2009 Mercury Milan

The 2009 Mercury Milan is a mid-size sedan that offers a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 cylinder engine producing 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 engine producing 240 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual (I4 only), 5-speed automatic, and a 6-speed automatic (V6 only). Owners generally appreciate the Milan’s stylish exterior and comfortable interior, but some dislike the lackluster handling and occasional reliability issues.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Cylinder Engine

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating. Often caused by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s) and/or spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ depending on how many coils are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty starting after refueling, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Engine

• Timing Chain Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Check engine light with codes related to timing.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (paired with 2.5L I4)

• Erratic Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, RPMs flare during shifting.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, more extensive repairs (valve body replacement or a full rebuild) may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (fluid flush); $500 - $2500+ (rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (paired with 3.0L V6)

• Harsh Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear. Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the issue persists, the valve body or internal components may need to be inspected and repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (fluid flush); $500 - $2500+ (rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling, uneven tire wear. Often related to worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links. An alignment should be performed after replacing suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per corner (depending on parts replaced and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, intermittent operation, or slow operation. Could be caused by a faulty window motor, switch, or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor, switch, or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a short period, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty sensor, relay, or module) and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the rear quarter panels, especially near the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair the rust damage, which may involve sanding, body filler, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel, depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Warning Light
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the airbag system using a diagnostic scanner. Common causes include a faulty clockspring, seat position sensor, or airbag module. Repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the faulty component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Mercury Milan has some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems such as timing chain wear (V6) and ignition coil failure (I4), along with transmission issues, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical problems are also common, and rust can be an issue in some areas. Overall, the Milan is a decent car, but buyers should have it inspected by a mechanic before purchasing to address any potential issues. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission repairs.