DecodedCars2008 Mercury Mountaineer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 15% below the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 52 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.0L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 15% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seats.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Mountaineer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Mountaineer →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Mountaineer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -14% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -14% | $4,450 | 592 |
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 Mountaineer under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Suburban | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Mercury Mountaineer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Seats — 16 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 Mountaineer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Mountaineer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Mountaineer | 17 | – | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2009 Mountaineer | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2007 Mountaineer | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 32 |
| 2006 Mountaineer | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 25 |
| 2005 Mountaineer | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 23 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercury. How we calculate this →