210 of the 449 complaints about the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis are about the lighting — 47% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 96,000 miles.
210
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving my vehicle headlights turn off and back on, sometimes off for minutes sometimes flickering.
NHTSA complaint #11737780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact that the headlights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights, the brake lights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The contact who is a mechanic, had inspected the fuses, the fuse box, and other unknown parts, but found no failures. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The Lighting Control Module has failed and my brake lights and dash board lights turn off after couple minutes while driving with the lights on. I took my vehicle in to dealer already once for problem to be fixed a year ago. They did repair but now same problem is occurring again. I went back to dealer Sunrise Ford in Fontana and they said recall work is only warranty for 1 year or 12k miles. The work was done in December 2023. They want to charge me $230.00 for diagnostic. But issue is same problem as before. Recall number is 15S39. Driving without brake lights is dangerous and has limited my driving. I cannot go out at night. I do not have another vehicle. This affects my life. I've called other dealers and they refuse to do the work.
NHTSA complaint #11659286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis The contact stated that both the headlamps and the taillights intermittently failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed. The dealer placed a processor on the vehicle and rewired the lights however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11638746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights shut off without warning
NHTSA complaint #11632025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights shutoff independently while turned on. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact who is an independent mechanic determined that the lighting control module (LCM) needed to be replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 285,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11616251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11612352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11611699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11603129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11576191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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)
NHTSA complaint #11565456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11536117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11524591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11523223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11523269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11502262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Hard to steer car, power assist not working, doors do not lock
NHTSA complaint #11498454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11494762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The LCM has failed during nightly driving causing a complete loss of headlights.
NHTSA complaint #11491424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11484397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11482640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11449104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11430894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11383671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR TAIL LIGHTS, THEN, IT HAD BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS, THEN, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, DESPITE HAVING A NEW BATTERY. AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION AND WORK, OUR CERTIFIED MECHANIC FEELS THAT THE LIGHTING MODULE IS SHORTING OUT, THUS, DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND ON A HIGHWAY, TURNING, ESSENTIALLY ALL ASPECTS OF USAGE, WHEN THESE ISSUES OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11351425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO THE BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER PUNDMANN FORD (2727 W. CLAY ST. ST. CHARLES, MO.) WERE NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
NHTSA complaint #11302180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING SWITCH IN AUTO MODE, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. WHILE IN MANUAL MODE, THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOM HOLZER FORD (39300 W. 10 MILE RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,212.
NHTSA complaint #11291473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). WILMES CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2215 E BROADWAY ST, ALTUS, OK 73521, 580-301-7169) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11209524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND STOP WORKING. THE ONLY WAY I COULD DRIVE AT NIGHT WAS TO PULL THE SWITCH TOWARDS ME AND KEEP THE BRIGHTS ON WHILE DRIVING. IF I LET GO THE LIGHTS WOULDN'T STAY ON AND I COULDN'T SEE THE ROAD. I TRIED TO USE THE SWITCH ON THE DASH TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS BUT IT WOULD ONLY WORK FOR THE PANEL LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR IT WAS VERY SCARY AND WE WERE DRIVING ON TOADS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS LIGHTS. THIS OCCURRED ON WED, FEB. 20 2019. ONCE THIS HAPPENED I PULLED OVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND TRIED TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS BUT NOTHING WOULD COME ON SO I PULLED THE SWITCH TOWARDS ME AND KEEP IT LIKE THAT SO THE BRIGHT LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND I COULD SEE THE ROAD TO DRIVE THIS FOR 30 MIN UNTIL WE GOT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #11181711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.