2002 Mercury Grand Marquis

Routine

Owners filed 78 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 2 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
52,000 milesMedian miles at failure

48 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

15 of the 78 complaints (19%) are about the throttle and acceleration.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration15
301
Steering6
000
Seat Belts5
000
Electrical System5
011
Suspension4
000
Tires › Tread/Belt3
000
Tires3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Suspension › Rear2
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages · brakes2
000

2 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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 17, 202558,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH at night, the cruise control mode malfunctioned, and the speed of the vehicle increased independently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed several times to the floor, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he was afraid of driving the vehicle again. The contact unregistered the vehicle and turned the license plates of the vehicle to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine and the low oil pressure warning lights had illuminated two days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 20, 2024100,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that after securely latching the seat belt, the driver's side front and passenger's side front seat belt buckles unintendedly unlatched. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V227001 (Seat Belts). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2022CA

For sometime now the Headlights on my 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis appear to fade or dim soon after turning them on; giving the impression they are losing power and about to fail. I live in the mountains and am very familiar with each and every turn I See on the roads I travel. You See that Is The Matter of Fact- If My Headlights Failed; I Would Not See The Turn Possibly A Fatal Fact.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 18, 2022CA

?yrs.ago While backing out of parking space at Calaveras Lumber, after shifting into reverse, & removing my foot from the brake; the engine appeared to receive a huge burst of fuel which shot me backward like a rocket slamming my vehicle into and wedging it under the frame of a pickup truck parked in the same lot. I am glad I was parked and had my foot on the brake prior to this unit or system malfunction otherwise the injuries could easily have been fatal on the highway. I think this defect may be a contributing factor to the car dying recently while on my way to a Wedding Reception in Roseville, which left me stranded after dark for 41/2hrs and 71/2hrs. 2days later. I have not been able to start vehicle since and mechanics unable to diagnose why the engine is fuel starved when system parts tested appear to be in good working order. Something seems to be shutting off power or preventing power to the fuel pump and it is not the inertia switch, relays, fuses etc.. Components have been previously inspected by numerous others including dealer. No Recognizable Alert/Warning Prior to Incidents!

Steering
Filed Mar 12, 2021CA

2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THEY HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE STEERING WENT OUT. THE DEALER STATED THE COUPLER BOLT, CLOCK SPRING, COVER AND CONTACT PLATE WERE MISSING AND REPLACED. *JS

Steering
Filed Feb 11, 201976,000 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN I RAN OVER SOME BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WENT RIGHT AND LEFT SEVERAL TIMES, I WAS AFRAID I WAS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. I FOUND A RECALL ABOUT THIS SAME THING. TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET THIS SITUATION FIXED. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP IN THE STRAIGHT UP POSITION. WHAT IS NEEDED TO FIX THIS: HTTPS://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/VEHICLE/2002/MERCURY/GRAND%252520MARQUIS/4%252520DR#RECALLS

Seat Belts
Filed May 14, 2018147,400 milesMI

SEAT BELT WON'T STAY FASTENED AND THE STEERING CREAKS

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 201872,234 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS, DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS, LOW BEAM, AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. TWO DEALERS (POMPANO FORD LINCOLN, 2741 N FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064, (888) 718-9266 AND SCHUMACHER LINCOLN OF DELRAY, 2102 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483, (561) 454-1800) WERE CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THERE WERE FIVE TSBS FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING, BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,234.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 4, 201887,934 milesIN

THE CAR HAS 87934 MILES ON IT. WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MILES A HOUR IT JERKS AND SHAKES THE CHECK EMGINE LIGHT WILL START FLASHING THE COOLANT LOGHT COMES ON THEN DIES BUT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP. THEN COOLANT LEVELS ARE FINE. THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK REPLACED BULBS AND FUSES

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 5, 2017140,000 milesFL

THE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED. YOU CAN PUT THEM ON AND THEY APPEAR TO BE LOCKED IN AND YOU CAN PULL ON THEM TO SEE IF THEY ARE ATTACHED AND THEY APPEAR TO ATTACH BUT THEN WHILE JUST SITTING, THEY MAY POP-OFF YOU AND BECOME DISENGAGED LEAVING YOU WITHOUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON YOU. THIS CAN OCCUR IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR IF IT IS STANDING STILL. SOMETIMES IT WILL EVEN POP-OFF RIGHT AFTER YOU PUT IT IN THE BUCKLE. THEY ARE FAULTY. WE CALLED FORD AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR OR RECALL IT. I TALKED TO 2 PEOPLE AT FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND SENT THEM AN EMAIL, ALSO BUT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP US. WE ALSO CONTACTED A MERCURY DEALER WHO TOLD US TO CALL FORD.

Engine
Filed Jan 19, 2017FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE IN WHICH THERE WAS AN INTERNAL CRACK ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH CAUSED WATER INTRUSION THAT AFFECTED OTHER COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 30, 2016CA

BOTH BACK SEAT BELTS DON'T RETRACT AS THEY SHOULD, THE TEST WAS DONE WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED BUT I CHECKED MY OTHER GRANDMARQUIS OF 1997, IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I ALSO TOOK IT A MECHANIC AND THEY CHECKED TWO DIFFERENT BUT FORD CROWN VICTORIA, IT SNOWED THE SAME ISSUE. ALL VEHICLES WERE STATIONARY DURING TEST. IS THERE ANY SAFETY TEST I CAN PERFORM TO MAKE SURE THEY WORK OR RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.

Suspension
Filed Aug 16, 201653,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 21, 201695,000 milesMI

SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT AFTER USE AND ARE STUCK.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 2015118,575 milesNC

AFTER DRIVING TO MALL MY DAUGHTER REALIZED THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS WERE NOT ON. CHECKED ALL FUSE (UNDER DASH AND UNDER HOOD). NONE WERE BLOWN. REALIZED THAT HAD NO DOME LIGHT BUT DID HAVE MAP/READING LIGHTS. NO TAIL LIGHTS OR BRAKE LIGHTS EXCEPT THIRD BRAKE LIGHTS. HAD BRIGHTS IF I HELD HIGH BEAM LEVER. HAD CAR TOWED TO SHOP. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE (LCM). WAS TOLD THAT FORD HAD AND EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS ONLY FOR THE 2003-2005 MODELS AND THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I THINK THEY SHOULD EXTEND THIS WARRANTY TO THE THE 2002 MODELS SEEING THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EARLIER MODELS AND NOT JUST THE 2003-2005 MODELS. IT IS PROBABLY THE SAME PART.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 3, 20156,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 10, 201435,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FRONT RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT AND TIE ROD END WERE RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 22, 201489,900 milesIL

STEERING PROBLEM NHTSA # 13V385000, FORD RECALL13S08. "NOTCHY, STIFF OR BINDING" STEERING, AS IN FORD'S RECALL LETTER TO DEALERS. COVERED WERE 2005 -2011 MODELS FOR RECALL. SOLUTION: "REPLACE LOWER IMMEDIATE SHAFT, ETC. AL". MY MARQUIS IS A 2002 PURCHASED IN IL. REPUTABLE LOCAL MECHANIC ADVISED; POWER STEERING, FLUID, PUMP, & BELT O.K., USUALLY WOULD NOT CREATE ABOVE. DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A LOCAL MECHANIC FIX. (SPECIAL TOOLS SENT TO FORD...) THIS MODEL CAR / STEERING HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE 2002 & BEFORE. IF FOUND TO BE THE PROBLEM AT FORD DEALERSHIP, IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? WHEN THESE CASES ARE DECIDED, DO YOU & OTHERS FUNDAMENTALLY STATE THAT IF A VEHICLE THAT IS OVER "X" YEARS OLD IS EXEMPT FROM RECALL REGARDLESS OF ORIGINAL IDENTIFIED DEFECT OR SEVERITY OF OUTCOME? *TR

Tires
Filed Dec 14, 2013128,842 milesNJ

I PURCHASED A SET OF BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SE200 5/2013 . 4MONTHS LATER I REPLACED 1 TIRE DUE TO SIDE WALL SPLITTING. TODAY 12/14/13 I REPLACED THE TIRE THAT I BOUGHT IN 9/13 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE VIA EMAIL BUT GOT NO RESPONDS I CONTACTED THEM BY PHONE THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS REASON FOR ME TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIRE FAILURES I HAD EXPERIENCED EVEN THOUGH 40 % OF THE TIRES HAD PURCHASED THIS YEAR. 3,000 MILES ON FIRST TIRE EVEN LESS ON THE SECOND TIRE ,THE TIRE DEALER CONTACTED BRIDGSTONE AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A FIRESTONE TIRE SINCE BRIDGESTONE NO LONGER MAKER THE INSIGNIA AND HE DID NOT WANT TO USE ANOTHER INSIGNIA BECAUSE OF WHAT HE FELT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT HAD BEEN SEEN IN THE INSIGNIAS AND OTHER TIRES THAT BRIDGSTONE MAKES SOME OF WITCH HAVE ALREADY RECALLED I WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON REST OF TIRES.IN MY 40 YEARS OF DRIVING THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST SET OF TIRES I HAVE EVER OWNED . BRIDGESTONE SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THIS TIRE BEFORE A TIRE FAILURE CAUSES A FATAL INJURY TO SOME ONE .BUT I AM SURE BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF RESPONCE AND UNCONCERN OF THE PEOPLE THAT I HAD SPOKE TO AT BRIDGESTONE . MY LOCAL TIRE DEALER IS SEND MY FAILED TIRE TO BRIDGESTONES TECH'S LETS SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 25, 2013100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,200. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF

Steering
Filed Sep 16, 2013111,050 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,050. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 10, 201350,000 milesNC

LEAVING WORK, APPROXIMATELY 150 FEET FROM PARKING PLACE TO PARKING LOT EXIT INTO ROAD. WHEN BRAKING TO STOP BEFORE ENTERING ROADWAY, VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITH ENGINE RACING AT A HIGH RPM. PUSHED INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL STOPPED THEN PARK WITH ENGINE STILL RACING. TURNED OFF AND SAT STILL FOR A MINUTE THEN RESTARTED WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM. MECHANIC CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED BUT WAS THE WORST INCIDENT WITH ENGINE BEING UNCONTROLLABLE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 29, 201385,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL NEEDED TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ..UPDATED 05/01/13 *BF UPDATED 05/06/13

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 10, 2012MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONER OR CRUISE CONTROL WAS RUNNING, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE SUDDEN ACCELERATION FAILURES. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Jun 19, 20121,000 milesMA

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE WE WENT BACK TO DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BOUNCY SUSPENSION THAT MADE THE CAR GO SIDEWAYS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS WHILE IN MILD TURNS (JUST HIGHWAY DIRECTION CHANGES NOT GETTING OFF/ON, ETC.). DEALER LOOKED INTO PROBLEM VIA FMC AND SAID THE 02 SUSPENSION HAD BEEN CHANGED TO IMPROVE ITS RIDE (HA). THE CHANGES WERE TOO GREAT TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE COMPONENTS TO GET THE RIDE BACK TO WHAT IT WAS IN EARLIER YEARS. ONLY CHANGES WE COULD DO TO IMPROVE IT WERE TO GET 4 NEW HIGH PRESSURE (FAST RESPONDING) KB SHOCKS AND GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TOURING (MORE FLEX IN SIDEWALL) TIRES TO REDUCE THE IMPACT. NOW THE CAR DOES NOT LATERALLY JUMP FEET BUT RATHER INCHES DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. ALSO: STARTING RELAY WAS REPLACED TWICE AND HARNESS CONTACTS IN LOWER STEERING COLUMN DEVELOPED POOR CONNECTIONS AND HAD TO BE SPRAYED WITH HIGH COST CAIG CONTACT IMPROVER TO GET CAR TO START CONSISTENTLY. ALSO: BRAKE PEDAL RAISE/LOWER MOTOR BURNED OUT DUE TO GEAR SEIZING UP IN THAT AREA AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY FINDING A REPLACEMENT ACROSS COUNTRY SINCE FMC DOESN'T MAKE PARTS ANYMORE (> 7 YRS I GUESS). ALSO: ALL 8 INDIVIDUAL CYLINDER SPARK COILS WERE REPLACED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE AFTERMARKET ONES AFTER TWO OF FORDS COILS FAILED, ONE AT A TIME. ALL IN ALL NOT A GREAT CAR. *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 7, 2012NC

I SWERVED TO AVOID AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON AT 35 MPH. MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS CRUMPLED WELL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE, FIRE DEPT AND EMT'S WERE ALL VERY SURPRISED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE SUSTAINED SOME INJURIES BUT NOTHING LIFE THREATENING. (CRACKED RIBS, SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE, LOWER BACK INJURY). NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed May 3, 2012115,100 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WATER HEATER IN THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES BUT THERE WERE MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,100.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 23, 2011130,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED A ROLLOVER CRASH AND THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ROLLOVER WAS CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE SPEED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT. THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED TO BE DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND CUT THE CONTACT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE WHY THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 01/05/12*LJ UPDATED 01/12/12

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2011112,000 milesNJ

DURING HEIGHT OF THE RUSH HOUR AT 4:00 PM I WAS TRAVELING ON NJ TURNPIKE AT 65 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE, STARTED TO HEAR A CLICKING SOUND. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR'S ENGINE STOPPED, HAD NO POWER STEERING AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, (THE CAR'S BATTERY WAS REPLACED IN 12/2010) . DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS, AND EMERGENCY FLASHER DID NOT WORK, NOR COULD I LOWER THE WINDOWS. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHEN A SLOW MOVING TRUCK WAS COMING UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. NO CLICKING SOUND WAS HEARD TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingCrash
Filed May 10, 201127,100 milesPA

I WAS LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT WHEN I STARTED THE CAR UP AND EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE STARTED TO RACE EXTREMELY FAST CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE BACKWARDS WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, BUT I WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE CAR BEHIND ME AND I HIT IT. I WAS MOVING ABOUT 10 TO 20 MILES PER HOUR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHICH FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CAR RAN OKAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAD BEEN PURCHASED. THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I HAVE ONLY 27,100 MILES ON THE CAR. IT IS A 2002 MODEL AND I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE IT WAS NEW. I CALLED FORD TO TRY TO GET HELP BUT THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR FOUR DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH JUST OVER 27,000 MILES AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING IT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND FORD COULD NOT CARE LESS. I DID HAVE OTHER INSTANCES (ABOUT SIX) WHEN ON STARTUP THE ENGINE WOULD BEGIN TO RACE. I WOULD IMMEDIATELY TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT AND THEN IT WOULD BE OKAY. IN SEPTEMBER, 2010, I DID TAKE THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE, BUT THIS DID NOT DO ANY GOOD. THE CAR MIGHT GO A MONTH OR TWO WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN GEAR. OTHER THAN THIS, THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND I CANNOT AFFORD T

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 16, 2011115,000 milesSC

PLASTIC HEATER SUPPLY TUBE (LOCATED IN REAR OF PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD) FAILED CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS TO BE REPLACED. *LN

Tires
Filed Jan 14, 2011MO

2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TWO SETS OF FAILED MICHELIN HYDROEDGE TIRES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE AS WELL AS HIS PASSENGERS FELT A SLIGHT SHIMMY IN THE CAR AT LOW SPEEDS. SOON, AFTERWARDS THE SHIMMY BECAME PERCUSSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE TIRES WERE SEPARATING AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS NOT NORMAL. IT WAS ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE UNEVEN AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRES AT THE SAME DISTANCE IN FROM THE EDGE. THE CONSUMER ALSO OWNS A 1995 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH THE SAME TIRE PROBLEM. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 10, 2010155,000 milesFL

2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LUNGES FORWARD (INCREASE RPM @1000, AND LOUD GROWL FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT) WHEN I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, I.E. APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. ONCE I RELEASE THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATE AGAIN, ALL GOES BACK TO NORMAL. THERE IS NO "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, AND NO OTHER NOTABLE PROBLEMS. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND ANNOYING. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 22, 200947,000 milesFL

I HAVE A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE VEHICLE HAS ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED UNCONTROLLABLY. MY HUSBAND HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AS THE REAR TIRES SPUN WILDLY WITH BLACK SMOKE ROLLING OFF OF THEM. THIS WAS TERRIFYING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER CONTACTING FORD AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG SO THEY DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL THINKING THAT MAY BE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR CONTINUES TO DO THIS AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT CAN BE ONE MONTH OR FOUR MONTHS LATER THAT THIS HAPPENS. WE CAN'T AFFORD TO GET RID OF THE CAR BUT WE ARE AFRAID OF IT. THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECOURSE OR ALLOWANCE FOR US TO GET RID OF THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP US! *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jan 6, 200915,046 milesIL

AIR BAGS ARE RENDERED INOPERATIVE BY FAILURE OF A SENSOR IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER. FLASHES CODE 3-4. PART IN QUESTION IS OEM NUMBER 2W7Z54611B09AAA. FORD ADVISES THAT PART IS DISCONTINUED, NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE. NO OTHER EXPLANATION. THIS LEAVES TWO CHOICES: DRIVE WITHOUT AIRBAG PROTECTION OR REPLACE VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 16,000 MILES ON IT AND NEED NOT BE REPLACED. HOW CAN A SAFETY CRITICAL ITEM BE DISCONTINUED IN LESS THAN 6 YEARS. THIS PART IS REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND, AS IN MY CASE, WHEN THE SENSOR FAILED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jul 9, 2008AL

2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH DEFECTIVE RUBBER BOOTS ON BALL JOINTS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER TOLD HIM THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE BALL JOINTS AND STABILIZER LINKS WERE DETERIORATED. MECHANIC STATED THIS WAS DUE TO WEATHER, AND LACK OF VEHICLE USE. *KB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jun 12, 200850,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 12 MPH, THE BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND MADE A HUGE NOISE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO GARAGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS COULD NOT BE SERVICED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE DEALER REPAIRED THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM, WHICH THE CONTACT BELIEVED TO BE THE ROOT OF THE ISSUES WITH HIS VEHICLE. HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE DEALER FAILED TO PROPERLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments
Filed May 22, 2008FL

I HAVE A MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS YEAR 2002. THE HOOD WILL NOT CLOSE. I HAD A 1998 THE HOOD DID THE SAME THING AND THE HOOD FLEW UP ON OUR WAY BACK FROM WYOMING AND ALMOST CAUSED US TO WRECK. IT TWISTED THE HOOD KNOCKED OUT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, BENT THE TOP OF MY CAR. THANK GOD IT DIDN'T BREAK THE WINDSHIELD. WE HAD THIS FIXED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN 1 YEAR LATER CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD. I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY GRAND MARQUIS OWNER THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AND WITH 2 DIFFERENT CARS. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed May 5, 200835,000 milesTN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. SHE HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER DEVICE THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOW, BUT IT WILL NOT ROLL UP. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND COULD NOT MAKE A REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 05/21/08 *BF UPDATED 05/21/08 *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Oct 29, 200780,476 milesIL

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AT A FRIENDS HOUSE AND WENT ABOUT 4 HOUSES, WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR DROPPED TO THE PAVEMENT AND DUG INTO THE ASPHALT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AS IT WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 10 MPH. UPON INSPECTING THE DAMAGE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF. THE TIRE WAS CUT DOWN ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL AND WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE FENDER FORCING THE FENDER BACK INTO THE DOOR. THE RIM AND SWAY BAR LINK WERE ALSO DAMAGED. WE TRAVEL TO THE VETERANS HOSPITAL IN IOWA CITY, IOWA QUITE FREQUENTLY, TWO APPOINTMENTS THIS WEEK, AND HAD WE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I FEAR WE WOULD BE STATISTICS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 8, 200773,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY, AND TRACK WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO WAIT AN HOUR TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. AS OF AUGUST 8, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000.

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Filed Oct 18, 200652,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SCISSOR TYPE JACK WITH A SCREW DRIVE WAS STRIPPED ON THE FIRST 3-4 INCHES OF THE SCREW. THE JACK HAD ONLY BEEN USED 2 TIMES. THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WERE NOTIFIED. THE SERVICE DEALER OFFERED TO SELL A REPLACEMENT JACK TO THE CONTACT.

Steering
Filed Mar 9, 200621,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING AN OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE PITMAN ARM WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 200524,998 milesIA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT ALWAYS START. WHEN IT DID START THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE IDLING. TO ALLEVIATE STALLING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MUST BE PUMPED HARD WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE IAC VALVE WAS REPLACED, AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED. NEITHER OF THESE EFFORTS REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch
Filed Nov 28, 200518,600 milesFL

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED HE COULD HOLD THE HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH UPRIGHT, AND THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WILL STAY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Nov 8, 200575,000 milesLA

WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, VEHICLE STALLED ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. UNABLE TO START. A PASSING MOTORIST SAID HE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND RESTARTED BY PUSHING RESET BUTTON IN TRUNK. WE DID AND VEHICLE STARTED. COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF HAPPENED ON INTERSTATE WITH 18 WHEELER BEHIND. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. MECHANIC SAID INERTIA SWITCH DEFECTIVE AND CHANGED. SAID THE RESET BUTTON IS SAFETY FACTOR TO AVOID FIRE IN CASE OF COLLISION. BUT THERE WAS NO COLLISION--NOT EVEN BUMP IN ROAD. BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE WARNING SYSTEM WHEN RESET BECOMES DEFECTIVE. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Sep 27, 20051,500 milesMA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS PULSATION IN THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THREE TIMES HAD THE FRONT ROTORS TURNED, AND THE FRONT PADS REPLACED. AFTER ABOUT 1,500 MILES THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS, BUT AFTER 2,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS BEFORE. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THE BRAKE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE THE CONTACT WITH ANY SATISFACTION, AND TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEY WOULD DO.*AK

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Sep 5, 2005MA

WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ALONG I-95 AT ABOUT 65 MPH, I FELT A SUDDEN SHUDDERING, I SLOWED DOWN TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS ROUGH PAVEMENT AND THE REAR RIGHT SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THESE TIRES ARE NEWLY MOUNTED, WITHIN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS BY MY FORD DEALER. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD AAA REMOVE THE TIRE. UPON INSPECTION, THERE WERE NO PUNCTURES TO THE TREAD ONLY A BLOWN OUT SIDEWALL. *JB

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 200550,000 milesGA

SLIGHT WHITE SMOKE APPEARING THROUGH VENTS IN AUTO. THEN WHEN WE PARKED IT EXTREME SMOKE CAME INTO VENTS FILLING PASSANGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO EXTREME WHITE SMOKE MIXED WITH BLACK CAME THROUGH VENTS BETWEEN HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. I OPENED HOOD AND IT WAS APPARENTLY BETWEEN FIREWALL & DASH. HAD TERRIBLE SMELL LIKE ROTTED TUNA. WIFE STILL HAVING BREATING PROBLEMS FROM INHALATION. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 11, 2005GA

THE GEARS TENDED TO POP, MAKING THE VEHICLE JUMP FORWARD, AS WELL THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL, AND INCREASING THE CHANCE OF THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED, BUT IT WILL BE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 78, 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
2002 — this page78220Routine
2001157532Fatalities 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

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.