Owners have filed 370 complaints
about the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 85
Against the median year of the Mercury Grand Marquis. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 2
1% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Mercury Grand Marquis
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.
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
5532.5%
Carburetor System
2816.6%
Cooling System
2112.4%
Engine
2112.4%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
1911.2%
Front
105.9%
Lower Ball Joint
84.7%
Headlights
74.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1611.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4027.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4833.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3020.8%
150,000+ miles
96.3%
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.
Feb 1997peak 9Apr 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 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.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO. 04B26) TO CORRECT A REAR BRAKE LINE CHAFING CONCERN IN APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS NON-FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL THAT WEREBUILT AFTER MARCH 19, 1997.THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ADDITIONAL REAR BRAKE LINE AND A MASTIC PATCH CAUSING REDUCED CLEARANCE FROM A STIFFENING RIB IN THE FLOOR PAN.ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWED HIGHER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY RATES RELATED TO REAR BRAKE LINE FAI...
RQ03004Opened 11 Mar 2003Closed 25 Jul 2003SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE FOR PEER VEHICLE COMPLAINTS, USING THE SAME BRAKE LINE FAILURE CRITERIA AS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE SAME MODEL YEARS (1995-97), IDENTIFIED ONLY 1 COMPLAINT INVOLVING GENERAL MOTORS CAPRICE/IMPLALA/88/98/REGAL VEHICLES AND ONLY 2 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING CHRYSLER LH-CARS.THE INV...
RQ03002Opened 3 Jan 2003Closed 3 Jun 2003SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
BALL JOINT SEPARATION
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
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
Recalls on the 1997 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Tucson, AZCrash
TIRES
I BOUGHT A SET OF 4 BRAND NEW BRIDGESTONE TURANZA SERENITY PLUS 225/60R16 TIRES ON APRIL 26, 2015, AND HAVE THEM INSTALLED ON MY WIFE'S CAR. MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE DRIVING TO PHOENIX ON I-10 ON A CLEAR AND SUNNY DAY ON MAY 9, 2015 TO VISIT A FRIEND. SHE SAID SHE WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH AND WANTED TO PASS A SEMI-TRUCK ON HER RIGHT SO SHE SPEED UP TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK. SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SHE HELD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS SHE CAN. THEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO SWERVE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SEMI-TRUCK. THE CAR STRUCK THE SIDE OF THE SEMI-TRUCK AND THE WINDOW GLASS ON THE FRONT AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHATTERED AND ALSO THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED BECAUSE THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS BENT. AFTER THE IMPACT, MY WIFE'S CAR THEN SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND WENT INTO A DITCH FILLED WITH WEEDS AND BUSHES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR DID NOT FLIP AND EVERYONE IN THE CAR WAS OK BECAUSE THEY ALL WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEY WERE SHAKEN UP A BIT BUT THE ORDEAL WAS TRAUMATIZING. THEY WERE ALSO LUCKY BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OR BEHIND THEM AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE, FIRE TRUCK, AND AMBULANCE CAME AND EXAMINED EVERYTHING. THEY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FOR INSURANCE SAKE, THE POLICE SAID MY WIFE WAS AT FAULT BECAUSE SHE WAS SPEEDING WHILE TRYING TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL. I BELIEVE SHE LOST CONTROL BECAUSE THE BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRE WAS COMING APART AND CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BRIDGESTONE TIRE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10715575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesGreen Cove Springs, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER I HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN RIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND I HAD TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. I STOPPED AT MY DESTINATION A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER, POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. IT ONLY LASTED A COUPLE OF MINUTES, BUT BURNED UP AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE NEXT DAY I HAD IT REPAIRED ACROSS THE STREET AT AN AUTO ELECTRICAL AND MARINE SHOP. THEY SAID IT WAS AT THE SWITCH OR VALVE THAT TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. MY CAR IS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS.
NHTSA complaint #10408860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesIndependence, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1997 FORD GRAND MARQUIS - OCCASIONAL INTERRUPTIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER WERE OCCURRING WITH THE RADIO GOING OFF, THE LOW FUEL LEVEL LIGHT GOING ON, AND THE BATTERY METER DROPPING. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY THE INTERRUPTIONS CONTINUED UNTIL FINALLY THE BATTERY CABLES CAUGHT ON FIRE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND BY THIS TIME THE INSULATION ON BOTH THE POSITIVE AND GROUND CABLES HAD COMPLETELY BURNED OFF AND THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO SUPPLY CURRENT. I KNOCKED OFF THE GROUND TERMINAL AND DOSED THE FIRE WITH WATER.
NHTSA complaint #10339645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesBettendors, IAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE INTERIOR CABIN WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND FLAMES. THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE. AND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED. THERE WERE REPORTS FILED BY BOTH ENTITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,000.
NHTSA complaint #10331472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesRiver Grove, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TAPPED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE'S BUMPER. WHILE HE AND THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE ARGUING, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD A SECOND TIME. AS A RESULT, HIS PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PANEL. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED ONTO A SIDE STREET WHERE IT WILL BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT THERE IS NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED. HE REFERENCED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (EA03012 SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE PROGRAM EXPIRED IN 2007. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #10232809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMckinney, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY BETWEEN 1-5 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL. THE CONTACTS WIFE WAS PINNED TO ANOTHER VEHICLE ALREADY IN THE GARAGE. HER RIGHT ARM, BOTH KNEES, AND BOTH HIPS WERE INJURED. SHE HAD A CUT ABOVE HER LEFT EYE, WHICH WAS CLOSED COMPLETELY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 190,000. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF MCKINNEY INCIDENT REPORT. UPDATED 04/16/08
NHTSA complaint #10221415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 123,000 milesSherman, TX
POWER TRAIN
PUT CAR IN PARK, AND IT SHOWED TO BE IN PARK. BUT, IT WAS IN REVERSE, GOING BACKWARD, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11321753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesOceanside, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING PROPERLY BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY ABS LIGHT ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION CROSS SIT
NHTSA complaint #11256246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesOceanside, CA
SUSPENSION
THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING PROPERLY BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY ABS LIGHT ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION CROSS SIT
NHTSA complaint #11256246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesOceanside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING PROPERLY BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY ABS LIGHT ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION CROSS SIT
NHTSA complaint #11256246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNorth East, MD
STEERING
I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AND I SERVICE MANY VEHICLES DAILY. I CURRENTLY OWN A 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND HAVE NOTICED THAT PRACTICALLY MOST STEERING COMPONENTS ON MY VEHICLE ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING. SPECIFICALLY THE TIE ROD ENDS, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINS ALL HAVE BLOWN BUSHINGS AND A PITMAN ARM.... THE STEERING SWAYS SO HARD ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CUSTOMER'S VEHICLES THAT I HAVE WORKED ON THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THE CROWN VIC, AND THE MARQUIS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING COMPONENT CONCERN AS WELL. I SEE MORE FORDS WITH STEERING ISSUES THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I SERVICE. THE VEHICLES ALSO SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK THAT THE BODY WILL SCRAPE THE TIRES AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO RIG MY VENT DOOR ACTUATOR AND I HAVE HAD TO INSTALL A SHUT OFF SWITCH DUE TO A PARASITIC DRAW THAT I CAN NOT LOCATE EVEN WITH A VOLT METER. AFTER RESEARCHING ON FORUMS AND WATCHING COUNTLESS YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF OWNERS STATING THESE KNOWN ISSUES I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BEYOND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR THESE PARTS ALL TO BE FAULTY FROM THIS CAR MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #11254228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNorth East, MD
SUSPENSION
I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AND I SERVICE MANY VEHICLES DAILY. I CURRENTLY OWN A 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND HAVE NOTICED THAT PRACTICALLY MOST STEERING COMPONENTS ON MY VEHICLE ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING. SPECIFICALLY THE TIE ROD ENDS, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINS ALL HAVE BLOWN BUSHINGS AND A PITMAN ARM.... THE STEERING SWAYS SO HARD ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CUSTOMER'S VEHICLES THAT I HAVE WORKED ON THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THE CROWN VIC, AND THE MARQUIS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING COMPONENT CONCERN AS WELL. I SEE MORE FORDS WITH STEERING ISSUES THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I SERVICE. THE VEHICLES ALSO SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK THAT THE BODY WILL SCRAPE THE TIRES AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO RIG MY VENT DOOR ACTUATOR AND I HAVE HAD TO INSTALL A SHUT OFF SWITCH DUE TO A PARASITIC DRAW THAT I CAN NOT LOCATE EVEN WITH A VOLT METER. AFTER RESEARCHING ON FORUMS AND WATCHING COUNTLESS YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF OWNERS STATING THESE KNOWN ISSUES I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BEYOND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR THESE PARTS ALL TO BE FAULTY FROM THIS CAR MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #11254228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNorth East, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AND I SERVICE MANY VEHICLES DAILY. I CURRENTLY OWN A 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND HAVE NOTICED THAT PRACTICALLY MOST STEERING COMPONENTS ON MY VEHICLE ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING. SPECIFICALLY THE TIE ROD ENDS, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINS ALL HAVE BLOWN BUSHINGS AND A PITMAN ARM.... THE STEERING SWAYS SO HARD ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CUSTOMER'S VEHICLES THAT I HAVE WORKED ON THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THE CROWN VIC, AND THE MARQUIS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING COMPONENT CONCERN AS WELL. I SEE MORE FORDS WITH STEERING ISSUES THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I SERVICE. THE VEHICLES ALSO SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK THAT THE BODY WILL SCRAPE THE TIRES AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO RIG MY VENT DOOR ACTUATOR AND I HAVE HAD TO INSTALL A SHUT OFF SWITCH DUE TO A PARASITIC DRAW THAT I CAN NOT LOCATE EVEN WITH A VOLT METER. AFTER RESEARCHING ON FORUMS AND WATCHING COUNTLESS YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF OWNERS STATING THESE KNOWN ISSUES I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BEYOND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR THESE PARTS ALL TO BE FAULTY FROM THIS CAR MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #11254228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Pauls, NC
SEAT BELTS
RECALL WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS VERY LOOSE AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COME OFF
NHTSA complaint #10907042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Pauls, NC
STEERING
RECALL WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS VERY LOOSE AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COME OFF
NHTSA complaint #10907042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Pauls, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
RECALL WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS VERY LOOSE AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COME OFF
NHTSA complaint #10907042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayonne, NJ
STEERING
I HAVE TO PUT IT ON NEUTRAL MOST OF THE TIME WITH EMG BRAKE ON. BECAUSE THE GEARSHIFT IS HARD TO PUT IN PARK. MY CAR ONLY HAS 92,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10870613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesPort Monmouth, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
RUSTY BRAKE LINE FAILED. LEAKED BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING. ALL BRAKE LINES LOOK RUSTY. WHAT HAPPENED TO STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES?
NHTSA complaint #10731451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZCrash
TIRES
I BOUGHT A SET OF 4 BRAND NEW BRIDGESTONE TURANZA SERENITY PLUS 225/60R16 TIRES ON APRIL 26, 2015, AND HAVE THEM INSTALLED ON MY WIFE'S CAR. MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE DRIVING TO PHOENIX ON I-10 ON A CLEAR AND SUNNY DAY ON MAY 9, 2015 TO VISIT A FRIEND. SHE SAID SHE WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH AND WANTED TO PASS A SEMI-TRUCK ON HER RIGHT SO SHE SPEED UP TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK. SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SHE HELD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS SHE CAN. THEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO SWERVE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SEMI-TRUCK. THE CAR STRUCK THE SIDE OF THE SEMI-TRUCK AND THE WINDOW GLASS ON THE FRONT AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHATTERED AND ALSO THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED BECAUSE THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS BENT. AFTER THE IMPACT, MY WIFE'S CAR THEN SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND WENT INTO A DITCH FILLED WITH WEEDS AND BUSHES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY THE CAR DID NOT FLIP AND EVERYONE IN THE CAR WAS OK BECAUSE THEY ALL WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEY WERE SHAKEN UP A BIT BUT THE ORDEAL WAS TRAUMATIZING. THEY WERE ALSO LUCKY BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OR BEHIND THEM AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE, FIRE TRUCK, AND AMBULANCE CAME AND EXAMINED EVERYTHING. THEY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FOR INSURANCE SAKE, THE POLICE SAID MY WIFE WAS AT FAULT BECAUSE SHE WAS SPEEDING WHILE TRYING TO PASS THE SEMI-TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL. I BELIEVE SHE LOST CONTROL BECAUSE THE BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRE WAS COMING APART AND CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BRIDGESTONE TIRE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10715575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,130 milesNorfolk, NE
POWER TRAIN
COOLANT LEAK FROM CRACK IN PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 97,130 MILES ON IT AND WELL CARED FOR. THEY SHOULD NOT BE USING PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION - IT SHOULD BE IRON OR ALUMINUM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WAS TOLD WITH THE 4.6 V8 ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE AND REPLACE AT NO COST TO CUSTOMER. I WILL BE WRITING A LETTER TO FORD IF THE DEALER DOESN'T COVER THIS AS A RECALL. RIDICULOUS TO USE PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION.
NHTSA complaint #10682192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,130 milesNorfolk, NE
ENGINE
COOLANT LEAK FROM CRACK IN PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 97,130 MILES ON IT AND WELL CARED FOR. THEY SHOULD NOT BE USING PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION - IT SHOULD BE IRON OR ALUMINUM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WAS TOLD WITH THE 4.6 V8 ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE AND REPLACE AT NO COST TO CUSTOMER. I WILL BE WRITING A LETTER TO FORD IF THE DEALER DOESN'T COVER THIS AS A RECALL. RIDICULOUS TO USE PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION.
NHTSA complaint #10682192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesMilford, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10643363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,724 milesLeesburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TWICE THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF I COULDN'T CONTROL THE WHEEL I HAD TO HURRY AND PUT IT ON NATURAL AND START THE CAR AGAIN, AND PUT IT IN DRIVE. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE IT REALLY SCARED ME I WAS ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY OR CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
NHTSA complaint #10594740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD IN VEHICLE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10505053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD IN VEHICLE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10505053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,500 milesGrand Marais, MN
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE 35 NORTH OF MINNEAPOLIS, MN, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LOST ANTI FREEZE. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AT FOREST LAKE, MN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO TIRES PLUS IN FOREST LAKE TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. TOTAL COST FOR TOWING, INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT AND NIGHTS LODGING CAME TO ALMOST $1500.00.
NHTSA complaint #10501970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,980 milesLewiston, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MOVING SLOWLY IN PARKING LOT. SHARP NOISE UNDER CAR, GAS TANK HAD FALLEN DIRECTLY ONTO ROAD AND WAS BEING DRAGGED. BOTH GAS TANK STRAPS HAD BROKEN
NHTSA complaint #10417427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesGreen Cove Springs, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER I HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND TURN RIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND I HAD TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. I STOPPED AT MY DESTINATION A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER, POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. IT ONLY LASTED A COUPLE OF MINUTES, BUT BURNED UP AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE NEXT DAY I HAD IT REPAIRED ACROSS THE STREET AT AN AUTO ELECTRICAL AND MARINE SHOP. THEY SAID IT WAS AT THE SWITCH OR VALVE THAT TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. MY CAR IS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS.
NHTSA complaint #10408860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesAkron, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10390203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesJacksonville, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED AND HELD DOWN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IF HE PRESSED GENTLY ON IT AND RELEASED IT, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE WITHIN THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM OR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10382605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FROM AN EBAY VENDOR: INSIDE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE FOR A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS. THE RETURN SPRING ON THE ORIGINAL OEM HANDLE BROKE, BUT THE ORIGINAL HANDLE EVEN THOUGH BROKEN, STILL REMAINED OPERATIONAL. I ORDERED AND INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT AFTERMARKET DOOR HANDLE "DEPO" 330-500006-002 PURCHASED FROM AN EBAY VENDOR. 10 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION, THE REPLACEMENT DOOR HANDLE FAILED AND THE DRIVERS DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR MAKING THIS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD HAD THERE BEEN AN EMERGENCY. OBVIOUSLY THE AFTER MARKET PART WAS NOT PROPERLY TESTED BEFORE SALE TO THE PUBLIC.
NHTSA complaint #10361896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.