Owners have filed 422 complaints
about the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis with NHTSA between 2003 and 2025.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 97
Against the median year of the Mercury Grand Marquis. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 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.
Headlights
2147.7%
Accelerator Pedal
49.1%
Body
49.1%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
49.1%
Pedals AND Linkages
36.8%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
36.8%
Automatic Transmission
36.8%
Cruise Control
24.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
51.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
92.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
102.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4312.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7622.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8725.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7221.1%
150,000+ miles
4011.7%
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.
Dec 2003peak 13Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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.
PE15028Opened 10 Aug 2015Closed 8 Jan 2016EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Loss of headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged runni...
DP15002Opened 1 Apr 2015Closed 11 Aug 2015EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a de...
PE14021Opened 7 Jul 2014Closed 21 Nov 2014ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver wh...
PE08066Opened 26 Nov 2008Closed 24 Mar 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD AND COMPLAINANT INTERVIEWS. FORD FOUND THAT SOME LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES (LCM) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONTAINED DEFECTIVE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO POOR HEADLIGHT PERFORMANCE RANGING FROM INTERMITTENT OUTAGE AND DIMMING TO EVENTUAL HEADLIGHTS FAILURE.THE FAILURE DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER LIGHTING FUNCTIONS (PARK, EMERGENCY FLASHER, BRAKE AND FLASH TO PASS LIGHTS).THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 306 CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND NO R...
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...
Recalls on the 2004 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
15V861000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201561014,714 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the Lighting Control Module could cause the headlight high and low beams to become inoperative without warning, causing the headlights to revert to reduced-voltage daytime running light function. This would cause a reduction in lighting output, potentially increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the Lighting Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Brooklyn, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MIFire
ENGINE
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MIFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMarshfield, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I HAVE HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 GRAND MARQUIS, THE LIGHTS DON'T WORK, HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AIRBAGS DON'T WORK, ELECTRICAL, SEATS, STEERING, BRAKES, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL, CATALYTIC CONVERTOR KEEPS GOING OUT, ALSO ENGINE PROBLEMS, AMONG MANY OTHER THINGS. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE MY STEERING DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY AND I WAS HIT BY SOMEONE, NOT MY FAULT, BUT MY CAR ENDED UP SPINNING SO BAD THAT I HIT MY HEAD OFF OF THE STEERING AND RECEIVED INJURIES,,PARTY IN OTHER CAR WAS NOT INJURED. I WAS ALSO DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY LIGHTS WENT OUT, I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND.. BUT ALSO, BECAUSE OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND STEERING THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING, AIR BAGS, NEVER DEPLOY... RECEIVED SOME SERIOUS INJURIES, BANGED MY KNEW ALSO VERY BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #11005342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMarshfield, MACrash1 injured
STEERING
I HAVE HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 GRAND MARQUIS, THE LIGHTS DON'T WORK, HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AIRBAGS DON'T WORK, ELECTRICAL, SEATS, STEERING, BRAKES, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL, CATALYTIC CONVERTOR KEEPS GOING OUT, ALSO ENGINE PROBLEMS, AMONG MANY OTHER THINGS. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE MY STEERING DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY AND I WAS HIT BY SOMEONE, NOT MY FAULT, BUT MY CAR ENDED UP SPINNING SO BAD THAT I HIT MY HEAD OFF OF THE STEERING AND RECEIVED INJURIES,,PARTY IN OTHER CAR WAS NOT INJURED. I WAS ALSO DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY LIGHTS WENT OUT, I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND.. BUT ALSO, BECAUSE OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND STEERING THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING, AIR BAGS, NEVER DEPLOY... RECEIVED SOME SERIOUS INJURIES, BANGED MY KNEW ALSO VERY BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #11005342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMarshfield, MACrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER ON A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND SHOULDERS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT VISITED HER DOCTOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V860000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11005406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 116,000 milesBloomfield, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were flickering and became inoperable. Occasionally, the headlights operated as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was an independent mechanic and used a module assembly repair kit to repair the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key fob became inoperable. The contact was not able to start the vehicle with the security warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Auto lights stopped working. Tail lights will not come on
NHTSA complaint #11670846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Auto lights stopped working. Tail lights will not come on
NHTSA complaint #11670846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
Auto lights stopped working. Tail lights will not come on
NHTSA complaint #11670846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the headlights were not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14N01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11596927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The rear running lights are not working. No lights in rear of vehicle at night.
NHTSA complaint #11595860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hornbeak, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My front headlights stopped working and I was driving in the dark.
NHTSA complaint #11555178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesLees Summit, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior lighting became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure occurred at night which caused him to be on a dangerous dark road. The contact stated that due to the failure and his vision being impaired, the vehicle was driven into a ditch. The contact stated that he received several violation tickets from the local Police. The contact stated that a year ago the vehicle was serviced by the dealer under recall repair for the lighting control module. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, IA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlight repair has been made but now the tail and park lights work intermittently. Most of the time not working but occasionally they will come on in colder weather. I think the problem is still in the Lighting control module. First appearance was last summer and has gotten worse. No other symptoms. Hazard ,turn signals, and brake lights all still work properly. Just no tail or park lights.
NHTSA complaint #11542089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWooster, OH
STEERING
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was loose and made an abnormal sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering shaft was corroded, and the bearing had collapsed. The contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11532214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesOrange Park, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact's husband owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact's husband had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was made aware that only the light control module (LCM) module harness was replaced and not the light control module itself. The contact also stated that after the vehicle was returned, the driver's door latch was fractured, and the front passenger’s side headlight failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact made the dealer aware of the failure and was informed that the cost of the repair was her responsibility. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11516775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesOrange Park, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact's husband owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact's husband had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was made aware that only the light control module (LCM) module harness was replaced and not the light control module itself. The contact also stated that after the vehicle was returned, the driver's door latch was fractured, and the front passenger’s side headlight failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact made the dealer aware of the failure and was informed that the cost of the repair was her responsibility. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11516775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MIFire
ENGINE
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MIFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving, I came to a stop light and suddenly, the car idled high and lurched forward while my foot was on the brake, luckily, I was stopped well away from the vehicle in front of me. The car idled high and seemed to have a mind of it's own. I took the back roads home and backed into our garage. The car smelled hot, and I though I had smoked my brakes, trying to keep control of it. Later that night, I told my husband about the car's actions and he did not believe me, though my daughter who was with me at the time confirmed that the car had indeed accelerated on it's own. My husband started the car and it did idle high and get hot once again, although only parked with no one in it. He thought he knew what the problem was and we turned off the car and closed the hood and went inside to order the part. A few minutes later, we heard a couple popping noises and I opened the door that led into the garage from the basement. Smoke was coming into the house and my husband said that a flame shot over my head. The car had caught on fire under the closed hood. We called the fire department, but by the time they arrived, a good portion of the basement was on fire. The house was a total loss. My husband though that the pvc elbow under the hood was sticking closed, so that is the part we were going to order. Unsure, if that was the real cause or not. The car did not have any warning lights or any other indications of a problem before this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11482417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesEvansville, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the headlight control module switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
NHTSA complaint #11478671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo Grove, IL
STEERING
Steering of vehicle has become progressively more difficult. The steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Not being able to rapidly turn wheel places driver at risk to avoid any potential collision. Vehicle has been inspected by independent repair shop. Their assessment is corrosion on steering shaft joints is cause of issue.
NHTSA complaint #11466693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Light Control Module replaced by Ford dealer but having issue with lights turning off again
NHTSA complaint #11451425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rose Hill, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The lights keep coming off when I drive
NHTSA complaint #11444230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWashington, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that she noticed a leak underneath her vehicle with the check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that coolant had been leaking from a crack in the intake manifold. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11441976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
POWER TRAIN
Catalytic converter FAIL, engine idles rough while in park. HIGH Loss of engine power while driving Differentials in back tires are imbalanced…timing FAIL. Steering not calibrated, drivetrain out of sync altogether. Back wheels, left and right; randomly spin & torque hard while car is already in motion on any private road, hidden road, domestic road and high capacity, high speed highway, causing vehicle to fishtail uncontrollably and dangerously, and wildly side to side potentially veering off the road which could result in death unless the driver regains proper control of vehicle. Out of sync car computer and the mechanical devices built into car do not have proper timing performed on those particular moving parts altogether. The car was not manufactured properly mechanically nor electrically altogether. Headlights & electric system etc have an incomplete recall on my vehicle. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11428138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
STEERING
Catalytic converter FAIL, engine idles rough while in park. HIGH Loss of engine power while driving Differentials in back tires are imbalanced…timing FAIL. Steering not calibrated, drivetrain out of sync altogether. Back wheels, left and right; randomly spin & torque hard while car is already in motion on any private road, hidden road, domestic road and high capacity, high speed highway, causing vehicle to fishtail uncontrollably and dangerously, and wildly side to side potentially veering off the road which could result in death unless the driver regains proper control of vehicle. Out of sync car computer and the mechanical devices built into car do not have proper timing performed on those particular moving parts altogether. The car was not manufactured properly mechanically nor electrically altogether. Headlights & electric system etc have an incomplete recall on my vehicle. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11428138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Catalytic converter FAIL, engine idles rough while in park. HIGH Loss of engine power while driving Differentials in back tires are imbalanced…timing FAIL. Steering not calibrated, drivetrain out of sync altogether. Back wheels, left and right; randomly spin & torque hard while car is already in motion on any private road, hidden road, domestic road and high capacity, high speed highway, causing vehicle to fishtail uncontrollably and dangerously, and wildly side to side potentially veering off the road which could result in death unless the driver regains proper control of vehicle. Out of sync car computer and the mechanical devices built into car do not have proper timing performed on those particular moving parts altogether. The car was not manufactured properly mechanically nor electrically altogether. Headlights & electric system etc have an incomplete recall on my vehicle. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11428138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAiken, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY BECOME INOPERABLE, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11404689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.