Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
413.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
310.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
620.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
516.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
930.0%
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.
Sep 2004peak 4Oct 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Mercury Marauder
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.
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...
Recalls on the 2004 Mercury Marauder
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
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 9,500 milesDandridge, TNCrash
AIR BAGS
DT: WHILE GOING 10-20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDEN LY ACCELERATED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, AND THEN EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THERE WERE BLACK TIRE MARKS FROM THE REAR WHEELS FROM WHERE THE CAR ACCELERATED. THEN. THE VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER PARKED FAMILY VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS KNOCKED ABOUT 30 FEET. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUME RHAS PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT., BUT NO POLICE REPORT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, BUT CONSUMER RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10126846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,500 milesDandridge, TNCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT: WHILE GOING 10-20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDEN LY ACCELERATED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, AND THEN EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THERE WERE BLACK TIRE MARKS FROM THE REAR WHEELS FROM WHERE THE CAR ACCELERATED. THEN. THE VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER PARKED FAMILY VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS KNOCKED ABOUT 30 FEET. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUME RHAS PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT., BUT NO POLICE REPORT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, BUT CONSUMER RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10126846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31 milesColumbus, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE IN STOP AN GO TRAFFIC HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED.
NHTSA complaint #10092848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesEast Hanover, NJ
STEERING
THE STEERING HAD BECOME STIFF AND "NOTCHY" WHILE TURNING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AHEAD ON ITS OWN. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT HAD 1 OF THE 3 BEARING FROZEN AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS THE SAME EXACT PARTS AND SYMPTOMS AS LISTED LISTED IN FORD RECALL 13S08
NHTSA complaint #11140220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT WORSENED AND RECURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PART COULD BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10693209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesWalton, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER ON A TWO LANE ROAD IN DELAWARE COUNTY NY WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. DRIVING THE BACK ROADS TAKES TOTAL CONCENTRATION DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF NOCTURNAL ANIMALS WHICH CAN CROSS ROADS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN MAINTAINING IT TO THE UTMOST TOP CONDITION. IT IS RARE TO FIND THIS MODEL CAR(A MARAUDER) BUT IT IS A GRAND MARQUIS/ CROWN VIC AND WHILE CERTAIN PARTS LIKE TIRES ARE HARD TO COME BY, A LIGHT CONTROL MODULE(LCM) IS A DIME A DOZEN. FORD HAS A PROGRAM 14N01 (RECALL?) TO REPLACE THESE MODULES. REPEATED CALLS TO FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND MY DEALER HAS PROVED THAT FORD WANTS TO HELP YET MAKES NO COMMITMENT OTHER THEN OFFERING ME A AFTERMARKET PART. THE FORD PART IS ON BACK ORDER. I FEEL FORD WILL HELP ME BUT ONLY AFTER MY 18 YEAR SON HAS CRASHED DUE TO FORD RELUCTANCE TO IMMEDIATELY CORRECT A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION. IF THE PROPER PART IS ON BACK ORDER WHEN WILL THE PART BECOME AVAILABLE? I PURCHASED THE PART FROM A FORD DEALER AND REPLACED IT MYSELF. WHY? I CAN BUY THE LCM FROM A DEALER IN TEXAS BUT MY NY DEALER CAN'T GET THE PART? FORD RECOGNIZES THE PROBLEM USES A EXCUSE OF NO PARTS? MORE IMPORTANT, FORD AND FORD DEALERS WANT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY WITH A NON OEM PART? WHY? FORD NO LONGER HAS MANUFACTURING RESOURCES? HOW ABOUT A POTENTIAL HEAD ON COLLISION DUE TO A FAILED RELAY OR RELAYS IN THE LCM WHICH COSTS $20 IN PARTS TO REPLACE. SHAME ON YOU FORD! HOW DARE YOU PUT PUBLIC SAFETY JOB # WHO KNOWS!
NHTSA complaint #10661157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
WHEELS
OEM TIRES FOR REAR P245/55-18 NOT AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURER FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. PART # SHOWS TIRE IS NOT DISCONTINUED YET NO TIRES ARE AVAILABLE BY B.F. GOODRICH. NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED AND BF GOODRICH DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. REPEATED PHONE CALLS TO BF GOODRICH OVER EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME SHOWS PROBLEM IS RECOGNIZED-NO PRODUCTION DATE OF THIS TIRE KNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10644725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
TIRES
OEM TIRES FOR REAR P245/55-18 NOT AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURER FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. PART # SHOWS TIRE IS NOT DISCONTINUED YET NO TIRES ARE AVAILABLE BY B.F. GOODRICH. NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED AND BF GOODRICH DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. REPEATED PHONE CALLS TO BF GOODRICH OVER EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME SHOWS PROBLEM IS RECOGNIZED-NO PRODUCTION DATE OF THIS TIRE KNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10644725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,312 milesStratford, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, THEN THE CAR STALLED. I INSTINCTIVELY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO TRY AND RESTART WHICH I DID BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD WHILE UNFORTUNATELY ON THE CURVE OF A 2 LANE BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER OR BREAKDOWN LANE. LUCKILY THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ENOUGH FOR ON COMING TRAFFIC AND TRACTOR TRAILERS TO SEE ME IN TIME OR I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED ON THAT BRIDGE. GREAT APPRECIATION TO DISPATCH AND THE STATE TROOPERS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10588751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,312 milesStratford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, THEN THE CAR STALLED. I INSTINCTIVELY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO TRY AND RESTART WHICH I DID BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD WHILE UNFORTUNATELY ON THE CURVE OF A 2 LANE BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER OR BREAKDOWN LANE. LUCKILY THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ENOUGH FOR ON COMING TRAFFIC AND TRACTOR TRAILERS TO SEE ME IN TIME OR I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED ON THAT BRIDGE. GREAT APPRECIATION TO DISPATCH AND THE STATE TROOPERS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10588751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,300 milesCharles Town, WV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2004 MERCURY MARAUDER HEADLIGHTS OCCASIONALLY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. RUNNING LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS CONTINUE WORKING, NO LOW/HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. SWITCH SEEMS TO BE THE ISSUE, FUSES ARE FINE AND NO BULBS OUT. RECENTLY HAD DEALERSHIP REPLACE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT, ONLY CHANGE TO VEHICLE BEFORE ISSUE STARTED. POSSIBLE ISSUE CONTINUES IN DAYTIME, BUT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AS NEEDED IN DAYLIGHT. DUE TO NECESSARY DRIVING AT NIGHT ON HIGH SPEED AND UNLIT COUNTRY ROADS, THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10516246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,452 milesCharles Town, WV
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WIPERS CONTINUING FOR TWO YEARS TO OCCASIONALLY TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT SWITCH ACTIVATION. ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN MANY OF THE FORUMS FOR MARAUDERS, THE FACT THAT FORD HAS MADE NO RECALL IS SHAMEFUL. ONLY KNOWN FIX IS TO REMOVE THE FUSE WHEN THE WIPERS ARE NOT NEEDED, THOUGH IT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10516249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesEast Hanover, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE AND TURNED OFF WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WAS FOUND FAULTY AND REPLACED. SEARCHING THE INTERNET REVEALED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS BASE MODEL CAR (FORD CROWN VICTORIA, MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MERCURY MARAUDER) AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE LOSS OF LIGHTS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10478104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMuncie, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT RELAY PORTION OF THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO TURN OFF. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION. THE LIGHTS REMAIN OFF FOR AN UNKNOWN PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN TURN BACK ON. I HAVE EXPERIENCED 1-2 MINUTE PERIODS WITHOUT LIGHT. THIS IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE WITH 2003-2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MERCURY MARAUDER (LINCOLN TOWN CAR MAY ALSO BE INVOLVED).
NHTSA complaint #10456882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWhitman, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING FOG LIGHTS STAYED ON,JUST GOT HARD TO SEE,HAD TO HOLD THE SIGNAL LEVER IN THE ''FLASH TO PASS'' TO SEE THE ROAD. AFTER WORK I PRAY THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON.NOW IF I STOP FOR A COFFEE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME BACK ON. I THEN NEED TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING SO THEY STAY ON.
NHTSA complaint #10442069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWhitman, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
BACK IN 2007 NOTICED SMALL BUMPS IN PAINT ONLY ON THE ROOF,WENT TO FORD DEALER,THEY SAID NO PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT. TIME WENT ON, PAINT GOT WORSE,MORE BUBBLES AND CRACKS,.IN 2008 WROTE TO FORD ABOUT PROBLEM THEY SAID THEY HAD NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROOF PAINT. NOW THE ENTIRE ROOF IS BUMPY,CRACKED, WITH BARE RUSTED METAL SHOWING. COST TO FIX IS 1000.00.
NHTSA complaint #10442074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,380 milesTuscaloosa, AL
WHEELS
WHILE TRAVELING ON 20/59 NORTH PAST THE COALING EXIT, I HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS SO BIG THAT IT BURST MY TIRE AND BENT MY RIM. SINCE IT WAS AROUND 7:45 PM, I COULDN'T SEE IT. THANK GOD IT ONLY BURST ONE OF MY TIRES ON THE REAR OF MY CAR. THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. IT ALSO TOOK AN HOUR AT LEAST FOR A TROOPER TO COME. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $450. I EXPECT TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE WITH FIXING MY CAR. THE POT HOLE NEEDS TO BE FILLED ASAP!
NHTSA complaint #10389974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,380 milesTuscaloosa, AL
TIRES
WHILE TRAVELING ON 20/59 NORTH PAST THE COALING EXIT, I HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS SO BIG THAT IT BURST MY TIRE AND BENT MY RIM. SINCE IT WAS AROUND 7:45 PM, I COULDN'T SEE IT. THANK GOD IT ONLY BURST ONE OF MY TIRES ON THE REAR OF MY CAR. THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. IT ALSO TOOK AN HOUR AT LEAST FOR A TROOPER TO COME. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $450. I EXPECT TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE WITH FIXING MY CAR. THE POT HOLE NEEDS TO BE FILLED ASAP!
NHTSA complaint #10389974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,380 milesTuscaloosa, AL
EQUIPMENT
WHILE TRAVELING ON 20/59 NORTH PAST THE COALING EXIT, I HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS SO BIG THAT IT BURST MY TIRE AND BENT MY RIM. SINCE IT WAS AROUND 7:45 PM, I COULDN'T SEE IT. THANK GOD IT ONLY BURST ONE OF MY TIRES ON THE REAR OF MY CAR. THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. IT ALSO TOOK AN HOUR AT LEAST FOR A TROOPER TO COME. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $450. I EXPECT TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE WITH FIXING MY CAR. THE POT HOLE NEEDS TO BE FILLED ASAP!
NHTSA complaint #10389974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesEvanston, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER WITH CAUTION TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER WAITING TEN MINUTES, THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10379685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWest Nyack, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS IN 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER BEGAN GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT ABOUT 60K MILES, ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT COMING ON WHEN TURNED ON BY SWITCH. THEY NOW RARELY STAY ON FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES AT A TIME. THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY RELATED TO THE WIDELY REPORTED FAILURE OF MOTOROLA-MANUFACTURED FORD LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM, FORD P/N 4W7Z13C788BB) UNITS IN MANY FORD 'PANTHER' PLATFORM MODELS (CROWN VIC, GRAND MARQUIS, MARAUDER) THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2004. NHTSA ACTION PE08066 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. THE FORD/MERCURY DEALER I SOUGHT SERVICE FOR THIS ISSUE FROM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE LCM AT A COST OF $700 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THE PART IS AVAILABLE THROUGH INTERNET SOURCES FROM $300 TO $500. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS PART REPLACEMENT WOULD FIX THE INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT PROBLEM, SO I HAVE DECIDED TO PURCHASE AND REPLACE THE UNIT MYSELF AND RETURN THE PART IF THIS DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A RECALL -- CARS TRAVELING AT NIGHT WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS ARE A DANGER TO THE DRIVING AND PEDESTRIAN PUBLIC. IT IS HARD TO FATHOM WHY THE NHTSA WOULD DISAGREE WITH THIS LOGIC AND CLOSE THIS INVESTIGATION. SINCE MANY OWNERS AND THIRD-PARTIES ARE NOW SHARING STORIES AND HOME-GROWN SOLUTIONS ON THE INTERNET (REPLACING/RE-SOLDERING THE DEFECTIVE NEC RELAY P/N EQ1-11111S, WHICH IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM), THE NHTSA IS PASSING OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD'S BAD MANUFACTURING DECISION ON TO VEHICLE OWNERS. THIS IS A TERRIBLE MESSAGE TO GIVE THE PUBLIC, IT FURTHER ERODES ANY TRUST A CONSUMER COULD POSSIBLY HAVE IN FORD PRODUCTS. THE HUGE VOLUME OF FLEET VEHICLES (TAXI, POLICE, MUNICIPAL) THAT ARE AFFECTED MAKES THIS AN EVEN MORE CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE NHTSA SHOULD HAVE ITS LEGAL POSITION PREPARED FOR A WORST-CASE SCENARIO IN WHICH AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DEATH IS LINKED TO THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10275317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWest Nyack, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS IN 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER BEGAN GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT ABOUT 60K MILES, ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT COMING ON WHEN TURNED ON BY SWITCH. THEY NOW RARELY STAY ON FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES AT A TIME. THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY RELATED TO THE WIDELY REPORTED FAILURE OF MOTOROLA-MANUFACTURED FORD LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM, FORD P/N 4W7Z13C788BB) UNITS IN MANY FORD 'PANTHER' PLATFORM MODELS (CROWN VIC, GRAND MARQUIS, MARAUDER) THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2004. NHTSA ACTION PE08066 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. THE FORD/MERCURY DEALER I SOUGHT SERVICE FOR THIS ISSUE FROM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE LCM AT A COST OF $700 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THE PART IS AVAILABLE THROUGH INTERNET SOURCES FROM $300 TO $500. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS PART REPLACEMENT WOULD FIX THE INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT PROBLEM, SO I HAVE DECIDED TO PURCHASE AND REPLACE THE UNIT MYSELF AND RETURN THE PART IF THIS DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A RECALL -- CARS TRAVELING AT NIGHT WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS ARE A DANGER TO THE DRIVING AND PEDESTRIAN PUBLIC. IT IS HARD TO FATHOM WHY THE NHTSA WOULD DISAGREE WITH THIS LOGIC AND CLOSE THIS INVESTIGATION. SINCE MANY OWNERS AND THIRD-PARTIES ARE NOW SHARING STORIES AND HOME-GROWN SOLUTIONS ON THE INTERNET (REPLACING/RE-SOLDERING THE DEFECTIVE NEC RELAY P/N EQ1-11111S, WHICH IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM), THE NHTSA IS PASSING OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD'S BAD MANUFACTURING DECISION ON TO VEHICLE OWNERS. THIS IS A TERRIBLE MESSAGE TO GIVE THE PUBLIC, IT FURTHER ERODES ANY TRUST A CONSUMER COULD POSSIBLY HAVE IN FORD PRODUCTS. THE HUGE VOLUME OF FLEET VEHICLES (TAXI, POLICE, MUNICIPAL) THAT ARE AFFECTED MAKES THIS AN EVEN MORE CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE NHTSA SHOULD HAVE ITS LEGAL POSITION PREPARED FOR A WORST-CASE SCENARIO IN WHICH AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DEATH IS LINKED TO THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10275317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesWoodland Hills, CA
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER AND HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT SPLITTING AND BLISTERING ON THE FRONT HOOD, ROOF AND REAR TRUNK. I CONTACTED BOTH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND FORD AND THEY BOTH SAY I'M JUST OUTSIDE OF MY WARRANTY (WITHIN A YEAR) AND THEREFORE NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE ISSUE AND STATED IT WAS POSSIBLY MISSING SOME PROTECTIVE UNDERCOATING AND IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. I DID FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10265114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mokena, IL
TIRES
BF GOODRICH IS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER OF TIRES IN THE SIZE MY CAR REQUIRES (2004 MERCURY MARAUDER). THEY ARE ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER UNTIL MAY/JUNE 2009. THIS LEADS TO TWO DANGEROUS OPTIONS: RUNNING ON TIRES THAT ARE BALD OR REPLACING WITH INCORRECT SIZE. BOTH CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. PLEASE REQUIRE THEM TO START PRODUCTION IMMEDIATELY. MANY OTHER DRIVES OF THIS CAR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10258532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griswold, CT
TIRES
I CANNOT GET THE CORRECT SIZE TIRES FOR MY 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER ANY MORE BFG WAS THE ORIGINAL MAKER OF THE TIRES AND NOW THEY ARE ON HOD FOR MANUFACTURER ONE KNOWS WHEN THEY WILL BE MADE AGAIN AND THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I AM AND MANY OTHERS ARE FORCED TO RUN THE WRONG SIZE TIRES ON MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10258533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
TIRES
NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON REAR BFGOODRICH TIRES. REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE OEM MANUFACTURER. UNIQUE TIRE SIZE FOR THE REAR TIRES ON MY CAR. ONLY ONE COMPANY (BFGOODRICH) MAKES THIS SIZE. HAVE NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR SOME TIME. RECEIVED VIOLATION FOR BALD REAR TIRES AND NO REPLACEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE. WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURER, THEY WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 2009, MAYBE ?????
NHTSA complaint #10258535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesArlingon, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10250746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,137 milesToone, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REALIZE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PROCEED DOWNHILL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,137.
NHTSA complaint #10245394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.