1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

Above average

Owners filed 316 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid: 2.0× the complaints of a typical Grand Marquis year. Which Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,800 milesMedian miles at failure

124 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

121 of the 316 complaints (38%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine51
011
Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System · fuel system24
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine21
011
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine20
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine20
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · brakes18
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration17
113
Suspension › Front9
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint8
000
Steering8
101

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis engine problems

38% of all complaints

121 of the 316 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid28% · 34
  • overheats19% · 23
  • smokes or smells of burning9% · 11
  • drains the battery or stops charging7% · 9
  • turns on the check engine light3% · 4

Share of the 121 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,072 mi
median of 75 reports
Peak year of filing
2003
32 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 3 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury grand marquis. While pulling into the garage, the vehicle began smoking because the radiator fluid was leaking onto the engine. The dealer stated that the manifold cracked and needed to be replaced. The contact has the cracked manifold. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 29, 2008 at 65,000 miles
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury grand marquis. In the course of a year, the vehicle leaked anti-freeze sporadically. Just recently, the manifold cracked completely and prevented the vehicle from holding any anti-freeze. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and the repair will cost $600. The dealer stated that no recalls were available. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 90,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 7, 2008 at 80,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'961997: 8 complaints, 1 about the engine1998: 19 complaints, 1 about the engine1999: 27 complaints, 3 about the engine2000: 16 complaints, 0 about the engine'002001: 23 complaints, 5 about the engine2002: 37 complaints, 11 about the engine2003: 40 complaints, 32 about the engine2004: 48 complaints, 30 about the engine'042005: 28 complaints, 18 about the engine2006: 14 complaints, 6 about the engine2007: 6 complaints, 1 about the engine2008: 22 complaints, 6 about the engine'082009: 5 complaints, 2 about the engine2010: 6 complaints, 2 about the engine2011: 4 complaints, 1 about the engine2012: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'122013: 2 complaints, 2 about the engine2014: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2015: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine2016: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'162017: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2019: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'20Recall 00V157001 (seat belts)Recall 00V157002 (seat belts)Recall 07V336000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 08V051000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 15E082000 (steering)NHTSA investigation DP05005NHTSA investigation EA03012NHTSA investigation RQ03004NHTSA investigation EA02025NHTSA investigation DP02007NHTSA investigation SQ01014
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1997 Grand Marquis peaked in 2004, with 48 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 38% of the complaints. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering15E082000
Filed Oct 6, 20151,767 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

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.

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage00V157001
Filed Jun 12, 20001,167 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage00V157002
Filed Jun 12, 20001,129 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 1997 Grand Marquis.

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILUREEngineering analysis EA03012Closed
Opened Jul 25, 2003Closed Apr 11, 2005Led to recall 05V086000brakes

In a letter dated february 25, 2005, FORD motor company (FORD) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (FORD no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 FORD crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi?s analysis showed higher complaint and warranty rates related to rear brake line …

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURERecall query RQ03004Closed
Opened Mar 11, 2003Closed Jul 25, 2003brakes

Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from FORD.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the …

BALL JOINT SEPARATIONRecall query RQ03002Closed
Opened Jan 3, 2003Closed Jun 3, 2003suspension

See attached report.

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRESEngineering analysis EA02025Closed
Opened Sep 6, 2002Closed Jun 30, 2004engine

Based on the low rate of fire incidents (2.5 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold) where failure of the scds is involved and the age of the vehicles ? 7 to 11 years ? A safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

FUEL-FED FIRESDefect petition DP02007Closed
Opened Aug 22, 2002Closed Dec 4, 2002throttle and acceleration

The fars data shows that the risk of fire from impact in all directions in the subject vehicles is the same as all other sedans.the subject vehicles are not over represented with respect to the risk of fire in real-world high-energy crashes.a further discussion of issues related to post crash fires in the subject vehicles is set out in the closing report for sq 01-014 and that report is in the docket for this petition.after reviewing the petition and its supporting materials, as well as information furnished by FORD and GM, and information within the agency's possession from previous …

POST REAR END COLLISION FIRESInvestigation SQ01014Closed
Opened Nov 27, 2001Closed Oct 3, 2002fuel system

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

133 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Grand Marquis. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 23engine 19brakes 11electrical system 11body and frame 11equipment 9fuel system 8headlights 5
04B26Service campaignFeb 28, 2005brakes

ABRASION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBE NEAR THE FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB AND THE #3 TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER. ADVANCE NOTICE-CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B26. *TT

07212Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2007engine

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

05N04Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 14, 2005engine

EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 7 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF MILES THAT THE …

03245Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 8, 2003engine

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT

0222Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 4, 2002engine

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT

0214Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2002engine

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

01246Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 10, 2001engine

ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 19 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Apr 21, 2020123,000 milesTX

PUT CAR IN PARK, AND IT SHOWED TO BE IN PARK. BUT, IT WAS IN REVERSE, GOING BACKWARD, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 2019112,000 milesCA

THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING PROPERLY BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY ABS LIGHT ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION CROSS SIT

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2019150,000 milesMD

I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AND I SERVICE MANY VEHICLES DAILY. I CURRENTLY OWN A 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND HAVE NOTICED THAT PRACTICALLY MOST STEERING COMPONENTS ON MY VEHICLE ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING. SPECIFICALLY THE TIE ROD ENDS, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINS ALL HAVE BLOWN BUSHINGS AND A PITMAN ARM.... THE STEERING SWAYS SO HARD ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CUSTOMER'S VEHICLES THAT I HAVE WORKED ON THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THE CROWN VIC, AND THE MARQUIS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING COMPONENT CONCERN AS WELL. I SEE MORE FORDS WITH STEERING ISSUES THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I SERVICE. THE VEHICLES ALSO SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK THAT THE BODY WILL SCRAPE THE TIRES AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO RIG MY VENT DOOR ACTUATOR AND I HAVE HAD TO INSTALL A SHUT OFF SWITCH DUE TO A PARASITIC DRAW THAT I CAN NOT LOCATE EVEN WITH A VOLT METER. AFTER RESEARCHING ON FORUMS AND WATCHING COUNTLESS YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF OWNERS STATING THESE KNOWN ISSUES I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BEYOND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR THESE PARTS ALL TO BE FAULTY FROM THIS CAR MANUFACTURER.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 15, 2016NC

RECALL WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS VERY LOOSE AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COME OFF

Steering
Filed May 24, 2016NJ

I HAVE TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL MOST OF THE TIME WITH EMG BRAKE ON. BECAUSE THE GEARSHIFT IS HARD TO PUT IN PARK. MY CAR ONLY HAS 92,000 MILES.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 201588,000 milesNJ

RUSTY BRAKE LINE FAILED. LEAKED BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING. ALL BRAKE LINES LOOK RUSTY. WHAT HAPPENED TO STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES?

TiresCrash
Filed May 11, 2015AZ

I BOUGHT A SET OF 4 BRAND NEW BRIDGESTONE TURANZA SERENITY PLUS 225/60R16 TIRES ON APRIL 26, 2015, AND HAVE THEM INSTALLED ON MY WIFE'S CAR. MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE DRIVING TO PHOENIX ON I-10 ON A CLEAR AND SUNNY DAY ON MAY 9, 2015 TO VISIT A FRIEND. SHE SAID SHE WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH AND WANTED TO PASS A SEMI-TRUCK ON HER RIGHT SO SHE SPEED UP TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK. SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SHE HELD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS SHE CAN. THEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO SWERVE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SEMI-TRUCK. THE CAR STRUCK THE SIDE OF THE SEMI-TRUCK AND THE WINDOW GLASS ON THE FRONT AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHATTERED AND ALSO THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED BECAUSE THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS BENT. AFTER THE IMPACT, MY WIFE'S CAR THEN SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND WENT INTO A DITCH FILLED WITH WEEDS AND BUSHES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR DID NOT FLIP AND EVERYONE IN THE CAR WAS OK BECAUSE THEY ALL WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEY WERE SHAKEN UP A BIT BUT THE ORDEAL WAS TRAUMATIZING. THEY WERE ALSO LUCKY BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OR BEHIND THEM AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE, FIRE TRUCK, AND AMBULANCE CAME AND EXAMINED EVERYTHING. THEY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FOR INSURANCE SAKE, THE POLICE SAID MY WIFE WAS AT FAULT BECAUSE SHE WAS SPEEDING WHILE TRYING TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL. I BELIEVE

Power Train
Filed Feb 9, 201597,130 milesNE

COOLANT LEAK FROM CRACK IN PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 97,130 MILES ON IT AND WELL CARED FOR. THEY SHOULD NOT BE USING PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION - IT SHOULD BE IRON OR ALUMINUM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WAS TOLD WITH THE 4.6 V8 ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE AND REPLACE AT NO COST TO CUSTOMER. I WILL BE WRITING A LETTER TO FORD IF THE DEALER DOESN'T COVER THIS AS A RECALL. RIDICULOUS TO USE PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Oct 8, 2014112,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 29, 2014178,724 milesFL

TWICE THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF I COULDN'T CONTROL THE WHEEL I HAD TO HURRY AND PUT IT ON NATURAL AND START THE CAR AGAIN, AND PUT IT IN DRIVE. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE IT REALLY SCARED ME I WAS ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY OR CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 26, 2013CA

1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD IN VEHICLE. *SMD

Engine
Filed Mar 7, 2013124,500 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE 35 NORTH OF MINNEAPOLIS, MN, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LOST ANTI FREEZE. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AT FOREST LAKE, MN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO TIRES PLUS IN FOREST LAKE TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. TOTAL COST FOR TOWING, INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT AND NIGHTS LODGING CAME TO ALMOST $1500.00. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 2, 2011198,980 milesNY

MOVING SLOWLY IN PARKING LOT. SHARP NOISE UNDER CAR, GAS TANK HAD FALLEN DIRECTLY ONTO ROAD AND WAS BEING DRAGGED. BOTH GAS TANK STRAPS HAD BROKEN

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jun 25, 2011114,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER I HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN RIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND I HAD TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. I STOPPED AT MY DESTINATION A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER, POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. IT ONLY LASTED A COUPLE OF MINUTES, BUT BURNED UP AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE NEXT DAY I HAD IT REPAIRED ACROSS THE STREET AT AN AUTO ELECTRICAL AND MARINE SHOP. THEY SAID IT WAS AT THE SWITCH OR VALVE THAT TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. MY CAR IS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2011114,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 114,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 14, 201180,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED AND HELD DOWN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IF HE PRESSED GENTLY ON IT AND RELEASED IT, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE WITHIN THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM OR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Oct 23, 2010FL

PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FROM AN EBAY VENDOR: INSIDE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE FOR A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS. THE RETURN SPRING ON THE ORIGINAL OEM HANDLE BROKE, BUT THE ORIGINAL HANDLE EVEN THOUGH BROKEN, STILL REMAINED OPERATIONAL. I ORDERED AND INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT AFTERMARKET DOOR HANDLE "DEPO" 330-500006-002 PURCHASED FROM AN EBAY VENDOR. 10 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION, THE REPLACEMENT DOOR HANDLE FAILED AND THE DRIVERS DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR MAKING THIS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD HAD THERE BEEN AN EMERGENCY. OBVIOUSLY THE AFTER MARKET PART WAS NOT PROPERLY TESTED BEFORE SALE TO THE PUBLIC. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 13, 201047,025 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SERVICE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED IT STATING THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED DUE TO THE STRUCTURE. THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47025 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47050. UPDATED 11/24/10

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 23, 2010110,000 milesOH

1997 FORD GRAND MARQUIS - OCCASIONAL INTERRUPTIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER WERE OCCURRING WITH THE RADIO GOING OFF, THE LOW FUEL LEVEL LIGHT GOING ON, AND THE BATTERY METER DROPPING. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY THE INTERRUPTIONS CONTINUED UNTIL FINALLY THE BATTERY CABLES CAUGHT ON FIRE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND BY THIS TIME THE INSULATION ON BOTH THE POSITIVE AND GROUND CABLES HAD COMPLETELY BURNED OFF AND THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO SUPPLY CURRENT. I KNOCKED OFF THE GROUND TERMINAL AND DOSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 17, 201066,000 milesFL

THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN SUSPENSION COLLAPSE. THIS BREAKAGE RESULTED IN A IRREFUTABLE TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THERE WAS NOT A CRASH BECAUSE LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEED IN A STREET WHILE THERE WERE NOT OTHER VEHICLES AROUND. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE WHEN I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY I AM TOTALLY SURE IT HAD RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC MULTI CAR ACCIDENT. CAR IS IN A REPAIR SHOP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed May 20, 201037,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE INTERIOR CABIN WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND FLAMES. THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE. AND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED. THERE WERE REPORTS FILED BY BOTH ENTITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Mar 30, 2010FL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE DOOR WAS LATCHED CORRECTLY. THE DEALER PROVIDED INFORMATION ON A RECALL FOR HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL FOR THE FAILURE OF THE DOOR LATCH WHICH WAS NOT LISTED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED A SECOND TIME AND LATER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE DOOR LATCH. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Dec 29, 2009149,672 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE COVERED WITH SOME TYPE OF FILM. HE HAD TO USE THE HIGHBEAMS TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 149672.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 30, 200986,000 milesIL

MY 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS JUST EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF ITS INTAKE MANIFOLD MADE OF PLASTIC. *TR

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Sep 15, 2009180,000 milesIL

THE POSITION OF THE HORN FOR 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS IS PROBLEMATIC. THE HORN IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND PRONE TO GET WATER SPRAYED BY WHEEL IN RAINING SEASON. THIS WILL CAUSE THE RUST AND FAILURE OF THE HORN. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 24, 200967,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT IS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 2, 2009VA

THE CAR MAKE A LOUD CRACKLE SOUND WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, AND ALSO MY TRANSMISSION STARTING ACTING UP. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASE IT FROM AND THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND I HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF AND TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SO THE DEALER LIED TO ME AND NOW MY WARRANTY RAN OUT AND THEY WON'T FIXED IT. WHAT CAN I DO. I ALSO SEE ALOT OF RECALL FOR MY CAR THAT NO ONE NEVER SENT ME INFO ABOUT. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 30, 200886,000 milesNY

1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. MILEAGE 86,000. REFER TO IDO INVESTIGATION #RQ 03-002 AND RECALL #98V-322. ON 12/27/08, THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE BALL JOINT SUDDENLY SEPARATED WHILE BEING DRIVEN, DROPPING ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT END OF VEHICLE TO THE GROUND AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE ONTO FRONT TIRE. VEHICLE CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. THANKFULLY, FAILURE OCCURRED AT A LOW SPEED, IN NO TRAFFIC - AT HIGH SPEED OR IN TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, IF NOT FATAL. I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT - YOUR OFFICE INVESTIGATED THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN THE PAST AS CITED ABOVE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR GRAND MARQUIS POLICE AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES DUE TO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I NOW KNOW THIS VEHICLE IS SUSPECT. I REQUEST THAT THE NHTSA CONSIDER REOPENING THIS INVESTIGATION BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL SERIOUSNESS/DANGER INVOLVED, AND THE MAJOR EXPENSE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS SEEMINGLY DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY. I BELIEVE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE SINCE THE TIME THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED. YOUR PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION DID NOT RULE OUT A DEFECT EXISTS, AND THAT FURTHER ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN IF WARRANTED. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER ACTION. THIS VEHICLE PASSED NYS INSPECTION ON 12/8/08. WHILE THE BALL JOINT INSPECTION IS NOT REQUIRED BY NYS TO PASS, MY MECHANIC WOULD HAVE LOOKED AT IT REGARDLESS AS A GENERAL SAFETY ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, IN THE SUMMARY REPORT, FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS AMPLE WARNING OF AN IMMINENT FAILURE OF THIS ASSEMBLY (PLEASE READ THE SU

Visibility
Filed Jul 23, 200842,000 milesFL

FIRST THE DRIVER WINDOW WENT OUT, PASSANGER, AND THEN THE BACK AND THE LOCKS GO OFF WHEN EVER THEY WANT. MY CALL HAS LOW MILES FOR THE YEAR AND IT SHOULD NOT BE ACTING THIS WAY. IF I EOULD GET INTO AN ACCIDENT I COULDNT GET OUT OF MY WINDOW IF DOOR DIDNT OPEN AND I KNOW LOTS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Jul 1, 2008163,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TAPPED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE'S BUMPER. WHILE HE AND THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE ARGUING, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD A SECOND TIME. AS A RESULT, HIS PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PANEL. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED ONTO A SIDE STREET WHERE IT WILL BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT THERE IS NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED. HE REFERENCED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (EA03012 SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE PROGRAM EXPIRED IN 2007. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed May 6, 200882,900 milesLA

I WAS DRIVING MY FATHER'S 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AT 35 MPH. I NOTICED A CAR PULL UP BESIDE ME WITH THE DRIVER WAIVING FRANTICALLY. I ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOW AND HE TOLD ME MY CAR WAS "POURING WATER". I LOOKED AT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND IT HAD RISEN. MANAGED TO MAKE IT THE FIVE OR SO BLOCKS TO THE HOUSE AND RAISED THE HOOD. STEAM CAME OUT. FILLED WITH WATER AND TOOK TO A LOCAL SHOP ON MONDAY MORNING TO FIND OUT THE CAR HAD A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. REPAIR BILL FOR INTAKE WAS $800 WITH MORE TO COME AS NOW IT HAS NOISY LIFTERS. THERE WAS A RECALL AND CLASS ACTION SUIT AS MY 1997 COUGAR HAD 3 INTAKES REPLACED, ONE THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED UNDER RECALL. THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE OTHER TWO BUT THEY SENT ME THE SAME FAULTY PART ON THE SECOND GO ROUND. ON MY CAR AND THIS GRAND MARQUIS, MILEAGE WAS RIGHT AT 80,000 ON FIRST OCCURRENCE. MY PARENTS NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON THIS CAR BUT DID RECEIVE NOTICE OF THE CLASS ACTION SUIT. THE KEPT THE NOTICE OF THE SUIT IN THEIR FILE BUT DID NOT RESPOND AS THEY NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND THOUGHT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATES THEY "CANNOT HELP". THE RECALL WAS FOR SEVEN YEARS, UNLIMITED MILEAGE FROM FEB 2008. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THEIR FAULTY PARTS REGARDLESS. IN CERTAIN INSTANCES AND DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE RESULTS COULD BE DEVASTATING, NOT TO MENTION THE BILL FOR ALL THE REPAIRS. BELIEVE ME, ON BOTH CARS, REPAIRS DID NOT STOP AT THE REPLACING OF THE

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2008111,000 milesIL

THE 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS HAD STARTED RUNNING A LITTLE ROUGH, AND BEING ON A VERY FIXED INCOME I HOPED AND PRAYED NOTHING WAS TOO BADLY WRONG WITH IT. THE MANIFOLD FAILED ON THE WAY TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I LOST ALL THE COOLANT FROM THE CRACKED PLASTIC MANIFOLD. I HAD TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD,DUE TO THE 3 INCH CRACK IN IT AND ALL THE RELATED GASKETS AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT. I STILL HAVE THE MANIFOLD AND THE OUTRAGEOUS BILL THAT WENT WITH IT!!!!!!! *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 17, 2008190,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY BETWEEN 1-5 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL. THE CONTACTS WIFE WAS PINNED TO ANOTHER VEHICLE ALREADY IN THE GARAGE. HER RIGHT ARM, BOTH KNEES, AND BOTH HIPS WERE INJURED. SHE HAD A CUT ABOVE HER LEFT EYE, WHICH WAS CLOSED COMPLETELY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 190,000. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF MCKINNEY INCIDENT REPORT. UPDATED 04/16/08 *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 5, 2008MO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007; HOWEVER, THEY DISCONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS. WHEN DECEMBER ARRIVED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. WHEN MARCH ARRIVED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE OF 2008. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 04/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER WITHIN 1 WEEK OF THE COMPLAINT. UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 29, 200865,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING BECAUSE THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS THE CRACKED MANIFOLD. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Feb 22, 200839,900 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE STUCK ON ICE AT 1 MPH. THE CONTACT SLID INTO A CURB AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE'S MAINTENANCE WAS UP-TO-DATE. THE ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT PANEL PARKING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACTUAL BRAKE FAILURE. FORD WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY APPRECIATED HER SUGGESTION. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY HELP IN THE DESIGN OF FUTURE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,965. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 6, 2008TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE CONTACT IS DISSATISFIED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. EACH TIME HE CALLS FORD, THEY GIVE HIM A DIFFERENT TIME AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL ARRIVE. THE CONTACT IS DISABLED AND NEEDS THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,200.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 5, 2008AZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. HE SPOKE WITH THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE PART WAS STILL UNAVAILABLE. COMPLAINT NUMBER 1400372637 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN, AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 3/11/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HER THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED AS OF YET. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART STILL IS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03-11-08 *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 1, 2008OH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED, BUT HE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY UPDATES REGARDING A REPAIR DATE. THE CONTACT IS DISSATISFIED ABOUT THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 283,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 1, 2008FL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. HE IS REQUESTING THAT FORD GIVE HIM AN APPROXIMATE DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jan 21, 200863,900 milesCO

VEHICLE HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES JUST BOUGHT THE CAR. ONE EVENING CAR LOST ALL ANTIFREEZE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED . THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE GRAND MARQUIS . BUT EVERY FORD BUILT WITH THE SAME INTAKE HAS BEEN RECALLED. THE NEW PART COST 230 AND IS BUILT DIFFERENTLY OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL IS A FAULTY SETUP. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 21, 2008OK

PER YOUR REQUEST, OUR CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED IN SEPT OF 2007..WE STILL CANNOT GET THE NEW PART.... *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 14, 2008AZ

EXTENDED DELAY IN PROVIDING REPAIRS REQUIRED IN RECALL NOTIFICATION. - IN AUGUST OF 2007 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION 05S28 TO REPLACE A FUSED HARNESS IN THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CIRCUIT ON MY 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR, I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WOULDN'T BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. WHEN I CALLED IN MID-JANUARY I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SOMETIME POSSIBLE IN APRIL. I BELIEVE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AFTER HAVING NOTIFIED EVERYONE TO COME IN AND HAVE THEIR CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED, BELIEVE THAT THEY NO ARE SUBJECT TO ANY LIABILITY AND FOR ECONOMIC REASONS HAVE DELAYED MAKING THE PARTS AND PROCEEDING WITH THIS REPAIR. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD INCUR A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PENALTY TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE THIS RECALL NOTIFICATION SERIOUSLY. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jan 10, 2008IL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007, AND IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007. THE CONTACT CALLED AGAIN IN DECEMBER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH HAS NOT BEEN DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF UPDATED 03/04/08 *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 9, 2008MN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. AS OF JANUARY 9, 2008, THE PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 9, 200876,688 milesWA

SUDDENLY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILST ON HIGHWAY. I HAD CHECKED THE FLUID TWO WEEKS PRIOR AND IT WAS FINE. DIAGNOSED AS BRAKE ABRASION OF THE FRONT BRAKES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jan 7, 200880,000 milesNE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IN THE COURSE OF A YEAR, THE VEHICLE LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE SPORADICALLY. JUST RECENTLY, THE MANIFOLD CRACKED COMPLETELY AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM HOLDING ANY ANTI-FREEZE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THE REPAIR WILL COST $600. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF UPDATED

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 2, 2008100,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CONTROL. WHEN THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH, THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE HORN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FEE TO RECONNECT THE HORN WAS $45.00; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DIDN'T REQUIRE THE CONTACT TO PAY THE FEE. FORD IS UNABLE TO GIVE THEM A DATE WHEN THE PARTS FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 02-25-08 *BF

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jan 2, 2008130,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE, AS A RESULT, LEAKED ANTIFREEZE AND ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 MILES.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 26, 2007PA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000) IN AUGUST OF 2007. AS OF DECEMBER 26, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL OR REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB

Complaints 1-50 of 316, 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
1997 — this page316560Above average
19962396192Fatalities reported
1995179753Fatalities reported
19941563202Fatalities reported
19931443180Routine
19922553271Fatalities reported
1991822140Routine
199056150Routine

Compare every Grand Marquis year →

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis: questions buyers ask

Is the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid: owners filed 316 complaints, 2.0 times as many as a typical Grand Marquis year. The most common complaint is about the engine (38%).

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?

The engine: 121 of the 316 complaints (38%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (28%), overheats (19%) and smokes or smells of burning (9%). The typical report comes at 80,072 miles.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 6, 2015. The largest, 07V336000, covered 3,600,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 80,800 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 80,072 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?

Yes, 7 times. The latest, DP05005 ("SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD"), was opened Sep 22, 2005 and closed Jan 4, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?

The manufacturer filed 133 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (23), the engine (19) and the brakes (11). They include a service campaign, 04B26, filed Feb 28, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Oct 6, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.