The Worst Problems for Every Mercury Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Mercury problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Takata Recalls

    Parts supplier, Takata, manufactured defective, shrapnel-hurling airbag inflators that need to be recalled. The issue affects 34 million+ vehicles spread out across 24 brands, making it one of the largest (and most dangerous) recalls in aut…

    Continue reading article "Takata Recalls" Deployed airbag

  2. Cracked Rear Panel

    Own a 2002–2005 Mountaineer? Chances are your lift-gate is cracked. Complaints about cracked rear panels in that generation of Ford SUV’s including the Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford Explorer is one of the most commonly issues repor…

    Continue reading article "Cracked Rear Panel"

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Mercury Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 14 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 29 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 22 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 1,532 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 3,847 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 234 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Mercury News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The Milan is part of another Takata recall expansion announced by Ford.

    The whole situation is quite the mess because across the industry 3.3 million vehicles are getting called back. There have been more confirmed casualties due to the inflators, and now there’s a stop-driving order for certain Ranger owners before it happens again.

    The first Takata recall happened in May of 2013, crazy.

    keep reading article "Milan Named in Takata Recall Expansion"

  2. Mercury's parent company has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be exempted from the Takata recall.

    Unlike the tens of millions of airbag inflators already recalled in millions of vehicles, the 2.7 million inflators have a drying agent (desiccant) called calcium sulfate used to protect the explosive chemical, ammonium nitrate, from moisture.…

    keep reading article "Ford Doesn’t Want to Recall 2.7 Million Takata Inflators "

  6. Cracked rear panels might seem like a cosmetic issue but owners know there's more than meets the eye.

    The split panels let water seep in and corrode underlying components. The inevitable rust and swelling can damage the rear wiper motor and lead to shattered rear windows. It's a mess that Ford should try to clean up, not just sweep under the rug with semantics in court but that's exactly what they're doing with a new class-action lawsuit.…

    keep reading article "Plaintiffs Say the Cracked Rear Panel Lawsuit is More Than Just Looks"

See More News

Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint