1988 Mercury Grand marquis problems
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.
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Common 1988 Mercury Grand marquis problems
The 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis, like any other car, has its own set of common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from engine problems to electrical and transmission concerns.
- Engine Problems: The 1988 Grand Marquis has several engine-related complaints, including poor acceleration, burning oil smell, fuel injectors stopping, running hot, and surging. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects. For instance, two owners reported poor acceleration and a burning oil smell in the 1989 Grand Marquis, while another owner mentioned fuel injectors stopping in the 1985 Grand Marquis.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are also common in the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. For example, one owner reported a problem with the car stumbling and rattling when giving it gas, which was eventually traced back to a faulty fuel filter and fuel pump.
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is another issue that can affect the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. One owner reported problems with the vehicle shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Transmission issues can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear, low fluid levels, or internal damage.
- Seat Belt Buckle Failure: Another common problem with the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is the failure of the spring in the seat belt buckle. This issue can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous, as it may prevent the seat belt from functioning properly in the event of a collision.
- Valve Dropped Through Engine: This issue is more common in later model years, such as the 2007 Grand Marquis, but it can still affect the 1988 model. When a valve drops through the engine, it can cause significant damage and require expensive repairs, with an average cost of around $3,300 and typically occurring at an average mileage of 76,000 miles.
These are just a few of the common problems reported by owners of the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. It's essential to stay up-to-date with regular maintenance and address any issues promptly to prevent more significant problems down the line.
1988 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mercury Grand marquis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Mercury Grand marquis
The NHTSA has received 89 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mercury Grand marquis. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Mercury Grand marquis vehicles.
2005-11-10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-03
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2MEBM75F7JX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 IN CHICAGO, I ACCELERATED TO PASS A CAR. THE ACCELERATION DEVICE WITHIN THE ENGINE, NOT ONLY STUCK, BUT IT INCREASED SPEED. I TRIED TO BRAKE THE CAR WITH LITTLE RESPONSE. I GOT ON THE EXIT RAMP AND WITH 2 FEET ON THE BRAKES, COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. WE REAR ENDED A WOMAN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WE PUT THE BUMPER OF HER JEEP INTO HER BACK SEAT, THEN VEERED OFF HER CAR AND SMASHED INTO A CEMENT RETAINING WALL. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT OF MY CAR. ALTHOUGH NONE OF US WERE ABLE TO STAND AND WALK AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT, OUR INJURIES INCLUDE SOFT TISSUE AND MUSCLE DAMAGE. WE ALL SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE HOSPITAL AND RECEIVED MORPHINE FOR THE EXTREME PAIN WE WERE IN. I WANT TO FILE SUIT AGAINST FORD, BUT HAVE NOT FOUND A LAWYER WHO WILL TAKE THE CASE. I WILL FILE ON MY OWN BEHALF. PAIN, SUFFERING AND OVER $50,000 HOSPITAL AND VEHICLE DAMAGE IS NOW ON MY RECORD BECAUSE OF THIS MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. *NM
2003-11-25
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-21
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW ROLLED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
2002-08-07
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THERE IS NO TREAD WEAR/ TRACTION, OR TEMPERATURE CODE ON THE TIRES.*AK
2002-07-03
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-02
- VIN: 2MEBM74F8JX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: FORD SAYS THE STARTER SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER THE STARTER SWITCH RECALL. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN. THE SWITCH HAS BURNED CONTACTS AND IS DEFORMED PROBABLY FROM HEAT. THE HARNESS CONNECTOR, THAT GOES TO THE SWITCH, IS MELTED , SPLIT AND DEFORMED. MY TURN SIGNALS AND A/C FAN MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. I ALSO GET ERRONEOUS ENGINE WARNING AND LOW OIL WARNING LIGHTING AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE SWITCH DOES GET VERY WARM AND IT WAS JUST THAT OR HOT UPON FAILURE. THE RECALL (96V071000) DID NOT ACTUALLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM. A SAFETY HAZARD REMAINS IN EXISTANCE WITH THESE VEHICLES. I WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THE SWITCH WAS BROKEN OR WORN OUT BUT THE SWITCH IS HEATING OR BURNING UP. THE RECALL SHOULD REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR CHRONIC REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH UNLESS A ENGINEERING CORRECTION IS MADE ON THE VEHICLES IN QUESTION.*AK
2001-11-27
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2MEBM74F5JX
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH / STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN HEAT UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP ON 2 OCCASSION AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH UNDER RECALL.*SLC
2001-08-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2MEBM75F8JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND ROAD CONDITIONS VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND DIED WITHOUT WARNING. ANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
2000-09-20
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-04
- VIN: 2MEBM75F6JX
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS TIRE WAS ON AN MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 1988. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. WHEN CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE A TREAD SEPERATION WAS NOTICED. FIRESTONE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
2000-09-13
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 3 OF THE 4 FIRESTONE TIRES ON CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC
2000-08-31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-27
- VIN: 2MEBMBM75F2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 96VO71000. ANOTHER CAR ALMOST REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, IT WAS RAINING AND COULD HARDLY SEE ANYTHING. *AK THE CAUSE FOR STALLING OF THE VEHICLE WAS A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *YH
2000-07-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2MEBM79F8JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AS CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE . SHE APPLIED BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. FRONT TWO TIRE WERE ON FIRE AT THAT TIME. FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
2000-07-20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-20
- Fire: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED OF APPROX. 45 -50MPH ON RT.219 IN ORCHARD PARK, N Y, WHEN MY 1988 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WAGON STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON LEVEL GROUNG TO APPROX. 60 MPH. CONTINUOUS BRAKING ONLY SLOWED THE CAR TEMPORARILY. I MANAGED TO BRAKE THE CAR ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE EXIT RAMP AND ONLY WAS ABLE TO STOP IT BY RIDING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUTTING THE CAR INTO N. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE SPEED PEDAL WAS NOT "STUCK" DOWN. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. IN MORE TRAFFIC OR IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *AK
2000-07-11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2MEBM75F7JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE IN BED HEARD AUTOMOBILE CRANKING BY ITSELF. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOW, SAW SMOKE, AND THEN AUTOMOBILE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT BLAZE OUT.*AK
2000-05-22
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2MEBM74585Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND& IT SHOT BACK ACROSS A SMALL INTERSECTION INTO A DITCH, IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF, CONSUMER THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A THROTTLE PROBLEM,DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *AK *ML *SLC
1999-07-20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2MEBM75EX5X
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL. NLM
1999-06-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 2MEBM75F1JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: IN 98 WE TOOK THIS CAR IN FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WHEN WE RETURNED HOME THE SWITCH REFUSED TO ALLOW US TO TURN IT OFF WE CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT HAD DONE THE REPLACEMENT WE HAD NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM UNTILL THIS TIME THEN ONCE I GOT IT TURNED OFF AND WE WENT TO RESTART THE CAR IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE RUN POSITION OR ALLOW ANY OF THE LIGHTS OR ACCESSORIES TO WORK I CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN LEAVE IT RUNNING AND THEY WOULD FIX IT AS SOON AS THEY COULD THIS WAS AT 5:00 P.M.ON A FRIDAY EVENING AND THEY WOULDNT BE RETURNING TO WORK UNTILL MONDAY MORNING I THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO LEAVE THIS CAR RUNNING FOR 2 1/2 DAYS UNTILL THEY RETURNED TO WORK ON THE FOLLOWING ,MONDAY /////AIR CONDITIONER - THE AIR CONDITIONER ON THIS CAR SINCE WE BOUGHT IT REFUSES TO WORK UNTILL IT HAS BEEN RUN FOR ABOUT 1 HR THEN IT WILL WORK FINE IT HAS BEEN RECHARGED AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THAT IS THE TROUBLE 3 TIMES WE HAVE REPLACED THE CLIMATE CONTROL TEMP. SENSOR IT WILL THEN WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN AGAIN BECOME AS IT WAS I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE FULL SIZE FORDS AND IT SEEMS NO ONE CAN SAY WHAT IT IS FOR SURE I HAVE TRIED ALSO REPLACING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ON THE HEAT AND AIR SELECTOR SWITCH WITH NO LUCK AS WELL
1999-04-27
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK, WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE, LEAKED DUE TO RUST WHICH CAUSED A CRACK. THIS MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
1999-03-25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE BLOCK HEATER CORD NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE FIRE AND MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
1999-03-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2MEBM75F7JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
1999-01-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-04
- VIN: 2MEB75F9JX6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
1998-10-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-22
- VIN: 2MEBM75F5JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN BUTTONS SHRINK IN COLD WEATHER.
1998-08-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-04
- VIN: 2MEBM75F0JX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING NOTICED A BURNING SMELL COMING INTO THE VEHICLE. PULLED VEHICLE OFF ROAD AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND NOTICED INSULATION ON WIRE WAS BURNING APPROXIMATELY 6-8 INCHES AWAY FROM ALTERNATOR; CONNECTOR SHOWED SIGN OF BURNED AND MELTED INSULATION. *AK
1998-07-06
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: 2MEBM75F8JX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK LEAKS IN TWO PLACES, WHERE SUPPORTING STRAPS COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TANK ITSELF. ALL THE TIME IT LEAKS. NO WARRANTY AND NO RECALL ON THE GAS TANK. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
1997-10-04
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
- VIN: 2MEBM75FXJX
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED.
1997-10-04
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-27
- VIN: 2MEBM75FXJX
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK FAILED.
1997-10-04
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-20
- VIN: 2MEBM75FXJX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
1988 Mercury Grand marquis recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 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.
1996-04-25
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1988-03-08
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: AUTOMATIC RETRACTOR FOR SEAT BELTS FOR DUAL FACING REAR SEATS MAY BE INSTALLED IN AN IMPROPER LOCATION.
- Consequence: SEAT BELT COULD BIND BETWEEN SEAT CUSHION AND SEAT BACKCAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO BE SLUGGISH OR UNABLE TO TAKE UP EXCESS BELT SLACK.
- Remedy: REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL THE RIGHT AUXILIARY SEAT BELTS.
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