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.
The worst 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine40
- Brakes34
- Steering24
- Electrical22
- Fuel system20
- Transmission16
- Acceleration11
- Driver assistance2
- Body1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
ABS 26Loss of power 23Stalling 20Power steering loss 9Brake failure 8Steering lock-up 6Engine failure 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid mention
C1478 2C1480 2P1A0C 2
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency 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 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, the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Loss of power steering while driving
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency 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 (the federal safety agency 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
DP15001
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 2005-2008 escape/mariner hybrid - anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator illuminated with dtc(s)...
- Ford/mercury: some hybrid vehicles may require a unique bleed procedure after a replacement for one or...
- Ford: some hybrid vehicles may exhibit an intermittent red triangle on and stop safely now message...
- Ford/mercury: some vehicles may set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1...
- Ford/mercury: vehicles may exhibit a red triangle light and codes indicating a transaxle overtemp
- Ford/mercury: vehicles used in certain commercial applications such as taxi's and security services where...
What 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately was 143,340.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the federal safety agency for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
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?
"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 federal safety agency 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.
We bought vehicle in jan, 2018 from a private party, as a work vehicle for my husband, who is a usps rural route carrier. Two weeks after purchase, the anti-lock brake light went on, and the car would not stop when it was supposed to, which was very dangerous in winter. We believe the prior owner knew about this. The light would just go on & off with no pattern. About 1 1/2 months later, he was driving on a 2 lane hgwy (55 MPH) delivering mail. He went to pull forward but the car made a brief noise and then everything just stopped working. The car wouldn't start, no electrical or lights, he could not even roll the vehicle by himself to a safe place w/out help. The electrical and propulsion simply stopped working; period. We ended up dragging it home. Dealership gave est. Amt of repairs around $18k. I found the recall in 2014 (14s19) for the same thing. The mec pump was replaced in 2014, with a "supplemental" fix in 2015 same issue. This is the exact same issue as the previous recall, which neither mercury or any dealership wants to honor. I'm guessing there are more hybrid mariners w/ similar issues, but not enough to issue a follow-up recall. So here we are stuck in car repair purgatory. I do believe they should honor the recall now and fix the pump and replace the hybrid battery. Not sure about the brakes, but I have seen a lot of complaints about them as well - again, not enough for a recall, which again. Purgatory. My husband was very lucky. Had it been a diff time of day there would have been much more car & semi-truck traffic on the hwy (speed limit is 55) and with him literally just stopped dead in his tracks, there surely would have an imminent risk of a serious rear-end collison, with potentially deadly injuries. I am looking for help, assistance, guidance and anything else from any source possible to resolve this issue. We are at our witts end!!
Abs light came on and brake system failed to stop the vehicle until pressed hard the brake pedal. The ABS light comes on and off. Gave the vehicle for diagnostics to mechanic - codes u0418 invalid data from brake control module, codes c1478, c1479, c1480, wheel brake pressure control plausibility, u2023 communication network fault, mechanic gave estimate of $5542.00 to replace ABS control assembly. I called ford customer service, they declined to assist at this time. No help provided to put my vehicle back on road. This is a safety issue.
Compare the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
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Questions about the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Is the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid reliable?
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 3.7 times a typical Mariner Hybrid model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid year score?
The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid scores 27 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid?
Engine and cooling, with 40 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is brakes (34).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercury Mariner Hybrid have bad engine?
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid model years with the most engine complaints are 2008 (40 complaints), 2006 (12 complaints) and 2007 (10 complaints).
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