My 2008 Mariner automatic transmission will not shift properly when cold (winter) or too hot. This also affects the idle when stopped. When vehicle tries to shift up, it will only shift if I let off the gas, then the transmission slams into the higher gear. The vehicle will hesitate when trying to use passing gear to pass other vehicles. This has led to some close calls/near misses when trying to over-take vehicles. Ford says they know there is a problem with this make/model but have not issued a recall. Ford says they can fix it with my money.

- Darlington, MD, USA

In February of 2009 (at 41,214 miles), my 2008 Mercury Mariner started jerking when I was driving and would not accelerate when I gased. I took the car to a Ford dealer and they diagnosed it with transmission failure. Since the car was under warranty they performed a "transmission overhaul". three years later, February 2012, my car started having the same problem again, transmission issues. According to the paperwork, it was noted "transmission/converter slips and transmission fluid leaked". I was reluctantly told by a supervisor at Ford headquarters that some 2008 Mariners did indeed have transmissions defects but my VIN number was not known to be affected and because it is out of warranty they will not addressed it without me paying $4062. I have called Ford headquarters and they would not provide me with any details on the issues with some of the Mariners that were recalled. A car that has transmission issues twice within four years sound like there is indeed a major defect issue with the transmission parts but Ford is not willing to admit it. I am sure my car (VIN) should have been included. This could have been a safety hazard for my family and I. this car is a lemon and Ford was well aware of it but refuse to correct the matter. Ford should do the right thing and resolve the issue that they were well aware of instead of making there customers believe that it is normal for a car to have transmission failure not only once but twice within four years. I will pursue this matter until I am satisfied with the results. Updated IVOQ 03/28/12

- Belleville, MI, USA

My car has been leaking transmission fluid for about a month. I took it to my local mechanic and he stated that the A/C condenser was faulty and that it was causing the transmission fluid to leak. I contacted a service representative at my local Lincoln Mercury dealership in houston who stated that they have had a multitude of complaints regarding the same issue but no recall notice existed to correct this problem. This service technician stated that for some reason Ford/Lincoln Mercury had made some change to the transmission fluid line in conjunction with the A/C condenser and that this change has caused a lot of problems. I feel that this issue needs to be addressed immediately since this is happening to so many cars with so few miles. I am quite sure that I am not the only single mother facing financial difficulties faced with this situation. Your help in this matter would be most appreciated.

- Sugarland , TX, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The vehicle was parked when the contact noticed a small leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 07V453000 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines). The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The failure and current mileages were 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Senoia, GA, USA

2008 Mercury Mariner - transmission cooler severe leak at 31,000 miles. Out of 36 month warranty. Repair cost at Ford/Mercury dealer $850. Was told that if not repaired, the cooler could burst and dump all fluid resulting in transmission failure, which could be a safety concern if occurring while driving.

- Mount Vernon, WA, USA

Transmission cooler leaking fluid causing gear slippage during acceleration. While the vehicle was in drive and the gas pedal pushed it would rev up then slam into gear or not even go into gear at all and stall. Initial research indicated a common factory defect for Mercury Mariners and Ford escapes. Leaking began at 43000 miles, warranty expired at 36000 miles. Advised by dealer repair cost would be $975. I was not able to find any recall information on this problem and was basically told sorry it costs so much.

- Eldersburg , MD, USA

I have been having problems with my 2008 Mercury Mariner transmission during the winter of 2010 and continuing. When the engine is cold the transmission slips. When I accelerate the engine revs and then slams into gear. Furthermore, while sitting at a stop sign or traffic light with my foot on the brake, the engine will rev up then shift in another gear then when taking off the vehicle slams into gear. On more than one occasion, the vehicle will cut off completely when idling at a traffic light. The revving and engine cutting off is getting worse when the engine is cold or warm.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

I have been having problems with my 2008 Mercury Mariner transmission. When the engine is cold the transmission slips. When I accelerate the engine revs and then slams into gear. Ford refuses to repair the problem under my 5yr/60,000 mile warranty. Although my car has leaked transmission fluid and I have been told my "transmission" cooler needs to be replaced, it is considered an "air conditioning problem" since my compressor will have to be replaced with it, even though my air conditioner works fine. I know that a recall was made on the transmission cooler part in March 2008, but Ford customer service told me that my VIN number did not match recalled cars despite having the same problem. Apparently Ford has changed the part number on the trans cooler and orders it from a different company, so the part would not be listed under the warranty. Could you please explain exactly why my Mariner was not part of the original recall? nobody at Ford customer service or the dealer service manager can explain why my car was not part of the recall or why this defective part is not considered to be an integral part of the transmission. I am shuffled back and forth between these departments.

- Mcdermott, OH, USA

2008 Mercury Mariner. Combined condenser/transmission cooling unit (believe is manufactured by visteon) leaked at 48,200 miles. Same unit is used in the 2008 Ford escape. Happened to notice fluid on garage floor. Otherwise could have easily led to failure of transmission with resulting vehicle accident. This defect is the subject of numerous complaints (see for example automobile.com) and was the subject of a NHTSA investigation # 10024826 and is describe in Mercury's tsb# 08-5-7. how many more times will this widely reported defect occur before you make Ford/Mercury recall" obviously the combined condenser, trans fluid cooler is defective. Are you waiting for deaths or serious injuries before you require the recall"

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. While driving approximately 10 mph on normal road conditions and proceeding to a stop, the engine stalled unexpectedly. The vehicle restarted after several attempts with a loud noise coming from the transmission. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, there was excessive oil leakage from the gasket. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on four occasions, but they were unable to duplicate the failures. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 1,094 and current mileage was 7,000. Updated 12/1/08 updated 12/05/08.

- Sun City Center, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. While driving approximately 10 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle came to a complete stop and stalled when attempting to accelerate. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and the transmission made a loud noise. There were no warning indicators illuminating on the instrument panel. In addition, there was an excessive oil leakage coming from the gasket. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on four occasions, but they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 1,094 and current mileage was 7,000.

- Sun City Center, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Mariner. The contact experienced abnormal roughness when attempting to shift gears in the vehicle. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission cooling unit and lines needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that this was a common issue in which the manufacturer issued tsb number 10022282 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines) in reference to the failures. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The contact updated complaint on December 26, 2008 to include failure with the power steering idle of pulley and the transmission shifting. The failure mileage was 34,000 and current mileage was 40,000.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA