Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
160–25K
2125–50K
4450–75K
5275–100K
82100–150K
36150K+
251 reports with mileage · 64 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
315 reports
98,291 miles · Nov 26, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A CITY STREET IN TRAFFIC, THE ABS ABRUPTLY APPLIED THE BRAKES - HARD! THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND A "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. AFTER ABOUT 5 SECONDS, POWER WAS RESTORED AND …
Read full complaint
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A CITY STREET IN TRAFFIC, THE ABS ABRUPTLY APPLIED THE BRAKES - HARD! THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND A "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. AFTER ABOUT 5 SECONDS, POWER WAS RESTORED AND VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO PROCEED. THIS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 8 TIMES OVER A TWO MILE DISTANCE. DURING THE LAST 4 TIMES, THE ENGINE DIED, LOST POWER COMPLETELY, AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO CONTINUE. THIS FAILURE WAS A DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ALBUQUERQUE LINCOLN VOLVO. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED ABS MODULE, 9L8Z. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ABS MODULE WITH A FAULTLY MODULE. A SECOND ABS MODULE WAS INSTALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED REPAIRED. THE DEALER DID NOT RETURN THE DEFECTIVE PART FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA ODI #11153972
118,000 miles · Oct 26, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED WITH FORCE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CON…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED WITH FORCE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED RATHER THAN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA ODI #11142949
50,000 miles · Oct 25, 2018
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND WAS DR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #11142616
102,000 miles · Oct 22, 2018
SteeringCrash
LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ERROR CODE "POWER STEERING ASSIST ERROR"
NHTSA ODI #11141782
120,000 miles · Sep 2, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE OPERATING ON THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN 65-75 MPH. THERE IS NO WARNING AND IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. AFTER WAITING FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES THE ENGINE CAN BE RESTARTED AND ALL SEEMS TO OPERATE, UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11124026
96,000 miles · Jun 25, 2018
Steering
STEERING BECAME VERY HARD AND DANGEROUS
NHTSA ODI #11103781
89,000 miles · Jun 18, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE SEIZED AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN AND COUNTY FORD (6015 PRESTON HW…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE SEIZED AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN AND COUNTY FORD (6015 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40219, 502-964-8131) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE PART WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11102310
10 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering
WHILE UNIT IS RUNNING ON ROAD ENGINE STILL RUNNING CAR STOP FOR ABSENT OF POWER BUT ENGINE KEEP RUNNING, PRESSING GAS PEDAL WILL DO ANYTHING , YOU HAVE TO TURN ENGINE OFF WAIT AND TURN ENGINE ON BACK IN ORDER TO KEPT DRIVING , THIS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HAY WAY AT ANY SPEED , PLEASE CONSIDER A…
Read full complaint
WHILE UNIT IS RUNNING ON ROAD ENGINE STILL RUNNING CAR STOP FOR ABSENT OF POWER BUT ENGINE KEEP RUNNING, PRESSING GAS PEDAL WILL DO ANYTHING , YOU HAVE TO TURN ENGINE OFF WAIT AND TURN ENGINE ON BACK IN ORDER TO KEPT DRIVING , THIS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HAY WAY AT ANY SPEED , PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL WE ALMOST GET KILL BY A REAR IMPACT IF WE DID REACT FAST . UPDATE DOES NOT FIX SITUATION, THIS A TROUBLESHOOTING FROM FACTORY AND THEY NOW THIS VERY CLEAR. THIS HAPPENS IN HAY WAY 147 GOING NORTH TO SOUTH AT 9.10PM ON 06/13/2018 WHERE WE WERE DRIVING SPEED LIMITS OF 55MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11101842
187,000 miles · May 25, 2018
Steering
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE ON DASH. MAKING THINGS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN LOW SPEED TURNS. CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER WAS FLASHED IN 2013, BEFORE I EVEN OWNED THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY AND TO HOLD RECEIPTS BECAUSE I BE ABLE TO GET REIMBURSED FOR PART OR ALL OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS I…
Read full complaint
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE ON DASH. MAKING THINGS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN LOW SPEED TURNS. CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER WAS FLASHED IN 2013, BEFORE I EVEN OWNED THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY AND TO HOLD RECEIPTS BECAUSE I BE ABLE TO GET REIMBURSED FOR PART OR ALL OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. NOW FORD SAYS NO GO! LOOKING AROUND ON ISSUES WITH THE TORQUE SENSOR AND NOTED MANY PEOPLE GOING THROUGH THE SAME AS I HAVE. SEEMS TO ME FORD IS JUST TRYING TO GET MORE PARTS REPLACED AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR SAFETY. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO GET FORD ON THE BALL TO FIX THEIR VEHICLES. I'VE BEEN A FORD PERSON FOR A LONG TIME, BUT CONSIDERING GOING TO TAKE MY FUTURE CAR PURCHASES TO OTHER CARS. COME ON FORD!
NHTSA ODI #11097908
197,115 miles · Mar 30, 2018
Steering
THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT COMES UP ON THE DASH. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS IN 2014.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
PE13003 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Feb 28, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode.Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that
2009 Mercury Mariner Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration