1999 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. 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.

My significant other and I were in an accident on the interstate. The airbags deployed and the seat belts failed to lock in place.

The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle had a leaking intake manifold. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

MY HEADLIGHTS, HAZARDS, AND TURN SIGNALS ALL JUST RANDOMLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THEY HAVE NOT COME BACK ON SINCE. AFTER READING FORUMS I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE LCM BUT MY YEAR MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE DATES BACK FARTHER THAN 2000 AND FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND RECALL MORE OF THESE LCM COMPONENTS.

WHILE DRIVING PINS IN STEERING COULM BECAME LOSSE AND CAUSED CAR TO SHUT OFF WHILE AT STOP LIGHT HAD TO TOW TO SERVICE SHOP; HAD FOUND COMMON FORD ISSUE WITH LOOSE STEERING PINS IN 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS SHOULD BE RECALL VERY DANGEROUS TO HAPPEN TO SOME CAST IS $300 PLUS TAX AND TOW I FEEL FORD OUWES ME TO THIS THAT BUILT THIS CAR NOT ME ITS COST AS MUCH AS A DECENT USED CAR TO DAY I WOULD LIKE FORD TO OFFFER ME HELP; WITH THERE PAST ISSUES WITH CARS

ON THE 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS 4.6 L V8 THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND BUSTED WIDE OPEN CAUSING ALL THE COOLANT / ANTIFREEZE TO POUR OUT. FROM WHAT I GATHER THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS YEARS AGO AND THEY MADE A DIFFERENT INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH WAS ALUMINUM FOR THE PART THAT THE THERMOSTAT GOES INTO AND THE REST OF IT WAS PLASTIC. IF THIS ISN'T CAUGHT IN TIME AND ALL THE FLUID LEAKS OUT IT WILL COMPLETELY DESTROYING YOUR ENGINE ALSO. MINE CRACKED WHILE IT WAS IN PARK JUST RUNNING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I WENT TO TURN MY HEADLIGHTS ON. NO HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, DASH LIGHTS, HAZARD FLASHERS OR DOME LIGHT. THE 2003-2005 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME THING WITH THE LCM FAILING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A PART OF THE MANIFOLD WAS MISSING THE THERMOSTAT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT WENT TO BILL MACDONALD FORD (1200 S CARNEY DR, ST CLAIR, MI 48079, (810) 329-6601) AND WAS INFORMED THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

WE OWN THREE MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, LOVE THE CARS HOWEVER ALL THREE( 2000, 1999 AND SECOND 1999 ALL INTEMITANTLY LOOSE HEADLIGHTS WHEN HIGH BEAMS ARE ON. IF I QUICKLY GO TO LOW BEAMS I CAN SEE AGAIN...ITS LIKE THEY ARE OVERHEATING WITH THE AMP DRAW OF HIGH BEAMS AND CIRCUIT BREAKS. THIS IS WAY TOO COMMON TO BE OK. IT DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ONE GETS RATTLED WITH COMPLETE DARKNESS AT NIGHT AND HIGH SPEED. BUMPS ALSO SEAM TO SLIGHTLY AFFECT IT SOMETIMES. THIS HAPPENS ANY TIME THE GRAY 99 HAS HIGH BEAMS ON FOR ABOUT 45MINS. ONLY 10-15MINS ON BLUE 1999 AND 2000 NOT AS FREQUENT YET BUT ONLY HAS ABOUT 75K MILES, WHERE AS THE 1999 ARE 150-210 RESPECTIVELY. STARTED 5 YEARS AGO ON MY FIRST AND I JUST DID NOT USE HIGH BEAM SINCE I PURCHASE SECOND 1999 TO REPLACE FIRST AND HAD TITLE ISSUES SO BOUGHT THE 3RD 2000 AND FOUND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME FLAW!! MY CELL [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY BEGAN TO FLICKER OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM AROUND THERMOSTAT DUE TO THIS FAILURE AND LEAKING INTO COIL PACKS AND CAUSING MAJOR MISFIRE IN MOTOR. HAPPENED SUDDENLY, NO INDICATION OF LEAK PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND HAD TO CALL FOR HELP TO GET VEHICLE BACK HOME, AND NOW CAN'T DRIVE IT . COST TO FIX IS EXPENSIVE, AND THE CAR RAN GREAT UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. SOUNDED LIKE I HAS THROWN A ROD, POPPING LOUDER ON EXCELERATION, SO I IMMEDIATELY PARKED IT AND TURNED OFF THE MOTOR.

INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED (BURNED AND DISINTEGRATED IN THE AREA OF THE THERMOSTAT ) AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE . PRESENTLY THE SPEEDOMETER FAILS INTERMITTENTLY DROPPING TO ZERO AT RANDOM MOMENTS. MOST IMPORTANTLY THE LIGHTS CUT OUT INTERMITTENTLY USUALLY WHEN THE HEAT IS ON AND ON LONGER TRIPS. ALSO, MOST TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING AND COLDER. DROVE UPWARDS OF 40 MILES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS CUTTING OUT INTERMITTENTLY IN THE RAIN AND COLD, PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO RECUR BUT SEEMS TO BE RELATED POSSIBLY TO HAVING THE HEAT ON. I BELIEVE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE IS LOCATED NEAR A HEATING OUTLET AND MAY BE SUFFERING A FAILURE AS A RESULT BUT THIS IS JUST SPECULATION. ALSO, PREVIOUSLY WHEN I HAD PULLED INTO A REST AREA FOR AWHILE, AFTER COOLING DOWN, THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN RESUMED AFTER ABOUT TEN MILES WITH THE HEAT ON. I BELIEVE IT IS BEING CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE HEAT THE LCM IS SUBJECTED TO BY VIRTUE OF THE AREA IN WHICH IT IS INSTALLED. THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE IS OF MOTOROLA MANUFACTURE WITH SIEMANS RELAYS INSIDE. THE PART HAS NUMEROUS NUMBERS ON IT , MOST PROMINENTLY: XW7T-13C788-AA , 6MX2794A01, 990429A, AND LIGHTING CONTROL 95M .OTHERS ONLINE WITH SIMILAR VEHICLES (CROWN VICTORIAS) AND OF OTHER MODEL YEARS MANUFACTURED BY FORD HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THAT REPLACING THE RELAYS HAS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. I DO NOT KNOW THAT THIS PART IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM BUT SUSPECT IT AS MANY OTHERS ONLINE HAVE RE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE BOLT THAT HELD IT IN PLACE WAS LOOSE AND CAUSED THE CARTER KEY TO FAIL TO HOLD THE BOLT IN PLACE. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT NECK DETACHED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP ABRUPTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A WHIP LASH THAT REQUIRED A MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT WHO WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT ON FREEWAY AND COULD NOT BE TURNED ON AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS AND VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND UNSAFE. *TR

SEAT BELTS FRONT BOTH SIDES,NOTHING BUT THE RETRACTER STICKS,SLOW MOVING LAP&SHOLD. STEERING SHAFT SEPARATES,RATTLES WHEN HITTING BUMPS HARD.

THE PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BEAT COMES UNDONE AT TIMES AND THE SPEED SENSOR WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND IT LEAKS GAS FROM AROUND THE FUEL PUMP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD ACTIVATE AND DEACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 133,596.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CHANGED LANES AND THE STEERING BECAME ERRATIC. UPON EXAMINATION, THE IDLER ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING LINK ARM. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY PASSED A SAFETY INSPECTION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PARTS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

THE 3/4 KEY ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR RANDOMLY QUIT WORKING. EVERY OTHER BUTTON STILL WORKS, AND WHEN ANY BUTTON OTHER THAN THE 3/4 KEY IS PRESSED, THE KEYPAD LIGHTS UP. MY KEY CODE INCLUDES THE 3/4 KEY THOUGH, SO I CANNOT USE THIS KEYPAD TO UNLOCK MY VEHICLE OR TRUNK. HOWEVER THE KEYPAD LIGHTS UP ON ITS OWN, WHICH CAUSES MY EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. THESE LIGHTS CYCLE ON FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS AND TURN OFF FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I HAD TO REMOVE MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY WOULD DRAIN THE BATTERY. IF I AM PARKING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, I HAVE TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY SO THE LIGHTS WILL NOT DRAIN IT. THE FORD DEALER CHECKED FOR A RECALL ON THE LCM, BUT THE RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT THE 1999 MODEL. *TR

MY CAR WAS IN DRIVE AT A BUSINESS TRAFFIC INTERSECTION DRIVE WAY ON A SLIGHT HILL WITH THE BRAKES ON WHEN THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR STARTED TO REVERSE WHILE STILL IN DRIVE. I HAD TO PUT CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO STOP IT. I CHECKED AND THE SHIFT LEVER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. MY CAR HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND WAS RECENTLY SERVICED WITH ALL REQUIRED SERVICES DONE. THIS REALLY SCARED ME AND I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO A CAR IF IT WAS BEHIND ME. FORD SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE HEADLIGHTS RE-ILLUMINATED AFTER ONE MINUTE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

DRIVING ON THE HWY AND THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT WITH HOT STEAM SHOOTING OUT FROM THE ENGINE AND IT ALSO HAD A STRONG COOLANT SMELL. THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL L IT HAD $1,500 IN REPAIRS FOR A KNOWN, LEAKING PLASTIC MANIFOLD ISSUE. THIS FAILED PART CRACKS AND LEAKS INTO THE HOT ENGINE AREA. AND, FORD HAD REDESIGNED THE FAILED PART. ADDITIONALLY, FORD HAD ONCE OFFERED FREE FIXES FOR A FEW MONTHS FOR POLICE CARS AND TAXI CABS WITH THE SAME ENGINES UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BUT DIDN'T TELL THE OWNERS ABOUT. THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WERE RIPPED OFF BECAUSE FORD SHOULD HAVE FIXED THIS ISSUE UNDER THE CLASS ACTION RECALL. BUT THEY DIDN'T BOTHER NOTIFY ANYONE ABOUT THE THREE MONTH RECALL WINDOW. IN CHECKING THE NHTSA RECORDS, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF US WITH THE SAME REPORTED PROBLEM. PLEASE TAKE SOME CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR US. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 4.6 LITER ENGINE FOUND TO BE CRACKED AND LEAKING COOLANT. THE LOSS OF COOLANT RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE BECOMING DISABLED AND/OR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LEAKING COOLANT IS ALSO TOXIC TO CHILDREN AND ANIMALS, AS THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE IN CONTACT WITH COOLANT ON THE GROUND OR GARAGE FLOOR. THIS DEFECTIVE PART (PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD) WAS IDENTIFIED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS DEFECTIVE AND QUIETLY SETTLED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED. HOWEVER, FORD DID NOT CONTACT CUSTOMERS WITH THIS MODEL CAR TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE DEFECTIVE PART OR TO OFFER RESOLUTION. EARLIER MODELS OF THIS ENGINE (AND ALL OTHER ENGINES) USED A METAL INTAKE MANIFOLD. THESE WERE NOT PROBLEMATIC. INTAKE MANIFOLDS ARE NOT A MOVING PART OF THE VEHICLE ENGINE, AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO WARE. THE PLASTIC MATERIAL USED IN THE PROBLEM MANIFOLDS ARE NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE NORMAL TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS OF A VEHICLE ENGINE AND ARE THEREFORE PRONE TO FAILURE. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, BUT THE COMPANY HAS DECLINED TO OFFER ANY RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER. *JS

1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON MAY 29, 2012, HE PURCHASED A RE-BUILT ALTERNATOR FROM A LOCAL PARTS STORE AND INSTALLED IT HIMSELF. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED ON JULY 16, 2012, WHILE IN A PARKING LOT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STARTED SOLENOID CLICKED, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER GETTING A JUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AFTER THE CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE ALTERNATOR TO THE PARTS STORE TO HAVE IT TESTED, IN WHICH IT DID FAIL. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED ANOTHER ALTERNATOR AND ONCE IT WAS INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE RAN FOR ONLY 30 SECONDS AFTER THE JUMPER CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED, AS THE PREVIOUS ALTERNATOR. THE CONSUMER THEN PURCHASED A VOLTAGE METER AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS PUTTING OUT 11 VOLTS, INSTEAD OF 14 VOLTS, WHICH WAS NORMAL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

I WAS COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL STARTED VIBRATING AND GOING LOWER AND LOWER TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD MECHANIC THAT THE COMPUTER TESTS DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM BUT I THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WHEN YOU APPLY YOUR BRAKES AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. I HAVE ALSO TALKED TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE SOME OF THEM WHO WORK ON CARS ETC..AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, IT HAPPENS A LOT AND ON ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK SYSTEMS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN ON AND OFF WHICH IS WHY IT IS HARD TO DETECT. I WAS LUCKY IN THE FACT THAT I WAS GOING SLOW AND NOBODY WAS HURT, BUT WHAT IF THAT HAD BEEN A DIFFERENT ENDING AND IT HAD BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT? I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE AND I RESENT THE FACT THAT I WAS NOT AT FAULT FOR THIS ONE, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK!!!!! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AT ANY SPEED FROM 45-80MPH. TOOK TO A MECHANIC SAID THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. $800.00 LATER IT STILL DID IT, THEN TOOK BACK SAID THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALTHOUGH WE HAD 80,000 MILE TIRES, AND ONLY HAD 35,000 MILES PUT ON THEM. REPLACED THE TIRES FOR $600.00. STILL SHOOK, TOOK TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. DURING SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOUND CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, ANTIFREEZE AND OIL IN SPARK PLUGS, CLEANED OUT CHANGED SPARK PLUGS, RAN FINE UNTIL THE MANIFOLD LEAKED MORE COOLANT INTO THE SPARK PLUGS AND NOW WE ARE AT SQUARE ONE. RESEARCHED ONLINE FOUND A BUNCH OF PLACES SAYING IT WAS RECALLED, WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NO RECALLS. PRICE OF REPLACING THE PART WAS $615.00 IF I HAD ONE ALTERNATOR, OR $650.00 IF I HAD ANOTHER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED, THE SPEED INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 10/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND WENT INTO PASSING GEAR, FAILING TO DISENGAGE FROM CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW SWITCH, DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. UPDATED 12/19/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE WITH THE FACTORY JACK, THE JACK BENT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FALL OFF THE JACK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE AND THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. THE JACK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

WHILE DRIVING, (AT ANY SPEED)THE CAR'S ENGINE SHUT DOWN SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME I HEARD A "BEEP" AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON- CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS. AFTER A MINUTE OR SO, THE ENGINE WOULD START NORMALLY. THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN 6 TIMES ! EACH TIME I HEARD THE "BEEP" AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INCLUDING TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WITH MY NEWBORN IN THE CAR,IT JUST CUTS OFF, AND IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY AS MANY OTHER CARS ALMOST RAN INTO ME BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION, ESPECIALLY AS POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ARE LOST ON SHUT-DOWN. I AM LITERALLY AFRAID OF DRIVING MY VEHICLE AS NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP AS SOMEONE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. INCLUDING CHILDREN!....BY THE WAY, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL WEEK. *TR

I RECEIVED NOTICED OF INTAKE MANIFOLD ON FORDS PASSENGERS CARS FAILURE AND OF THE SETTLEMENT OFFERED TO REPAIR AND WARRANT SAID INTAKE MANIFOLD. AT THAT TIME I OWNED A 1999 GRAND MARQUIS LS. BEFORE GETTING SAID NOTICE I HAD TOOK MY CAR TO LANDERS FORD DEALERSHIP IN JACKSON,MS HWY 80 WEST WHERE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF FAILURE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE COST ME $879.00 WHEN I RECEIVED NOTICED OF LAWSUIT AND OR CLAIMS ON SAID INTAKEMANIFOLD I RETURNED TO THAT DEALERSHIP BUT WAS TURNED AWAY WITH NO RESOLVE SAID DEALERSHIP WENT OUT OF BUSINESS MONTHS LATER NEVER TO COMPENSATE ME FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE OR GIVING ME EXTENDED WARRANTY INFO.FORD CORPORATE OFFICE REFUSE TO HELP AFTER I EXPLAIN I HAD MY RECEIPTS TO SAID CLAIM AND GAVE ME NO LEAD WAY OF WHAT TO DO.NOW I AM STUCK WITH NO WARRANTY NO OUT OF POCKET COST AND THE SAME CAR NEEDING THE SAME WORK DONE AGAIN HERE IN 2011 FORD HANDLED THIS LAWSUIT CLAIMS VERY VERY POORLY AND INFO HAS IT THAT FORD HAS STOP MAKING THE GRAND MARQUIS AND CROWN VICTORIA. *TR

CRACKED THE AIR INTAKE ON MY 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IT WAS MADE OUT OF CHEAP PLASTIC. I HAD TO STEP ON THE THROTTLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, AND MY CAR STARTED STEAMING. COME TO FIND OUT, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. IT'S ONLY $300 FOR THE PART, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. *TR

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF MY CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT CODES READ AND IT INDICATED THAT TWO CYLINDERS WERE MISFIRING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SERVICE SHOP TO HAVE THE SPARK PLUGS CHANGED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD DEVELOPED A CRACK WHICH WAS ALLOWING COOLANT FLUID INSIDE THE MANIFOLD CAVITY AND THIS IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE CAR IS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH A 4.6 LTR. ENGINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL AND TENDS TO CRACK NEXT TO THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY CAR CRACKED. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THE FORD MOTOR CO. ISSUED A RECALL BULLETIN TO THEIR FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS IN DECEMBER 2001 ADVISING THEM OF THE DEFECT. SUBSEQUENTLY, CERTAIN FAVORED FLEET OWNERS OF MERCURY MARQUIS AND FORD CROWN VICTORIA AUTOMOBILES (POLICE, LIMO AND TAXI COMPANIES) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. "CIVILIAN" OWNERS WERE EXCLUDED. I OWNED MY MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS AT THAT TIME AND WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. MY EXCLUSION FROM THE RECALL NOTIFICATION RESULTED IN MY BEING EXPOSED TO THE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OF THE CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD, AS WELL AS THE INCONVENIENCE AND CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE OF HAVING TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD REPLACED. BECAUSE OF THE SELECTIVE RECALL THAT FORD MOTOR CO. MADE REGARDING DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD, A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED AGAINST FORD MOTOR CO. ON BEHALF OF EXCLUDED OWNERS AND FORD MOTOR CO. H

FATIGUE CRACKING OF THE COOLANT CROSSOVER PASSAGE OF THE ALL NYLON-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON OUR 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. (VIN # [XXX]). COMPONENT HAS FAILED, RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT, COSTING $888.00 COMPONENT WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL (HTTP://FORDMANIFOLDSETTLEMENT.COM/NOTICE.HTML). CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE PHONE LINE. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO COMPENSATE US OR THIS REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

PROBLEM: INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH 1999 (1998 YEAR OF MANUFACTURE) MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. LIGHTS GO OFF FOR AS LONG AS 2-3 SECONDS AND COME BACK ON AGAIN FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THEN GO OFF AGAIN, THEN BACK ON AGAIN, ETC--AND ONLY OCCURS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 20-30 MINUTES. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE, ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, WITH THIS VERY SAME VEHICLE AND I SOLVED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE DASH. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO HEADLIGHT-RELATED RECALL* FOR THIS PARTICULAR MERCURY AND THE COST TO DIG DEEPER INTO THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM BY THE MERCURY DEALERSHIP WILL BE THEREFORE AT MY EXPENSE. THE CHEAPEST REPAIR COST SCENARIO AT THE DEALERSHIP IS OVER $300. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, NOT TO MENTION NOW THE SECOND TIME. *SEE: NHTSC RECALL # 99V103 MERCURY MYSTIQUE (1998 YEAR OF MANUFACTURE). *TR

WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE MANIFOLD DEFECT AND RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. OUR CAR IS A 1999 GRAND MARQUIS WITH CRACKED MANIFOLD INTAKE. WE TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANNOT DO ANY WARRANTY ADJUSTMENTS SINCE THE DEADLINE WAS EXHAUSTED. WE CALLED SUMMER OF 2009 TO LET THEM BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THOUGH THEY WERE NICE, THEY WERE STILL FIRM ON DENYING US REPAIR OR ADJUSTMENTS UNDER THE LAW SUIT AND RECALL. NOW WHAT DO WE DO SINCE WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION NOR WERE WE AWARE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. HE COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 30-35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS BECAUSE OF A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE REPLACEMENTS OF A METAL INTAKE MANIFOLD AND SPARK PLUGS. THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE SERVICE REPAIR, HE EXPERIENCED ROUGH IDLING WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE COLD. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO REMEDY WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,300. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS TOYO SPECTRUM, P/225/60/R16 ON A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING HE WOULD HEAR ROARING COMING FROM THE TIRES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE ABNORMAL TREAD WEAR. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED. HOWEVER HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 18,000.

CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD ON A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH ONLY 52000 MILES ON IT. COST $1200 TO REPAIR. WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL. 52000 MILES IS ONLY ABOUT 4.3 YEARS OF ACTUAL USE. IT IS UNFAIR THAT LOW MILEAGE DRIVERS SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR CONSERVING ENERGY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE. THE DEALER CHARGED $100 FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS AFRAID THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THEY FELT THAT THE COMPLAINT WAS UNIMPORTANT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, STALLED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE ALSO BEGAN TO LOOSE COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,500.

1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS 4.6L (1) DROVE VEHICLE IN A NORMAL WAY, COMMUTING FROM HOME TO WORK DAILY. NO SPEEDING. IN THE MORNINGS PROPERLY WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES TO WARM UP THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE PRIOR TO DRIVING. KEPT PROPER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BY FORD/MERCURY DEALERSHIP. NEVER BROUGHT UP TO MY ATTENTION OF THE POSSIBLE DEFAULT THIS PART MAY CAUSE DOWN THE LINE. HAD A COMPLETE COOLANT FLUSH FOR RADIATOR. REPLACED WITH NEW COOLANT. (2) MISFIRE IN CYLINDERS 6 + 2. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. SMALL AMOUNTS OF COOLANT LEAKAGE ONTO TOP PART OF ENGINE, PROFUSELY AROUND THE SPARK PLUG CHAMBERS. COOLANT COME IN CONTACT WITH ALTERNATOR AFFECTING CHECK BATTERY LIGHT TO GO ON. VEHICLE SHOWED SIGNS OF INTENSE SHAKING AT IDLE AND AT NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITHIN 1 HR AFTER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE IS A 199 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS 4.6L. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN W/O BEING EXTREMELY SHAKY WHILE DRIVING. HESITATION PRESENT. ON COLD DAYS, SMALL PRESENCE OF COOLANT TRACES WERE FOUND INSIDE THE SPARK-PLUG PITS ALONG SIDE THE IGNITION COILS AND AT TIMES SMALL VAPOR CAME FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE NOTICED FROM INSIDE THE DRIVER'S SEAT COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOOD CAUSING CONCERN. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING FROM THE FOLLOWING FORD PARTS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.1AAUTO.COM/1A/INTAKEMANIFOLDS/-/-/1AEIM00012. "THE ORIGINAL INTAKE MANIFOLD, DUE TO THE DESIGN, HAS AN ABNORMAL TENDENCY TO CRACK, LEADING TO OVERHEATING AND IN MANY CASES COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR DAMAGE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR'S ENGI

I NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT INITIALLY HAD TROUBLE FINDING WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. I FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AT THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT HOUSING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL BEFORE DRIVING HOME. ONCE SHE ARRIVED HOME, SHE NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THIS SAME FAILURE HAS PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,052.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 1 MPH, THE OUTER LEFT FRONT TIE ROD DETACHED. NO PRIOR WORK WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE OUTER TIE ROD END DETACHED DUE TO LACK OF GREASE. THE DEALER REPLACED TWO INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND TWO ADJUSTER SLEEVES. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIE ROD WAS WORN OUT FROM THE INSIDE DUE TO LACK OF GREASE. UPDADATED 06/08/07. *JB

HAD SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. ONE PLUG EXPLODED. WAS TOLD BY FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MECHANIC THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE BEFORE PLUGS WERE REPLACED. INTAKE MANIFOLD IS PLASTIC. (THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE 1997 MODEL.) DID THE REPAIRMAN CRACK THE MANIFOLD? WHY IS REPLACEMENT PART STILL PLASTIC? FORD/MERCURY PRICE FOR PART IS $598.06; NAPA IS $281.00. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE HESITATED AND IDLED BADLY AT A STOP. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED. WHEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER, THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED THE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SJIP AND JUMP. UPDATED 12/18/06. *JB