The Most Common Mercury Problems
Now discontinued, Mercury vehicles have a history of defective airbags, ETB failure, and problems with the in-dash touch screen.
Written by Lynell Spencer
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The most common problems with Mercury automobiles across all models are defective airbags, electronic throttle body failure, and the MyMercury Touch communications system.
It’s important to know what kinds of repairs are commonly needed for your vehicle so you can make an informed purchase. If you are thinking about buying a Mercury, the
car insurance
expert and licensed broker Jerry
is here to give you a run-down on the most common Mercury problems—and how to save on Mercury insurance costs
.What are the most common problems?
Mercury was a division of Ford Motor Company that made cars from 1938-2011. In that time, Mercury was known for mid-priced, mid-sized sedans. There are still plenty of Mercury cars and SUVs on the road and for sale—so here are some of the most common problems to look for:
- Faulty airbags: Mercury vehicles made from 2006-2011 were affected by the Takata airbag recall based on their tendency to deploy with very little impact and with such force that they may shoot shrapnel toward the vehicle’s occupants.
- Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) failure: In some Mercury cars, the ETB will fail, causing the vehicle to enter “limp home mode.” When this happens, the car will decelerate quickly, only allowing you to go a few miles per hour.
- MyMercury Touch: Mercury’s attempt at an all-in-one information and entertainment interface was not exactly successful. From touch screens that were unresponsive to blank screens that won’t turn on, the technology didn’t pan out. This led to a sharp decline in Mercury approval ratings.
MORE: 10 affordable American muscle cars
Common problems by model
Now that you know some of the common Mercury problems, let's take a look at some specific model issues.
Model | Starting price | J.D.Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mountaineer | $30,000 | 82/100 | Lost 4WD operation, heat and AC issues, transmission, and suspension issues | 2002, 2004 |
Grand Marquis | $29,935 | 89/100 | Cracked manifold, transmission pump failure, throttle position failure, EVP sensor failure | 1997, 2003, 2005 |
Sable | $26,000 | 90/100 | Idle air-bypass valve, oil leak, camshaft sensor magnet, transmission, | 2003 |
Milan | $22,750 | 92/100 | Hard/delayed shifting, noisy suspension, power fluid leaks | 2010 |
Mariner | $23,600 | 83/100 | CEL/Engine shutdown, coolant pump leaks, weak/broken motor mounts, transmission leaks | 2006, 2008 |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Mountaineer problems
Average annual repair cost: $610
CarComplaints.com complaints: 502
The first generation Mercury
Mountaineer
was made from 1997-2001 and had a few pretty common problems, starting with transmission and suspension issues that caused a bumpy and noisy ride. The mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle also tends to have trouble with its oxygen sensors, causing fuel inefficiency and a check engine light. An oxygen sensor replacement
costs several hundred dollars.Second-generation Mountaineers resolved some of the first-generation issues, but they also commonly have premature transmission failure, steering noise, and can sometimes fail to shift into four-wheel drive.
Most common Grand Marquis problems
Average annual repair cost: $527
CarComplaints.com complaints: 287
The single most common problem reported with the Mercury
Grand Marquis
is that the intake manifold may crack, leaking coolant behind the alternator. If left unrepaired, the leak will cause the car to overheat quickly
and will likely cause both the “low coolant” and the “check engine” lights to come on. Most common Sable problems
Average annual repair cost: $488
CarComplaints.com complaints: 211
The most commonly reported problems with the Mercury
Sable
are idle air bypass valve issues that make it hard to start the engine when it is cold, stalling when idling, or hesitation when you accelerate. If your car is slow to accelerate
, ask your mechanic to inspect your Sable's bypass valve.The second most common problem with the Sable is that the oil pan gasket can begin to leak, causing a burning smell, creating buildup on other parts, and requiring frequent oil replacement.
Oil pan replacement
can cost up to $200.Most common Milan problems
Average annual repair cost: $497
CarComplaints.com complaints: 132
The 2006-2011
Milan
often suffers from transmission issues. For low-mileage vehicles, updating the internal software can correct the problem. If it is not repaired, you could be looking at repairs ranging from a valve body replacement to a full transmission rebuild. Another common problem with this model is bouncing and squeaking noise when turning or driving over bumps. This is usually caused by a poor weld on the lower control arms.
Most common Mariner problems
Average annual repair cost: $497
CarComplaints.com complaints: 170
Mercury
Mariners
’ most common issues involve steering. Power steering failure causes the power steering assist to suddenly stop working, making the steering wheel tight and unresponsive. Drivers reported narrowly avoiding accidents when this happened while driving. Ford issued a recall for Mercury Mariners made from 2008-2011 to fix this issue.
In addition to the power steering, a faulty steering shaft and coupling U-joint caused startling popping noise when the vehicle was turning. It costs about $100 to
lubricate U-joints
—if that's the extent of the problem. Are Mercury cars reliable?
Although Mercury is now defunct and the vehicles had their share of problems, Mercury was considered an overall reliable car brand. Mercury models have J.D. Power reliability scores in the 80s and 90s.
However, any Mercury on the road today is likely getting up there in mileage—which increases your odds of experiencing these problems (they often occur around the 100,000-mile mark). If you are looking to buy a used Mercury, make sure you ask for a record of the car’s history.
The least reliable model: 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
Most common problem: Cosmetic crack on the liftgate
NHTSA complaints: 387
Fortunately, the most common problem with the 2002 Mountaineer doesn’t impact the vehicle’s drivability. A cosmetic crack on the SUV’s liftgate is a frequent but easily fixable problem.
The second most commonly reported issue is caused by a failed heater blend door, which causes the car to be stuck with the heater on the hottest setting. While this doesn’t impact drivability, it certainly compromises the driver experience.
The most reliable model: 2003 Mercury Marauder
Most common problem: Engine misfires
NHTSA complaints: 60
In 2003, Mercury brought back the Marauder by re-tooling and souping up the Grand Marquis sedan. This car became Mercury’s most reliable model.
Some limited complaints surfaced about engine misfires and the
check engine warning light
turning on, but a variety of causes could have explained some of the occurrences. MORE: Car insurance for used cars
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
Smart consumers like yourself know that it is important to do a little research before you commit to a major purchase. And this doesn’t only apply to buying used cars—you should also make sure you’re not overpaying for your car insurance before committing to a policy.
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How long do Mercurys last?
While it can depend on the year and model, Mercury cars generally last over 200,000 miles when they are well-maintained and driven responsibly. Because Ford shut down the Mercury division, you won’t see any new models on the road, but with proper care, you will continue to see well-loved ones on the road for years to come.
Why is Mercury unreliable?
While some models have reliability issues, Mercury generally scores high on reliability scales in comparison to other makes. With proper driving and maintenance Mercurys are generally dependable and less expensive to repair than other cars in their class.
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