1981 Mercury 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.

1981 Mercury Grand marquis

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Common 1981 Mercury Grand marquis problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here are common problems with the Mercury Grand Marquis 1981 based on complaints from owners:

  • Car Shuts Off When Stepping on Gas Pedal: Another common complaint is the car shutting off when accelerating. This issue can be caused by a variety of systems malfunctioning, such as the idle control valve becoming contaminated or stuck. A contaminated idle control valve can result in rough idling and stalling, especially when accelerating. This problem may trigger the Check Engine light in newer models.
  • Engine Performance Issues: Owners have experienced engine performance problems, including rough or too-fast idle speed, misfiring, and hesitation during acceleration. These issues can be caused by even the tiniest of leaks in the engine, affecting overall performance.
  • Electrical and Fuel Delivery Problems: Rough idling, frequent stalling, and inconsistent acceleration are signs of potential electrical, fuel delivery, or vacuum system issues. These problems can lead to a rough-running vehicle and may require immediate attention to prevent further damage or safety risks.
  • No-Start Problem: Some owners have faced a no-start problem, where the car backfired, igniting the air filter and causing a fire. This issue can be related to various factors, including the engine's components and ignition system.

These common problems reported by owners of the Mercury Grand Marquis 1981 highlight a range of issues affecting the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. Addressing these problems promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's optimal functioning and safety.

1981 Mercury Grand marquis engine

1981 Mercury Grand marquis car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Grand marquis problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Mercury Grand marquis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Mercury Grand marquis complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Mercury Grand marquis.

2020-10-08

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
  • VIN: 1MEBP85F0BZ
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP ISN'T WORKING RIGHT. I SEE IT'S BEEN RECALLED. HOW CAN I FIX IT? CAR WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, KEEP DYING ON ME... VERY UNSAFE FOR ME TO BE STALLING OUT. THE FUEL PUMP...
1997-05-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1MEBP85F6B2
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE JAMMED/TRAPPING PASSENGER INSIDE VEHICLE.

1981 Mercury Grand marquis recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1981 Mercury Grand marquis.

2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
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