Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Mercury Milan
The 2009 Mercury Milan has several recall issues, especially related to airbags and brakes, which potential buyers need to consider. Owners report frequent issues with service brakes, airbag malfunctions, and some engine complaints.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Mercury Milan has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 226 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V158000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V904000 ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V024000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E028000 Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat may Trap Pedal NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 99 complaints
- Air Bags 85 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 17 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 10 complaints
- Structure 6 complaints
- Unknown or Other 6 complaints
Of the 226 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 226 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Inspect recall history and ask about airbag replacements.
ABS valves may fail
How to check: Check for any ABS warning lights on the dashboard.
Floor mats interfere with pedals
How to check: Ensure floor mats fit securely without overlapping pedals.
Service brakes failure
How to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and listen for unusual noises.
Electrical component failures
How to check: Test all lights and electronic features for functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises on start-up.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine or ABS light.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for smoothness and noise.
Red flag: Grinding or squealing noises.
- 04
Braking quickly
What to check: Ensure ABS kicks in without issue.
Red flag: Skidding or lack of control.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Evaluate acceleration and engine smoothness.
Red flag: Stuttering or jerky acceleration.
- 06
Final check
What to check: Inspect airbags warning light functionality.
Red flag: Airbag warning light stays on.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the airbag recalls been addressed?
- Have there been any brake issues?
- Are the floor mats original or replaced?
- Any history of electrical issues?
- When was the last service check?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Complete service history
- Proof of airbag recall repairs
- Title and registration
- ABS system maintenance records
- Any warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Mercury Milan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Mercury Milan? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.