1992 Mercury Grand Marquis

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 255 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid. Which Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

44 of the 255 complaints (17%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration24
642
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission16
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes12
100
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights9
000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood9
080
Seats8
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes7
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags7
614
Unknown or Other6
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes6
101

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Risk. AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Electrical System99V124000
Filed May 19, 1999262,695 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.

Risk. A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 14, 201989,000 milesOH

HEAD LIGHT GOES ON-OFF FREQUENTLY. AUTO DELAY OFF SWITCH IS OPERATIONAL EVEN THOUGH HEAD LIGHT GETTING ON-OFF. I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 21, 201646,777 milesNC

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TURNING OFF AN ON WHEN DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY 4 NIGHTS AGO. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED A YEAR AGO, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH , BURNED WIRE AND BURNED CONNECTOR WERE REPLACED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED AS I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE OVERHEATING WIRING.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 201688,639 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LEAKED BRAKE FLUID AND FAILED. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,639.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 11, 2016AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LEAKED FLUID CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO HIT THE FLOORBOARD, WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Nov 2, 2015200,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS HOT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 30, 2012120,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE.AFTER CONTINUALLY SWITCHING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, THE LIGHTS EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Feb 13, 201080,000 milesIL

SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR USING CRUISE CONTROL. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FLUIDS ON THE CAR. NO PROBLEM. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. PULLED OVER AGAIN AND SAW SMOKE THEN FLAMES COMING OUT. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 10, 2010MI

I PARKED MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS ON FRIDAY, 2/5/10, NEXT TO MY HOME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WHILE IN THE HOUSE, I HEARD A "POP." WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, FOUND A FIRE HYDRANT THAT WAS NOT FROZEN, MOST OF MY HOME WAS ON FIRE. THE DESTRUCTION WAS AWFUL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOWED BACK IN THE HOUSE YET. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 16, 2009UT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, SMOKE ENGULFED THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE THAT CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SAFETY OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 11, 2008162,000 milesCA

I HAVE PICTURES OF THE FUEL PUMP I TOOK OUT OF MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CAR HAD COUGHED TO A STOP AND I SUSPECTED THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WAS NO PRESSURE IN THE FUEL RAIL SO I PULLED THE PUMP OUT OF THE TANK. I CHECKED THE PUMP WITH A BATTERY AND IT RAN FINE. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AT THE FUSES AND FOUND THE 20A PUMP FUSE BLOWN. OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. AS YOU CAN SEE BY PIC 2 THE SHORT OCCURRED WHEN THE "HOT" WIRE INSULATION WAS WORN THROUGH ON THE FLOAT BRACKET. IN ORDER TO BLOW A 20A FUSE THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A SPARK. FORTUNATELY, IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTACT POINT WAS UNDER THE LEVEL OF THE GASOLINE WHEN THE SHORT OCCURRED AND NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED. IF THE POINT HAD BEEN ABOVE THE GASOLINE IN THE VAPOR AREA THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT. PIC 3 IS HOW I ROUTED THE WIRE BEFORE REPLACING THE ASSEMBLY BACK IN THE TANK. BTW YOU CAN SEE THAT I DID USE A NEW FUEL PUMP. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ONE. I SENT A MESSAGE TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY THROUGH THEIR WEB SITE BUT HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING. AS OF NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY 1997 GRAND MARQUIS SINCE THE DESIGN IS IDENTICAL. I GUESS MY NEXT STOP IS THE DOT OR BETTER YET YOUTUBE. I NEVER DID UNDERSTAND PUTTING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE FUEL TANK. JERRY HOLLAND *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Nov 26, 2007IN

ON PRIOR OCCASIONS, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTERIOR LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. RECENTLY,EXPERIENCED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS ON 92 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS DURING TRIP OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL HAD THE LIGHTS NOT CAME BACK ON AFTER I TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPLACE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH, I DISCOVERED A WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOWS INDICATION OF HIGH TEMPERATURES DUE TO BURNING AND MELTING. SIMILAR TO RECALL ON THE FORD CONTOUR. (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V103000 ). I PLAN TO CONTACT FORD AND SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE FOR FREE AND OR GIVE ME THE PART NUMBER OF THE HARNESS CONNECTOR PART SO THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO REPLACE. I PLAN ON KEEPING BOTH THE FAULTY CONNECTOR AND THE ORIGINAL SWITCH IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO UNDERSTAND THE FAILURE MECHANISMS OF THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Sep 14, 2007TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG. SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE RECALL NUMBER AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Aug 29, 200763,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. HAVERFORD POLICE REPORT NUMBER 200070827M140003 WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 09/25/07 *TR

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 11, 2006129,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS WERE NOT LIT EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHTS BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. THE FUSE FOR THAT CIRCUIT WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS NOT BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD WAS DISASSEMBLED FOR REMOVAL OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE WIRE TO THE TAIL LAMP/PARKING LAMP/INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE WIRE ITSELF. THE CONNECTORS FOR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ARE EN-BLOCK AND CONSIST OF 7 CONNECTORS IN ONE BLOCK AND 3 CONNECTORS IN A SEPARATE BLOCK. THE 7 CONNECTOR BLOCK HAD BURNT PLASTIC IN THE AREA OF THE TAIL LIGHT WIRE, AND THE 3 CONNECTOR BLOCK WAS WARPED FROM THE HEAT. THIS IS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT WAS BUILT IN MAY OF 1991. REPAIRS ARE AWAITING SUITABLE REPLACEMENT PARTS. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Oct 26, 200547,465 milesMA

DT: THE BRAKE LINES WERE ROTTING. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS ON APRIL 21, 2004. VEHICLE LOST BRAKE FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ON DRY PAVEMENT. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO NOISE. DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER, BUT HAD IT REPAIRED AT A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOP. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jun 17, 2005OH

DT: CALLER IS CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLES BURNING UP. HAS NOT HAD A PROBLEM YET BUT DOES NOT WANT TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS. SAW REPORT ON CNN.COM. DEALER SAID IT WAS ONLY HAPPENING WITH SOME VEHICLES, AND IT MAY NOT BE CALLER'S CAR. CALLER SAW VEHICLE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. MANUFACTURER GAVE CALLER A REFERENCE ID 1481671685. THEY CHECKED HIS VIN,AND HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN RECALL. CALLER WAS CONFUSED FROM ALL THE INFORMATION HE WAS GETTING FROM NHTSA , THE STORY ON CNN, AND WHAT FORD WAS TELLING HIM.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 17, 2005114,000 milesIL

NO WARNING BEFOREHAND, CAR WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Apr 6, 2005164,000 milesLA

CONSUMER DROVE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CARPORT, WENT INTO THE HOUSE,THEN HEARD AN EXPLOSION. CONSUMER LOOKED OUT OF THE DOOR AND DISCOVERED A FIRE COMING FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE NHTSA RECALL 99V124000. *AK CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED RECALL REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED JUST AS STATED IN RECALL. *TT

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2004135,297 milesMD

MY 1992 GRAND MARQUIS WAS TAKEN IN FOR WHAT WAS A MINOR MISS IN THE ENGINE. THE MACHANIC SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED A CODE 214. HE REPLACED THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR/SWITCH (FOR COMPUTER) PER THE CODE IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND I DROVE IT TO WORK, ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. ABOUT 4 HOURS LATER I GOT IN THE CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND IT STARTED MISSING REAL BAD, LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS AND ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO A FORD DEALRSHIP WHO WANTED $1,700 IN VEHICALE PREPARATION COST BEFORE DEALING WITH WHAT MAY BE THE PROBLEM. ANOTHER MACHANIC WHO USE TO WORK FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP CHECK THE CAR AND COULD NOT REMOVE THE COD 214. THE MACHANIC REPLACED THE CAM SENSOR, THE CRANK SENSOR, THE COOLANT SENSOR, THE AIR FLOW DUCT AND INSTALLED A NEW SET OF PLUG WIRES. IT IS NOW JULY AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR SINCE MARCH 17TH. WHAT WAS A PERFECTLY GOOD CAR IN MARCH IS NOW A PEACE OF JUNK. OTHER THAN THIS PROBLEM THE CAR IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION. IT IS SUSPECT THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY BE ELECTICAL IN NATURE AND I BELIEVE THAT LINCOLN/MERCURY SHOULD AT LEAST ASSIST IN CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO BE BASED ON A LIMITING FACTOR OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE'S COMPONENTS. *AK

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 27, 2004140,000 milesAZ

MY WIFE WAS DELIVERING NEWSPAPERS WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GETTING A FLAT SO SHE DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION TO GET AIR SHE THEN GOT OUT INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND IT TO BE OK SO SHE WENT BACK TO THROWING PAPERS AND THE CAR SMELLED BAD SO SHE STOPED AND GOT OUT TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN AND FIRE WAS COMMING OUT FROM THE WHEEL WELL SHE RAN UP TO A HOUSE AND KNOKED ON THE DOOR AND ASKED FOR A HOSE THEY CALLED 911 AS SHE PUT OUT THE FIRE. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 7, 200391,000 milesKY

THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT IF SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE WOULD CATCH ON FIRE. THE DEALER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, BUT ONLY FOR POLICE VEHICLES. *AK THE CONSUMER IS AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE. (DAUGHTER MINNIE ORMEROD ON BEHALF OF MOTHER ROSALYN ORMEROD). *PH *JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 23, 2003MN

THE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLAMPS, TAIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A 7 YEAR PERIOD REQUIRING FULL REPLACEMENT. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS, ALL BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAIL TO OPERATE AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2003OH

THE ENGINE DROPPED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD AND HAD TOO MANY MILES. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 7, 2003MI

THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWS A MUCH LESS SPEED THAN ACTUAL SPEED TRAVELING. CONTACTED A COUPLE OF FORD DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THEY DO NOT AND CANNOT FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS REFERRED TO A LOCAL SPEED TEST SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED ON A CERTIFIED MACHINE, THE TEST RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS (SPEEDOMETER INDICATION/ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED): 25/30 30/37 35/43 40/50 45/54 50/60 55/66 60/72 65/80 ALSO, THE ODOMETER REGISTERS 95 MILES FOR EVERY 100 MILES TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 103,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE MALFUNCTION HAS CAUSED FINANCIAL PROBLEMS (SPEED VIOLATION) AS WELL AS ENDANGERING SELF AND OTHERS WITHOUT EVEN BEING AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS TRAVELING AT DANGEROUS SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY ON 65 MPH AND 70 MPH EXPRESSWAYS. THE TEST SHOP INFORMED ME THAT THE SPEED DIFFERENTIAL INCREASES AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND COULD RESULT IN SPEEDS WAY OVER 30 MPH ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION.*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Dec 31, 2002OH

CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, ALSO LOST POWER IN THE ENGINE, ENGINE BEGIN TO SMOKE. TS

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jul 22, 2002AZ

THE DIGITAL DASH DISPLAY DOES NOT LIGHT UP AND FORD SAYS THEY DO NOT MAKE THE PART TO REPAIR IT, ANYMORE. THEY SAY THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR IT AND THEY CAN GIVE US NOTHING FOR THE CAR ON TRADE IN AS THEY CANNOT RESELL IT. WELL THEY SOLD IT TO US. ANYWAY, WE CAN'T DRIVE A CAR WITHOUT THE DISPLAY...NO SPEEDOMETER, NO FUEL INDICATOR, NO NOTHING..*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Apr 26, 2002NJ

WHILE DRIVING, ANOTHER DRIVER SIGNALED CONSUMER INDICATING THERE WAS A FIRE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND SECONDS LATER VEHICLE EXPLODED.*AK *YH

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 18, 2002MO

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 40 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS WILL START TO GO ON AND OFF. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. NLM

Electrical SystemFire1 killed
Filed Apr 17, 2002TX

I HAVE NOT EXPIERENCED A FAILURE TO MY CAR (EXCEPT THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN HAD TO BE REPLACED BEFORE 50,000 MILES). I AM SENDING THIS INFO. BECAUSE I DISCOVERED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL(NHTSA CAMPAIGN #99V124000). I WANT TO FIND A DEALER IN OR NEAR MY AREA TO REPLACE AND INSTALL A "NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL) MY CAR WAS BOUGHT FROM A USED CAR AUTO SALES PLACE.,NOT AN ACTUAL MERCURY DEALER. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME ON HOW TO PROCEED IN HAVING THIS DEFECT TO MY CAR REPAIRED? YOUR HELP AND GUIDENCE IS APPRECIATED. SINCERELY, MRS. [XXX]. NLM PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 2002FL

AIRBAG ALARM KEPT GOING OFF, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC,AND MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CONNECTING CHIP IN AIRBAG NEEDED REPLACING.*AK *YH

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Nov 16, 2001VA

REPORTED BY INSURANCE CARRIER. NO SAFETY DEFECT NOTED. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 25, 2001OH

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL ON, CONSUMER STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO REDUCE SPEED, ENGINE SHUTDOWN. CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER A FEW MINUTES ENGINE WOULD START WORKING AGAIN. *AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT A FACTOR, HOWEVER THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 26, 2001MA

PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE DISCOLORED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO BE EXTREMELY DIM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Sep 20, 2001GA

WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE 1999 THE PREVIOUS OWNER (WHO HAD BOUGHT THE CAR NEW HIMSELF) HAD ALREADY HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED 1 TIME AND TURNED 5 TIMES. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I IMMEDIATELY HAD NEW ROTORS PUT ON. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED 1 MORE TIME AND TURNED 5 MORE TIMES. AND AFTER I GET THEM TURNED IT USUALLY ONLY TAKES A WEEK OR TWO FOR THE ROTORS TO WARP AGAIN AND THE TERRIBLE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING RETURNS. I ALSO HAVE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE SOMEWHERE. I HAVE TO "TOP OFF" THE BRAKE FLUID AT LEAST EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS. AND I HAVE NO EMERGENCY BRAKE. PLEASE HELP!! AS A SINGLE MOM WITH A 2 AND 4 YEAR OLD IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP HAVING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM REPAIRED OVER AND OVER--NOT JUST BECAUSE OF COST BUT BECAUSE OF THE TIME INVOLVED IN BEING AT THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE. NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE--ESPECIALLY WITH MY BABIES RIDING IN THE CAR. IT SHAKES ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN I PUT MY BRAKES ON AND I'M ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKES JUST MIGHT QUIT WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN. I SEE IN THE COMPLAINT SECTION OF YOUR WEB SITE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE ROTORS AND VIBRATING WHEN BRAKING. IF THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT OFFICIALLY A "RECALL" YET, IS THERE SOME WAY THAT I CAN GET SOME ASSISTANCE ON GETTING THIS PROBLEM FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE? I'VE ALREADY SPENT MORE THAN I COULD AFFORD TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT ISN'T FIXED. AND I DON'T HAV

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 18, 2001CA

I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM MYSELF WITH 2 FORD MOTOR CO VEHICLES I OWN AND ONE MY FATHER OWNS. THE 2001 EXCURSION I OWN IS BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM - THE INTERMITTENT WIPER MOTOR FUNCTION EITHER SHUTS THE WIPER BLADE ACTION DOWN OR THE BLADES DO NOT PARK. THE OTHER VEHICLES AFFECTED ARE THE ONE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT (1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS), A 1990 LINCON MKVII, AND A 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jul 13, 2001GA

HEADLIGHTS WOULD ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. REPAIR SHOP REPLACED DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, HAD CAUSED WIRES TO BE HOT.*AK *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jun 22, 2001NY

HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WORK INTERMITTENTLY, AIR BAG LIGHT READS CODE 13 + 34. SHORT IN AIR BAG MODULE, CAUSES LIGHT TO BLINK. DEALER STATED WIRE HARNESS NEEDEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 15, 2001MA

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION JUMPS IN AND OUT OF GEARS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Seats
Filed Mar 27, 2001NC

LOOSE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS. DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD! ROCK BACK AND FORTH WHEN ACCELARATING/BRAKING!*AK

Seats
Filed Mar 21, 2001NC

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. HE HAS NOTICED THAT SEAT MOVES, IT IS NOT SECURED AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 23, 2001CA

THE CONSUMER CAN NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL AND TEMPRATURE GUAGES, OR OTHER READ OUTS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING DAY TIME. NO PROBLEM AT NIGHT TIME. *YH

Tires1 injured
Filed Feb 7, 2001AZ

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN FOR AN APPROACHING STOP LIGHT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE SEEMED TO PICK UP SPEED, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THREE OF THE VEHICLES TIRES BLEWOUT SIMULTANEOUSLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LIGHT POLE,ROLLOVER AND LAND ON ITS ROOF, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FOUR BROKEN RIBS AND A CONCUSSION, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR TOTALED VEHICLE, MEDICAL EXPENSES AND SUFFERING (GOODYEAR TOURING EDITION). NLM

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jan 24, 2001WI

WHILE DRIVING HEAT GLASS ON FRONT WINDSHIELD STARTED SMOKING AND IT CRACKED WINDOW. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER. NO PRIOR WARNINGS. TRAVLING AT 25-30 MPH. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank AssemblyCrash
Filed Jan 3, 2001CA

AFTER FILLING OR PUTTING GAS IN TANK GAS FUMES FILL TRUNK AND INSIDE CAR.

Tires1 injured
Filed Dec 14, 2000CA

CONSUMER STATES 3 OF THE GOODYEAR TOURING EDITION TIRES (P225/75R15) EXPERIENCED BLOWOUTS WHILE THE OTHER TIRE BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL, STRIKE A TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE, AND ROLL OVER, THE POLICE REPORT STATES THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A TURN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, HIT A CROSSWALK POLE, AND ROLLED OVER, THE DRIVER WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *SLC

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Nov 21, 2000TN

3 OF 4 POWER WINDOWS INOPERATIVE MOST OF TIME. ALL WORKED PERFECTLY UNTIL ALL 3 STARTED FAILING AT ONCE. WINDOWS WORK OCASIONALLY INDICATING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 24, 2000ME

WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHUT OFF IN THE UP POSITION IF IT IS NOT RAINING, AND CONSUMER CAN HARDLY SEE. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2000MA

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 6, 2000MD

PE-00-02O; REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR A 1992 MERCURY, GRAND MARQUIS, TIRE FIRESTONE MODEL FR360, TIRE SIZE P21575R15, DOT NUMBER STARTED WITH HYN3, TIRES HAD LESS THEN ONE THOUSAND MILES ON THEM. WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE PULLING TO THE LEFT, CONSUMER ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL, AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HITTING A GUARDRAIL. TOTALED VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOT SURE IF THE TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NOTED THAT TIRES WAS SHOWING EVIDENCE OF CRACKS, AND SPLITS. ONE INJURY DUE TO DEFECT. *AK *MJS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Sep 26, 2000KS

TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 255, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20119220Routine
201025200Routine
200926210Routine
200880312Fatalities reported
200796300Routine
2006143320Routine
2005488550Above average
2004348241Fatalities reported
2003362220Above average
200278220Routine
2001157532Fatalities reported
2000162850Routine
1999164520Routine
1998143781Fatalities reported
1997316560Above average
19962396192Fatalities reported
1995179753Fatalities reported
19941563202Fatalities reported
19931443180Routine
1992 — this page2553271Fatalities reported
1991822140Routine
199056150Routine

Compare every Grand Marquis year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 4, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.