FaultScore

Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems

365 of the 4,953 complaints filed about the Mercury Grand Marquis are about the steering — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2004.

365

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

22

Crashes

4

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Median failure at 96,500 miles

Median failure at 114,050 miles

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Median failure at 82,400 miles

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Median failure at 88,917 miles

Median failure at 97,462 miles

Median failure at 88,232 miles

Median failure at 114,800 miles

Median failure at 134,926 miles

Median failure at 112,000 miles

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Median failure at 114,000 miles

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Median failure at 30,000 miles

What owners said

2006 Mercury Grand Marquis at 136,000 miles Marne, MI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exhaust manifold shield fell into the steering linkage and caused the vehicle to run over a bush. There was no crash or injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but there was no diagnostic information provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA complaint #11752470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis at 145,000 miles Millis, MA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended causing the contact to have driven straight instead of turning. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, as the steering column was replaced twice. The contact mention the failure has a occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11736525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Mercury Grand Marquis Tampa, FL

STEERING

Called Walker Ford in Clearwater, FL on 12/27/2025 at 09:35 am. I reported to them that two recalls that would pertain to my car, 13S08 and 13R01 needed to be performed as my steering bearing retainer has failed. They informed me it was repaired, but it has failed again. According to my research, regardless if its been performed or not, Ford is still liable to fix it again. A possible loss of steering could result in death or injury if not addressed. My contact info is [XXX] Thanks! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11707228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis at 140,000 miles Ruskin, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the lower intermediate shaft was replaced. The contact stated that it was determined that the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing did not need to be replaced at the time. Several years after the recall repair was completed, the steering column began lowering unintendedly, and a zip tie was used to keep it in place. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Mercury Grand Marquis Benbrok, TX Crash 1 injured

STEERING

the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash

NHTSA complaint #11695076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Epps, LA 1 injured

STEERING

I bought this car from some stranger who doesn’t care about my shoulder pains driving a car with the steering wheel upside down these part stores & insurance companies get theirs can I please get what’s due to me so tired of the brakes making my steering wheel jerk & didn’t have any heat in a car I’ve spent my entire check on I really can’t believe this much over a faulty can I get some type of reimbursements for my pain & suffering from driving this guy’s high school car even if it looked like it did brand new pipes falling apart [XXX] won’t stop over heating caused me to run off the road because windows can’t let right window down it’s so much I can say but I rather not thanks this is devastating to me & my child kid doesn’t wanna feel like his dad I has no say so for him or his own child driving in guy’s [XXX] did one thing some else messes up it has caused me so much grief & mental attacks trying to keep this guy car maintained I’ve tried trade ins but they’ve told me that the car wasn’t worth nothing but $700 what can I do with that basically paid my entire earnings out on a Car I love my step son I just don’t want him to feel like I’m a bad person because I’m dealing with financial stability [XXX] I’ve paid so much & I want my happiness one way or another crooks on social media lined up to [XXX] me you & the next with this false narratives & defected goods [XXX] my great grandpa doesn’t like the way this one car has caused me so much pain going in these rich stores buying parts & being ripped off because the car isn’t stable enough to hold up what I’ve fixed [XXX] it’s going to go on for the rest of my life & I’m scared. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11678039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Mercury Grand Marquis Plano, TX

STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (STEERING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11676660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Mercury Grand Marquis Bethel, OH

STEERING

About a month ago I contacted Beechmont Ford (600 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45245) in reference to Manufacturer Recall Number # 13S08 NHTSA Recall Number # 13V385000. I've wrote them three time and they have not responded. A week ago I chatted with Fords Hotline and they said they would do what they could. I've heard nothing back. Where do I go from here?

NHTSA complaint #11609513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Mercury Grand Marquis Laurel, MS

STEERING

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was pulling to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, he noticed that the steering shaft was fractured and detaching. The contact stated that he put the steering shaft back into place; however, the failure recurred while pulling to the front of his brother's residence. The contact stated that the power steering pulley and shaft were fractured, and the engine was overheating. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through an online chat. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11578878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Rahway, NJ

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA complaint #11549319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis at 116,000 miles Wooster, 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.

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis at 210,000 miles Whittier, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

NHTSA complaint #11508567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Carteret, NJ, NJ

STEERING

Hard to steer car, power assist not working, doors do not lock

NHTSA complaint #11498454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Mercury Grand Marquis Manhattan, IL

STEERING

When driving the steering will feel loose and the car sway left and right but the steering wheel isn't moving. Feels like the front wheels are going to all of a sudden shoot left or right and loose control.. I had a 2001 crown Victoria and there was a recall on the steering shaft and I got that fixed. it was doing the exact thing my mercury is doing now.. and also my electrical is freaking out.. turn signals flash very fast here and there.. speedometer will freak out and then not work.... I'm mostly concerned about the steering because it happened in my crown victoria.

NHTSA complaint #11495888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis 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.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis at 68,000 miles Arlington, TX

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering felt loose. The contact stated that the power steering was still operable however, the vehicle would drift to the left or right with no input on the steering wheel. The contact stated that he would correct the steering and the vehicle would continue to drift to the right and to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and the mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #11464285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Mercury Grand Marquis at 140,000 miles Worcester, MA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle was driving the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack: Part Number: (A, 36-1056N) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11462731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Sagle, ID

STEERING

I am the owner of a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. Several weeks ago the power steering on the vehicle quit. This was not the result of the power steering pump. The linkage in the steering system had ceased, causing the vehicle to be dangerously unsteerable. I have had this repaired at a cost of $575 dollars. I believe this is a safety issue that need immediate investigation and a safety recall. I contacted Ford Motor Company and was sent to Chat contact Shakura who gave me the Corporate runaround. We were lucky as this happened on a side road at low speed. If it had happened on an Interstate with speeds of 65 to 80 MPH I feel this could have resulted in a major accident. I should also point out this steering item is in Ford Crown Victorias and more than likely in Lincoln Continentals. Please advise and contact me with questions. Thank you in advance as this need to be resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11450023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis 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.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Boston, NY

STEERING

Left home the other day I noticed that the steering had become was stiff when the wheels were straight..it wasn't bad turning till it was going straight..the next day the steering became stiff and erratic. It would work sometimes and it would be stiff...found out the lower steering shaft had frozen up..There was a recall back in 2013 doe the lower shaft with is breaking..My car was a Florida car but Ford supposed have fixed it because I was moving back to NY..Have been back in NY for 3 1/2 years now it froze up..The recall for cars in the northern states..Seeing I was moving back to NY they claimed they did the recall..it shouldn't have corroded that fast..I have no way to prove they did the recall or if they faked it..It is cleared as it had been repaired..

NHTSA complaint #11420733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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