2008 Mercury Mariner: won't start

7 of the 461 complaints about the 2008 Mercury Mariner describe won't start.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 69,286
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2010
2
2009
3
2008
7
2007
1
2006
1

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Steering · 25 miles · IN

The steering gear lost electric power and won't start.

Filed Jun 25, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 65 miles · CO

Mercury mariner recall, I purchased a 2008 mercury mariner on 9/27/14. On 12/19/14 at night while on highway the wrench warning light came on and the car decreased speed and I almost got hit by the car from the rear, pulled in emergency line and had SUV towed. Required a transmission on 12/26/16 for $1475. On 1/14/16 while on highway during exiting on exit the steering wheel became difficult to turn , hit the guard rail there where not warning light to indicate that the steering had a problem, had the SUV towed to shop and repaired steering shift torque senor for $428.00. On 1/10/17 after grocery shopping the SUV would not start, called cab to take me home with groceries, returned to have SUV towed to shop repair the ignition starter switch for $176.00. On 9/21/17 when leaving for work, the key would not turned, towed to shop and required lock cylinder housing $434.00. I would like ford to reimbursement for all the repairs and towing cost. Vin [xxx], not on recall list yet and these repairs are related to recalls for my 2008 mercury mariner. I am upside down still owe $7100. For balance. Was unable to make scheduled payments when repair where required, effected my credit score. At the present time the torque converter in not working on the transmission and my car is disable. I would like ford to replace the transmission at no cost to me. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · FL

Manufacturer's faulty ignition lock module wears out prematurely and vehicle often doesn't start. Caused consistent but intermittent problem for last 3 years. Research shows this is a common problem on 2008-2012 mariners, ford escapes and 2008-2011 ford focus, which all use the same ignition lock.

Filed Aug 28, 2016 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · VA

Key ignition doesn't work. Car won't start without jiggling key.

Filed Jan 4, 2016 · Steering · 185,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury mariner. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle did not start experiencing issues until after it was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to dealer. The technician diagnosed that the torque steering sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to provide any assistance since the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · 69,286 miles · OH

Vehicle stalled on highway and will not start back up immediately and when it does it runs very rough I believe it is the throttle body since there was a recall on this engine.

Filed Mar 25, 2008 · Electrical · 4,120 miles · LA

New 2008 mercury mariner intermittent will not start or hard to start and when starts emits heavy black smoke from exhaust. When car did not start left daughter in a unsafe environment. Took car to local dealership, service department admitted ford was aware of the problem there is a service bulletin out on the car bulletin # 6023000 and # 20140. Dealership also admitted ford has no fix for the problem at this time. Car is unsafe and can leave the driver in a deadly situation.