Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2008 Mercury Mariner HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes (29) and engine (28). The EPA rates it 28–32 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
116
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
116 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2010 – Nov 2023
- Service brakes29
- Engine28
- Steering24
- Electrical system22
- Fuel/propulsion system17
- Power train16
- Engine and engine cooling13
- Vehicle speed control11
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
29 reports1 crash
“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?”
Engine
28 reports
“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.”
Steering
24 reports
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariner Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 30 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
| Mariner Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 27 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid as of Nov 9, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 Mariner Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (29), engine (28), steering (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid at 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026