RoadVitals

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
116
Latest Nov 6, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 116 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and steering categories. 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 6 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000
DP15001ClosedDefect Petition

Loss of power steering while driving

Opened Apr 1, 2015
Closed Jun 14, 2018

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The Power Steering Assist Fault message was displayed. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,118.

NHTSA ID
11553795
Incident
Nov 4, 2023
Mileage
226,118 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11470835
Incident
Mar 24, 2022
Mileage
160,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2022

The contact's son owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated that while her son was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's son was able to continue the drive the vehicle, however, extra effort was needed while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance could be provided because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately was 143,340.

NHTSA ID
11455085
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
Mileage
143,340 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated while moving from a complete stop, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11446918
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Mileage
150,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 28, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INITIALLY SPOKE TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD (6790 MT ZION BLVD, MORROW, GA 30260) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11414327
Incident
Mar 22, 2021
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jun 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANDY MOHR FORD LOCATED AT 2713 E. MAIN ST, PLAINFIELD, IN 46168 HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.

NHTSA ID
11328361
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Mileage
87,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 17, 2019

ABS BRAKE LIGHT WARNING CAME ON. BRAKES PRETTY MUCH STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING TO THE LIGHTS. HAD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO GET BRAKES. VERY UNSAFE. NOW THE BRAKE IS STUCK ON AND THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE. HAVE TALKED TO AND READ ABOUT SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL YET?

NHTSA ID
11220781
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 16, 2019

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN I WAS LEAVING A STORE YESTERDAY I NOTICED THAT MY ABS, BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH A DESCRIPTION INDICATING MY CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM. I NEVER NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH MY BREAKS PRIOR TO THESE SIGNALS COMING ON AND MY FIANC'S CAR HAD BEEN FUNCTIONING WELL FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. I NORMALLY DRIVE THE SUV SO WHEN I NOTICED IT SAID THAT I MADE SURE THE BREAKS WERE WORKING WHEN I STARTED TO MOVE. I DID NOTICE THAT THE BREAKS REQUIRED MORE OF A FIRM PUSH WHEN I WAS NEEDING TO COME TO A SPOT. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY ACCIDENTS OR CAUSED ME TO RUN ANY STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. HOWEVER, AFTER DOING MY OWN RESEARCH I DID FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR THE 2008 MERCURY MARINERS AND FROM SOME OF THE WARNINGS I HAVE READ STATED THE BREAKS ENDED UP FAILING AFTER THIS ALL ACCRUED AND ABOUT GOT THEM INTO ACCIDENTS. WITH THE NHTSA ALREADY INVESTIGATING THE '2006-2012 FUSION AND LINCOLN MKZ AND THE 2006-2011 MERCURY MILAN' MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUES, IT SEEMS THE ISSUE IS BIGGER THAN JUST THE MERCURY MARINER.

NHTSA ID
11196826
Incident
Apr 15, 2019
Mileage
90,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM-45870

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

2005-2008 ESCAPE/MARINER HYBRID - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH DTC(S) C1478, C1479, C1480 AND/OR C1481

ASI-22242

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

FORD/MERCURY: SOME HYBRID VEHICLES MAY REQUIRE A UNIQUE BLEED PROCEDURE AFTER A REPLACEMENT FOR ONE OR MORE OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. *PE

TSB-09-19-12

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

FORD: SOME HYBRID VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT RED TRIANGLE ON AND STOP SAFELY NOW MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE MESSAGE CENTER, ACCOMPANIED BY A SUDDEN RPM LOSS/NO START WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1A0C. *PE

TSB-09-15-3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

FORD/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES MAY SET DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0A81 (BATTERY PACK COOLING FAN 1 CONTROL CIRCUIT) AND/OR P0A96 (BATTERY PACK COOLING FAN 2 CONTROL CIRCUIT) IN THE TRACTION BATTERY CONTROL MODULE (TBCM). THESE CODES BY THEMSELVES NORMALLY DO NOT RESULT IN ANY SYMPTOMS THAT ARE NOTICEABLE TO THE CUSTOMER. REPLACE BOTH HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY (HVTB) COOLING FANS. *PE

TSB-08-24-5

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

FORD/MERCURY: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A RED TRIANGLE LIGHT AND CODES INDICATING A TRANSAXLE OVERTEMP. CONDITION MAY RESULT IN REDUCED POWER AS SYSTEM ACTIVATES FAIL SAFE OPERATION. *PE

TSB-08-15-1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

FORD/MERCURY: VEHICLES USED IN CERTAIN COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS SUCH AS TAXI'S AND SECURITY SERVICES WHERE EXTENDED LOW SPEED RUN TIME AND EXTENDED IDLING MAY EXHIBIT A RED TRIANGLE LIGHT AND CODES INDICATING A TRANSAXLE OVERTEMP. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN REDUCED POWER AS THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES FAIL SAFE OPERATION. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Mariner Hybrid by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013001
2012101
2011002
2010902
2009210242.2
2008Viewing1160237.1
2007310134.7
2006340137.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.