Is the 2008 Mercury Mariner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mercury Mariner is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercury Mariner?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mercury Mariner

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2008 Mercury Mariner
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 461
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2008: 461 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	0
2002	0
2003	0
2004	0
2005	67
2006	63
2007	33
2008	461
2009	315
2010	270
2011	87

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

65% · 300 reports

Most commonly citing column and electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that it was difficult to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact was driving about 15 MPH when the failure occurred. The manufacturer or dealer was not contacted regarding the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-03

My power steering was reprogrammed under recall 14S05 back in 2015. Because I did not have any active codes in my system forward reprogrammed the power steering control module. My vehicle now is showing trouble code B2278.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-14

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering failed causing her to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-24

Power train

15% · 68 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while idled at a stop, the maintenance warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed the vehicle failed to accelerate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-21

Service brakes

8% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Vehicle speed control

7% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

Electrical system

6% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 461 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2008-10-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-09 Tire valve cracking
R

2014-07-18Steering14V284000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-30Hybrid propulsion system14V526000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20,...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2018-06-14 Loss of power steering while driving
R

2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...

Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-10-23Power train15V606000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mercury Mariner — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 300 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 68 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 36 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V284000 · Steering
Recall 14V526000 · Hybrid propulsion system
Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
Recall 15V606000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mercury Mariner reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mercury Mariner is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercury Mariner?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.