Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Mercury Milan
The 2010 Mercury Milan faces notable issues, particularly with steering and airbags. With 1,003 complaints and 13 recalls, it's essential to approach this model with caution. Potential buyers should pay attention to steering performance and any airbag-related recalls. Evidence of other problems, like engine or transmission, is less comprehensive but shouldn't be ignored.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Mercury Milan has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,003 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 #21E013000 Frontal 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 #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V775000 Air Bag may not Fully Inflate during Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V793000 Fuel Tank May Crack NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E028000 Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat may Trap Pedal NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V574000 FRACTURE WHEEL STUDS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V222000 PARK ROD GUIDE RETENSION PIN NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V161000 FRONT DRIVER & PASSENGER SEATS MANUAL RECLINERS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 248 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 178 complaints
- Engine 159 complaints
- Power Train 149 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 135 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 109 complaints
Of the 1,003 complaints on file, 40 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 1,003 complaints, owners report 22 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering component failures
How to check: Check for excessive steering play or noise during turns.
Airbag inflation failure
How to check: Verify airbag recall completion with the seller.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check steering response and alignment.
Red flag: Steering wheel feels loose or wanders
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Soft pedal or grinding sounds
- 04
Smooth road cruising
What to check: Listen for any vibration or noise from tires.
Red flag: Uneven noise or vibration
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure engine accelerates smoothly.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power
- 06
Stop-and-go traffic
What to check: Monitor for unusual transmission shifts.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any history of steering issues or repairs?
- Have all recalls been completed?
- Any recent engine or transmission work?
- Can you provide maintenance records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion report
- Service records
- Vehicle history report
- Title
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Mercury Milan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 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.