Page 6 of 8 · complaints 251–300 of 362

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 7, 201054,834 milesPA

I HAVE A 2003 GRAND MARQUIS GS, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TURNING OFF FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS; ONE TIME I HAD A CAR FULL OF CHILDREN AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON A BACK ROAD, I ALMOST DROVE INTO A TREE. I HAD TO RIDE HOME WITH THE HIGHBEAMS ON. IT TURNS OUT THAT ITS AN EXPENSIVE PART AND A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT FOR THIS MODEL; WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL, WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED AND IF SO MANY COMPLAINTS ARE BEING FILED WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 15, 2010FL

I OWN A MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 03 AT APPROX. 65,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING IN TAMPA AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT DIDN'T DO IT FOR A WHILE THEN THEY WENT OUT AGAIN AND NOW THEY GO OUT OFTEN. I TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AT 72K HOWEVER WARRANTY WAS UP AND THEY WOULD CHARGE ME LIKE %800 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AFTER READING IT APPEARS THAT IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THESE CARS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 3, 201083,400 milesTN

2003 GRAND MARQUIS HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR JUST GO OUT AT INOPPORTUNE TIMES. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE. SEVENTY MILES AN HOUR AND LOSING THE HEADLIGHTS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 18, 201060,000 milesAL

I AM HAVING HEADLIGHT FAILURE DUE TO LIGHT CONTROL MODULE(LCM/LIGHT BOX) ISSUES. AS I HAVE FOUND OUT WHILE RESEARCHING THE WEB I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THIS PROBLEM THE HEADLIGHTS WILL SWITCH OFF AND ON NO MATTER IF YOUR DRIVING OR NOT. MANY TIMES THEY WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. I AM FORCED TO STOP ONCE THEY GO OUT AND WAIT UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO SWITCH BACK ON TO CONTINUE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE PART AND REPAIR WILL BE 900.00 BY A LOCAL DEALER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ISSUED. WHAT EXACTLY NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE REMEDIED? PLEASE TAKE A DEEP LOOK INTO THIS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON A LONG DARK HWY WHEN THIS HAS HAPPEN DO IT TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED !!!! BECAUSE WHEN THE LIGHT GO OUT YOU CAN NOT SEE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2010110,000 milesGA

HEADLIGHTS ON 2003 MERCURY GRANMARQUIS WILL GO OFF OR WILL NOT COME ON AT ANY TIME THEY MAY COME ON OR MAY NOT COME ON AT ANY TIME IF THEY GO OFF WHILE THE VECHICLE IS TRAVLING ON THE ROAD THIS COULD BE DISASTERIOUS AND COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE. THE PRBLEM STARTED ON 12/14/2009 AND CONTINUED UNTIL THE LCM (PROCESSOR-LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE) WAS REPLACED ON 12/30/2009 THE LCM WAS REPLACED BY SPARTON LINCOLN MERCURY, MCDONOUGH GA.30253 THE PART,LABOR AND TO DIAGNOSE IT COST APPROXIMATELY $760.00, DEALER KEPT PART CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF PROBLEM PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 5, 2010114,000 milesNJ

THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD OF MY 2003 MERCURY 4.6L V-8 CAME APART AND LET THE COOLANT LEAK OUT ONTO THE ENGINE.THIS CAR WAS BUILT IN CANADA IN MID-2002 THE PROBLEM IS RAMPANT IN MANY YEARS OF THE FORD CO CARS. AND IN 2001 A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED, IN WHICH FORD WAS DIRECTED TO PAY DAMAGES TO ALL OWNERS (1,800,000 OWNERS) OF THIS TYPE OF ENGINE AND FORD WAS SUPPOSED TO STOP INSTALLING THAT ITEM AS OF THEN. CLEARLY THEY DID NOT STOP AND THAT FAILURE COST ME OVER $1000.00 TO REPAIR. THE REPAIR PART IS NOW PARTLY ALUMINUM AND PART PLASTIC. SEE: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/NEWS04/2005/FORD_MANIFOLD_SUIT.HTML. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 3, 2010AL

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LIKE ALWAYS AN THIS ONE PARTICULAR NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS JUST SHUT OFF, I PULLED OVER AN CHECKED THE FUSE AN THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM SO AFTERWARDS I PULLED OFF AN ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE HEADLIGHTS POPPED BACK ON, AN THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW, BUT COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD BENEATH THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH IS A COSTLY ITEM. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jan 29, 201020,000 milesMS

SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THIS HAPPENED AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IT TOOK OFF AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE OF SPEED CROSSED A STREET AND JUMPED TWO CURBS ABOUT 15 INCHES HIGH WITHIN 5 OR 6 SECONDS. MY THOUGHTS WERE "WHAT IS HAPPENING?" & "BRAKE OR YOU ARE GOING TO DIE" THANK GOD THIS VEHICLE DROWN IN HURRICANE KATRINA. I CALLED YOUR OFC IN 2004 AFTER THIS HAPPENED AND WAS SENT A FORM TO FILL OUT AND RETURN TO YOU WHICH I NEVER DID. HOWEVER, WITH THE TOYOTA RECALL IT DISTURBS ME THAT MY FORD DID THE SAME THING. AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE MADE AS TO WHY THESE THINGS ARE HAPPENING BECAUSE IN MY CASE IT WAS NOT A FLOOR MAT AND NEITHER WAS IT DRIVER'S ERROR. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MYSELF THAT THIS INCIDENT IS REPORTED AND HOPEFULLY SOMEONE WILL TAKE IT SERIOUS AND FIND OUT WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS BEFORE MORE LIVES ARE LOST. I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT INJURED AND OTHERS WERE NOT INJURED. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED $5,000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE AND AT THE TIME THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SUPPOSEDLY CHECKED THE CAR BUT COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 25, 201085,550 milesID

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. HE PULLED OVER AND AFTER A MINUTE, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED BACK ON. THEY CONTINUED TO FLICKER WHILE DRIVING; HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME BACK ON AFTER HE REACHED HIS DESTINATION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. HE HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,652. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,550.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 22, 2010124,909 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT THE LIGHTS REMAIN OFF VARIES. THE PARKING LIGHTS STAY ON AND THE SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK; HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS REMAIN OFF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,909. UPDATED 03/01/10. *LJ UPDATED 05/13/10.*JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 22, 201073,429 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AT NIGHT WITHOUT A WARNING THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. ALL OF THE LIGHTS OTHER THAN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES. A LOCAL SERVICE GARAGE STATED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73429 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75276. UPDATED 03/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/10

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 13, 2010AL

10. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 6, 201049,200 milesME

THIS IS ON MY 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS. THE LIGHT PROCESSOR FAILED AND MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES. THEY CONTINUE TO DO THIS UNTIL THE SYSTEM WOULD RESET, TAKING 15 TO 30 SECONDS. THIS ALSO HAPPEN ON MY 1997 FORD CROWN VIC FIRE CHIEFS CAR WHEN I HAD THAT VEHICLE. BOTH VEHICLES NEEDED TO HAVE THE LIGHT PROCESSOR REPLACED COSTING OVER $500.00. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT WHEN HE CALLED THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT THEY ALWAYS KEEP 3 OR 4 IN STOCK BECAUSE THIS IS A PROBLEM. MY QUESTION IS WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL ITEM??? THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT MUST BE A SAFETY ISSUE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. *TR

Exterior Lighting › HeadlightsCrash
Filed Jan 4, 2010110,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MODULE FAILED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HIT A DEER. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPORT THE FAILURE TO THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 1, 2010115,000 milesAL

HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. KEPT USING THE BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH UNTIL THEY CAME BACK ON.. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. NOW THE HEADLIGHT WILL NOT COME AT ALL WITH THE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS IS ON A 2003 GRAND MARQUIS. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 17, 200996,888 milesTX

HEADLIGHT GO OFF AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE A FEW MONTHS BACK BUT STARTED WORKING AGAIN, THIS TIME WOULD NOT WORK, TOOK TO A FORD DEALER, PROBLEM WAS THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE (LCM) . DEALER REPLACED FOR $556.16. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 10, 200969,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEAD-LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED A LIGHTING CONTROL MODULAR AT AN EXPENSE OF $900.00. SHE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2009158,000 milesIL

LIGHTS TURN OFF AND WILL NOT TURN ON/ LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN IN ANY POSITION. THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR 2 YEARS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 31, 200938,550 milesMI

THE LIGHTS ON MY 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS TURN ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES, LEAVING ME IN THE DARK WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 20, 200925,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. AFTER REPEATED BRAKE APPLICATION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. SHE WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE BY DRIVING ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 16, 200975,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THEM ON MANUALLY. THE ONLY WAY TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS ON WAS TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAMS, OR RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL .THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 12, 200985,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FIND THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE COMPLAINTS THE SAME AS MINE. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE LIGHTING MODULE ON THESE VEHICLES. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT HAS HAPPENED TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. BOTH TIMES WERE NOT ON THE INTERSTATE OR TURNPIKE WHICH WE OFTEN TRAVEL. ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Wheels › Rim
Filed Aug 28, 200970,000 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING HIS VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE RIM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RIM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WOULD NEED AIR ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 13, 200952,850 milesCA

I AM HAVING HEADLIGHT FAILURE DUE TO LIGHT CONTROL MODULE(LCM/LIGHT BOX) ISSUES. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED ABOUT AND INVESTIGATED BY YOUR AGENCY AS I HAVE FOUND OUT WHILE RESEARCHING YOUR WEBSITE. THERE HAS BEEN NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL SWITCH OFF AND ON NO MATTER IF YOUR DRIVING OR NOT. MANY TIMES THEY WILL NOT GO ON AT ALL. I AM FORCED TO STOP ONCE THEY GO OUT AND WAIT UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO SWITCH BACK ON TO CONTINUE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON AUGUST 10, 2009, AND I WAS QUOTED A 1,000 ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR BY MY LOCAL DEALER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ISSUED. WHAT EXACTLY NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE REMEDIED? PLEASE TAKE A DEEP LOOK INTO THIS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 27, 200965,000 milesOK

I DRIVE 100 MILES BACK AND FORTH TO WORK ON A NIGHTLY BASIS, HEADLIGHTS MIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON IF I'M LUCKY. HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR, AND THEN MAYBE ONCE I GET ON THE HIGHWAY, THEY MAY STAY ON, FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES. HOWEVER TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, IN THE DARK, I FEEL IMPOSES A SAFETY RISK. FORD WANTS OVER 700.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MILEAGE AT 65,000. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 17, 200970,000 milesAL

I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, HAVE A METAL TO METAL SOUND IN THE FRONT END, HAVE CARRIED TO SHOP TO HAVE IT GREASED, NO GREASE FITTINGS AND NO PLACE TO INSTALL ANY. TOLD NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE A GREASE FITTING????? *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jul 9, 200979,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY DIMMED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE LIGHT SWITCH AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD TO BE HELD IN PLACE MANUALLY IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2009154,000 milesGA

2003 GRAND MARQUIS I AM EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THIS IS COVERED BY NHTSA ACTION PE08-066 WHICH WAS RECENTLY CLOSED WITHOUT RESULTING IN A RECALL. I FEEL YOUR AUTOMOBILE HEADLIGHTS FAILING WHILE DRIVING IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $400-$800 TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED TO FIX A RELAY THAT IS WORTH ONLY ABOUT $25. AS A RETIREE ON FIXED INCOME, THIS IS A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AND WAS TOLD I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST SINCE THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE ON MERCURY HEADLIGHT FAILURE REVEALED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON LTD'S AND MERCURY'S ESPECIALLY 2003 GRAND MARQUIS' AND FLEET LTD'S. I THINK NHTSA CLOSING PE08-066 HAS RESULTED IN A FAILURE TO ACCURATELY ADDRESS THIS AS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND AS A PRODUCT DEFECT AND FORD HAS FAILED IN THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE OBLIGATIONS TO A PAST VALUED CUSTOMER. FAILURE SEEMS TO BE A MATTER OF NOT IF BUT WHEN THIS FAILURE WILL OCCUR ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 15, 200963,000 milesVT

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY WHEN IN CRUISE MODE, LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT SEVERAL TIMES. HAVE TO DIS-ENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND SHUT OFF OVERDRIVE TO CURE IT, AND KEEPS OCCURRING ALTHOUGH LESS FREQUENTLY. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 11, 200976,202 milesCA

2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. HEADLAMP FAILURE. APPARENT CAUSE IS FAILURE OF LIGHTING MODULE "BLACK BOX" WITH DEFECTIVE SOLDERING. BOX IS APPARENTLY NOT PROTECTED BY FUSES. COST OF BOX IS $499. PLUS INSTALLATION COSTS AND TAXES. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 19, 2009125,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE HAD A SHORT AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SAFETY BACK UP IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE A CRASH COULD OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WERE TO DIM AT NIGHT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 15, 2009100,100 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER PLACED A MONITOR ON THE VEHICLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE AND REPLACE THE MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,100.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 30, 200945,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY TURN ON AND OFF. HE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 17, 200944,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS OPERATE ERRATICALLY. AT NIGHT, I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE HEADLAMPS WILL SWITCH OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. OFTEN TIMES, IF I AM ABLE, I PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EITHER HAVE TO JUST WAIT OR FIDDLE WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNTIL THEY COME BACK ON. MANY TIMES THEY WILL SWITCH OFF 3 OR 4 TIMES. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME. I AM 87 YEARS OLD AND MY DAUGHTER WHO ALSO DRIVES THE CAR IS 66 YEARS OLD. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY, IN ORDER TO REPAIR THIS, IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT ANYWHERE FROM $400 TO $800 TO REPAIR THIS MALFUNCTION. I HOPE THE NHTSA WILL SEE FIT TO ORDER A RECALL BY FORD TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 11, 200995,100 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER. BOTH STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT HE COULD NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. NHTSA INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE-066 WAS OPENED FOR THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, NO VERDICT HAS YET BEEN REACHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,600.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 8, 2008WA

THE RECALL IS THE FUEL PUMP . I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND MY VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO COMMUTE. THE EXPENSES ARE UNATTAINABLE AT THIS TIME TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 27, 200835,000 milesTX

PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING OFF VARIOUS BODY PARTS OF MY 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 26, 200841,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT NOTICED PAINT CHIPPING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROOF WAS ALSO CHIPPING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT IN CERTAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS THE PAINT WOULD CHIP MORE FREQUENTLY AND IN LARGER PORTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF MANUFACTURING, AND ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR HALF OF THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,025.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 16, 200892,668 milesGA

HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHEN CAR WARMS UP. CANNOT DRIVE CAR AFTER DARK DUE TO THIS. I CAN PULL OVER, TURN IGNITION OFF, LET CAR COOL A BIT AND THEN RESTART AND LIGHTS WILL WORK FOR A SHORT TIME. I HAVE CHECKED ALL FUSES AND RELAYS ASSOCIATED WITH HEADLIGHTS AND ALL ARE GOOD. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 13, 200844,500 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SLOWLY BEGAN TO MOVE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO RACE. THE TIRES BEGAN TO SCREECH AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND WAS FIVE FEET INTO THE OTHER LANE. NO CRASH OCCURRED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TEN MILES TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 10, 2008IL

ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS, INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, FLASHERS/ REPAIRED WITH GOODYEAR VENDOR/ RAN SEPARATE GROUND FOR HEADLIGHTS./HEADLIGHTS DON'T FUNCTION WITH WET WEATHER... *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed May 14, 200868,000 milesVT

DRIVER'S REMOTE CONTROLS OF FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW AND DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR JUST STOPPED WORKING. AUTO IS OUT OF WARRANTY (2003). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Apr 16, 200839,527 milesCA

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN A HEAVILY TRAVELED MAJOR THOROUGHFARE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, WHEN HER 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS STALLED. THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. AS THE VEHICLE DIED, SHE LOST THE POWER STEERING ON THIS 4,000 POUND VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY, SHE HAD HER TWO ELDERLY DISABLED PARENTS WITH HER. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 39, 527 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY NO ONE GOT HURT. *TR

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jan 17, 20089,152 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. ON AT LEAST FIVE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START. DURING THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN LONG DISTANCES AND THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE RECHARGED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,152. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WAS CHARGED $200 AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED HAD TO HAVE A REMOTE STARTER INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE RUNS FINE. UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR

Wheels
Filed Sep 4, 2007107,000 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 AND 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HAD A CRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. HE HAS PICTURES. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. UPDATED 09/26/07 *TR

Wheels › Rim
Filed Jul 5, 200782,077 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. AFTER DRIVING BETWEEN 60-70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAD LOST AIR. HE FOUND A SERVICE STATION AND INFLATED THE TIRE. THE NEXT MORNING, HE AWOKE TO FIND THAT THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WAL-MART AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS A CRACKED RIM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,077. UPDATED 07/24/07. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 25, 200736,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT SOUNDED AS IF THE TRANSMISSION SNAPPED. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER RECALLS WERE ISSUED FOR THAT MODEL OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 36,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Apr 17, 200758,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE WAITING TO TURN AT A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE INCREASED IN RPMS AND ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED , AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR AN INSURANCE ESTIMATE AND REPORT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.*AK

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Apr 3, 200739,500 milesMA

REAR AXLE BEARING FAILURE ON 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. PE4010. THE AXLES ARE IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND FAIL DUE TO NORMAL LOADS. THIS CAR IS NOT A POLICE VEHICLE. THERE IS A CLEAR DEFECT IN THE AXLES OF ALL SIMILAR BODY STYLES. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 21, 200736,200 milesMA

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS (36200 FAILURE MILEAGE) AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND GOT AWAY FROM THE CONTACT FOR ABOUT ONE YARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCEFULLY APPLY THE BRAKE AGAIN, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ACCELERATING, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND TURN THE POWER OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DISCOVERED THAT A DEFECTIVE 2W7Z-9F715-BA VALVE 226 HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,780 MILES.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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