CarModelProblems.com

2008 Mercury Mariner Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 10.4× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
461Complaints
4Recalls
9Crashes
0Fires
5Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (64.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Steering complaints here are 10.4× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering296 · 64.2%RecalledRecall 14V284000
Power Train55 · 11.9%RecalledRecall 15V606000
Vehicle Speed Control29 · 6.3%not available
Service Brakes29 · 6.3%not available
Electrical System23 · 5%not available
Engine14 · 3%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING296 · 64.2%
POWER TRAIN55 · 11.9%
SERVICE BRAKES29 · 6.3%
Unspecified / other19 · 4.1%
ENGINE14 · 3%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION12 · 2.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8 · 1.7%
AIR BAGS7 · 1.5%

Percentages are the share of the 461 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 2015 · reported 09/29/2015

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Hybrid Propulsion System

NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 2014 · reported 09/03/2014

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 2014 · reported 05/29/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), THE…”NHTSA complaint 10670745 — filed 01/07/2015 · STEERING
“THIS IS REFERENCE TO NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10653141. I DISCOVERED THE JULY 1, 2014 FORD'S SAFETY RECALL 14S05 NOTICE TO ALL US FORD DEALERS. ON…”NHTSA complaint 10670633 — filed 01/07/2015 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V284000 (STEERING) WAS COMPLETED ON OCTOBER 31, 2014…”NHTSA complaint 10661031 — filed 11/26/2014 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

11201118282013774620157057201754592019393220211582023712025

Frequently asked questions

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

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 296 of 461 NHTSA complaints (64.2%), followed by power train (55), vehicle speed control (29), service brakes (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have?

461 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2008 Mercury Mariner have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E045000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Mercury Mariner's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.