The Verado is Mercury's premium outboard line, and like any engine sold in large numbers it has had recalls. The ones with published details are below. For any used Verado, the serial number and a Mercury dealer are the way to confirm what applies and what was done.
L6 Verado: shift bell crank stud
Australia's consumer regulator lists a recall on Verado L6 200, 225, 250, 275, 300 and 350 SCi engines. The bell crank stud "may corrode after prolonged exposure to seawater and potentially break", and if it breaks the operator loses shift control. The ACCC notes that could strand the boat, with risk of damage or injury. Owners were told to stop using the boat and have a dealer replace the stud.
Where to look. The dealer's record of the bell crank stud replacement for the serial number. Under the cowl, corrosion on the shift linkage, and on the sea trial, clean shifts into and out of gear.
V12 Verado and SeaPro: steering position sensor
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards and the ACCC both list a recall on the 7.6 litre V12 600 hp Verado, and the ACCC adds the 500 hp SeaPro. The steering position sensor can malfunction. When it does, the engine sets a fault code and enters "guardian mode", limiting thrust and possibly steering. The UK notice says the product didn't meet the Recreational Craft Directive's requirements. The remedy is a new sensor fitted by a V12 dealer.
Where to look. Recall paperwork for each engine's serial number, stored fault codes, and on the sea trial any warning or loss of power when steering.
Other campaigns on the USCG list
The USCG recall list holds ten Mercury Marine records, including one for the Verado 200 to 300 and the 400R, and others for the 7.6L V12, sterndrives and smaller four-strokes. Its public pages give the models and dates without the defect.
What to check on a Mercury Verado
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Recall status | Dealer record for each serial number | ACCC, OPSS, USCG |
| L6 shift linkage | Bell crank stud replaced; corrosion; clean shifting | ACCC recall |
| V12 steering | Sensor replaced; fault codes; guardian mode on trial | OPSS and ACCC recalls |
Writing it up
"Starboard engine, Verado L6 300: no record of the manufacturer's shift bell crank stud recall for this serial number; corrosion visible on the shift linkage under the cowl. Recommend the serial number is checked with a Mercury dealer and the recall work completed before the vessel is used." Record each engine's serial number in the particulars.