DecodedCars2011 Mercury Mariner
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints46 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 56 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Mercury Mariner is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 53% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Mariner — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Mariner →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariner Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +53% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Mariner Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 30 / 27 / 29 | +53% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Mariner FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Mariner 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Mariner FWD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Mariner 4WD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mercury Mariner (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2011 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | 17 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V777000 · 329,265 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 740,878 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2011 Mercury Mariner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Mercury Mariner buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 19 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 125,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Mercury Mariner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Mariner years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Mariner | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 138 |
| 2009 Mariner | 32 | – | Not rated | 1 | 224 |
| 2008 Mariner | 32 | – | Not rated | 3 | 376 |
| 2007 Mariner | 27 | – | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2006 Mariner | 27 | – | Not rated | 2 | 38 |
| 2005 Mariner | 21 | – | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercury. How we calculate this →