2005 Mercury Grand Marquis

Above average

Owners filed 488 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the headlights. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid: 3.1× the complaints of a typical Grand Marquis year. Which Mercury Grand Marquis years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,800 milesMedian miles at failure

396 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

243 of the 488 complaints (50%) are about the headlights.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting · headlights208
000
Electrical System57
333
Air Bags · airbags56
101
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights31
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration23
906
Steering17
000
Seat Belts15
000
Service Brakes · brakes6
211
Tires5
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes5
100

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis headlights problems

50% of all complaints

243 of the 488 complaints are about the headlights. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash5% · 12

Share of the 243 headlights complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
79,000 mi
median of 207 reports
Peak year of filing
2012
41 headlights complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the headlights
“The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front headlamps had intermittently failed to provide proper illumination, greatly reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed May 12, 2025 at 211,000 miles
“The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights flickered after approximately a minute. The headlights continued to turn on and off independently. The headlights eventually became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 18, 2024 at 85,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 13 complaints, 0 about the headlights'052006: 15 complaints, 0 about the headlights2007: 10 complaints, 0 about the headlights'072008: 9 complaints, 2 about the headlights2009: 20 complaints, 9 about the headlights'092010: 35 complaints, 27 about the headlights2011: 36 complaints, 23 about the headlights'112012: 60 complaints, 41 about the headlights2013: 58 complaints, 36 about the headlights'132014: 65 complaints, 29 about the headlights2015: 37 complaints, 15 about the headlights'152016: 25 complaints, 11 about the headlights2017: 26 complaints, 14 about the headlights'172018: 21 complaints, 6 about the headlights2019: 18 complaints, 10 about the headlights'192020: 7 complaints, 3 about the headlights2021: 2 complaints, 1 about the headlights'212022: 7 complaints, 4 about the headlights2023: 8 complaints, 5 about the headlights'232024: 5 complaints, 3 about the headlights2025: 9 complaints, 3 about the headlights'252026: 2 complaints, 1 about the headlightsRecall 05V518000 (electrical system)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 13V385000 (steering)Recall 14V704000 (steering)Recall 15V861000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation PE15028NHTSA investigation PE14021NHTSA investigation PE08066
All complaintsAbout the headlightsRecall (red: the headlights)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2005 Grand Marquis peaked in 2014, with 65 filed that year. Owners had filed 182 complaints about the headlights before the first recall that covers it, 15V861000 in December 2015; 61 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights15V861000
Filed Dec 22, 2015296,004 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.

Risk. A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft14V704000
Filed Nov 5, 201436,888 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

Risk. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

Steering13V385000
Filed Aug 29, 2013355,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

Risk. If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.

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.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables05V518000
Filed Nov 9, 200598,836 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN HEAT DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUSIBLE LINK AND POSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER BOLT. IF THE FUSIBLE LINK HAS ALREADY CHAFED AND COPPER WIRES HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, THE FUSIBLE LINK WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2005 Grand Marquis.

Loss of headlightsPreliminary evaluation PE15028Closed
Opened Aug 10, 2015Closed Jan 8, 2016Led to recall 15V861000headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged …

Loss of headlamp/exterior lightingDefect petition DP15002Closed
Opened Apr 1, 2015Closed Aug 11, 2015headlights

In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a …

Steering Column Shaft ObstructionPreliminary evaluation PE14021Closed
Opened Jul 7, 2014Closed Nov 21, 2014engine

On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver …

LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONPreliminary evaluation PE08066Closed
Opened Nov 26, 2008Closed Mar 24, 2009headlights

The agency has closed this investigation based on its review of complaint reports, field and technical data provided by FORD and complainant interviews. Ford found that some lighting control modules (lcm) in the subject vehicles contained defective solder joints on the printed circuit board.this condition can lead to poor headlight performance ranging from intermittent outage and dimming to eventual headlights failure.the failure does not affect other lighting functions (park, emergency flasher, brake and flash to pass lights).the agency is aware of a total of 306 consumers complaints and no …

Technical service bulletins

32 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Grand Marquis. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 7electrical system 6transmission 5steering 4equipment 2parking brake 2brakes 2body and frame 1
CSP-14-N-01Warranty extensionApr 11, 2014headlights

FORD: THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO A POSSIBLE CRACK ON SOLDER JOINT THAT CONNECTS RELAY TO CIRCUIT BOARD. MODEL 2003-2005 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS. *PE

CSP-14N01Warranty extensionApr 11, 2014equipment

FORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. INFORMATION REGARDING THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE, FOR SOME VEHICLES, TO 15 YEARS OR 250,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. MODEL 2003-2005 VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS. *PE

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 16, 2026144,500 milesMN

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front headlights flickered on and off before turning off. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving at night. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of scorch marks on the LCM, and the relay switch had burn marks. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the front headlights manually, the front headlights remained illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 144,500.

Steering
Filed May 8, 2026145,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended causing the contact to have driven straight instead of turning. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, as the steering column was replaced twice. The contact mention the failure has a occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 27, 2025MA

My vehicle was running fine, than all of a sudden the transmission would not shift, i was like omg, what is going on, i had my son with me, my son was driving, he was so scared, i was like take a side street, stay level ground, we coasted down pro tech, [XXX] , that is where the car is now, bill told us,my son and i that the transmission fluid is burnt, when i looked at it the fluid was red,and did not smell burnt, this happened [XXX], i do not understand this at all, i am trying to get help through my insurance company, my claim #[XXX], SAFETY INSURANCE, there was transmission fluid on the dipstick red, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Sep 27, 2025MA

My brother got me this vehicle five yrs ago, and ever since then the air bag light has been on,i have no idea of why it is on, i don't know if it is the fuse, i don't know if there is even a air bag is in the vehicle my brother got the vehicle up in vermont, i have a pending cl# [XXX] on another issue, thank you so much, deeply appreciated, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 12, 2025FL

My wife has a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. This vehicle has what I believe is an extremely unsafe placement of the brake and accelerator pedals. The pedals are extremely close together, closer than I have ever seen on any other vehicle. My wife has depressed the accelerator while pressing the brake pedal on more than one occasion. We went recently for an oil change. The technician pressed the accelerator while pressing the brake pedal while putting the vehicle into reverse. The vehicle lunged into the parking lot. Fortunately, there were no vehicles behind my vehicle. If the technician had been shifting from neutral into drive, he would have driven into the building. The technician said that he has had similar experiences with Ford vehicles and that one of his relatives has a Ford and that this is a frequent experience with that vehicle. I am a disabled Veteran with a below knee amputation of the right leg. I have had no problem driving vehicles before this one. I have stopped driving this vehicle because I believe it is a crash waiting to happen. I have asked numerous people to sit in the vehicle and see if they feel that the pedals are too close together. To date, all have said that they feel that the pedals are too close together and that they would not drive the vehicle in question because they also feel that this vehicle and no doubt other Ford vehicles with this pedal arrangement are crashes waiting to happen. I request that NHTSA look into the pedal arrangement of this

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 3, 2025LA

I bought this car from some stranger who doesn’t care about my shoulder pains driving a car with the steering wheel upside down these part stores & insurance companies get theirs can I please get what’s due to me so tired of the brakes making my steering wheel jerk & didn’t have any heat in a car I’ve spent my entire check on I really can’t believe this much over a faulty can I get some type of reimbursements for my pain & suffering from driving this guy’s high school car even if it looked like it did brand new pipes falling apart [XXX] won’t stop over heating caused me to run off the road because windows can’t let right window down it’s so much I can say but I rather not thanks this is devastating to me & my child kid doesn’t wanna feel like his dad I has no say so for him or his own child driving in guy’s [XXX] did one thing some else messes up it has caused me so much grief & mental attacks trying to keep this guy car maintained I’ve tried trade ins but they’ve told me that the car wasn’t worth nothing but $700 what can I do with that basically paid my entire earnings out on a Car I love my step son I just don’t want him to feel like I’m a bad person because I’m dealing with financial stability [XXX] I’ve paid so much & I want my happiness one way or another crooks on social media lined up to [XXX] me you & the next with this false narratives & defected goods [XXX] my great grandpa doesn’t like the way this one car has caused me so much pain going in these rich stores buyi

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 1, 2025NV

Seat belt does not fully clip in to buckle and tends to come undone while in operation of motor vehicle furthermore requires occupant to wiggle buckle back and forth to attempt to get a good connection between the two, belt and buckle.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 1, 202580,082 milesFL

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the headlights activated without driver input. The contact removed the circuit wires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 80,082.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 13, 2025160,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and at night, the headlights independently turned off. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 12, 2025211,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front headlamps had intermittently failed to provide proper illumination, greatly reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,000.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Mar 24, 2025TX

This is a serious safety hazard that could result in death or injury. If I hadn’t escaped in time, I would have been killed. I am urging the NHTSA to investigate this defect and take immediate action to remove these vehicles from the road. Others may not be as lucky. This issue is life-threatening, especially because the fire started while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles must be recalled and removed from use before more people are injured or killed.

Service BrakesFire1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 2024TX

On [XXX] I was driving this recently purchased Grand marquis . On [XXX] here in San Antonio around ten at night I hit the brakes and something under the hood compartment blew up and it cocked the car . I was trapped inside and when I finally was able to get my seatbelt released I had to break the window with my head . The previous week I reached out to ford and they told me they would address the issue and that they would call me back and that was to no avail. i reached out to ford and at first I was told I would be helped and then a man came on the phone yelling that my vehicle . I need help with resol this issue . My car is totaled and I’m hurting and it’s because of a car with recalls that are a fire haz and dangerous to be put on the road Thank you and God Bless . was not under any recalls The car had been parked for over ten years beca when the orig owner bought it it had issues with the cruise control and the brakes and the engine and the lights . I investigated about and hazards the car was demonstrating and upon further consideration my instinct told me this car was defected and was a big problem waiting to happen INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 18, 202485,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights flickered after approximately a minute. The headlights continued to turn on and off independently. The headlights eventually became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jul 30, 2024120,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 48 MPH, a Police Officer pulled the contact over and informed her that the taillights were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to an independent mechanic and the bulbs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer then referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 22, 2024MO

Light control module was replaced per recall via Ford and new LCM became faulty after 4 years. Ford will not replace recalled part due to warranty on recalls. Apparently from Ford and other mechanics, this is a common problem with the LCM not working for long even after replacement.

Engine
Filed Mar 26, 2024NJ

When i hit the brake pedal,4 times in past month car accelerated briefly then quit. no warning signs no one can tell me what's wrong i read there was a class action lawsuit file years ago for this problem.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2023NY

My drivers side seat belt works sometimes and sometimes it doesn’t and also my passenger side airbag light stays on when starting the car it flashes a few times and then stays on

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 7, 2023NY

I was driving I pressed the cruise control to set it but the vehicle kept accelerating and as I was pressing on the brake it wouldn’t disengage it kept accelerating I kept pressing the brake frantically and THANK GOD it disengaged.. I never touched the cruise control again

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 7, 2023NY

I had a flat tire well my insurance company sent someone to come and fix it when they got here my car was shut off and in park position, he asked me to press on the parking brake which I did I got out of car shut the door he jacked the car up and the parking brake didn’t hold and the car came down almost on his. I had to get cylinder blocks and put them under the tires while he jacked up the car to fix my flat. Very dangerous

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 23, 202335,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH at night, there was a flash, and the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's brother informed him to use the high beam headlights. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the lighting control module. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed him that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2023SC

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 55 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that he diagnosed that the Light Control Module (LCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was unknown.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 14, 2023156,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the headlights became inoperable, without warning. The contact pulled over on the side of the road, after turning off and turning on the headlight switch, the headlights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included on NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was 156,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 19, 2023FL

My windshield wipers started coming on and off by themselves in my 2005 grand Marquis. They also started spraying all of the windshield wipers fluid out. The lights also flicker on and off by themselves. The wipers then stopped working all together. I took it to a Ford dealership where they could not locate the problem.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 26, 202381,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the headlights fluctuated off and on without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000. The contact stated the failure happened at any speed and that the vehicle was repaired.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 202240,842 milesVA

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the vehicle was started, the driver’s side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a driver’s air bag pretensioner fault and that the seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,842.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 19, 2022227,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving, the front headlights intermittently failed. The contact stated that he replaced the headlight bulbs, but the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2022WI

Passenger seat belt pre-tensioner has malfunctioned. Air bag check light flashing code 34. My mechanic informs me the entire SRS will not function in a crash. He was informed by Ford that a replacement part is no longer available. The vehicle mileage is around 43,000. No rust and no collision damage. With the numerous complaints about this same problem why hasn't a safety recall be issued? Why hasn't Ford been required to stock replacement parts for a longer time?

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2022OH

I WAS NOT IN ACCIDENT

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 7, 2022MO

The lcm light control module is malfunctioning and Ford/Mercury say that this vehicle is not part of the recall.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed May 16, 202293,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that several years ago while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the headlights resumed normal operation. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and had the headlights serviced under a Customer Satisfaction Program. Recently, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights became inoperable without warning. The contact was forced to use the hazard lights after multiple attempts to restart the headlights had failed. The contact coasted the vehicle to the nearest gas station and upon arrival the headlights began to operate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 14, 2022140,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights would intermittently turn off and back on. The contact stated that while driving over bumps in the roadway or depressing the accelerator pedal, the headlights would become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an intermittent electrical short in the headlight module. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 22, 2021NJ

NEITHER THE AIR CONDITIONER NOR THE CRUISE HAS WORKED SINCE 46,000 MILES. IT NEEDS A NEW AIR COMPRESSOR WHICH WOULD COST OVER $1,000 AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE PLASTERED ALL OVER THE INTERNET.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 1, 2021LA

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. THIS FAILURE IS NOTED AS FORD RECALL # 15S39, DATED APRIL 14,2017. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAYS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED BUT DID NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT RECALL #. CANNOT DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT, EXCEPT TO PULL LEVER FOR BRIGHT LIGHT TOWARD ME (DRIVER).

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 202054,000 milesVA

AIRBAG FAULT CODE 34. PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT PRETENSIONS CIRCUIT RESISTANCE OUTSIDE LIMITS. CIRCUIT WAS DAMAGED BY STATIC DISCHARGE FROM HUMAN TO OUTSIDE OF DOOR. VEHICLE WAS PARKED DURING BOTH INCIDENTS. NO ACCIDENT. NO DETONATION OF EXPLOSIVE CHARGE. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED 2 YEARS AGO ON DRIVER SIDE WITH CODE 33. NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS. PLEASE INQUIRE TO REPAIR FACILITY 'SAFETYRESTORE DOTCOM' FOR NUMBER OF THESE FAILURES. AIRBAGS ARE INOP WHEN FAULT OCCURS. NEED SHIELDED CIRCUIT TO PREVENT REOCCURRENCE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 3, 2020139,922 milesTN

I WAS OUT DRIVING AT AROUND 9:30 PM AND MY HEADLIGHTS JUST WENT OUT, AFTER I GOT HOME I LOOKED FOR LIGHTING ISSUES WITH THE CAR AND DISCOVERED A RECALL. THE NEXT MORNING I CONTACTED AUTONATION FORD IN MEMPHIS TN, WHERE I RESIDE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL. I TOOK IT IN ON 8/11/20 , WHERE THEY DID A LCM BYPASS THAT WAS TOLD TO ME BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR GARVIN. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 8/15/20 AND THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING WHEN I LEFT THE AUTONATION BUT AFTER I GOT HOME 30 MINUTES LATER I WENT TO DROP OFF SOME MAIL AT THE MAIL DROP AND THE LIGHTS WENT BACK OUT. I CALL AUTONATION SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER THOMAS AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO HIM AND MY SITUATION AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IN WHEN I COULD. I TOOK IT BACK ON MY FIRST OFF DAY THAT THEY WERE OPEN . I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE WORK THEY DID AND IF IT WERE STILL IN PLACE ANYTHING EXTRA WOULD COST ME OUT OF POCKET. I DON'T FEEL AS IF I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ISSUE THAT WASN'T PROPERLY REPAIRED. AS OF TODAY OCTOBER 3,2020 I STILL HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, REPLACED THE BULBS AND I STILL HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS.

Steering
Filed Mar 5, 2020150,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH, THE STEERING DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE OGDEN LINCOLN OF WESTMONT LOCATED AT (100 W. OGDEN AVE, WESTMONT, IL 60559) AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 5, 2020GA

THE SEAT BELT LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN WENT OUT AND NOW THE ALARM GOES OFF AND RINGS 5 TIMES AND DOES IT 5 TIMES IT DOES THIS WHEN YOU START THE CAR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 19, 2020TX

2005 FORD GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXPERIENCE AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNFAVORABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 16, 2020110,000 milesWV

LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF I READ RECALL ON THE LIGHTNING CONTROL MODULE FOR MY 2005 MERCURY MARQUIS. THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE. SAFETY HAZARD COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2020GA

I PURCHASED A 05 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS AND HAD ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I SEEN THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE BUT WHEN I CALLED THE FORD DEALER THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T REGISTERED FOR A RECALL. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $135 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND LEAVE MY CAR FOR 24 HOURS. NO ONE WAS ABLE TO INFORM ME WHY MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. IF I'M TELLING THEM THAT I'M HAVING A PROBLEM THAT THEY CLEARLY KNOW ABOUT WHY ARE THEY CHARGING ME TO FIX IT?

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 22, 2019104,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH ON IN ORDER TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HASSETT FORD-LINCOLN (3530 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793, (516) 785-7800), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO RESCHEDULE THE DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 21, 2019111,000 milesIL

HEADLIGHT MODULE WENT OUT 12-10-2016, BROUGHT CAR TO SPRING HILL FORD (DEALER) DUNDEE IL. CAR WAS UNDER NEW RECALL BUT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED PART YET SO THEY PUT IN THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE NEW PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THEY NEVER DID DESPITE MONTHS OF ME CALLING THEM. NOW THE OLD DESIGN PART IS ACTING UP AGAIN BUT IN 2016 THE DEALER REPORTED MY CAR AS HAVING THE RECALL FIXED, WHICH WAS UNTRUE. MY CAR SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAD BEEN MARKED DOWN AS HAVING THE RECALL FIXED. I STILL HAVE THE SAME OLD DEFECTIVE PART IN MY CAR. FORD SHOULD REDO THEIR PAPERWORK AND HAVE THIS RECALL PROPERLY MARKED AS NOT FIXED. I SPOKE TO FORD 800-392-3673 THIS MORNING AND THE FOREIGNER ON THE PHONE JUST WASN'T GETTING IT.

Steering
Filed Sep 20, 2019175,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V850000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 201921,500 milesLA

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE STAYS ON AND SOMETIMES BLINKS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 21,523 MILES ON IT. I'M TOLD THIS IS AN INDICATION OF A MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAG OPERATION. HAS A RECALL BEEN ISSUED ON THIS MALFUNCTION. THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND MOVING. THIS HAS CREATED A FEAR OF THE AIR BAG NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIR FOR IT IS UNKNOWN TO ME.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 28, 2019NV

CAME OUT IT WAS DARK I JUST STARTED THE CAR UP AND I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS ARE MY FRIENDS FOLLOW ME TO MY HOUSE WITHOUT LIGHTS

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 25, 2019NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TAP THE SIDE OF THE LIGHTING FIXTURES TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO FUNCTION. FAIRWAY FORD (444 US-117, BURGAW, NC 28425, 910-259-2371, 1-(800) 291-7714) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. DEACON JONES FORD-LINCOLN (3301 MCLAIN ST, GOLDSBORO, NC 27534, (919) 736-3387) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) IN THE SPRING OF 2015; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER ALSO SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT FOR JULY 30, 2019 REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 8, 2019100,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 18, 2019MS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HERRIN GEAR TOYOTA (6100 INTERSTATE 55 NORTH FRONTAGE RD, JACKSON, MS 39211, (601) 882-0351) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 10, 2019130,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING, DOME LIGHT, AND ALL OTHER LIGHTING TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INVER GROVE FORD LINCOLN (800-730-1765, LOCATED AT 4725 S ROBERT TRAIL, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CHANGED ALL THE FUSES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED HASTINGS AUTOMOTIVE AT 651-437-4030 (LOCATED AT 3625 VERMILLION ST, HASTINGS, MN 55033) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 30, 201979,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV FOR AWHILE AND THEN THE RPMS SLOWED DOWN TO A NORMAL LEVEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARED ON THEIR OWN AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED WITHOUT ANY FAILURES SINCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. *BF *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 488, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20119220Routine
201025200Routine
200926210Routine
200880312Fatalities reported
200796300Routine
2006143320Routine
2005 — this page488550Above average
2004348241Fatalities reported
2003362220Above average
200278220Routine
2001157532Fatalities reported
2000162850Routine
1999164520Routine
1998143781Fatalities reported
1997316560Above average
19962396192Fatalities reported
1995179753Fatalities reported
19941563202Fatalities reported
19931443180Routine
19922553271Fatalities reported
1991822140Routine
199056150Routine

Compare every Grand Marquis year →

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis: questions buyers ask

Is the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid: owners filed 488 complaints, 3.1 times as many as a typical Grand Marquis year. The most common complaint is about the headlights (50%).

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis?

The headlights: 243 of the 488 complaints (50%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (5%). The typical report comes at 79,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 22, 2015. The largest, 13V385000, covered 355,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 72,800 miles. For the headlights the midpoint is 79,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, PE15028 ("Loss of headlights"), was opened Aug 10, 2015 and closed Jan 8, 2016.

Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis?

The manufacturer filed 32 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (7), the electrical system (6) and the transmission (5). They include a warranty extension, CSP-14-N-01, filed Apr 11, 2014. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Dec 22, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.