Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have a 14s05 hard steering, power steering control pump no longer works. This causes my brakes to seize up. The diagnostic also indicates codes c1480 r/f, c1478 l/f, c1313b r/f. Indicating. Brake failure. I am driving this car to commute 45 miles each way to work daily. I am very afraid because this car is a hazard. My VIN# does not show that this car is among the group that have a problem but. I do have it. Ford is aware, why should I have to pay for the cover up of their error? It is very difficult to drive, an extreme effort is needed to make any turn, the turn radius has increased I cannot safely turn a corner in the city or on an off ramp. The steering wheel and tires immediately snap back to the forward position
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated that the stop safety now warning message illuminated and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that when the defroster was activated, the warning lights no longer illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V526000 (Hybrid propulsion system). The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). The dealer was unable to confirm when the parts would become available to schedule the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
My vehicle was part of the nationwide recall by Ford this summer. As instructed, I went into the dealership and my car was "given the fix". Not 1 later my power steering in my car has completely gone out. It is very difficult and dangerous to drive my car. I brought my car back to the dealership and was told that my car had already been diagnosed and "fixed" under the recall, so there was nothing further they could do. My car is actually doing the thing that the recall warned about and they sent me away. It has been 4 months, I feel like I take my life into my hands when I drive my car and Ford takes no responsibly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel started to vibrate. A month later, the steering wheel became hard to maneuver and "power steering failure" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering) on April 10, 2015. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The power torque sensor for the power steering was already recalled and had the system updated before I got the car in 2014. The cars steering wheel starts shaking a little then all of a suddle the steering wheel locks up and the power steering stops working, so you can't hardly turn it. I came inches from getting in a wreck. You can update the system but it will only work for about 1 or 2 years.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and the power steering indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering torque sensor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,000.
NHTSA investigations
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 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).
Steering complaints in other Mariner Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 21% of the model year's 116 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.