2003 Mercury Marauder

Routine

Owners filed 60 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the headlights. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
48,900 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2003 Mercury Marauder problems

13 of the 60 complaints (22%) are about the headlights.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting · headlights12
000
Unknown or Other4
101
Tires4
000
Electrical System4
000
Suspension › Rear3
000
Suspension › Front2
000
Steering2
000
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission2
001
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine2
000
Wheels1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
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 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 1, 2017117,000 milesLA

I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN YOU TRY TO USE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. IT SEEMS MY ISSUE WOULD FIT UNDER THE LCM RECALL FOR 2003-2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHEN YOU ENTER THE VIN IT SHOWS NO RECALLS. I'M HOPING THIS IS AN OVERSIGHT SINCE THE MARAUDER IS A VERSION OF GRAND MARQUIS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 3, 2017NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (LEVITTOWN FORD LLC, 3195 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE, LEVITTOWN, NY 11756) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 7, 2016CA

15S39 THIS VEHICLE RECALL HAS BEEN ON MY CAT FOR ALMOST A YEAR. ACCORDING TO THIS WEBSITE SAFERCAR.GOV THE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE BUT WHEN YOU TAKE IT TO FORD IT IS NOT. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS RECALL WITH NO REMEDY FOR A YEAR! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT HAS DESTROYED THE VALUE OF THE CAR. ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. FORD IS EITHER LYING ABOUT THE RECALL REMEDY OR IT WAS MISREPORTED

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 7, 2016IL

DRIVING ALONG 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 7PM 1/6/2016 HEAD LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WILL NOT COME BACK ON HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT HEAD LIGHTS OR TAILLIGHTS I WAS INFORMED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER HEAD LIGHTS ETCAND FORD IS AWARE OF THIS HAZARDOUS PROBLEM

Air Bags
Filed Jan 12, 2015105,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT REPLACED UNKNOWN WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Steering
Filed Nov 2, 2014110,170 milesOH

THE STEERING BECAME JERKY AND HAD TO OVERCORRECT TO KEEP IN TRAFFIC LANE. MAKING TURNS THERE WAS A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. THE DEALER SAID RUST HAD SEIZED THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND IT WAS REPLACED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 2014319,254 milesLA

HEAD LIGHT FLICKER ON AND OFF , LOW BEAMS ARE DIM , HIG BEAMS NOT BRIGHT. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 22, 2014MA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 28, 2014110,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS THE LIGHT SWITCH WOULD NOT REMAIN IN THE ON POSITION CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY LCM (LIGHT CONTROL MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2013119,700 milesMI

WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH IN MY 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER AND WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AT ~45 - 50 MPH. DURING THE IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FAILED AND FELL BACKWARDS. LUCKILY MY DAUGHTER (5 YRS OLD) WAS NOT IN THE BOOSTER SEAT THAT IS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. IF SHE HAD BEEN WITH ME, SHE MOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS INJURIES. WHEN THE SEAT FELL BACK, MY INSTINCT WAS TO TRY TO STAY UPRIGHT. THIS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT NECK STRAIN. WHEN I THEN CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I SLID UNDER THE SEAT BELT AND MY KNEE MADE HARD CONTACT WITH THE DASH. *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 10, 2013103,000 milesKY

I WAS ENTERING ONTO A PARKWAY AT 05:30 HOURS, DAY-BREAK, WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I TURNED THE ON/OFF SWITCH, FLICKED THE HI-BEAMS, NO LIGHTS. I PULLED THE DRIVING LAMPS SWITCH, THEY CAME ON. I DROVE FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAME ON. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT SINCE THIS EVENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND WE EXPERIMENTED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS. CAR RUNNING, DRIVERS WINDOW DOWN...TURNED HEAD LIGHTS ON, PARKING LIGHTS CAME ON BUT HEAD LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND HEAD LIGHTS CAME ON. JIGGLED MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH AND HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED AS DID LEFT TURN LAMP. ORDERED NEW MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WILL HAVE IT INSTALLED 13 MAY, 2013. CONCERN: I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND NO ONE ELSE MENTIONED THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH, THEY ALL REFERRED TO THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. I NOW FEAR MY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AGAIN AFTER REPLACING THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM OCCURRING ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 25, 201278,786 milesNJ

HOOD SUPPORT STRUTS FAILED. CAR HOOD FELL ON MY HEAD. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 12, 201252,345 milesSC

ON THE ABOVE DATE WHILE LEAVING A PLACE OF BUSINESS AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 PM I HAD NO HEAD LIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHT AUTOLAMP POSITION NOR THE HEADLIGHT MANUAL POSITION WOULD TURN THE HEADLIGHTS ON. I SPENT ABOUT 00:20 MINUTES TRYING TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON. I HAD TO DRIVE ABOUT 3 MILES ALONG A VERY DARK SECONDARY ROAD IN SOUTH CAROLINA WITH ONLY THE FOG LIGHTS WORKING BEFORE THE HEAD LIGHTS EVENTUALLY CAME ON. THE NEXT EVENING MORE TIME WAS SPENT TRYING TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON, BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE HEADLIGHT AUTOLAMP POSITION TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING THE HEADLIGHT MANUAL POSITION TO WORK BUT NEITHER OF THE HEADLIGHT POSITIONS IS WORKING ON THE CAR. I HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN ONLY DRIVE DURING THE DAY LIGHT HOURS. MY RESEARCH HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS THE 'LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE' THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 23, 201174,500 milesMA

HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, SIDE MARKERS, FOG LAMPS ALL DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. FAULTY 'LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE' (PART NUMBER 3W7Z-13C788-AA ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE) TO BLAME. PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA CLOSED (PE08066), BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN - *ALL* 2001-2004 PANTHER PLATFORM VEHICLES WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVENTUALLY IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY DUE TO THE RELAY BEING SIZED TO SMALL AND EVENTUALLY BURNING OUT. MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE WITH LOSING YOUR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON DARK BACKROADS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 24, 2011130,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WHICH THE CONTACT STATED HE REPAIRED HIMSELF BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY. THE DEALER WAS CALLED WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $500 FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLETELY REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 18, 201133,500 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE UNLESS THEY WERE ON FULL SPEED. THE WIPERS WOULD ALSO COME ON AUTOMATICALLY AND SPRAY THE FLUID WHEN THEY WERE NOT MANUALLY OPERATED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WERE IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,500.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 28, 201082,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER FOR THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 20, 2010100,000 milesOH

SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN 2004 WITH 10K MILES ON IT, I'VE PUT 120K ON IT. IT'S EATEN THRU 5 SETS OF TIRES. I'VE HAD THEM ALIGNED EVERY TIME I CHANGED TIRES.. HAD TWO AXLE ROD'S BREAK. RADIO FAILED. AC WILL CONSTANTLY TURN ON RANDOMLY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 20, 201049,517 milesOH

REAR AXLES ARE NOT HARDENED PROPERLY,CAUSING LOSS OF LUBRICATION AT WHEEL SEALS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 22, 200957,890 milesMN

HEADLIGHTS TURN THEMSELVES OFF AND ON EVERY FEW MINUTES OR SO AT NIGHT OR ANYTIME... *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Aug 17, 200991,800 milesCA

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 IS LISTED FOR THE 2003 FORD CROWN VIC'S AND LINCOLN'S BUT NOT THE MERCURY'S??? I HAVE AN 03 MERCURY MARAUDER THAT HAS THE SAME REAREND AS THE OTHERS LIST IN THIS RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT LISTED. I JUST HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM THAT IS LISTED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND HAD TO SPEND $1100 TO HAVE MY AXLES, BEARINGS, CARRIER AND WHAT EVER ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THE REBUILD. IS THERE A REASON THAT FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS THE SAME CAR WHICH THEY ARE!!!!!!! *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 3, 200945,800 milesWA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS FAILED WHEN STUDDED SNOW TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO SIGNIFY THAT IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,800.

Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2009IN

I AM AN OWNER OF A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE VEHICLE OEM REAR TIRES MANUFACTURED BY BF GOODRICH ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. BFG IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES THIS SIZE TIRE(245/15/18) THIS TIRE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOMMENDS FOR THIS CAR AND THE USE OF ANOTHER SIZE COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A HANDLING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THESE TIRES HAVE BEEN ON BACK-ORDER FOR A YEAR AND WITH OVER 11,000 MARAUDERS ON THE ROAD, THERE COULD POSSIBLY BE A SAFETY ISSUE . *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2009DE

REAR TIRES FOR 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER I HAVE 65,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND NEED TO REPLACE MY REAR TIRES FOR THE CAR FOR THE SECOND TIME I CANNOT FIND THE TIRES ANYWHERE, NOT EVEN BFG THEY ARE ALWAYS ON BACKORDER. THE LAST TIME IT TOOK 5 MONTHS SEARCHING FOR THESE TIRES ONE HERE AND ONE THERE. NO OTHER PRODUCTION VEHICLE USES THESE TIRES. IT IS FRUSTRATING WORRYING ABOUT TIRE FAILURE ON A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU KNOW IF IT DOES FAIL YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR UNLESS YOU GET UNMATCHED TIRES. HELP!!!!! *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2009IL

BF GOODRICH IS NOT MAKING THE SPECIFIC TIRE SIZE FOR OUR AUTOS, 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER SIZE OF 245/55/18 AND THERE IS NO OTHER TIRE MAKER THAT HAS THIS SIZE. *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2009IL

THE TIRES FOR MY SIX YEAR OLD CAR ARE ON BACK ORDER FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, EVERY YEAR!!! THE LAST TIME THEY CAME OFF BACK ORDER IT ONLY LASTED FOR FOUR DAYS!!! THIS IS THE ONLY BRAND THAT COMES IN MY STOCK REAR SIZE SO YOU CAN SEE MY FRUSTRATION. MY CAR IS ALMOST NOT DRIVABLE AND NOT SAFE BECAUSE OF THEIR BUSINESS PRACTICES. *TR

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft
Filed Jan 7, 200877,141 milesNC

BOTH REAR AXLES AND BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FORD HAS ISSUED A BULLETIN ON THIS: ARTICLE NO. 03-5-5 AXLE-REARAXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR-VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 1/1/2003. MY '03 MERCURY MARAUDER WAS BUILT IN AUG. '02. BOTH AXLES, BEARINGS AND SEALS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $647.55. *TR

Equipment
Filed Dec 30, 200758,200 milesNJ

RADIO - FM STOPPED WORKING; AM CONTINUES WITHOUT PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS 4 & 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH 58,200 MILES. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Nov 20, 200799,250 milesCA

REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL FAILED ON 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. DEALER INSPECTION WITHIN 7-10 DAYS OF FAILURE, NO NOTIFICATION OF RECALL ON 2003 CROWN VICTORIA NHTSA: 04V328000 FOR MARAUDER WHICH MAY USE THE SAME REAR END COMPONENTS. VEHICLE DISABLED AT A NEIGHBORHOOD GAS STATION AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IMPENDING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Feb 13, 200750,500 milesAL

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AT INTERSECTION, CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND I ALMOST RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER, BUILT IN 06/2002, HAS MFR. KNOWN DEFECT IN STEERING SYSTEM DUE TO STICKING VAPS VALVE ON STEERING RACK. THIS UNIT WAS NEVER RECALLED, REPAIRED AND OWNERS NOT NOTIFIED OF POSSIBLE SAFETY DEFECT WITH STEERING SYSTEM. FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM DUE TO MANY FAILURES OF THIS CAR LINE BUILT BEFORE 12/2002. VEH. HAS 50K MILES. ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT OR KILLED FIRST? *JB

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 200737,000 milesWI

2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAIL AS YOU DRIVE DOWN THE STREET. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 5 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NO ONE CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and LinkagesCrash
Filed Dec 6, 2006NC

ON MY 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER, THE FUEL AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, I HAVE HIT BOTH OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING ME TO "BUMP" THE CAR INTO SOMETHING. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 10, 200655,752 milesPA

SPARK PLUG BLEW FROM HEAD AT 55,000 MILES. STARTED CAR BEFORE WORK. HEARD LOUD TICKING. CAR MISSED AND STUMBLED. FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED CYLINDER HEAD. COST $3275.56 *JB

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 28, 200562,000 milesTX

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V328000 CONCERNING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLE SHAFT. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED UNDER A DIFFERENT NAME. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARTS WERE IDENTICAL IN BOTH VEHICLES.*AK UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Dec 27, 200539 milesOH

CAR SMOKES ON STARTUP, NO HELP FROM DEALER. WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE WHILE WIPER SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION, AND SOMETIMES THE WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYS CONTINUOUSLY AND IT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. *NM

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 18, 200548,900 milesMA

SIMILAR TO ODI 10142807........FORD MOTOR ISSUED A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V328000 & NHTSA PE 04010) FOR 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA & LINCOLN TOWN CAR ABOUT REAR BEARING SEALS AND AXLES. FORD L/M WILL NOT REPAIR MY 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER BASED ON THIS. IT IS THE EXACT SAME VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY THE REAR END. MARAUDER IS A LIMITED ADDITION WITH THE POLICE PACKAGE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. COST ME OVER $600 TO WHICH I FEEL FORD L/M SHOULD COVER UNDER RECALL 04V328000. *JB

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal
Filed Dec 15, 200548,900 milesMA

FORD MOTOR ISSUED A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V328000 & NHTSA PE 04010) FOR 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA & LINCOLN TOWN CAR ABOUT REAR BEARING SEALS AND AXLES. FORD L/M WILL NOT REPAIR MY 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER BASED ON THIS. IT IS THE EXACT SAME VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY THE REAR END. MARAUDER IS A LIMITED ADDITION WITH THE POLICE PACKAGE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 7, 200538,352 milesOH

MY 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER SUFFERED PREMATURE WEAR ON THE INNER EDGES OF THE FRONT WHEELS. IT WAS FOUND TO BE WITHIN SPECIFICATION FOR THE CAMBER ALIGNMENT WHILE THIS WEAR IS INDICATIVE OF A CAMBER ISSUE. I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT. 12,000 MILES LATER THE NEW SET OF TIRES IS EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT INNER EDGES. DOING FURTHER RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE LOOSE TOLERANCE OF MERCURY'S ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATION. MANY OTHER MARAUDER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE POSES A SIGNIFICANT BLOWOUT PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Dec 13, 200420,000 milesNY

NO INJURIES - ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS LOST TRACTION, RESULTING IN THE CAR BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE. *AK

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Aug 2, 200433,000 milesCA

WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 40-60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR FLOOR BOARDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE GAS PEDAL. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Jul 21, 200418,375 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DOWN A ROAD THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, FORD MOTOR COMPANY DECLINED REPAIR OR EXPLANATION AND REFERRED US TO INSURANCE CO. INSURANCE CO DENIED BECAUSE OF NO EVIDENCE OF AN ACCIDENT. *LA

Steering
Filed Apr 14, 20041,500 milesWI

THE CAR BUMP STEERS. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT ALSO STATED THAT IF THEY DID FIND ANYTHING WRONG IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED BY WARRENTY.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 14, 2004AL

WHILE SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. TRANSMISSION WENT INTO OVER DRIVE, AND VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Apr 1, 200419,000 milesFL

WHILE PARKED, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION AND NOTHING STRUCK THE REAR WINDOW. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 15, 20044,900 milesMD

EVERY TIME I'VE STARTED IT SINCE I OWNED IT, ITS SMOKED EVERY TIME.I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SMOKE IS FROM BUT GOES AWAY ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS OF RUNNING.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 20044,348 milesNC

I HAVE HAD 17 WARRANTY REPAIR ITEMS. OVERDRIVE PROBLEM ON MARCH 24. VALVE BODY AND TEMP SENSOR REPLACE. CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 24 DAYS. PURCHASED NEW ON FEB. 8, CAR IS CURRENTLY IN ARBRITATION. I HAVE ASKED FOR A BUY BACK. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX LOOSE CARPET IN REAR FLOOR.

Structure
Filed Jan 15, 20042,205 milesTN

PAINT FLAKING AND THE BUFFING MARKS APPEAR ON HOOD AND FENDERS THE HOODS SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE AND THE TRIM IS COMING APART AROUND THE SIDE WINDOWS THE FRONTEND MAKES NOIES AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE SOMTHING IS NOT PUT TOGEATHER OR THEY FORGOT TO TIGHEN THE NUTS

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200470 milesCA

THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE SENSOR REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. RADIATOR FAN DEFECTIVE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. SUBSEQUENTLY, OTHER MECHANICAL ANOMALIES APPEARED: TRANSMISSION ANOMALY OCCURRING REPEATABLE. CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM BEHAVING ERRATICALLY. IRREPARABLE CLEAR COAT AND PAINT DAMAGE: SEVERE AMOUNT OF CLEAR COAT DAMAGE TO NEARLY 100% OF THE VEHICLES EXTERIOR. ALTHOUGH A FEW SURFACE SCRATCHES MIGHT BE EXPECTED WITH ANY NEW VEHICLE, THE VOLUME AND SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE IS BEYOND ANYTHING I COULD HAVE IMAGINED IN A NEW CAR. HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO IMAGES ARE ATTACHED WHICH DEPICT ALL DEFECTS DESCRIBED BELOW. TEN OR MORE DEEP, IRREPARABLE, CONCENTRATED BURN MARKS, CAUSED BY OVER-BUFFERING, ARE LOCATED ON THE HOOD, DRIVERS DOOR, AND THE DRIVER?S-SIDE REAR DOOR, RIGHT-FRONT QUARTER PANEL, ETC. TWO ADDITIONAL BURN MARKS ARE CLEARLY PRESENT ON THE TRUNK LID LIP AND TRUNK SURFACE AS WELL. THESE SWIRL MARKS RANGE IN DIAMETER FROM A FEW INCHES TO MOR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Dec 22, 20037,000 milesFL

ALMOST ALL DOMESTIC MANUFACTURERS OF PASSENGER CARS MAKE THEM SO THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES FARTHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR. THIS IS VERY LIKELY THE REASON FOR MOST "UNINTENDED" ACCELERATION INCIDENTS. IN MY OWN CASE IT INVOLVES A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IF YOU ACCIDENTLY DEPRESS BOTH AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH WITH A LARGE FOOT IS EASY TO DO, THE BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME PLATFORM DO THE SAME THING. I CAN EASILY SEE WHERE THIS WOULD LEAD TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES WHEN AN ELDERLY PERSON HAS THE SAME EXPERIENCE AND THEY PANIC AND ARE AFRAID TO RELEASE THE BRAKE. AS WE SEE MORE AND MORE INCIDENTS OF "UNINTENDED ACCERALTION" KILL AND MAME MORE AND MORE PEOPLE PERHAPS IT'S NOT UNUSUAL BUT THE NORM.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Nov 17, 2003100 milesMA

THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *PH WHEN THE CONSUMER ACTIVATED AND SET THE SPEED CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT REMAIN AT THE SET SPEED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND SHOWED NO SIGN OF DECELERATION TO RESUME. THE DEALER FINALLY RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM. *SCC *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 60, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20050100Routine
200427100Routine
2003 — this page60100Routine

Compare every Marauder 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: Jun 13, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.