NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
315.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
526.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
631.6%
150,000+ miles
421.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1992 Mercury Grand Marquis 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 18Oct 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02025Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 30 Jun 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
DP02007Opened 22 Aug 2002Closed 4 Dec 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL-FED FIRES
THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGA...
SQ01014Opened 27 Nov 2001Closed 3 Oct 2002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
RQ01002Opened 20 Sep 2001Closed 6 Sep 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA95011Opened 29 Mar 1995Closed 30 Jan 1997VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
UNDERCARRIAGE FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
PE94077Opened 4 Nov 1994Closed 29 Mar 1995VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
PE93086Opened 1 Oct 1993Closed 28 Feb 1994STRUCTURE
HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVING
Recalls on the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08V051000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
99V124000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Risk: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20080388,869 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the input power feed circuit, and will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground. This could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness.
Recall 2007258165,447 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.
Recall 199909710,917 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles may experience a fire originating in the left front under hood area as a result of electrical overheating of the speed control deactivation switch. Correction: A new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 199212316,663 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSSS. 208 - seat belt installations. The french language version of the air bag maintenance/information/instruction label was not installed. Note: for taurus models only police and sho vehicles are affected. Correction: French language labels will be mailed to affected owners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesSchaumburg, ILFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR USING CRUISE CONTROL. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FLUIDS ON THE CAR. NO PROBLEM. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. PULLED OVER AGAIN AND SAW SMOKE THEN FLAMES COMING OUT. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10310142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IRA Township, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PARKED MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS ON FRIDAY, 2/5/10, NEXT TO MY HOME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WHILE IN THE HOUSE, I HEARD A "POP." WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, FOUND A FIRE HYDRANT THAT WAS NOT FROZEN, MOST OF MY HOME WAS ON FIRE. THE DESTRUCTION WAS AWFUL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOWED BACK IN THE HOUSE YET.
NHTSA complaint #10308328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corinne, UTFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, SMOKE ENGULFED THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE THAT CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SAFETY OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10288668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edinburg, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG. SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE RECALL NUMBER AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10203043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesHavertown, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. HAVERFORD POLICE REPORT NUMBER 200070827M140003 WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 09/25/07
NHTSA complaint #10201157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesLombard, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NO WARNING BEFOREHAND, CAR WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA.
NHTSA complaint #10125693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 89,000 milesColumbus, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHT GOES ON-OFF FREQUENTLY. AUTO DELAY OFF SWITCH IS OPERATIONAL EVEN THOUGH HEAD LIGHT GETTING ON-OFF. I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11268287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesColumbus, OH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
HEAD LIGHT GOES ON-OFF FREQUENTLY. AUTO DELAY OFF SWITCH IS OPERATIONAL EVEN THOUGH HEAD LIGHT GETTING ON-OFF. I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11268287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,777 milesWinston Salem, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TURNING OFF AN ON WHEN DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY 4 NIGHTS AGO. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED A YEAR AGO, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH , BURNED WIRE AND BURNED CONNECTOR WERE REPLACED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED AS I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE OVERHEATING WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10886295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,777 milesWinston Salem, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TURNING OFF AN ON WHEN DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY 4 NIGHTS AGO. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED A YEAR AGO, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH , BURNED WIRE AND BURNED CONNECTOR WERE REPLACED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED AS I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE OVERHEATING WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10886295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,639 milesMontgomery, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LEAKED BRAKE FLUID AND FAILED. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,639.
NHTSA complaint #10819686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LEAKED FLUID CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO HIT THE FLOORBOARD, WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10819518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBoron, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS HOT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10787722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBoron, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS HOT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10787722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAkron, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE.AFTER CONTINUALLY SWITCHING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, THE LIGHTS EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10468308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSchaumburg, ILFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR USING CRUISE CONTROL. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FLUIDS ON THE CAR. NO PROBLEM. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. PULLED OVER AGAIN AND SAW SMOKE THEN FLAMES COMING OUT. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10310142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IRA Township, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PARKED MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS ON FRIDAY, 2/5/10, NEXT TO MY HOME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WHILE IN THE HOUSE, I HEARD A "POP." WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, FOUND A FIRE HYDRANT THAT WAS NOT FROZEN, MOST OF MY HOME WAS ON FIRE. THE DESTRUCTION WAS AWFUL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOWED BACK IN THE HOUSE YET.
NHTSA complaint #10308328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corinne, UTFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, SMOKE ENGULFED THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE THAT CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SAFETY OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10288668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesEscondido, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE PICTURES OF THE FUEL PUMP I TOOK OUT OF MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CAR HAD COUGHED TO A STOP AND I SUSPECTED THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WAS NO PRESSURE IN THE FUEL RAIL SO I PULLED THE PUMP OUT OF THE TANK. I CHECKED THE PUMP WITH A BATTERY AND IT RAN FINE. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AT THE FUSES AND FOUND THE 20A PUMP FUSE BLOWN. OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. AS YOU CAN SEE BY PIC 2 THE SHORT OCCURRED WHEN THE "HOT" WIRE INSULATION WAS WORN THROUGH ON THE FLOAT BRACKET. IN ORDER TO BLOW A 20A FUSE THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A SPARK. FORTUNATELY, IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTACT POINT WAS UNDER THE LEVEL OF THE GASOLINE WHEN THE SHORT OCCURRED AND NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED. IF THE POINT HAD BEEN ABOVE THE GASOLINE IN THE VAPOR AREA THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT. PIC 3 IS HOW I ROUTED THE WIRE BEFORE REPLACING THE ASSEMBLY BACK IN THE TANK. BTW YOU CAN SEE THAT I DID USE A NEW FUEL PUMP. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ONE. I SENT A MESSAGE TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY THROUGH THEIR WEB SITE BUT HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING. AS OF NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY 1997 GRAND MARQUIS SINCE THE DESIGN IS IDENTICAL. I GUESS MY NEXT STOP IS THE DOT OR BETTER YET YOUTUBE. I NEVER DID UNDERSTAND PUTTING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE FUEL TANK. JERRY HOLLAND
NHTSA complaint #10227239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
ON PRIOR OCCASIONS, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTERIOR LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. RECENTLY,EXPERIENCED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS ON 92 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS DURING TRIP OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL HAD THE LIGHTS NOT CAME BACK ON AFTER I TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPLACE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH, I DISCOVERED A WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOWS INDICATION OF HIGH TEMPERATURES DUE TO BURNING AND MELTING. SIMILAR TO RECALL ON THE FORD CONTOUR. (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V103000 ). I PLAN TO CONTACT FORD AND SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE FOR FREE AND OR GIVE ME THE PART NUMBER OF THE HARNESS CONNECTOR PART SO THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO REPLACE. I PLAN ON KEEPING BOTH THE FAULTY CONNECTOR AND THE ORIGINAL SWITCH IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO UNDERSTAND THE FAILURE MECHANISMS OF THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #10209945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edinburg, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG. SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE RECALL NUMBER AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10203043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesHavertown, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. HAVERFORD POLICE REPORT NUMBER 200070827M140003 WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 09/25/07
NHTSA complaint #10201157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesWilliamsburg, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS WERE NOT LIT EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHTS BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. THE FUSE FOR THAT CIRCUIT WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS NOT BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD WAS DISASSEMBLED FOR REMOVAL OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE WIRE TO THE TAIL LAMP/PARKING LAMP/INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE WIRE ITSELF. THE CONNECTORS FOR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ARE EN-BLOCK AND CONSIST OF 7 CONNECTORS IN ONE BLOCK AND 3 CONNECTORS IN A SEPARATE BLOCK. THE 7 CONNECTOR BLOCK HAD BURNT PLASTIC IN THE AREA OF THE TAIL LIGHT WIRE, AND THE 3 CONNECTOR BLOCK WAS WARPED FROM THE HEAT. THIS IS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT WAS BUILT IN MAY OF 1991. REPAIRS ARE AWAITING SUITABLE REPLACEMENT PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10167874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesWilliamsburg, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS WERE NOT LIT EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHTS BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE WORKING PROPERLY. THE FUSE FOR THAT CIRCUIT WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS NOT BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD WAS DISASSEMBLED FOR REMOVAL OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE WIRE TO THE TAIL LAMP/PARKING LAMP/INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE WIRE ITSELF. THE CONNECTORS FOR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ARE EN-BLOCK AND CONSIST OF 7 CONNECTORS IN ONE BLOCK AND 3 CONNECTORS IN A SEPARATE BLOCK. THE 7 CONNECTOR BLOCK HAD BURNT PLASTIC IN THE AREA OF THE TAIL LIGHT WIRE, AND THE 3 CONNECTOR BLOCK WAS WARPED FROM THE HEAT. THIS IS A 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT WAS BUILT IN MAY OF 1991. REPAIRS ARE AWAITING SUITABLE REPLACEMENT PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10167874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,465 milesMarblehead, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT: THE BRAKE LINES WERE ROTTING. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS ON APRIL 21, 2004. VEHICLE LOST BRAKE FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ON DRY PAVEMENT. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO NOISE. DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER, BUT HAD IT REPAIRED AT A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10137840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesLombard, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NO WARNING BEFOREHAND, CAR WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA.
NHTSA complaint #10125693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: CALLER IS CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLES BURNING UP. HAS NOT HAD A PROBLEM YET BUT DOES NOT WANT TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS. SAW REPORT ON CNN.COM. DEALER SAID IT WAS ONLY HAPPENING WITH SOME VEHICLES, AND IT MAY NOT BE CALLER'S CAR. CALLER SAW VEHICLE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. MANUFACTURER GAVE CALLER A REFERENCE ID 1481671685. THEY CHECKED HIS VIN,AND HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN RECALL. CALLER WAS CONFUSED FROM ALL THE INFORMATION HE WAS GETTING FROM NHTSA , THE STORY ON CNN, AND WHAT FORD WAS TELLING HIM.
NHTSA complaint #10125647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesPatterson, LAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
CONSUMER DROVE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CARPORT, WENT INTO THE HOUSE,THEN HEARD AN EXPLOSION. CONSUMER LOOKED OUT OF THE DOOR AND DISCOVERED A FIRE COMING FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE NHTSA RECALL 99V124000. *AK CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED RECALL REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED JUST AS STATED IN RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10111795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,297 milesFort Washington, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1992 GRAND MARQUIS WAS TAKEN IN FOR WHAT WAS A MINOR MISS IN THE ENGINE. THE MACHANIC SAID THE COMPUTER SHOWED A CODE 214. HE REPLACED THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR/SWITCH (FOR COMPUTER) PER THE CODE IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND I DROVE IT TO WORK, ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. ABOUT 4 HOURS LATER I GOT IN THE CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND IT STARTED MISSING REAL BAD, LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS AND ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO A FORD DEALRSHIP WHO WANTED $1,700 IN VEHICALE PREPARATION COST BEFORE DEALING WITH WHAT MAY BE THE PROBLEM. ANOTHER MACHANIC WHO USE TO WORK FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP CHECK THE CAR AND COULD NOT REMOVE THE COD 214. THE MACHANIC REPLACED THE CAM SENSOR, THE CRANK SENSOR, THE COOLANT SENSOR, THE AIR FLOW DUCT AND INSTALLED A NEW SET OF PLUG WIRES. IT IS NOW JULY AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR SINCE MARCH 17TH. WHAT WAS A PERFECTLY GOOD CAR IN MARCH IS NOW A PEACE OF JUNK. OTHER THAN THIS PROBLEM THE CAR IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION. IT IS SUSPECT THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY BE ELECTICAL IN NATURE AND I BELIEVE THAT LINCOLN/MERCURY SHOULD AT LEAST ASSIST IN CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO BE BASED ON A LIMITING FACTOR OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE'S COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10082724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPeoria, AZFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY WIFE WAS DELIVERING NEWSPAPERS WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GETTING A FLAT SO SHE DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION TO GET AIR SHE THEN GOT OUT INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND IT TO BE OK SO SHE WENT BACK TO THROWING PAPERS AND THE CAR SMELLED BAD SO SHE STOPED AND GOT OUT TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN AND FIRE WAS COMMING OUT FROM THE WHEEL WELL SHE RAN UP TO A HOUSE AND KNOKED ON THE DOOR AND ASKED FOR A HOSE THEY CALLED 911 AS SHE PUT OUT THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10078896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON MY 1992 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLAMPS, TAIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A 7 YEAR PERIOD REQUIRING FULL REPLACEMENT. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS, ALL BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAIL TO OPERATE AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #10029025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.