2011 Mercury Milan 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 2011 Mercury Milan, 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
- Steering7529.5%
- Powertrain (other)3011.8%
- Exterior lighting2811.0%
- Driver assistance2710.6%
- Engine249.4%
- Airbags176.7%
- Electrical176.7%
- Fuel system176.7%
- Brakes135.1%
- Other / unspecified31.2%
- Body & structure10.4%
- Suspension10.4%
- Visibility10.4%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On XXX My 2011 Milan, experienced a total loss of steering assist. Am original owner & have original invoice from former dealer (Vista Ford )dated XXX, Invoice #XXX shows the dealer only did a software patch under 15N01 because there were no error codes at the time. My physical defective steering gear was never replaced, and now suffers a total mechanical electrical failure. The manufacturers software recall patch failed to prevent the component from failing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering failure warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact's family member attached the ODS monitor to the vehicle, and fault codes: C1277 (Steering Wheel Angle Sensor), UL3000 (Power Steering Control Modular) and several other failure codes associated with the electronic power steering were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,430.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) The electric power steering system failed. The dashboard displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering assist stopped working, making the steering extremely stiff. The vehicle also lost reverse gear, where the engine revs but the vehicle does not move when shifted into reverse. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. 2) When the power steering assist failed, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, which made the vehicle harder to control. This created a safety risk when attempting to turn or maneuver the vehicle in traffic or parking areas. Additionally, the inability to use reverse gear could create a hazardous situation if the driver cannot back out of traffic, parking spaces, or other areas. 3) The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. 4) No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. 5) The dashboard displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering assist stopped working. The problem appeared suddenly when the vehicle was started. The steering immediately became extremely stiff, and the warning message appeared at that time. This failure created a serious safety hazard because the steering assist stopped working without warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. A sudden loss of steering assist can increase the risk of a crash, especially when turning, parking, or driving in traffic. I am concerned that other drivers could experience the same sudden steering failure. The vehicle displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering immediately became extremely stiff. The vehicle is currently undriveable in reverse and difficult to steer safely.
POWER STEERING CONTINUALLY GOES OUT. HAVE ALREADY HAD WORK DONE FOR IT AND STILL GOES OUT. HAVE SEEN RECALL FOR POWER STEERING BUT WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. NOT SURE WHY SINCE VEHICLE IS 2011 MERCURY MILAN AND RECALL 15V340000 ALSO LISTS THIS VEHICLE, BUT VIN DOES NOT SHOW IN RECALL SYSTEM?? NEED TO BE FIXED.. DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AN INFANT WHEN STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger side brake light assembly failed June 2025. I found it our at an oil change inspection. Ford discontinued manufacturing this LED brake light assembly, so it is difficult to replace this safety critical part. The part number is 9N7Z 13404 A.
RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL NOW. HAD BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BUT EVERY TIME I HAD IT LOOKED AT, IT WORKED. NOW COMPLETELY INOP. TOOK CAR TO HAROLD ZIGLER FORD IN ELKHART FOR RECALL 19S01 AND THEY LOOKED AT BRAKE LIGHT AND SAID I NEEDED THE COMPLETE HOUSING REPLACED FOR OVER $400???? LOOKED UP RECALL 14M03 FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I NEED IT FIXED UNDER THIS RECALL ASAP. WHY DIDN'T DEALERSHIP OFFER THIS FIX? THANK YOU I. ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I've been reading on all these recalls for my car and only one recall was fix which was when I took care of it but these past recalls on my car, and some of the recalls match up to the way my car is acting like and I bought this car used and I am concerned about the recalls and not being fix I would like to get my car checked for the past recalls on it bc I don't want to drive a car that has recalls that's not been fix and I do not want to put my life or anyone else in danger
POWER STEERING CONTINUALLY GOES OUT. HAVE ALREADY HAD WORK DONE FOR IT AND STILL GOES OUT. HAVE SEEN RECALL FOR POWER STEERING BUT WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. NOT SURE WHY SINCE VEHICLE IS 2011 MERCURY MILAN AND RECALL 15V340000 ALSO LISTS THIS VEHICLE, BUT VIN DOES NOT SHOW IN RECALL SYSTEM?? NEED TO BE FIXED.. DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AN INFANT WHEN STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A WARNING CAME ON STATING POWER ASSIST FAILURE. CAR HAD MANUAL STEERING ONLY. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT WENT AWAY WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. NO SUCH LUCK THIS TIME, WARNING STAYS ON AND NO POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ON STRAIGHT ROADS BOTH TIMES. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NONE??
OUR CAR SUFFERED LOSS OF POWER AND ERRATIC THROTTLE (SURGES OF FORWARD MOVEMENT EVEN WHEN FOOT NOT ON THE THROTTLE) SEVERAL TIMES IN JANUARY 2017. CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE, WOULD LEAVE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY BY RUSSEL AND SMITH FORD DEALER IN HOUSTON, REPLACED 1/19/17 UNDER "FORD CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03." ON 8/28/17 SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED, INTERMITTENT POWER ACCELERATION AND LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHILE AT SPEED. TAKEN TO BRANDON FORD (FLORIDA) THAT DAY, AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, WHICH WAS REPLACED. PICKED CAR UP 8/31, AND WITHIN 1 HOUR WE LOST POWER WHILE AT SPEED. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, CAR SURGES FORWARD EVEN WITH BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED AND NO FOOT ON THE GAS. HAVE AGAIN BEEN TOLD IT MUST BE A BAD THROTTLE BODY.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I've been reading on all these recalls for my car and only one recall was fix which was when I took care of it but these past recalls on my car, and some of the recalls match up to the way my car is acting like and I bought this car used and I am concerned about the recalls and not being fix I would like to get my car checked for the past recalls on it bc I don't want to drive a car that has recalls that's not been fix and I do not want to put my life or anyone else in danger
RE: Safety Recall Notice 21S12 / NHTSA Recall 21V-158 ISSUE: "In the event of a crash that causes deployment of the driver airbag, the driver airbag inflator in your vehicle may explode." RISK: "If an airbag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could strike the driver or other occupants causing serious injury or death." MY COMPLAINT: I received this notice from Ford Motor Co. in APRIL 2021. Today is May 27, 2022, and the manufacturer has failed to remedy this situation or even to contact me with a possible resolution date for this situation. My life and safety as the only driver of this vehicle is seriously at risk every time I am on the road. This is a most egregious situation and I demand immediate repair. CONCLUSION: I need to know exactly what is being done by the NHTSA and the manufacturer to fix this problem immediately. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) The electric power steering system failed. The dashboard displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering assist stopped working, making the steering extremely stiff. The vehicle also lost reverse gear, where the engine revs but the vehicle does not move when shifted into reverse. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. 2) When the power steering assist failed, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, which made the vehicle harder to control. This created a safety risk when attempting to turn or maneuver the vehicle in traffic or parking areas. Additionally, the inability to use reverse gear could create a hazardous situation if the driver cannot back out of traffic, parking spaces, or other areas. 3) The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. 4) No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. 5) The dashboard displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering assist stopped working. The problem appeared suddenly when the vehicle was started. The steering immediately became extremely stiff, and the warning message appeared at that time. This failure created a serious safety hazard because the steering assist stopped working without warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. A sudden loss of steering assist can increase the risk of a crash, especially when turning, parking, or driving in traffic. I am concerned that other drivers could experience the same sudden steering failure. The vehicle displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering immediately became extremely stiff. The vehicle is currently undriveable in reverse and difficult to steer safely.
THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL OF POWER STEERING. NOW DISPLAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON OTHER 2011 MERCURY MILANS, BUT NOT MINE. THIS SEEMS VERY UNSAFE, AND NOT AN AFFORDABLE FIX. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED ON MULTIPLY FORD VEHICLES. I COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Gas tank leak, fuel fumes. Part of safety recall for fuel pressure regulator causing fuel tank rupture!!!
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle and there was fuel underneath the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V793000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for servicing, the contact was informed that the electronic brake control module had failed. The contact was informed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated that while his great-nephew was driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The driver pumped on the brake pedal until the vehicle stopped. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake master cylinder, hydraulic module, and brake filler cap to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,077.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I've been reading on all these recalls for my car and only one recall was fix which was when I took care of it but these past recalls on my car, and some of the recalls match up to the way my car is acting like and I bought this car used and I am concerned about the recalls and not being fix I would like to get my car checked for the past recalls on it bc I don't want to drive a car that has recalls that's not been fix and I do not want to put my life or anyone else in danger
I RECENTLY RECIEVE A RECALL NOTICE THEN RECEIVE A MOTHER ONE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT I WENT TO THE FORD MARKET I BROUGHT IT FROM IN BROOKLYN NY N THEY SAID THEY DON'T DO THAT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCURY MILAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE WINDOW HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V744000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
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
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I WILL BE DRIVING MY CAR AND IT BEGINS TO SHAKE AND CUT OFF. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND A WRENCH WILL APPEAR NEXT TO THE PARKING LIGHT. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, ONCE THE LIGHT CHANGED I TOOK MY FEET OFF THE BREAK AND PUSHED ON THE GAS. MY CAR STALLED THEN SHOOK AS I DROVE FORWARD THROUGH THE INTERSECTION MY CAR CUT OFF AGAIN. I HAD TO URGENTLY PUT ON MY FLASHERS. I HAVE A CHILD AND THAT US VERY DANGEROUS. I TRIED STARTING MY CAR AGAIN AND IT MADE THE SOUND AS IF IT WERE GOING TO START BUT IT DIDN'T. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TRIED ANOTHER TIME AND IT WORKED. I BEGAN DRIVING FOR NO MORE THAN 3 MINUTES AND MY CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO START MY CAR. WE SAT THERE FOR 5 MINUTES. THE I DROVE TO WALMART WHICH IS USUALLY ONLY A FEW MINUTES AWAY. MY CAR SHUT OFF AT 4 LIGHTS ON THE WAY TO WALMART, AND PULLING INTO THE WALMART PARKING LOT, 4 LIGHTS ON THE WAY HOME. THIS WAS ALL IN ONE DAY. I AM SO AFRAID TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE MY CAR COULD GO OUT WHILE I'M DRIVING AND SOMEONE MAY RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT ITSELF OFF THEN CAME BACK ON AND IT WAS BLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF ALL OF THE VENTS. WE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF THE CAR IN ORDER TO STOP THE WHITE SMOKE FROM COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE HVAC BLOWER CONTROL MOTOR UNIT HAD STARTED BURNING AND FAILED TO DISENGAGE THE BLOWER MOTOR WHILE IT WAS BURNING. ADDITIONALLY THE VEHICLES 40A FUSE AND 30A ISO RELAY DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, IF WE DID NOT SHUT OFF THE CAR IT WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN. THIS IS THE SECOND INSTANCE OF THIS HAPPENING TO OUR MERCURY, THE FIRST TIME WE WERE PARKED AND WHEN WE TURNED THE CAR ON IT STARTING BLOWING WHITE SMOKE AND SMELLED OF BURNT ELECTRONICS AND OZONE FROM AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE CAB. WHEN WE HAD A FORD SERVICE CENTER LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, WE WERE TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. AND THAT THE CONTROL UNIT IS BEING USED LIKE A FUSE TO THE BLOWER MOTOR. *TR
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 .