2008 Mercury Mariner recalls and problems

The 2008 Mercury Mariner has 3 safety recalls and 461 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercury dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
461
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mercury Mariner vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mercury Mariner recalls

Recall 15V-606: Power Train

Reported Sep 29, 2015 · 57 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

Risk: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.

Recall 14V-526: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Sep 3, 2014 · 70,209 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.

Recall 14V-284: Steering

Reported May 29, 2014 · 740,878 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

2008 Mercury Mariner problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering300
Power Train68
Vehicle Speed Control31
Service Brakes29
Electrical System27
Unknown or Other19
Engine14
Air Bags8
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Structure6

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 4
  • Steering › Column — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 106,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Mercury Mariner complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of accelerator pedal with the oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle despite the failure returning upon restarting the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the shift lever had disengaged from the transmission. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer after the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V606000 (Power Train); which the mechanic linked to the…
Steering · at 220,000 miles · reported Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving at 55 -60 MPH, the power steering failed. The steering wheel became increasingly difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was turned off while the contact inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted but a short distance afterwards the failure reoccurred. No warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who informed them the vehicle was included in a recall for the vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), approximately 10 years ago, which had a software update as the remedy. The dealer…
Steering · at 104,392 miles · reported Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the electric power steering had failed. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
Steering · reported May 22, 2024
The steering wheel does not return to center when making turns. It is more pronounced during left turns. This is a dangerous condition that could result in the vehicle going left or right of center and striking pedestrians, bicyclists, oncoming traffic, fixed objects. An independent service center confirmed that the issue was a bad torque sensor and bad motor in the steering column. I have schedule a police inspection for 5/23/2024. Issue first appeared this year. No warnings.
Steering · reported May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose while steering in either direction. As the failure persisted, the steering wheel had become stiff and the "Power Steering Assist" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The mechanic was unable to obtain the part needed to repair the vehicle. Upon…

Other Mercury Mariner years

Compare all Mercury Mariner years · All Mercury models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Mercury Mariner: 15V-606 (power train), 14V-526 (hybrid propulsion system), 14V-284 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercury Mariner?

Owners report steering problems most often (300 reports), followed by power train (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 106,000 miles.

Are Mercury recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercury dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.