Ford Grand marquis problems

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The Mercury Grand Marquis is an automobile that was produced by Mercury from the 1975 until 2011 model years. Introduced as the flagship sub-model of the Mercury Marquis in 1975, the Grand Marquis became a stand-alone model line in 1983, serving as the largest Mercury sedan. The model line served as the sedan counterpart of the Mercury Colony Park station wagon up to 1991. The fourth generation was the basis of the 2003 and 2004 Mercury Marauder.

From 1979 until 2011, the Grand Marquis shared the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Panther platform with the Ford LTD Crown Victoria (Ford Crown Victoria after 1992), and from 1980, the Lincoln Town Car. For over three decades, the Ford and Mercury sedans were functionally identical, with two of the three generations of the model line sharing the same roofline. The Grand Marquis was available as a four-door sedan for nearly its entire run; from 1988 to its final year in 2011, it was the only body style that was offered. A four-door hardtop was available from 1975 to 1978 and a two-door hardtop coupe from 1975 to 1987.

The Grand Marquis was the second-best-selling Mercury line (after the Cougar) with 2.7 million units produced; at 36 years of continuous production, the Grand Marquis was the longest-running Mercury nameplate (the Cougar, 34 years). Ford manufactured the Grand Marquis, alongside the Mercury Marquis, Mercury Marauder, Ford (LTD) Crown Victoria, and (beginning in 2007) the Lincoln Town Car, at two facilities: the St. Louis Assembly Plant in Hazelwood, Missouri (1979-1985) and the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Southwold, Ontario, Canada (1986-2011).

Ford announced the discontinuation of the Mercury brand in 2010, but a few 2011 model-year Mercurys were made. The last Grand Marquis - and the final Mercury branded car - was produced on January 4, 2011, at St. Thomas Assembly.

photo of Ford Grand marquis car production

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Ford Grand marquis model years

ford grand marquis 2001 photo
Grand marquis 2001
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Grand marquis 2000
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Grand marquis 1999
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Grand marquis 1998
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Grand marquis 1997
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Grand marquis 1996
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ford grand marquis 1995 photo
Grand marquis 1995
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Grand marquis 1994
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Grand marquis 1993
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Grand marquis 1992
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Grand marquis 1991
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ford grand marquis 1990 photo
Grand marquis 1990
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ford grand marquis 1989 photo
Grand marquis 1989
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Common Ford Grand marquis problems

The Ford Grand Marquis, produced from 1975 to 2011, is generally known for its reliability and decent price-quality ratio. However, there are some common issues that owners have reported over the years.

One of the most significant problems is related to the steering system, particularly in the fourth and final generation of the car. This issue is caused by intermediate shaft cracks and problems with the bearings, which can lead to a loss of control and increased risk for drivers. Although Ford issued a recall in 2013 to address this problem, earlier models also had steering issues due to their robust design, which made them difficult to maneuver.

Another common problem is visibility, particularly due to premature windshield cracks and improper windshield retention. This issue was so prevalent that Ford issued a recall in 2006 to rectify the problem. Additionally, windshield wiper modules may not operate correctly under heavy load, further compromising visibility.

Intake manifold cracks were also a common issue in the second and third-generation models of the Grand Marquis. This problem was caused by the use of a completely plastic manifold, which was prone to cracks. These cracks led to coolant leaks and engine overheating, which could result in engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Transmission problems were another area of concern for Grand Marquis owners. Leaky fluid pumps could cause transmission fluid leaks, which could lead to transmission failure if not addressed. Rebuilding a four-speed automatic gearbox in the Grand Marquis could cost up to $2000 for a new transmission or around $1400 for a remanufactured one, not including labor rates.

In summary, while the Ford Grand Marquis is generally known for its reliability, there are some common issues that owners have reported over the years. These include steering problems, visibility issues, intake manifold cracks, and transmission problems. It is essential to be aware of these issues when considering purchasing a used Grand Marquis, particularly if it is from one of the generations known to have these problems.

Ford Grand marquis

Is the Grand Marquis a reliable car?

The Mercury Grand Marquis is very reliable, mid size and attractive. Fairly good gas mileage. Very comfortable for long trips. Nice leather seats.

Do Grand Marquis have transmission problems?

Transmission problems are common in this model, often as a result of a failed front pump. The pump loses its ability to create hydraulic pressure, which an automatic transmission needs to function. A sign of front pump failure can be a whine type noise.

What is the life expectancy of a Mercury Grand Marquis?

Grand Marquis drivers typically report a minimum lifespan of around 200,000 miles before the more expensive repairs start to add up. That's not a terrible life expectancy, but these cars frequently hit the market with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer, so shop around for low mileage.

How many miles will a Grand Marquis go?

They will go 200,000 miles easily .

Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Grand marquis years

We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Grand marquis cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Grand marquis model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Grand marquis model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Grand marquis years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Ford Grand marquis car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Ford Grand marquis , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Grand marquis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Grand marquis model years

A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Grand marquis model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Grand marquis model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 80 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Grand marquis . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Grand marquis vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Ford Grand marquis 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-08
  • Date Complaint: 2005-07-18
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2MELM75W9RX
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: DT: CONSUMER HAD A 1994 FORD GRAND MARQUIS. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JULY 8, 2005 INSIDE OF GARAGE. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DOING ANYTHING DIFFERENT PRIOR TO THIS. IN MAY, THE BRAKES WERE WORKED ON BECAUSE THEY WERE MUSHY. THE BROWNSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE COMPANY LOOKED INTO WHY THE FIRE OCCURRED, AND THEY AGREED IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, AND THE GARAGE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DID RESPOND AND ISSUED A REPORT. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING TO STAY WITH HER SON UNTIL THE DAMAGE WAS FIXED AT HOME.*AK
Ford Grand marquis 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-04-03
  • Date Complaint: 2005-07-08
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2MELM75W1RX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWENTY MINUTES WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A VEHICLE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS PARKED AND LOCKED. *SC *JB
Ford Grand marquis 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-28
  • Date Complaint: 2005-06-28
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2MECM75W0NX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONTACT STATED CAR GOT BURNT. SHE HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL. SHE NEVER GOT THE RECALL LETTER UNTIL THE CAR BURNT. GOT BURNT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. SHE TALKED TO SOMEONE, NAMED JUANITA HILL,WHO TOLD HER SHE WOULD GIVE $825.00 BECAUSE SHE DID NOT HAVE THE MILEAGE AND BECAUSE SHE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR AT SALVAGE. JUANITA HILL HAS TOLD HER SHE WILL NOT GET THE MONEY UNTIL SHE HAS THE CAR TOWED TO FORD. SHE DID NOT WANT TO HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED.*AK
Ford Grand marquis 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-06-12
  • Date Complaint: 2005-05-19
  • VIN: 2MEBM75F1KX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE GAS STORAGE TANK WAS LEAKING, 3 OF THE LATCHES DID NOT WORK. THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SPEED CONTROL. THE EMERGCEY BRAKE WOULD RELEASE ALL THE WAY. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS NO MATTER WHAT THE CONSUMER WAS DOING. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON BUT HAD IT FIXED.THE SHOKS WERE ALSO REPLACED.
Ford Grand marquis 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-19
  • Date Complaint: 2005-02-03
  • VIN: 2MEFM75W9YX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB
Ford Grand marquis 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-12
  • Date Complaint: 2005-02-02
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE FRONT END TO DROP DOWN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Ford Grand marquis 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
  • Date Complaint: 2004-11-18
  • VIN: 2MECM75W0NX
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: THE PLASTIC LENS THAT COVERED THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME DEFECTIVE AND DETERIORATED, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
Ford Grand marquis 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1992-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2004-10-29
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST HE WAS GOING. ANY GLARE THAT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, RENDERED THE CONSUMER NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THE DASHBOARD. *JB
Ford Grand marquis 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-11
  • Date Complaint: 2004-10-18
  • VIN: 2MEFM75W84X
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. NO IMPACT REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Ford Grand marquis 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-13
  • Date Complaint: 2004-09-29
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE AIR IDLE, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
Ford Grand marquis 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-05-27
  • Date Complaint: 2004-09-28
  • Components: SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FW; 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS FUEL TANK PROBLEM. *BF THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE POSSIBLILITY OF THE FUEL TANK RUPTURING FOLLOWING A HIGH ENERGY REAR END COLLISION RESULTING IN SEVERE FIRES. THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF POLICE AND CIVILIAN VERSIONS OF THE CROWN VICTORIA SHARE THE SAME FUEL SYSTEM AND REAR SUSPENSION GEOMETRY. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE SOME HELP TRYING TO DECIDE HOW SAFE HER 1996 GRAND MARQUIS. *TC
Ford Grand marquis 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-09-07
  • Date Complaint: 2004-09-07
  • VIN: 2MELM74W5VX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATED IN SPEED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED LIQUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE HYDRAULIC REAR BRAKE LINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Ford Grand marquis 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-18
  • Date Complaint: 2004-06-18
  • VIN: 2MELM7564TX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND SPILLED COOLANT INSIDE THE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Ford Grand marquis 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-28
  • Date Complaint: 2004-06-04
  • VIN: 2MELM75W5VX
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEARS AND THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FRAME BROKE AND COULD NOT FIX IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED IT WOULD COST THE CONSUMER $3862 TO REPAIR IT. *AK THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE THAT HAD COME FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AREA WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER BUMPS. *SC *JB
Ford Grand marquis 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-23
  • Date Complaint: 2004-04-23
  • VIN: 2MELM74W8VX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

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