RoadVitals

2011 Mercury Mariner Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
87
Latest May 19, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 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

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

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the fuel odor was noticeable all the way to the rear seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the tools needed to perform the repair were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed by the Insurance Provider of an unrepaired recall, under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V777000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11717360 · filed Feb 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, after which the vehicle stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program 13N03, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID 11546074 · filed Sep 22, 2023
All 28 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2011 MERCURY MARINER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THROTTLE BODY WARRANTY EXTENSION. *LD *TR

NHTSA ID 11184110 · filed Mar 13, 2019

THE THROTTLE IS NOT WORKING RIGHT. I WAS ALMOST IN 2 ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. I STEP ON THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HEAR THAT 1000S ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IN A 75 MPH ZONE AND SUDDENLY NO POWER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10938982 · filed Jan 1, 2017
All 24 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft port sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ID 11738857 · filed May 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn from a complete stop, the steering wheel became significantly difficult to turn. The contact was able to turn the vehicle by using physical force. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with electric power steering system torque sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,968.

NHTSA ID 11638337 · filed Jan 24, 2025
All 20 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT 40 MPH CAR STALLS, PULL OVER, CAR STARTS UP ENGINE LITE ON, (SAT) TAKE TO DEALER ON MON (12/15/2014), EXPLAIN TO DEALER, THEY CALL 3 HOURS LATER TO SAY "PURGE VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED"OK THIS SHOULD BE COVERED RIGHT? SHE SAYS NO! THE COST TO YOU WILL BE $320.33. I TOLD HER THIS IS PART OF THE EMISSIONS, IT HAS TO BE, SHE SAID NO ITS NOT! I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THIS DEALER 3 1/2 YEARS AGO, (BOUGHT IS NEW) STILL UNDERWARRANTY.. BUT THIS IS NOT COVERED! THE 800 NUMBER TO FORDS BLEW ME OFF! AND SAID WHAT THE DEALER SAYS GOES!>. WHY DID SHE SUGGEST I CALL THEM THEN! (NOT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE) I WAS HOPING FOR EXPLANATION! PLEASE HELP, THIS SHOULD BE COVERED. LOOK AT YOUR ON LINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS! SHAME SHAME SHAME. OF COURSE I PAID IT, I NEED MY CAR! PLEASE NOTE I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE AT 5 OR MORE CARS WITH THE SAME/SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10664424 · filed Dec 15, 2014

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON MY AFTERNOON COMMUTE HOME WITH MY 3 YR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT AND MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 25 MPH. I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE CAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS TO HAPPEN BY ANY MEANS, BUT I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE HIGHWAY AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED IT DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES AND IT DID IT AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10606077 · filed Jun 26, 2014
All 15 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60PMH) IT WOULD LOSS POWER AND KINDA LIMP ALONG. I CAN PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND START IT BAKE ON AGAIN AN RUN JUST FIND AFTER THAT. THIS HAS HAPPEN THREE TIME SINCE. IT IS BECOME REALLY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10632274 · filed Sep 10, 2014

I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT ON ME AND I HAD TO PULL OVER IT WOULDN'T TAKE ANY GAS WHEN I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON I RAN RUFF I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND TURNED IT BACK ON THEN IT RAN FINE. THEN ABOUT 3 HOURS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. I AM AFRAID TO GO ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THIS VEHICLE WHAT IF I AM IN THE HIGH SPEED LANE AND THIS HAPPENS I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE 3 MONTHS I BOUGHT IT FROM RODMAN FORD IN FOXBORO MASSACHUSETTS. THANK YOU [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 10608499 · filed Jul 7, 2014
All 14 reports naming engine

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GOT HOME FROM SHOPPING, FIANCEE WAS GETTING THE REST OF THE GROCERIES. SHE CLOSED THE TRUNK NORMALLY, NEVER SLAMMING OR ANYTHING, AND THE ENTIRE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT SHE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF ONE OF THE LARGE PIECES HAD FELL ON HER OR A SHARD COULD'VE FLOWN IN HER EYES. A WINDSHIELD SHOULD NOT SHATTER AND EXPLODE FROM NORMAL USE, THIS IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND I WILL BE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE HYDRAULIC PUMPS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOLDING THE WINDSHIELD UP WHEN IT IS OPENED SOMEHOW MALFUNCTIONED AND PUSHED ON THE WINSHIELD TOO HARD WHEN IT CLOSED, RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE SHATTERING OF THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ID 11088703 · filed Apr 17, 2018

VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. CLOSED MAIN REAR HATCH AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED.

NHTSA ID 10851908 · filed Mar 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED ON A CITY STREET ON 10/16/15 AND AS I TURNED A CORNER, ABOUT TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ! THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH IN BOTH ARMS TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CREST FORD DEALERSHIP IN FLAT ROCK, MI AND THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE THEY DETECTED INDICATES THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED UNDER FORD'S RECALL 14S05. DAVE IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOOK WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS "THE FIRST STEP" BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO REQUEST THAT THIS REPAIR SERVICE BE PERFORMED UNDER THE RECALL. IT WAS DENIED BY FORD BECAUSE A DIFFERENT CODE, ALSO COVERED BY THIS RECALL, WAS ADDRESSED BY LIBERTY FORD IN BRUNSWICK OH ON 5/11/15 (AT WHICH POINT THEY UPDATED THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE). I CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE MYSELF ON 10/19/15 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE "PROGRAM HAD BEEN CLOSED" ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE SERVICE UNDER THE RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED. IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT THEY AREN'T NOW GOING TO SERVICE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED BY THIS RECALL!

NHTSA ID 10783395 · filed Oct 19, 2015

I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STALLED. I COSTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED OFF MY CAR, AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. MY SUV RAN NORMAL FOR THE NEXT 5 MILES BEFORE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS TIME I WAS AT A LIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO STOP AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED, BUT WAS RUNNING SLOW AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS NON RESPONSIVE. I COASTED TO A SIDE STREET WHERE I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, IT TOOK ABOUT FOUR TIMES LONGER TO START THAN NORMAL. I PUT THE SUV IN DRIVE AND IT JUMPED SLOWLY AT A COSTING PAST WITH EVERY FLUCTUATION OF THE ENGINE RPM PACE. I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT IF THIS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN TRAFFIC. THANKFULLY IT WAS DURING THE DAY WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC. THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO THINK IT IS A PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. I WILL BE TRADING MY MARINER IN FOR A DIFFERENT CAR BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE SUV. I AM FORTUNATE THAT MY SUV STALLING DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE. PLEASE HELP BY FORCING FORD TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THIS PART BEFORE THIS ISSUE CAUSES A FATAL ACCIDENT. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID 10542469 · filed Sep 8, 2013

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN DECEMBER OF 2013, I WAS INVOLVED IN A FENDER BENDER. AFTER THIS ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. IN JANUARY OF 2015 I WAS BUMPED FROM BEHIND WITH NO DAMAGE. HOWEVER, I THEN DECIDED I SHOULD TAKE IN MY CAR TO SEE WHY THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE AIRBAG MODULE WAS APPARENTLY DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PART WAS DEFECTIVE AS THE SPEED OF EITHER COLLISION SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. ADDITIONALLY, THE HIGH COST OF THE MODULE ALSO MADE IT VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR. THIS MODEL OF MARINER HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A RECALL BEFORE. I HAD TO TAKE IT INTO A SHOP BECAUSE IT WOULD SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I BELIEVE THAT MORE MARINERS WILL SEE FAILURES OF THIS AIRBAG MODULE IN THE FUTURE AND THAT THIS WILL REQUIRE A RECALL. I STILL HAVE THE OLD MODULE SHOULD NHTSA LIKE TO INSPECT IT TO SEE IF IT IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10679887 · filed Jan 30, 2015

SHE PULLED INTO A PATIENTS DRIVEWAY AND STOPPED SHE WENT TO PUT IT IN PARK AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF INTO THE HOUSE. SHE (THE DRIVER) HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE ER. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE STILL WHEN THE CAR TOOK OFF. I HAVE PICTURES OF HOW THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS DRAGGED THROUGH THE DIRT WHILE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. IT DAMAGED THE HOME AND DID OVER 5000.00 DAMAGE TO THE CAR. SHE INSISTS IT ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10544299 · filed Sep 18, 2013

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My dealer says my subframe needs to be replaced, and controll arm at a cost of 3600 dollars, I don't understand why my subframe needs to be replaced, I've owned cars for as long as 20 yrs and never had that problem. This sounds like a manufacturers problem.

NHTSA ID 11727405 · filed Mar 27, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2011 MERCURY MARINER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THROTTLE BODY WARRANTY EXTENSION. *LD *TR

NHTSA ID 11184110 · filed Mar 13, 2019

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

Data on this page last refreshed .