Makes›Mercury›Mariner›2008

2008 Mercury Mariner

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 69% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints376 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 93 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 60 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Mercury Mariner is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 69% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2008

  • Best combined MPG up from 27 to 32

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Mariner →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Mariner Hybrid FWD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive34 / 30 / 32+69%$2,100278
Mariner Hybrid 4WD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive29 / 27 / 28+61%$2,400317
Mariner FWD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Mariner 4WD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+21%$3,200423
Mariner FWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Mariner 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+9%$3,550468
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercury Mariner under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Mercury Mariner (this car)32 MPGNot rated3
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated13
2008 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated11
2008 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2008 Chevrolet Suburban16 MPGNot rated3
2008 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Sep 29, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 57 vehicles

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.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 3, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 70,209 vehicles

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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 740,878 vehicles

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Mercury Mariner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

376Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
125,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering251
Service Brakes51
Power Train39
Electrical System26
Unknown Or Other18
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Vehicle Speed Control13
Engine13
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/11: 321/12: 222/01: 422/03: 422/04: 122/06: 122/08: 322/09: 222/10: 122/11: 122/12: 123/01: 223/02: 223/03: 123/09: 123/11: 223/12: 124/02: 124/03: 124/05: 224/06: 124/10: 124/12: 125/03: 121/1122/0322/0822/1123/0223/1124/0324/10max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Mercury Mariner buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 251 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Service Brakes — 51 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 125,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mercury Mariner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Mariner years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2011 Mariner32–Not rated246
2010 Mariner32–Not rated2138
2009 Mariner32–Not rated1224
2007 Mariner27–Not rated221
2006 Mariner27–Not rated238
2005 Mariner21–Not rated120

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercury. How we calculate this →