2008 Mercury Mountaineer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 6% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the freeway, the driver's seat moved backwards. I was unable to reach the brake or gas and was nearly in an accident as I was unaware as to what was going on. The dome lights and the exterior exit lights lit up as well. Since this date, this has happened numerous times. It is a major safety issue and should become a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10498430, filed 2013-02, 57,000 miles“There is a recurring problem that the seat will automatically go into the easy exit position. This is not a problem for me as I drive with the seat as far back as possible, but this is a huge safety concern for my wife. Why hasn't this been recalled yet? This seems to be a common problem in this make and model. God forbid the electrical problem worsens and causes a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10549236, filed 2013-10, 29,000 miles“While driving the vehicle, the seat suddenly went all the way back and the interior lights came on. This has happened several times since then, we finally figured out it was the ignition, with the car acting like the key just got put in the ignition or just pulled out, and the seat moving all the way back for easier ingress/egress and the courtesy lights coming on. Since I am only 5 foot 4 inches, when the seat moves back I can no longer reach the petals, a very dangerous situation while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10967171, filed 2017-03, 90,000 miles“I purchased this used vehicle which is in excellent shape and I love everything about it except the seat issue. After having the car for about a week the power seat started moving on its own. The interior lights will come on and the actual navigation/radio system and driving lights dim. I have looked online and this seems to be a constant problem and is basically the ignition area that needs to be replaced. I have almost been in a few accidents because of this and have 2 small children. My mother had to drive my car one day and she pulled over in complete fear because of almost wrecking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606409, filed 2014-06, 82,500 miles“While driving between 50 - 65 miles per hour the electric driver seat will move back into the open door park position and the inside lights will come on. Has happened multiple times since october 2014. There is no set pattern, it is completely random.”
NHTSA complaint #10664865, filed 2014-12, 85,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
54 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsInterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology