2003 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 2003 Mercury Grand marquis problems
The 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is a popular car known for its comfort and reliable performance. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that owners may encounter. Here are some of the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, based on owner complaints and feedback:
- Headlight Failure: Some owners have reported issues with headlight failure, which can affect visibility and safety while driving.
- AC Climate Control: The climate control system can have issues, such as not working properly, which can affect the comfort of the vehicle.
- Air Bag Light On: The air bag light can stay on, indicating an issue with the air bag system.
- Paint Flaking Off: The paint on the 2003 Grand Marquis can flake off, which can affect the appearance and durability of the vehicle.
These are some of the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, based on owner complaints and feedback. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this model will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. However, it is always a good idea to be aware of potential issues and to address them promptly if they arise.
2003 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:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Mercury Grand marquis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Mercury Grand marquis
The NHTSA has received 389 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Mercury Grand marquis. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Mercury Grand marquis vehicles.
2024-09-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 2MEFM75W63X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to pull out of the parking lot, the headlights and the taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
2024-09-03
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- VIN: 2MEFM75W33X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Head lights suddenly went out while driving at night causing near accident, happening frequently. Also, the gas tank leaks when I put gas in car, making it smell badly and making it dangerous if someone drops a cigarette near it.
2024-08-29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- VIN: 2MEFM75W53X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the headlights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
2024-07-18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 2MEFM74W03X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
2024-03-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable, and the trunk failed to open. Additionally, all the doors failed to manually lock, and while utilizing the key fob, the door locks were inoperable. The door-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 179,000. The VIN was not available.
2024-01-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2MEFM75W83X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Its the LCM L(IGHT CONTROL MODULE)...HEAD LIGHTS went out on me one night coming down [XXX] causing me to wreck in a ditch and hitting a light pole INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023-08-02
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- VIN: 2MEHM75WX3X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon turning on the headlights, the taillights intermittently failed to illuminate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
2023-05-31
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-30
- VIN: 2MEFM74W03X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH at night, the brake lights, headlights, and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the lighting control module was the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
2023-05-30
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-25
- VIN: 2MEFM75W63X
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle had shifted to LIMP Mode and was almost side swiped by a tractor trailer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had been towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
2023-05-22
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
- VIN: 2MEHM75V93X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 14N01 (Lighting Control Module); however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps flashed and then completely failed to remain illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,236.
2023-05-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-10
- VIN: 2MEHM75V93X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: O.I.N. 11523223 05/22/2023 1. Lighting Control Module: Failure 2nd time. 2.Couldn't see where I was traveling. 3. No. 4. Yes. Inspected by myself, a Mechanic and Trouble Shooter. 5. Yes. Prior to the failure, the headlamps began flashing on and off. Previously the taillights failed. No warning. Lighting Control Module Defective. Replaced Module per Recall 14N01C. Ford Dealership, Pearson Ford, INC.10650 N. Michigan RD., Zionsville, In., 317.873.3333, Service Advisor: William Haygood
2023-01-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2MEFM75W43X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: I started Mercury with foot on break like normal. Shifted into reverse. Car accelerated backwards at full speed. Brakes did not stop car. Attempted to shift into neutral but went into drive instead. Car accelerated forward at full speed with my foot still on break. Car hit metal post and tree knocking them down and dragging the tree 50 to 60 feet before stopping with my foot still on the break. Car had stopped accelerating. I turned off the ignition. This unintended acceleration had happened before. Two different dealers attempted to fix the problem. Both of them thought they had been successful but it happened again. Previously, applying the brakes stopped the car, but not this time. Someone could have been injured severely or killed.
2023-01-17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-27
- VIN: 2MEFM74W23X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I received a recall on my car in 2019 to change the lighting control module as my headlights could go out without warning. Although I had not experienced this, I brought my vehicle to the local Ford dealer who changed the part. Over the pandemic and now since my wife and I are in declining health we have driven very little after dark. However, I recently had to go to the pharmacy at Walmart and returned home after dark but my headlights went out completely. Now I am having this problem and the local Ford dealer said there was no second recall so he wants to charge me between $500 and $600 to correct the problem. I think this is Ford's responsibility to correct. Please assist in making the manufacturer aware of this.
2022-12-21
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-21
- VIN: 2MEFM75W33X
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Hard to steer car, power assist not working, doors do not lock
2022-11-23
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-23
- VIN: 2MEFM75W33X
- Components: SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Almost had accidents because lights failed, headlights and taillights failed at night, including dash lights today, creating safety hazard. Seat tilt failed, and body mount frame bushing failed. Mirror tilt switch failed. Fuel filler neck leaks when filled. Very scary especially at night. Please recall and fix before we get hurt.
2022-10-29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-10
- VIN: 2MEFM75W53X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The LCM has failed during nightly driving causing a complete loss of headlights.
2022-09-14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-01
- VIN: 2MEFM75W33X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed. As a result, the contact engaged the high beam headlights to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
2022-09-02
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- VIN: 2MEFM74WX3X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The lighting control module failed. Even after recall 2 years later and only 9 thousand miles Oem part replacement under recall and recall part has failed no tail lamps work no turn signal lights. Only brake lights It’s a common problem even after recall replacement It’s worked fine for 8 thousand miles now lights don’t work all the time
2022-02-02
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-27
- VIN: 2MEFM74WX3X
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I am the owner of a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. Several weeks ago the power steering on the vehicle quit. This was not the result of the power steering pump. The linkage in the steering system had ceased, causing the vehicle to be dangerously unsteerable. I have had this repaired at a cost of $575 dollars. I believe this is a safety issue that need immediate investigation and a safety recall. I contacted Ford Motor Company and was sent to Chat contact Shakura who gave me the Corporate runaround. We were lucky as this happened on a side road at low speed. If it had happened on an Interstate with speeds of 65 to 80 MPH I feel this could have resulted in a major accident. I should also point out this steering item is in Ford Crown Victorias and more than likely in Lincoln Continentals. Please advise and contact me with questions. Thank you in advance as this need to be resolved.
2022-01-27
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-23
- VIN: 2mefm75w33x
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). Over time, the contact stated that the headlights and taillights would intermittently fail to operate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Despite the recall repair, the contact stated that the taillights failed to operate. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
2021-11-29
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-29
- VIN: 2mefm75w63x
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: First issue: The headlights and door chime stay on after key is removed and lights are off causing battery to drain while vehicle is not being operated. Second issue: 50 amp ignition fuse blows randomly while car is in motion which causes a complete loss of power to the car including: braking power and power steering assist. The tilt steering being raised or lowered fixes the problem temporairly on occasion. A clicking sound from the lighting control module is heard when adjusting the tilt steering also
2021-08-29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-15
- VIN: 2MEFM75W53X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlights are still not working properly, as before the recall. It is hit or miss if they decide to come on, or stay on. Also, the rear running lights may or may not come on when I turn the headlights on.
2021-06-29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: 2MEFM75W43X
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Headlights began not working intermittently, and now do not go on, but high beams still work without issue. Seems very similar to recall 15s39, which was repaired on my vehicle in 2015, but became an issue again about a month ago. The car has only accrued about 10,000 since it was last repaired.
2021-03-04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-15
- VIN: 2MEFM74W23X
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WILL NOT START...MANY TIMES OVER LAST 6MONTHS..SECURITY ISSUE..WAS TOLD NO SOUND WHEN TURN ON KEY--ALL LIGHTS ON DASH ON AS ENGINE-AIR BAG-CHECK GAS CAP LIGHTS...BUT NO SOUND...IGNITION COIL REPALCED .BATTERY FRPLACED SPARK PLUGS REPLACED TIRED REPROGRAM KEYS....STILL DOES THIS..IT MAY OR MAY NOT START AFTER TURNING STEERING HARD ...I NEED MY CAR HANDI CAP SENIOR 70YR
2020-12-16
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-01
- VIN: 2MEFM74W33X
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRIECO FORD OF FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304, (844) 648-2686) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,900. *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER 3 YEARS.*JB
2003 Mercury Grand marquis recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Mercury Grand marquis.
2015-12-22
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
- Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
2006-06-13
- Manufacturer: UFI FILTERS USA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
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