1998 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. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

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.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXAMINING HIS VEHICLE AT HIS RESIDENCE, HE NOTICED THE FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO EXPRESSWAY FORD OF MOUNT VERNON (3800 HIGHWAY 62 E, MOUNT VERNON, IN 47620) ON MAY 30 2020, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT SHOCKS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,400.

CRACKED AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD ALLOWING IT TO OVER HEAT AND MESSING UP MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FR380 TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES HAD PREMATURE BLISTERS AND TREAD DETERIORATION. THE TIRE REPAIR FACILITY (FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE, 4401 N FIRST AVE, EVANSVILLE, IN 47710, (812) 618-3542) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT A SIMILAR TIRE MODEL HAD BEEN RECALLED, BUT NOT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE TIRES BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE FACILITY. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,784.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK OUT AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE COILS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

AUTOZONE- VALUCRAFT BRAND- BALL JOINTS PART NUMBER VFA2101 I RECENTLY HAD MY BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND I HAD A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINT FASTENING HARDWARE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE CITY ROAD IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT 45 MPH. IT CAUSED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE AND IT ALSO ALMOST CAUSE ME GREAT INJURY. I SUSPECT AUTOZONE IS USING LOW GRADE NUTS CAUSE THE NUT THAT WAS ON THE BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF CAUSING ME TO BEND A CONTROL ARM, CRACK MY FRAME, BLOW A TIRE, ALL WHILE BARELY MISSING A TELEPHONE POLE. HAD I BEEN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT I COULD HAVE FLIPPED MY CAR, GOT PULLED UNDER A SEMI, CROSS THE MEDIAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND SO ON. I WOULD LIKE FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO BE STARTED ON THEIR POOR ENGINEERING CHOICES AND A RECALL TO BE STARTED. ITS JUST NOT FOR THE SAFETY OF ME BUT FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE. I DO HAVE ALL DAMAGE PICTURES AND PICTURES OF THE FAILURE POINT. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE NUT IN QUESTION COMPARED TO ANOTHER COMPETITORS BRAND AND THERE IS A NOTICEABLE SIZE DIFFERENCE AND HARDNESS DIFFERENCE. THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED 9/26/2015 AND FAILED ON 4/25/2016. AUTOZONE PART NUMBER VFA2101. MY BELIEF IS THE NUT IS A LOWER GRADE WHEN IT SHOULD BE A GRADE 8 NUT. I SAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BECAUSE THE AUTO BODY SHOPS AROUND ME SAID THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE FRAME BECAUSE ITS A LIABILITY AND WOULD RECOMMEND A NEW FRAME TO BE PUT UNDER THE VEHICLE ESSENTIALLY TOTALING MY CAR OUT CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS TO REPLACE MY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS INOPERATIVE IN PARK OR DRIVE, BULBS & WIRING CHECKS GOOD, 25 AMP FUSE WAS BLOWN, BUT REPLACED FUSE CAUSED NO CHANGE.

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE HEADLIGHTS GOES OUT, THAN ON, AND OUT. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE DRIVING WITH KIDS.

I OBSERVED A COOLANT LEAK AROUND THE THERMOSTAT. I FOUND THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD TO BE CRACKED AROUND THE THERMOSTAT AND LEAKING COOLANT. I MADE CONTACT WITH MERCURY AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD IN WHICH THEY WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE PART AT NO CHARGE DURING THE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE SAFETY RECALL AND HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 04/17/02 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED FROM A MERCURY DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NO LONGER HONOR THIS RECALL ALTHOUGH THERE ARE STILL THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF THESE ENGINES STILL ON THE ROAD. THE ALL PLASTIC MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED WITH AN INTAKE MANIFOLD WITH AN ALUMINUM CROSSOVER CHANNEL FOR THE COOLANT. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART OUT-OF-POCKET AT A COST OF $800. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE HAD I NOT BEEN FRIENDS WITH THE MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD 102,281 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *TR

VEHICLE STARTED TO BUCK AND WHEN I PULLED MY VEHICLE OVER I LIFTED THE HOOD. I FOUND ANTI-FREEZE FLOWING ON THE TOP OF MY ENGINE. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL GARAGE & THEY TOLD ME THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THERE'S A RECALL ON THIS PART. WHEN I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART, BUT IT'S ONLY FOR POLICE AND FLEET VEHICLES ONLY. NOW THAT THIS WAS SAID TO ME, I WAS TOLD BY MY GARAGE IT WOULD COST ME $1000 TO FIX. SOMETHING I DON'T HAVE. FORD WAS NOT VERY COOPERATIVE ABOUT MY SITUATION AND I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED. *TR

WHILE DRIVING OR BACKING AT SLOW SPEEDS THIS VEHICLE(WHICH HAS VERY VERY LOW MILES) MAKES LOUD,BANGING,POUNDING,BINDING NOISES AND SOUNDS LIKE THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL OFF. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND IS NOT NORMAL FOR ANY CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILES 15 YEARS OLD OR NOT. I HAVE GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME OR A SIMILAR ISSUE. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN BY AN OLDER COUPLE AKA MY GRANDPARENTS WHO BOUGHT IT NEW IN 98' AND THEY BOTH PASSED AWAY IN 2012. THIS MAY BE IN PART DUE TO THE "DOUBLE WISHBONE" SUSPENSION WHICH I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. I AM EXTRA UPSET AS I SAID DUE THE FACT THAT THIS CAR HAS ONLY HAD AN AVERAGE OF JUST OVER 2,000 MILES ANNUALLY AND WAS TREATED VERY WELL. THE CAR LOOKS LIKE NEW BUT SCARES ME HALF TO DEATH WHEN I HEAR THIS UNMISTAKABLE LOUD SOUND OF BROKEN,BINDING,LOOSE OR DEFECTIVE PARTS. I AM ABLE TO REPAIR IT BUT WAS HOPING THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO THE SAME STORY BEING POSTED OVER AND OVER. THIS CAR,EITHER MODEL THE GS OR LS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IF YOU ARE A PROSPECTIVE BUYER,PLEASE DRIVE THE CAR SLOWLY THEN TURN IN REVERSE AND IF IT EXISTS THE PROBLEM WILL SOUND OFF IMMEDIATELY. IF BACKING OUT WITH A VERY SLIGHT CURB,THE CAR WILL SOUND MUCH WORSE.FORD IS NOT KNOWN FOR ITS FRONT ENDS OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT ITS CARS AND TRUCKS FRONT ENDS ARE EITHER NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO ALIGN AND/OR ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN ANY OT

DURING NORMAL DRIVING NOTICED A SQUEAKING AND GROANING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END OF CAR. STEERING HAS BECOME LOOSE AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THE BALL JOINTS,SHOCKS,BUSHINGS ARE DRY AND THAT THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE LUBRICATED BECAUSE IT IS SEALED. SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITE REGARDING THESE SAME ISSUES. I HAVE BEEN WARNED THAT THE TIRES COULD FALL OFF AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 01/13/12*LJ UPDATED 01/19/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOMING NOISE FROM INSIDE HIS HOME. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

MY 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS HEADLIGHTS AS WELL AS TAILIGHTS FAIL. DURING THIS ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING WILL START FLASHING ON AND OFF, THEN JUST COMPLETELY GO OFF, AS WELL AS THE LIGHTS ON THE DOORS AND LIGHT AROUND THE DASH CONTROLS SUCH AS (AC BUTTONS AN KNOBS) THIS HAPPENED RARELY, BUT NOW IT HAPPENED EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I GOOGLED THIS AND MANY MORE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, IT SEEMS AS IF ITS COMMON IN THESE VEHICLES. ON THE FORUMS SOME SAY A LIGHT CONTROL BOX NEEDS REPLACING, AND THEN SOME SAY A HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE NEEDS REPLACING. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE FILED FOR THE REPLACING OF THE BAD PART CAUSING THIS ISSUE. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO SOMEONE IF THIS HAPPENS ON A DARK WINDY ROAD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE RADIATOR WAS FLUSHED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BECAUSE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DESIGNED USING PLASTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,950.

VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPLETELY GAVE OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE APPROXIMATE STARTING TIME TO THIS PROBLEM, WHEN THE COMPRESSOR WAS ACTING UP, WAS BACK IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010. THE CAR SITS SO LOW TO THE GROUND NOW THAT I WILL HAVE TO GET RID OF IT ALTOGETHER (EITHER HAVE A JUNK YARD BUY IT OR GET RID OF IT AS A PARTS CAR), AS IT'S UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE, LET ALONE HAVE MY DAUGHTER IN. ALSO, I'M A POOR MOTHER, UNEMPLOYED, WHO DEFINITELY CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE LARGE COSTS OF GETTING THIS FIXED. IN TALKING TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM, IT'S EITHER THE COMPRESSOR HAS GONE BAD, A WIRING PROBLEM, OR A PROBLEM WITH THE ON/OFF SWITCH IN THE TRUNK. *TR

1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER STATES FAULTY REAR BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES FIRMLY, BUT NOT HARD, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD STRIKING A SIGN AND DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER LATER DISCOVERED THE BRAKES WERE SPONGY AND FAILED TO EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE SPONGY BRAKES WERE NORMAL. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY RESTORED THE BRAKES BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION. *JB

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD IN MY 1998 GRAND MARQUIS HAS CRACKED RESULTING IN ENGINE COOLANT FLUID LEAK AND ENGINE FAILURE. IT IS BEING REPAIRED TODAY. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS OCCURS BECAUSE OF THE MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE CAR IS IN OTHERWISE VERY GOOD CONDITION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE ON HE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. WHILE EXAMINING THE ENGINE HE ALSO NOTICED THAT ANTI-FREEZE WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

I HAVE HAD ALL OF MY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FIXED, THE ALTERNATOR,THE REGULATOR,ALL THE PIG-TAILS,AND A NEW BATTERY. I AM STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT COMING ON. I HAVE PAID OUT ALOT OF MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM A TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND I TOW ALOT OF VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL FOR THE SAME REASON. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE END ROD WAS DISENGAGED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

DURING NORMAL DRIVING, HEARD EXTREMELY ALARMING LOUD CREAKING, SQUEAKING NOISES FROM FRONT END. STEERING BECAME SLOPPY AND ERRATIC. TOOK IT TO R&R AUTOMOTIVE IN LEX. PK. MD AND HAD COMPLETE FRONT END REPLACED, DUE TO WORN OUT BALL JOINTS, IDLER ARMS, PITMAN ARMS, TIE RODS, SWAY BAR ENDS WHICH COULD NOT BE LUBRICATED. REPLACED WITH THOSE EQUIPPED WITH GREASE FITTINGS. $1750.00 *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. AFTER DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HER VEHICLE, BUT THEY WOULD NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE IT WAS ONLY GOOD FOR SEVEN YEARS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER AND PAID $850 FOR THE REPAIR. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS A DEFECT THAT FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

MY 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS AT SLOW SPEED HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD END FAIL AND FALL OFF CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. THIS HAPPENED AT A SLOW SPEED LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT. CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER. REPLACED ALL FOUR TIE ROD ENDS. COST $400.00. CAR HAD 50,000 MILES , THIS WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. THIS IS A SEALED UNIT REQUIRING NO GREASE OR MAINTENANCE. I REPLACED WITH GREASED TIE RODENDS.I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED PART. *TR

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKING COOLANT AROUND THERMOSTAT AREA THAT SQUIRTS OUT UNDER DRIVING CONDITIONS AND POOLS AROUND FUEL INJECTION AND CONTAMINATES ELECTRONICS AND SERPENTINE BELT AND PULLEYS. COULD LEAK TO OVERHEATING AND ENGINE FAILURE . POOR DRIVING CONDITION. *AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, AN UNIDENTIFIED NOISE WAS HEARD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE REAR WHEELS SPUN. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND THE LINKAGE WAS LAYING ON THE DRIVE WAY, AND THE FRONT WHEEL WAS STILL POINTED STRAIGHT AND RESPONDED TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 11/30/2006 -THE FAILURE WAS THE TIE ROD END WHICH FAILED DUE TO LACK OF GREASE. THE GREASE FITTING COULD NOT BE GREASED. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLS AS ACCELERATION WAS SLUGGISH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE PUMPED TO INCREASE SPEED. AT OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY FOR NO REASON AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD HAVE TO BE PUMPED BEFORE THE SPEED WOULD REDUCE TO NORMAL. WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, ON A DRY PAVED ROAD IN CLEAR CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT VEERED LEFT TO AVOID A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE DIRECTLY AHEAD AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW OR STOP. THE VEHICLE ENTERED A FOUR WAY STOP INTERSECTION AND STRUCK THE PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, THAT WAS PASSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT (20 YEARS OLD) WAS INJURED AND THERE WAS ONE FATALITY (AGED 79). A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AND AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED. A FENCE AND PALM TREE WERE DAMAGED, AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE NAME AND ADDRESS LISTED IS FOR THE ATTORNEY OF THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS JOSE GARCES, OF P.O. BOX 126, DONNA TEXAS.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AFTER IT WAS PUT IN TO PARK. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND NOT SOMETHING CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. UPDATED 8/16/2006 - *NM

1998 GRAND MARQUIS OVERHEATED AND MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING. *TS *JB

DT: THE CALLER SAID HER CAR BURNED UP IN 2000. NOW SHE IS FINDING OUT ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CRUISE CONTROL FIRES. SHE BELIEVES THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED. AT THE TIME SHE WAS TOLD TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY SAID TO CALL MANUFACTURER, AND SHE WAS GETTING THE RUN AROUND. SHE SAW ON CNN AND THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT THE CURRENT PROBLEM THEY ARE HAVING AND WANTED SOMEONE TO HELP HER. THERE IS A FIRE REPORT. *AK THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DASH AREA. *SC *JB

1) NORMAL DRIVING USAGE; 2) PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, OVERHEATING CAR; 3) PART WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED $590 FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *AK

FALIURE HAS NOT HAPPENED YET BUT HAS THE POTENTIAL WITH ALL OF THE OTHER 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS ARE DEFECTIVE FROM FORD AND CAUSE COOLANT LOSS. THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. RECALL APPLYING TO FLEET VEHICLES SHOULD APPLY TO PRIVATE USE VEHICLES AS WELL. AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS BETWEEN 700-1000 DOLLARS.

WHILE DRIVING 18 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD BROKE. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING FAILED. NO IMPACT REPORTED.*AK DEALER REPLACED PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE OUTER TIE ROD END, AND PASSENGER SIDE INNER TIE ROD AND SLEEVE. *TT

THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE SQUEAKING DUE TO DRYNESS,WHICH CONSUMER HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT THEY CAN BREAK AND CAUSE THE WHEELS TO FALL OFF.*AK

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *NM EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST GARAGE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT SERVICE BULLETIN 12950 AS ISSUED IN 1999 IDENTIFYING A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. SINCE THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY HE WAS FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *NM

ELECTRICAL SHORT ON 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. POWER BRAKES AND STEERING NOT OPERABLE WHEN ENGINE STALLS. CANNOT RESTART ENGINE WHEN CONDITION OCCURS. CAR TOWED ALL THREE TIMES. PROBLEM DOCUMENTED IN FORD SERVICE BULLITIN 12950. PROBLEM OCCURED 3 TIMES: NOVEMBER 2003 OCTOBER 2004 NOVEMBER 2004. *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER USED A STARTER BATTERY KIT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE OR CONTACTED AAA TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE AAA REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT THE STALLING MAY BE DUE TO ENGINE MOTOR FAILURE. DEALERSHIP AND SEARS RETAIL STORE PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. ALSO , THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THIS FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED REAR END COLLISION.*AK OWNER IS AN EX PHILADELPHIA EAGLE FOOTBALL PLAYER NAMED CURTIS BUNCH-BLACK. *TC

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. THIS CAUSED THE LOSS OF STEERING AND THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CHARGED $750.00, AND PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

1. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON CONSTANTLY. 2. LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK FOR A WHILE THEN REMAIN ON AGAIN. THE CAR SUDDENLY KILLED IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION (WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WITH NO SHOULDER) 3. PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. WE WERE ADVISED THAT THIS PART BREAKS OFTEN AND IN FACT A RECALL WAS ISSUED BUT ONLY ON POLICE CARS! THE AVERAGE CONSUMER IS LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES FOR THIS EXPENSIVE PART. A PIECE OF PLASTIC COSTING UPWARDS OF $500 ONLY FOR THE PART. UPON REPLACEMENT WE WERE TOLD BY OUR MECHANIC THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM PART IN THESE VEHICLES; AND WHEN THE PART WAS RECEIVED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT FORD HAD CHANGED THE CONSTRUCTION TO INCLUDE METAL( IN THE AREA THAT USUALLY BREAKS) IN WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY AN ALL PLASTIC PART. WE DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PART, AND I DON'T SUSPECT THAT THE MECHANIC KEPT IT EITHER.*AK

PROBLEMS WITH INTAKE MANIFOLD BEING CRACKED. *MR THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE SAME RECALLS FOR THE CROWN VICTORIA'S AND THUNDERBIRD'S SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO THE MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BECAUSE THEY WERE MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME COMPANY. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MONIES SPENT FOR REPAIR. *SC

CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM BUT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *PH THE CONSUMER HAD TO ANTI-FREEZE TO THE VEHICLE ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE 4.6L V8 ENGINES. THE MANUFACTURER USED CARBON FIBER INTAKE MANIFOLDS ON THE ENGINES. DUE TO THE HEAT, THE CARBON FIBER INTAKE WOULD CRACK WHICH CAUSED A LOST OF COOLANT. THE CONSUMER TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT ON;Y FOR POLICE VEHICLE'S. *JB

LTR FM LOUIS HETTINGER(KY) OWNER OF A 1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 4-DOOR VEHICLE QUESTION IF VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE OF FAST IDLE. *MR THE IAC VALVE WAS REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE BUT DID NOT HELP THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THERE WERE OTHER CONSUMERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. (THERE WAS A FAST IDLE UPON START UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN AT SHORT NOTICE. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE) *SCC *JB

PROBLEMS WITH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS.*MR THE PARTS WERE REPLACED, SOME OF THEM TWICE. FORD PUT UNGREASED PARTS ON. EVENTUALLY THEY DRIED OUT AGAIN AND STARTED SQUEAKING. IF NOT REPLACED THEY WOULD POSSIBLY BREAK WHICH COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. *PH THE FRONT BRAKES WERE RESURFACED. *JB

DEALER REPLACED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AT 49000 MILES AT COST $1,800 TO THE CONSUMER. *AK