2008 Mercury Mariner
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 269 |
| 2011 | 87 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
64% of complaints: steering — 296 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20200203
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, 20171114
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, 20140724
12% of complaints: power train — 55 distinct reports on file.
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, 20230921
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes — 29 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
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.
Campaign 14V284000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V526000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of power steering while driving
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.
Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V606000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mercury Mariner — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (296 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V284000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V606000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.