1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

Risk. If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

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.

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.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

Defect. WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Risk. THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH the instrument panel began started flashing off and on before going black. The contact stated that he was headed to an off ramp the head lights stopped functioning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle for several days and then tested the head lights and stated that the functionality had returned. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

WHEN DRIVING AND TURN TO LEFT VEHICLES STEERING WANTS TO LOCK UP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME VERY DIM AND HINDERED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GASKET PAN. THERE WAS NO FLUID VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION PUMP, AND PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION REAR MAIN SEAL AND DRIVE SHAFT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AS AN INTERIM REPAIR UNTIL THE INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS BECAME AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIRS; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVE THE SPEED CONTROL ACTIVATION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN

ON 9/17/2003 @ 11:23 PM, MY 1996 GRAND MARQUIS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED WHILE SITTING IDLE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. THE HENRICO COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. I HAVE THE FIRE REPORT, WHICH INDICATES THAT NO CAUSE FOR THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED. IN JUNE 2014, I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATING THAT MY 1996 GRAND MARQUIS HAS A POTENTIAL UNDER HOOD FIRE RISK. THE ISSUE AS STATED WAS THAT "FORD CANNOT BE CONFIDENT THAT AFTER MANY YEARS IN SERVICE, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT LEAK, POSING THE RISK OF AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. UNTIL THIS REPAIR IS PERFORMED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME. A FIRE CAN OCCUR EVEN IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION, AND CAN OCCUR EVEN IF THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM IS NEVER USED." AFTER RECEIVING THE LETTER, I FILED A REPORT WITH FORD TO POSSIBLY GET SOME FORM OF COMPENSATION FOR MY CAR SINCE I MY CAR WAS INSURED FOR LIABILITY ONLY. FORD RESPONDED BACK THAT MY CLAIM WAS CLOSED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I KNOW LONGER OWNED THE CAR, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO INSPECT IT. I FIND THIS TO BE ABSURD SINCE THE CAR WAS TOTALED, AND NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR

PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE BECOME YELLOWED AND CLOUDY. THIS HAS SEVERELY REDUCED NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY ON UNLIT STREETS, WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. DID SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS THAT WILL SUPPOSEDLY RESTORE LENS CLARITY. I BOUGHT AND USED ONE OF THESE PRODUCTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTORE FULL LENS CLARITY. I'M GUESSING THAT THE CLOUDINESS WILL RETURN AND I'LL HAVE TO REPEAT THE "RESTORATION" PROCESS. I WENT TO A NEARBY SHOPPING MALL AND NOTICED NUMEROUS VEHICLES WITH CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS, ALL WITH PLASTIC LENSES. THIS SAFETY ISSUE WAS A NON-ISSUE WHEN ALL HEADLIGHTS WERE REQUIRED TO USE GLASS LENSES. PLEASE RESTORE THE REQUIREMENT THAT, FOR SAFE NIGHTTIME DRIVING OVER THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE, ALL HEADLIGHTS USE GLASS LENSES. OR, REQUIRE AUTO MAKERS TO REPLACE OR RESTORE CLOUDY PLASTIC LENSES AT NO CHARGE FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THANKS. *TR

THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN FELT DIFFERENT WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY, KIND OF SLUGGISH AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE TEMP ROSE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO LET COOL DOWN I COULDN'T START IT UP AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. NOT WORTH REPAIRING. HAD IT TOWED BACK HOME AND ITS BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY EVER SINCE. *TR

A CRACK IN MY EXHAUST MANIFOLD BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING COOLANT TO SPRAY ALL OVER UNDER MY HOOD AND NOW MY ENGINE OVERHEATS..THANKS FOR USING PLASTIC PARTS FORD . *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS EQUIPPED WITH A DURALAST BALL JOINT, PART NUMBER FA2101. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STUD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE AFTER BEING USED FOR 253 MILES. THE PARTS DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE THE BALL JOINT BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE STUD BREAKING, NOT THE ACTUAL BALL JOINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 102,511. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE, AND IT SQUEAKS ALOT. I AM UNABLE TO ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL HEIGHT ANY MORE. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK IN THE EVENING, THE CAR STARTED TO PUTTER, THEN SMOKE CAME POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD BLOCKING MY VIEW FROM THE ROAD CAUSING CARS TO RACE AROUND ME AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT...ALSO STARTED COMING IN THE VENTS OF THE CAR, MAKING ME NAUSEA. EXTREME DANGER AND FEAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED $65.00 AND THE REPAIR ESTIMATE CAME IN AT $900.00. CRACKED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. ??PLASTIC?? WHO DOES THAT? I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED AND ONLY ABLE TO GET PART TIME EMPLOYMENT. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS REPAIR SO I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE...ANOTHER $65.00. THE CAR ONLY HAS 85,218 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN KEPT IMMACULATE. I CONTACTED MERCURY/FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IN RESEARCHING, I SPENT HOURS READING HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS REGARDING THE SAME SITUATION...AND ALSO, THE SAME CAR, FORD CROWN VICTORIA HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A "SILENT RECALL" WHERE ONLY GOVERNMENT FLEET/POLICE CARS WERE TAKEN CARE OF. HOW NICE! THE REPLACEMENT WAS WITH A METAL PART, WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FROM THE BEGINNING. THIS IS AN EXTREME NEGLECT ON FORD/MERCURY PART. I BELIEVE THAT THE INVESTIGATION AND ACTION SHOULD BE BASED ON THE QUANTITY OF BOTH THE CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS COMBINED, SINCE THEY ARE THE EXACT SAME CAR MANUFACTURED. PLEASE HELP! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE ABRUPTLY PULLED IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS STEAM EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 1996 INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD UNTIL WE HAD IT REPLACED. *TR

CAR CAUGHT FIRE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN THE PAST DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES PARKED AND TURNED CAR OFF AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE PARKED IN THE RESIDENCE CARPORT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE MASSIVE FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE HOME. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. AT THIS TIME THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.

THE CAR STARTED NORMAL AT WORK AND DROVE 20 MINUTES TO HOME. PLACED CAR IN PARK, AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN IGNITION TO OFF, BUT THE KEY SWITCH ROTATED FREELY WITH NO RESISTANCE. THE KEY SWITCH WAS TRIED AGAIN TO TURN OFF IGNITION BY TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION FULLY WITH NO AFFECT. KEY WAS REMOVED, SWITCH ROTATED FREELY. STEERING COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THEN ATTEMPTED TO STOP ENGINE BY ANOTHER METHOD. LIFTED HOOD AND DISCONNECTED BATTERY - ALTERNATOR KEEP IT RUNNING. OWNER MANUAL SHOWED IGNITION FUSE WHICH WAS PULLED TO STOP MOTOR. SWITCH WAS STILL IN ON POSITION WHEN BATTERY WAS RECONNECTED. THE CAR COULD NOT BE RESTARTED BY KEY SWITCH. BATTERY DISCONNECTED TO DISABLE AIRBAG UNTIL REPAIRS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED. REPAIRS: I DID THIS MYSELF. THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO COME COMPLETELY OFF. I DETERMINED IT WOULD TAKE 5 TO 6 HOURS OF WORK TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM AND FIX. A DEALER WOULD HAVE CHARGE FOR THIS. AFTER STEERING COLUMN WAS REMOVED THE SWITCH MECHANISM WAS EXAMINED FOR PROBLEM. THIS WAS A TILT TYPE COLUMN. A PLASTIC SHAFT EXTENDED FROM THE KEY SWITCH ACROSS THE TILT AREA TO A PLASTIC SWITCH ACTUATOR IN THE MAIN COLUMN SHAFT. A THIN 1 INCH LONG STEEL BEARING TYPE PIN WAS FOUND STUCK TO SOME GREASE. THE COLUMN WAS TAKEN APART AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE PIN FIT INTO A HOLE IN THE SWITCH ACTUATOR. THIS PIN WAS FORCED BACK INTO THE HOLE, SUPER GLUED, AND STEERING COLUMN WAS REASSEMBLED AND PLACED BACK IN THE CAR. LOOSE SHIFTER BOLT TIGHTENED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS CHECKED. SLIDER HAD RESIST

ON TUESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 28, MY 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. MY CAR HAD BEEN SITTING FOR HOURS BEFORE I GOT IN IT AND DROVE IT HOME, APPROXIMATELY 2 1/2 MILES. WHEN I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY I ENTERED MY HOUSE. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES MY DAUGHTER SCREAMED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN ANOTHER 5 - 10 MINUTES THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA WAS IN FLAMES. FIRE RESCUE ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT NOT BEFORE MY CAR WAS, FOR THE MOST PART, RUINED. FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD, AND READ, I BELIEVE IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM. *TR

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON A 1996 FORD GRAND MARQUIS 4.6 LITER V-8. APPARENTLY THERE WAS SOME SETTLEMENT OFFER FROM FORD TO REPLACE THIS PART WITH AN ALUMINUM INTAKE HOWEVER DUE TO THE CAR NOT BEING DRIVEN MUCH, 70,000 MILES IN 12 YEARS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DID NOT FAIL UNTIL RECENTLY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE IN FIXING THIS PART AND POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE $800 OR MORE IT WILL COST ME TO FIX IT. *TR

WE OWNED A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN JULY 2007 WITHOUT ANY WARNING PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOME WHILE WE WERE OUT OF TOWN. LUCKILY MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTER WERE HOME AT THE TIME TO CALL 911. WE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING A RECALL UNTIL 2 MONTHS LATER! HAD WE BEEN ABLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. MY WIFE AND I ARE SENIOR CITIZENS, ME IN MY 80'S AND SHE IN HER 70'S. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING WE WOULD HAVE NOT MADE IT OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN TIME! MY DAUGHTER DID EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS PRIOR TO THE SAFETY RECALL #05S28. THESE AUTOMAKERS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR SITUATIONS AS THIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN NUMEROUS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS WERE MADE PRIOR TO THE RECALL. WE'RE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND NOT BURNED! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. AFTER RECEIVING A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), THE CONTACT HAD THE SWITCH DISCONNECTED IN HIS VEHICLE. ON MARCH 8, 2008, HE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL). HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH HIM AS SOON AS THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2008, THE CONTACT HAS NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF UPDATED 10/07/08.8JB

UPON DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IT CAUGHT FIRE AND I HAD TO PUT IT OUT MYSELF. *TR

HAD JUST TURNED OFF FREEWAY WHEN WARNING CHIME FOR OVERHEATED ENGINE SOUNDED. STOPPED CAR WITHIN ONE BLOCK & TURNED OFF MOTOR. TOWED TO MECHANIC. TURNS OUT TO BE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, COMMON TO FORDS (MINE IS 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, 71K MILES.) AM NOW RUNNING COMPRESSION TEST TO SEE IF ANY ENGINE DAMAGE, IF THERE IS NO DAMAGE THEN I WILL HAVE TO FIX MANIFOLD AT A COST OF APPROX. $1036. IF THERE IS ENGINE DAMAGE THEN I WILL HAVE TO JUNK A PERFECTLY FINE CAR IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (APART FROM THIS). FORD DOES NOT OFFER ANY REDRESS. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, NOR ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS I HAD JUST EXCITED A FREEWAY WHEN THE WARNING BEEP SOUNDED. I HAVE RECEIVED ALL OTHER RECALL INFO ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE COMPLIED W. RECALL. IN FACT VEHICLE HAD BEEN FULLY CHECKED BY DEALER ONLY 6 DAYS WHEN TAKEN IN FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE SWITCH RECALL ON THIS MODEL. DEALER NEVER INFORMED ME OF ANY POTENTIAL MANIFOLD PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A DEFECTIVE PART ISSUE. AT THE VERY LEAST, OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED THAT THIS IS A COMMON CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR

I OWN A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE STEERING IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOCKING UP AT A CERTAIN SPOT WHEN TURNING. THIS WOULD CAUSE ME TO PUSH THE STEERING WHEEL INTO THE TURN A LITTLE HARDER WHICH UNLOCKED THE STEERING CAUSING ME TO VEER LEFT OR RIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS. THEY WOULD LIFT THE CAR AND CHECK THE SUSPENSION AND GIVE IT A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND GOT MUCH WORSE. I TOOK THE CAR TO YET ANOTHER SHOP AND INSISTED THEY TAKE IT OUT AND DRIVE IT A LONG DISTANCE. THE MECHANIC DIDN'T GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, CAME BACK AND MADE ME LEAVE THE CAR. HE INSISTED IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING BOX AND THIS WAS REPLACED. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON A FRIDAY AND ON SATURDAY DROVE OVER THE MOUNTAINS. IT WAS A HAIRY RIDE, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED AND THE CURVY ROADS MADE DRIVING DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AT MY DESTINATION AND HE INSPECTED THE CAR BUT THIS TIME HE DISCONNECTED THE TIE ROD ENDS SO HE COULD ROTATE THE WHEELS WITH WEIGHT ON THEM. ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS NEARLY LOCKED SOLID. THE DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. OCCASIONALLY, WHEN DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE VIBRATION ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO ADD WATER TO THE ANTIFREEZE RECEPTACLE EACH DAY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR A RUSTLING SOUND AS IF SOMETHING WAS RUBBING TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD GO DOWN, BUT WOULD NOT GO BACK UP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE BLINKERS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND CRUISE CONTROL HAVE FAILED. SHE ALSO RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,647 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

2 BRAKE LINE FAILURES METAL BRAKE 1996 GRAND MARQUIS WITHIN A YEAR..THIS IS A MIDWEST CAR BUT SPENT HALF OF ITS WINTER IN AZ..BRAKE LINES SEEM TO RUST MUCH FASTER THAN OTHER VEHICLES WE HAVE OWNED..FAILURE FOUND DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE FOR REPAIR PARTS FROM SECOND REPAIR COULD BE AVAILABLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT MAY WANT TO HAVE THE TIE RODS REPAIRED, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIE RODS WERE FINE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 03/26/08. *LJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,293.

SAME OLD STORY PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED LOST ALL WATER COST 900.00 TO FIX WITH TOW. 92,000 MILES COME ON FORD GET REAL STEP UP AND FIX THIS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT HAS NOT RECEIVED A REMEDY FOR RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED AS A GIFT. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,357.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #07V336000). SHE STATED THAT THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. AS A RESULT, SHE BEGAN TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOWS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE POWER WINDOWS UNTIL THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL HAS BEEN RECONNECTED. AS OF JANUARY 16, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IN AUGUST OF 2007. SINCE THEN, HE HAS HAD THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000. UPDATED 02-14-08 *BF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 07V336000). THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT MANUFACTURER IS NOT HANDLING THE RECALL WITHIN REASONABLE TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IN AUGUST OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FORD RECALL NUMBER IS 05S28. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NEITHER HAD ANY AVAILABLE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

(DEFECT IN SPEED CONTROL EQUIPMENT RELATED) I RECEIVED THE LETTER INFORMING CONSUMER OF DEFECT IN SPEED CONTROL EQUIPMENT, IT IS NOW NOVEMBER, AND IT SEEMS LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS HIN ROCHESTER NEW YORK STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED PARTS TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION IN A TIMELY BASIS. IT STATED FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS COMMITMENT "TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE AND SUPPORT" IT IS MY RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU ET THESE PARTS TO ROCHESTER NY AND ELSEWHERE ND FIX THIS DEFECT. THANK YOU. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE VALVE MELTED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,021. THE DEALER STATED 1 SET OF DISC PADS, 2 NEW ROTORS, AND CLUTCH FAN. UPDATED 09/25/07 *TR

REGARDING MY 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. ENGINE FIRE ON AUGUST 15,2007 IN MY DRIVEWAY. KEY OFF, VEHICLE DRIVEN AND PARKED 1/2 HOUR BEFORE INCIDENT. I RECEIVED FORDS RECALL NOTICE ON SEPT. 4, 2007. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). A REPAIR APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 07, 2007. SHE IS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH FIRE WHILE WAITING FOR THE REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER WENT TO A NON-FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED. UPDATED*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE THEN NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER FOUND A RECALL THAT APPLIED TO THE FAILURES HE WAS EXPERIENCING. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,336 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK ON THE REAR HEATER HOSE INLET. ANTI-FREEZE IS SEEPING OUT INTO THE #4 SPARK PLUG CAUSING MISFIRING. THIS PLASTIC MANIFOLD WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED BEFORE THE RECALL TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE MANIFOLDS. THIS IS THE REPLACEMENT MANIFOLD WITH A SEPARATE ALUMINUM HOT WATER CROSS OVER IN FRONT. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINE BLEW AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO A HOLE ON THE BRAKE LINE. THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ANTI-LOCK. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE RESULTING IN THE WHOLE BRAKE LINES BEING REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED REIMBURSEMENT BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD FROM THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THEN. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN STREET, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. ALTHOUGH FIRM, CONSTANT BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD UNTIL THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 11/21/06. *JB

I WAS DRIVING MY 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WHEN STEAM STARTED POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED AND LEARNED THAT THE INTAKE-MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED, CAUSING COOLANT TO POUR ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE GARAGE REPLACED THE UNIT FOR A CHARGE OF $692 AND TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS THEN FINE. HOWEVER, BEFORE I GOT HOME, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE VERY REPUTABLE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP THAT I USE AND UPON CHECKING, THEY SAID THE WIRES, POINTS, AND PLUGS NEEDED REPLACING, NO DOUBT CAUSED FROM THE PRIOR INCIDENT. THIS WORK COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $425.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND LOWERED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 9/13/2006 - THE BRAKE LINES WERE BADLY RUSTED. THE REAR END HOUSING WAS ALSO BADLY RUSTED. *NM

VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. INSPECTED FUSES AND FOUND BLOWN 15 AMP FUSE. REPLACED AND VEHICLE WORKED PROPERLY. PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. 30 MINUTES LATER, CAR IS ON FIRE. VEHICLE IS TOTALED. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BECAME INOPERABLE, AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR A LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS NOTICED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK

1996 GRAND MARQUIS INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, MECHANIC DETERMINED THIS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TS *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR ELEVEN HOURS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT CONCLUDED THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, ALSO, PICTURES WERE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK