repaired · 2023 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2010 Mercury MilanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,003 owner complaints about the 2010 Mercury Milan, most often about the steering. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-384 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 Mercury Milan has problems
1,003 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
248Steering16 crash/fire/injury
178Vehicle speed control6 crash/fire/injury
159Engine1 crash/fire/injury
149Power train2 crash/fire/injury
135Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
109Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
106Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
105Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
93Service brakes7 crash/fire/injury
12415 other systems13 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 248 | 16 |
| Vehicle speed control | 178 | 6 |
| Engine | 159 | 1 |
| Power train | 149 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 135 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 109 | 2 |
| Air bags | 106 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 105 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 93 | 7 |
| 15 other systems | 124 | 13 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2010 Mercury Milan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Risk. If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Storage: auxillary tank
Risk. The pressure changes may cause the tank to crack and leak fuel.
no report yet
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. WHILE DRIVING, MULTIPLE STUD FRACTURES COULD OCCUR AT THE WHEEL LOCATION, AND THE OPERATOR MAY EXPERIENCE VEHICLE VIBRATION AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING…
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.
no report yet
Front assembly: recliner
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercury.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
95kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 196 steering complaints. 54% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles106under 100k miles90100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Exterior lighting
41 owners mentioned a cost$400median
Middle half: $400 – $559
Steering
24 owners mentioned a cost$2,000median
Middle half: $1,782 – $2,125
Electrical system
14 owners mentioned a cost$500median
Middle half: $419 – $975
Service brakes
14 owners mentioned a cost$1,000median
Middle half: $400 – $1,489
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other Milan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Milan median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 Mercury Milan safety ratings
2010 Mercury Milan 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
6 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 Mercury Milan, and the recalls they led to.
- Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditNo recall
- Wheel Mounting Stud FractureLed to recall 11V-574
- Floor mat interference with acceleratorLed to recall 14E-028
- Accel Pedal Interference - Acc FloormatNo recall
- Wheel Stud FractureLed to recall 11V-574
- Electronic Throttle Body MalfunctionNo recall
In owners' words
What Milan owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While driving my 2010 Mercury Milan, the steering suddenly went out, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. I almost hit another car because I could not steer properly. This was a serious safety concern, and I believe the steering issue needs to be investigated immediately.
While driving at low speed performing a turn in a residential area, the vehicle suddenly displayed a “Steering Assist Fault” warning message and the steering wheel became completely locked with essentially no movement possible. I attempted to turn the wheel with extreme force but it would barely…
I was driving on the freeway and the steering began to stiffen. I got to my destination and decided to check the tires for any ice or snow, thinking that might be why it was difficult to drive but there was no buildup. I made it home and parked the car. The next day, I can't even turn the steering…
Own a 2010 Milan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.