Owners filed 78 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
04700047,000 milesMedian miles at failure
66 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering
18
2
0
1
Vehicle Speed Control
10
4
1
4
Electrical System
7
0
0
0
Structure › Body
5
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
4
1
0
1
Engine
4
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
3
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
2
1
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
2
0
1
Structure
2
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
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.
Suspension › Front › Hub07V270000
Filed Jun 26, 20078,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT.
Risk. IF A HUB FRACTURES, IT MAY POTENTIALLY DETACH FROM THE WHEEL KNUCKLE, RESULTING IN THE WHEEL BEING RETAINED ONLY BY THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Nov 13, 2025140,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the lower intermediate shaft was replaced. The contact stated that it was determined that the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing did not need to be replaced at the time. Several years after the recall repair was completed, the steering column began lowering unintendedly, and a zip tie was used to keep it in place. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Oct 11, 2023NJ
See attached document from complainant
Steering
Filed May 11, 202268,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering felt loose. The contact stated that the power steering was still operable however, the vehicle would drift to the left or right with no input on the steering wheel. The contact stated that he would correct the steering and the vehicle would continue to drift to the right and to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and the mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 18, 202180,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the wiring harness for the brake pedal sensor was faulty, causing the exterior brake lights to fail to illuminate. The failure almost caused a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering
Filed Jun 13, 2021NY
Left home the other day I noticed that the steering had become was stiff when the wheels were straight..it wasn't bad turning till it was going straight..the next day the steering became stiff and erratic. It would work sometimes and it would be stiff...found out the lower steering shaft had frozen up..There was a recall back in 2013 doe the lower shaft with is breaking..My car was a Florida car but Ford supposed have fixed it because I was moving back to NY..Have been back in NY for 3 1/2 years now it froze up..The recall for cars in the northern states..Seeing I was moving back to NY they claimed they did the recall..it shouldn't have corroded that fast..I have no way to prove they did the recall or if they faked it..It is cleared as it had been repaired..
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 17, 202172,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK WHILE EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION A FEW MINUTES AFTER FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 9, 202178,013 milesIL
I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AND SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR CORNER, AFTER BRAKING MY CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND MADE THE CAR JUMP FORWARD. I HAD TO SLIGHTLY RELEASE THE BRAKE SND BRAKE HARDER TO STOP AND AVOID GOING INTO THE INTERSECTION.
Seat Belts
Filed Feb 25, 2021NJ
PASSENGERS SIDE SEATBELT LOCKS
Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 2020110,000 milesNY
ODOMETER FADES OUT MOST OF THE TIME...SOMETIMES IT WILL BRIGHTEN UP SO YOU CAN SEE IT..BUT SOON FADES OUT AGAIN..FORD WANTS $600 TO FIX IT...2008 IS THE ONLY YEAR THAT FITS AND THERE ARE 4 DIFFERENT ONES THAT FIT..CAN'T FIND A USED ONE
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 29, 2020110,250 milesNY
TOOK CAR THROUGH CAR WASH AFTER WINTER AND A LARGE SECTION OF PAINT CAME OFF THE HOOD..THIS IS A FLORIDA CAR..IT WAS THE SECOND WINTER IN BUFFALO..ALSO FOUND OTHER SPOTS ON CAR WHERE PAINT IS COMING OFF...WAS LOOKING FOR A NEWER GRAND MARQUIS AND A LOT OF THEM ALSO HAD PAINT COMING...ALL WERE THE SILVER BIRCH ...THE PAINT DOESN'T APPEAR TO ADHERE TO THE PRIMER...
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Filed May 27, 202063,824 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED AND WAS HANGING DOWN UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,824.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 201957,600 milesFL
FIRST TRIED THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS WHILE PARKED ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY AND THEY DID NOT WORK. WHEN I DROVE OFF I PUT THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND TURNED ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED OFF THE WIPERS AND THE HEADLIGHTS BUT THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE AND 2 DAYS LATER I DROVE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THAT MY TURN SIGNALS WERE NOT WORKING. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I POINTED OUT THESE PROBLEMS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I LEFT THE CAR AND THEY DIAGNOSED A BAD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. MY CAR IS 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS WITH 57,628 MILES. THEY CHARGED ME $740 TO REPLACE THE MODULE. I RESEARCHED RECALLS AND I SAW A RECALL 15S39 WITH # 15V861000 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT IT ONLY APPLIED TO THESE SAME CARS THRU CY 2005. MY CAR IS A 2008. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THE FORD CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE AT 866 436 7332 AND THEY SAID THE NHTSA DETERMINES THE EFFECTED VIN NUMBER VEHICLES. THERE IS ALSO A FORD CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 14N01 WHICH DEALT WITH THIS SETTLEMENT FOR VEHICLES THRU CY 2005. I BELIEVE THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE LCM MODULE FOR 15 YEARS AND 250,000 MILES FOR THE EFFECTED VEHICLES THRU CY 2005 AND THEY EVEN RECOMPENSATED CUSTOMER'S WHO PAID FOR EXORBITANT REPAIR BILLS FOR THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. MY DEALER INVOICE # IS 460317 WITH KELLY FORD, INC, 776 S. MAGNOLIA AVE, MELBOURNE, FL. 32935 (321) 254-4283
Steering
Filed Sep 10, 201990,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 13, 2019MS
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND TURNING LEFT AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. IT LOOKS LIKE A CHUNK OF ONE OF THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS FELL OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN.
Power Train
Filed May 11, 201988,500 milesWI
THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ACCELERATE TO 5000 RPM'S. HAD THROTTLE BODY AND MAS REPLACED WHICH SEEMED TO HELP. HOWEVER, IT STILL HAPPENS ONCE IN A WHILE (ONCE EVERY 3 WEEKS AVERAGE). USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND DRIVING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS (AROUND 5-10 MPH). HASN'T HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WAS TOLD BY ONE MECHANIC THAT THE COMPUTER IS DEFECTIVE???.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 201863,000 milesTX
TAKATA RECALL THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, WHEN A PASSENGER IS SETTING IN THE CAR SEAT AND THE CAR IS MOVING, I HAVE TAKEN NOTE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH PANEL WILL GO OFF AND OWN. I HAVE NOT SEEN THE LIGHT GO OFF AND OWN.
Steering
Filed Oct 16, 201890,000 milesTN
THE GEAR SHIFT ID ON THE DASH BOARD HAS QUIT WORKING, AND WE CAN ONLY IDENTIFY THE GEAR THAT WE HAVE ENGAGED BY FEEL. ALSO, WE HAVE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL FLASH GOING BAD. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHES AT A SUPER FAST RATE. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE SAFETY ISSUES. THE GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, THE TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN.
Power Train
Filed Aug 30, 2018128,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ENTERING A DRIVE-THRU LANE AT A BANK, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK; HOWEVER, THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILURE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED IN APPROXIMATELY 2016. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MALLOY FORD (1911 VALLEY AVENUE, WINCHESTER, VA 22601, (540)-667-4434) AND REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CABLE FAILED. THE GEAR SHIFTER CABLE WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. **TR CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFT CABLE FAILURE PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND KEEPS IT IN GEAR AND MOVING OF THE CAR UNLESS THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED! TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE WAS REPLACED 2 TIMES. UPDATED 11/8/18*JB
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 31, 2018230,000 milesNC
I HAVE A 2008 MECURY GRAND MARQUIS ,I WAS IN A WRECK IN DECEMBER 10,2017 FRONTAL IMPACT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF OR WORK DURING MY WRECK ALSO MY SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK AS WELL. I GOT HURT IN THE WRECK BECAUSE NON OF MY SAFETY EQUIPMENT WORK. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM FORD DEALERSHIP AIRBAGS WE'RE REPLACED WHEN PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE CAR HE TAP A POLE IN A PARKING LOT. I COMPLAINT WITH FORD AND DEALERSHIP I DON'T KNOW WHAT AIRBAG IS IN MY CAR . I THINK IT'S A TAKATA AIR BAG THAT IS IN MY CAR DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A UNSAFE CAR AND KNEW ABOUT IT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT MY MATTER AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO SHOP WHO WORKED ON CAR WHEN PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE CAR. CUSS ME OUT FOR ASKING WHAT BEEN DONE ON THE CAR . I ASK FORD I WANT MY CAR FIXED AND REPAIRED FOR IT TO BE SAFE SO I AM STILL WAITING ON THEM. I ALSO WANT TRAMWAY AUTO BODY SHOP IN SANFORD NC TO BE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR UNSAFE CAR REPAIR. ALSO WANT FORD TO RECALL THE CAR AS UNSAFE OR TAKATA AIR BAGS COULD BEEN REPLACED AND INSTALL ON YOUR CAR UNSAFE CLAIM REPAIRS COULD BE DONE BY UNFIT SHOP WITH OUT OWNERS NOTICE. GEICO INSURANCE HAS BEEN TOLD ABOUT AIRBAG NON DEPLOYMENT FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 201637,000 milesNC
HEATING UNIT DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN HEAT OPTION . FLOOR , MIX ,DEFROST OPTIONS ARE SELECTED AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS AT MAXIMUM HOT
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: Nov 5, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.