2001 Mercury Grand Marquis

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 157 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

86 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

25 of the 157 complaints (16%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration20
402
Seat Belts14
100
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags10
904
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine7
000
Engine7
000
Electrical System7
010
Air Bags · airbags7
517
Steering6
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine6
000

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly01V227001
Filed Jul 16, 20011,400,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive00V412000
Filed Dec 6, 200016,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES. A RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) OR A SIDE OR FRONT CRASH SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SCREWS THAT MOUNT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE HOUSING MISSING. IF SOME OR ALL OF THE SCREWS ARE MISSING, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINS COULD BE AFFECTED.

Risk. IN SOME CASES, LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RCM AND CRASH SENSORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM.

Air Bags00V270000
Filed Sep 13, 200018,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIMOUSINES, AND MINI VANS WERE BUILT WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM). IN SOME CASES, THE RCM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CERTAIN SYSTEM FAULTS THAT COULD RESULT IN AN AIR BAG OR SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATING DURING THE SELF-TEST SEQUENCE AT VEHICLE START-UP.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RCM IN THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 14, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 26, 2023100,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated he noticed coolant fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact started the vehicle and noticed that the high engine temperate warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted but was not able to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. The contact stated that the vehicle is at the service dealer awaiting repairs.

Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2022IL

When driving the steering will feel loose and the car sway left and right but the steering wheel isn't moving. Feels like the front wheels are going to all of a sudden shoot left or right and loose control.. I had a 2001 crown Victoria and there was a recall on the steering shaft and I got that fixed. it was doing the exact thing my mercury is doing now.. and also my electrical is freaking out.. turn signals flash very fast here and there.. speedometer will freak out and then not work.... I'm mostly concerned about the steering because it happened in my crown victoria.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 15, 202240,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front seat belt was inadvertently unlatched. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 202298,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an electrical glitch on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the battery was drained. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved DTC - B1869 related to the airbags. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V270000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2022MI

PLEASE NOTE: This complaint/issue pertains to many nearly identical plastic intake manifolds sold as OEM, new or replacements for cars made in the last ten years- Dangerous perhaps fatal fires are likely not getting reported due to the nature of the cause. My car has a plastic manifold. When a fuel injector or fuel regulator fails, raw gasoline can collect in the plastic bottom. If more than a few drops collects, turning over the engine can cause, and did in my car, a massive explosion. Fortunately the blue & white cloud of smoke that filled my two-car garage did not ignite. Had it ignited my son and I might not have survived and our home may have burned. Not that your organization takes all complaints seriously, particularly when thousands of cars might be involved, but these cheap plastic manifolds present a real danger I believe could have already caused deaths and property damage. If you are a political entity I suspect you will ignore this. But at least a warning should be give to the public. We are replacing the fractured manifold but the replacement part is still plastic, too thin to survive what cars in the past would have survived easily.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 9, 202150,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO LIFT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH HIS FOOT IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 26, 2020140,000 milesNV

TTHE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RELEASES. IT CLICKS INTO PLACE BUT LET'S GO AFTER VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 9, 2020116,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE LIGHTS WENT OFF DASH, TAIL, INSTRUMENT AND SIGNAL LIGHTS AND THEN KILLED MY BATTERY

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 10, 2020200,000 milesAR

A LOT HAVE HAPPENED STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM IT WANT CRANK NOW

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 23, 2020LA

TL* THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM) BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS ABLE REACTIVATE THE LCM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT CERTAIN 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WERE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), HOWEVER, THE 2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Steering
Filed Dec 26, 2019152,486 milesMN

I BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE WITH MANY OF THE FORD MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS FROM MULTIPLE YEARS OF MODELS. IT TOOK ONLY MINIMAL EFFORT TO FIND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS I DO WITH CARS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL REGARDING THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY BEING HAZARDOUS AND ULTIMATELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY PERSONAL ISSUE IS A VERY NOTICEABLE CLANKING/THUDDING COMING FROM MOSTLY THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE AND THE ASSEMBLY USED TO CONTROL AND SECURE THE TIRE. MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS APPEARED AS RESULTS ON GOOGLE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SEARCH SOLUTIONS AND ANSWERS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I FOUND MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT OF PEOPLE LOSING FRONT TIRES WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN COMING TO A STOP TO PARK. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MASSIVE SAFETY CONCERN HERE WITH SO MANY IDENTICAL ACCOUNTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. I FOR ONE RELY ON MY PERSONAL VEHICLE GREATLY AND TRULY THINK THE COMPANY SHOULD BE FORCED TO COME UP WITH A LEGITIMATE SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE. LIVE ARE AT RISK HERE AND I FOR ONE THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN INTO SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. I CONTINUED TO SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY VIABLE CONSIDERATIONS ON THE INTERNET. ALL ACCOUNTS LEAD TO THE FRONT DRIVE ASSEMBLY BEING SIMPLY DEFECTIVE AND CAN NOT BE PREVENTED OR PERMANENTLY REPAIRED IN MOST CASES. THE COMPANY MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. THEY SHOULD BE IN CHARGE OF REDESIGNING AND REPLACING THE FRONT STEERING ASSEMBLY ON ALL CARS STILL AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE AND MADE LIABLE FOR ALL EXPENSES OF REPLACEMENT.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2019133,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE ONTO THE COIL PACK ON CYLINDER NUMBER EIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY THAT WAS PLACED ON THESE VEHICLES REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DAVIS FORD (2111 N MAIN ST, CANTON, IL 61520, (309) 647-1111) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO ENFORCE THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 30, 201964,000 milesFL

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DISENGAGES WHILE DRIVING, ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ANY UNDUE INFLUENCE OR STRAIN. THE PREVIOUS OWNER INFORMED ME OF THE SAME PROBLEM THAT GOES BACL TO WHEN THEY PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2003(?).

Exterior LightingCrash
Filed Sep 30, 2019138,000 milesMS

WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY 12 AT NIGHT SEPTEMBER 26 2019 AND ALL I REMEMBERED WAS MY LIGHTS SHUTTING OFF DUE TO LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH I LEARNED AFTER THE FACT DIDNT HAVE MAJOR ACCIDENT BUT DID HIT SMALL DITCH AND BENT UP MY BUMPER

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 12, 2018FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR A SEAT BELT AND PASSED THE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT REPORTED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE UNLATCHING WHILE HE WAS DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION LINCOLN CLEARWATER (2085 GULF TO BAY BLVD, CLEARWATER, FL 33765, (727) 231-1380) AND LEFT A MESSAGE FOR THEM TO CALL HIM BACK. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE INSPECTED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND WAS NO LONGER THEIR ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Dec 3, 201880,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS DAMAGED. WHEN TURNING, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHERE THE CONTACT STEERED. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE AND SWAYED FROM ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO THE OTHER. ALSO, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAIRWAY FORD (366 W MAIN ST, CANFIELD, OH 44406, (330) 533-3673), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2018135,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MALOUF FORD LINCOLN, INC (2210 US-1, NORTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08902, (732) 951-0300) WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED THE PLASTIC DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND ASKED TO SPEAK TO A CASE MANAGER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS TO CALL THE CONTACT BACK OR MAIL A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. *JS

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 10, 201879,200 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS RELEASE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THE SPRING IN THE SEAT BELT HOLDER IS FAILING. IT ISN'T VERY UNSETTLING TO BE DRIVING THE CAR AND THE SEATBELT RELEASES FOR NO REASON. IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE 2000 SEATBELT RECALL. WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY COLLEGE STUDENT. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR A DEATH TO GET A RECALL.

Steering
Filed Jan 24, 2018109,598 milesME

WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING, I WAS TAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN DECREASING MY SPEED FROM 35 MILES AN HOUR TO TAKE A PROPER RIGHT HAND TURN. MIDWAY THROUGH MY TURN MY STEERING LOCKED UP AND I ALMOST HIT THE ISLAND THAT WAS AT THE INTERSECTION. MY TWO STEP CHILDREN OF 7 YEARS OLD AND 4 YEARS OLD WE'RE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON OVER 330,000 FORD'S AND MERCURY'S FOR A BINDING STEERING SHAFT ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 2017NV

TAKATA RECALL...MY PAINT IS CHIPPING ALL OVER THE PLACE WHATEVER THE COMPANY PAINTED MY CAR WITH WAS BAD...

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 2, 201788,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT NEITHER ATTEMPTS TO SLOW THE VEHICLE WERE SUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN ONLY BY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AGAIN AFTER A PERIOD OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ

Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2017110,000 milesCA

THE 1996-2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH A 100% PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD IS KNOWN FOR ENGINE OVERHEATING, EVEN WITH NORMAL USE, AND A COOLANT LEAK FROM THE FRONT OF THE MANIFOLD. THIS WILL OFTEN TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND LOW ENGINE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT. THE ENGINE COOLANT LEAK IS FROM A FACTORY DEFECT, WHICH CAUSES CRACKING ON THE FRONT COOLANT PASSAGE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. IN A VERY SHORT TIME, THIS LEAK WILL LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING ISSUES, ESPECIALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. I THINK THE CAR PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FORD WHEN THEY NEW ABOUT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Seat Belts
Filed May 10, 2017120,000 milesPA

SEVERAL TIMES EACH TIME I DRIVE THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL COME UNDONE

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 23, 2017209,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER WOULD READ DISPLAY A HIGH NUMBER THEN WITHOUT WARNING DISPLAY "0", THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNING OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR THE SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, WHERE A DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 209,000.

Steering
Filed Dec 10, 2016MA

HEADLIGHT PROBLEM GOING ON AND OFF. AND THE STEERING SEEMS OFF. I NEED YOUR HELP FIXING THIS PROBLEM. THIS ISN'T GOOD. I LOVE MERCURY FORD. BUT I'VE TRIED CONTACTING THEM AND NO RESPONSE YET.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 28, 201650,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 2, 2016AR

PUT ON DIM AND LIGHTS WONT COME ON AT ALL, SO I CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT. BREAKS LIGHTS, SIGNALS, EMERGENCY LIGHT, DASH BOARD WORKS ONLY WHEN I TURN ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS , . HAD BULBS AND MODULAR REPLACED STILL NO LIGHTS. THIS STARTED DRIVING AT NIGHT ON STREET SO HAPPENED TO BE CLOSE TO HOME.

Steering
Filed Jan 27, 2016PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS HEARD UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15E082000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 201597,000 milesNY

1 PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 2 SPEED CONTROL NOT WORKING 3 PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT NOT WORKING IN LOW BEAM ONLY HIGH BEAM

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 30, 201596,321 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR WARNING AND SIGNAL LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,321.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 17, 2015218,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2015136,037 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS JERKING AND THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIR DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. THE REPAIRS FAILED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY, REDUCED SPEED AND ATTEMPTED TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,037. UPDATED 12/03/15*LJ

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 201572,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V704000 (STEERING) RELATED TO THE 2005-2011 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 09/25/15*LJ THE CONSUMER FIXED THE VEHICLE AT HIS EXPENSE. UPDATED 10/01/15*JB

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 20141,300,000 milesOK

LEAKING COOLANT FROM THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. FORD WANT'S $500.00+ FOR A NEW ONE. I CAN GET ONE FROM EBAY FOR $150.00. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 18, 201476,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 14, 201452,489 milesAL

VEHICLE PROCEEDING NORTH ON CITY STREET. COLLIDED WITH SIDE OF VEHICLE #2 WEST BOUND AT INTERSECTION. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 11, 2014168,914 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL SLIGHTLY WHEN THE GEAR WAS PLACED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PRIOR TO EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,914.

Air BagsCrashFire2 injured
Filed Apr 26, 2014220,000 milesAZ

CAR WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL CAUSING IT TO SPIN AND CRASH HEAD ON INTO HIGHWAY DIVIDER. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL INJURIES!! *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 11, 2013133,000 milesNJ

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, SEAT BELT ON, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER AND OVER. IN THE MEANTIME, I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY RECALLS OF THE GRAND MARQUIS. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS ONE ON THE SEAT BELT. I CALLED FORD RIGHT AWAY, WENT IN AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. FORD CLAIMS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. IT IS A 2001, AND I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT IT FROM A FAMILY MEMBER. JUST PRIOR TO ALL OF THIS HAPPENING, I WAS HIT WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN MY SMALL HONDA. IRONICALLY, IF IT WASN'T FOR THE FACT THAT MY SON AND I HAD ON SEAT BELTS, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. NOW, I'M DEPENDING ON THE GRAND MARQUIS TO GET AROUND. IMAGINE HOW I FEEL KNOWING THAT THERE IS A DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT AROUND ME THAT ISN'T SECURE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 201354,400 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,400. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed May 14, 2013163,284 milesLA

I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVE WAY AND THE CAR ALL OF A CERTAIN ACCELERATED TO A SPEED UP AND I IMMEDIATELY JUMP ON TO THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR AND IT CRASHED INTO THE BACK FENCE . I GOT OUT THE CAR TO CHECK AND SEE IF THE PEDAL HAD THE FLOOR MAT ON IT AND THEIR WAS NOTHING ON IT. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 31, 201382,700 milesTX

MY FATHER IN LAW WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN A GMC YUKON PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. MY FATHER IN LAW HIT THE SIDE OF THE YUKON AND ONLY ONE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHICH WAS THE PASSANGER SIDE,MY FATHER IN LAW WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BC OF NO FEELING BELOW HIS WAIST AND THE PARAMEDICS WERE UNABLE TO STABILIZE HIS BLOOD PRESSURE. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 8, 2012215,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 9, 2011164,200 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE SOUNDED VERY LOUD AS IF THERE WAS AN EXHAUST LEAK, THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AFTER CHECKING FOUND THAT THE REAR SPARK PLUG ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE HAD BEEN BLOWN OUT OF ITS SOCKET AND IT BROKE THE IGNITION COIL, GAS WOULD SPRAY OUT OF THE SPARK PLUG CAVITY CREATING AN UNSAFE CONDITION, I HAD TO BUY A REPAIR TOOL KIT AND A NEW COIL AND SPARK PLUG TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DEALER (NICK MAYER IN WEST LAKE, OHIO WOULD NOT FIX IT EVEN THOUGH I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 6 DAYS, THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A USED CAR WITH NO WARRANTY SO THEY WOULD NOT WORK WITH ME, IT ENDED UP COSTING ME OVER $100.00 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAD BEEN FORCE TO CORRECT. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 7, 201198,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V227001 (SEAT BELTS FRONT: BUCKLE ASSEMBLY); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN ORDERED THE PART, AND INFORMED THAT WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 03/07/11*LJ UPDATED 03/14/11

Seats
Filed Oct 23, 2010119,000 milesAZ

FAILURE OF POWER SEAT RECLINER TO KEEP THE DRIVER SEAT BACK IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 7, 201055,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT DISENGAGED FROM THE BUCKLE. THE OWNER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE FOUND. FORD STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT REPAIR WOULD COST $270 AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 22, 2010NJ

2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER STATED FAULTY THERMOSTAT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT, PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BOLTS WOULD NOT READILY UNSCREW. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT IF MORE FORCE WAS EXERTED, THE PLASTIC-LIKE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH WHICH THE BOLTS FASTENED, WOULD CRACK/BREAK AND REQUIRE A VERY EXPENSIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT. THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO WAIT ON THE REPAIR AND CONTACTED THREE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS FOR SECOND OPINIONS. ALL THREE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD BE CAREFUL, BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT CRACK THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT. *JB UPDATED 08/10/10.*JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed May 12, 201041,712 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE LIGHTS WOULD ALSO REFLECT OFF OF THE PAVEMENT. WHEN APPROACHING ONCOMING TRAFFIC THE PASSING VEHICLES LIGHTS CAUSED A BLINDING EFFECT. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,712 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,505. UPDATED 07/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/03/10*JB

Electrical System
Filed Apr 13, 201072,440 milesNC

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY LIGHTS TURNED OFF BY THEMSELVES ON A DARK RURAL ROAD. IF I HADN'T JAMMED ON THE BRAKES, I WOULD HAVE EATEN THE RAILING OR WORSE. TURNS OUT THE (LCM) LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE, IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE, IT SEEMS THAT MANY CARS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE, EVEN MY LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $578 PLUS 2 HOURS LABOR FOR A PART THAT GOES UNDER THE DASH. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 157, 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
2001 — this page157532Fatalities reported
2000162850Routine
1999164520Routine
1998143781Fatalities reported
1997316560Above average
19962396192Fatalities reported
1995179753Fatalities reported
19941563202Fatalities reported
19931443180Routine
19922553271Fatalities reported
1991822140Routine
199056150Routine

Compare every Grand Marquis year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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

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

Most recent recall on file: Oct 6, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.