT ROUGH IN LOWER GEARS, TYPICALLY FROM AS TOP OR ACCELERATING AFTER SLOWING TO ALMOST A STOP. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AFTER THE DEALER WHERE SHE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, FAILED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS SHE EXPERIENCING. THE SECOND DEALER INFORMED HER, THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY WAS DAMAGED EVEN BEFORE THE RECALL CAME OUT IN 2012. THE PART WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A HESITATION IN JANUARY 2013. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER READING ABOUT AN INVESTIGATION OF FORD VEHICLE, WHICH INCLUDED HER MODEL YEAR, SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently purchase 2010 Mercury Mariner. There is a few errors appearing on the screen in front of the steering wheel. One of the error is "CHECK FUEL LINES." It also has an error about the tire pressure sensor. It also rides roughly, but the wheels are like new, so it feels like the suspension or shocks have something wrong with them. Also, there is a lot of play in the steering wheel when driving it. When I went to check on the recalls in the system by putting in my VIN, it shows that there are no recalls on my vehicle. However, these errors and issues are connected to the recalls for my vehicle. I am sure that these recalls have not been taken care of for this vehicle and they need to be fixed.
Brakes inspected, back frame rusting out severe holes, mechanic stated you need another vehicle within a year
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL HAD JUST STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THE CAR BEHIND ME RAN INTO ME. THE SPEED LIMIT ON THAT ROAD IS 60 MPH , BUT SURE HOW FAST HE WAS GOING WHEN HE HIT US. BUT, IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT I NOTICED MY SEAT BELT WAS NO LONGER ON. IT HAD UNBUCKLED ON IMPACT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR HATCH DOESN'T SEAL TIGHTLY, RESULTING IN LEAK WHEN IT'S RAINING- THEN BECAUSE OF LEAK (I THINK) THE REAR DEFROST DOESN'T WORK- AND I'M IN MICHIGAN! ALSO, THE SEALCOAT ON THE RIMS CHIPPED/WORE OFF? THIS RESULTED IN RIMS RUSTING AND WHEN I HAD TIRES REPLACED, NOW THE TIRE WON'T SEAL TO THE RIM EDGE BECAUSE OF PITTING. NOW I HAVE NO REAR DEFROST, A LEAKING LIFT GATE, AND HAVE TO REPLACE RIMS BECAUSE THE SEALCOAT FAILURE ALLOWED MY RIMS TO RUST. THE LIFT GATE AND REAR DEFROST FAILURE HAPPENED A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER MY WARRANTY TIME EXPIRED (MY CAR ONLY HAS 25K MILES ON IT); AND THE RIM I JUST FOUND OUT AFTER REPLACING ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO 'DRY ROT' (NOT WORN DOWN) FROM THE CAR NOT GETTING DRIVEN ALL THE TIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .