Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2003 Mercury Marquis with NHTSA between 2002 and 2019.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 12 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 — 65
Against the median year of the Mercury Marquis. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
19% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 72
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Mercury Marquis
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Mercury Marquis
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
819.0%
Median failure at 85,171 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
511.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,398 mi
Suspension
49.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 76,127 mi
Brakes
49.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 6,797 mi
Steering
49.5%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Electrical System
49.5%
Median failure at 35,171 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
37.1%
Median failure at 28,000 miles
Body & Structure
37.1%
Median failure at 138,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
24.8%
Median failure at 21,420 miles
Airbags
24.8%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,675 mi
Engine & Cooling
24.8%
Median failure at 36,815 miles
Equipment & Accessories
12.4%
Median failure at 26,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
519.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
311.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
726.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
519.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
311.5%
150,000+ miles
27.7%
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.
Nov 2002peak 6Jan 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesLafayette, LACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN FIRESTONE STORE PARKING AREA PERPENDICULAR TO SERVICE FOR ATTENDANT TO FILL THE RT FRT TIRE. PULLED UP TO ATTENDANT , APPLIED BRAKES AND VEH SURGED AHEAD, STRUGGLED TO CONTROL TO NO AVAIL. MADE DIFFUCULT U TURN TO AVOID DRV INTO STREET TRAFFIC, CRASHED OTHER VEH, CONT'D ON JUMPING 2 INSIDE PK CURBS STOPPING AS FRAME STOPPED RES ON CURB
NHTSA complaint #11071861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesAlbuquerque, NMFire
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. WHILE HE WAS CHANGING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED A GREASE LEAK. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BEARING LEAKED INTO THE BRAKE DISC, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ONLY REPAIRED POLICE VEHICLES WITH THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10217396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,675 milesMishawaka, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND A COLLISION OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEAD RESTS WERE TO FAR FROM THE HEAD TO BE EFFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10101060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TNCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL.
NHTSA complaint #10063414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,480 milesPheonix, AZCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES FAILED. THE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS WHICH RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. *NLM SUSPECTED THE BRAKE/GAS PEDAL RAISED TO THE SAME LEVEL WHEN SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED, POSSIBLE DEPRESSING BRAKE AND GAS AT THE SAME TIME. (CALIFORNIAHIGHWAY PATROL) *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10017282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 66,000 milesCoos BAY, OR
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD SEIZE. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *BF CONSUMER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11164561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesPortsmouth, RI
STEERING
STEERING REQUIRED SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO TURN STEERING PAST APPROXIMATELY 30-45 DEGREES AT THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING COLUMNS. LESS THAN ONE MONTH AFTER REPLACEMENT, STEERING NOW HAS A "JUMP" AND A "CLUNK" AT THE SAME POSITION IN THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION. THESE ISSUES WHERE NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IF STATIONARY, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET THE STEERING TO TURN AT ALL BEYOND 30-45 DEGREES.
NHTSA complaint #11098796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLafayette, LACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN FIRESTONE STORE PARKING AREA PERPENDICULAR TO SERVICE FOR ATTENDANT TO FILL THE RT FRT TIRE. PULLED UP TO ATTENDANT , APPLIED BRAKES AND VEH SURGED AHEAD, STRUGGLED TO CONTROL TO NO AVAIL. MADE DIFFUCULT U TURN TO AVOID DRV INTO STREET TRAFFIC, CRASHED OTHER VEH, CONT'D ON JUMPING 2 INSIDE PK CURBS STOPPING AS FRAME STOPPED RES ON CURB
NHTSA complaint #11071861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
JAN 2016 GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR JUNE CALLED LOCALL DEALER. THERE RESPONSE IS THEY DIDN'T. KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL WHICH WAS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD GO WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10872507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
JAN 2016 GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR JUNE CALLED LOCALL DEALER. THERE RESPONSE IS THEY DIDN'T. KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL WHICH WAS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD GO WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10872507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesGilmanton, NH
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO AN EROSION IN THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE RESULT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION DRIPPING ON IT. AS THERE WAS NO ISSUE IN 2014 AND I DROVE THE CAR FEWER THAT 8000 MILES IN THE YEAR, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE CAR IS GARAGED AT ALL TIMES AND WAS DRIVEN VERY INFREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS. I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AND IT HAS NOW PASSED INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10723774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesChesterfield, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. MY HEADLIGHTS GO OFF ABOUT 3 BLOCKS FROM HOME AND THEN I HAVE TO PULL THE LEVER BACK AND HOLD IT TO PUT ON BRIGHT LIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY AND NOT BEEN FAR FROM HOME AND HAVE TO HOLD BRIGHTS ON, STEER AND OPERATE BLINKERS ALL AT ONE TIME. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM IN PROCESS OF HAVING AN EXPENSIVE LIGHTING MODULE PUT IN MY CAR. I TOTALLY RESENT THEM NOT DOING A RECALL ON THIS. WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR? IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE AND I WILL BE WAITING TO GET A REFUND WHEN THEY FINALLY ADMIT THERE IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. HATE FOR THEM TO WAIT UNTIL THERE ARE X NUMBER OF DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES. SHAME ON THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10640669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,500 milesGreensboro, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH CAUTION AND THEN THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500.
NHTSA complaint #10576187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,342 milesMineral Wells, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON WHEN I GOT INTO CAR TO GO TO STORE AT NIGHT. ALSO BATTERY HAS BEEN RUNNING DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS JUST SITTNG IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10461295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,342 milesMineral Wells, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON WHEN I GOT INTO CAR TO GO TO STORE AT NIGHT. ALSO BATTERY HAS BEEN RUNNING DOWN WHILE VEHICLE IS JUST SITTNG IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10461295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDelaware, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE CONTROL MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,484.
NHTSA complaint #10438932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesCleveland, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FRONT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT STAYING ON AT NIGHT. THE SENSOR SEEMS TO BE FAILING OR WHATEVER CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN I AM DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHT WILL COME ON AT DUSK, BUT SOMETIMES WITHOUT AN WARNING THEY WILL JUST POP OFF. FOR THIS REASON, I AM FEARFUL OF DRIVING AT NIGHT OR IN ANY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS
NHTSA complaint #10401849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesLouisville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. IT WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10381245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,255 milesLansing, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR AXLE AND BEARINGS FAIL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACE THE AXLE AND BEARINGS. THE MERCURY MANUFACTURE WAS CALLED AND STATED THERE IS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,255. UPDATED 3/12/10 *CN UPDATED 06/25/10.
NHTSA complaint #10302604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesAlbuquerque, NMFire
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. WHILE HE WAS CHANGING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED A GREASE LEAK. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BEARING LEAKED INTO THE BRAKE DISC, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ONLY REPAIRED POLICE VEHICLES WITH THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10217396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBark River, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 04/06/06.
NHTSA complaint #10152022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBark River, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 04/06/06.
NHTSA complaint #10152022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,815 milesNorth Providence, RI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2003 FORD MERCURY MARQUIS LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO BE TOWED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10150823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesMarlboro, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION. IT OCCURRED WHEN THE CLIMATE WAS HOT, AND THE ENGINE WAS WARM. WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE IT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RIPENS WAREHOUSE. THE DEALER COMPLETED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10145457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,420 milesTexarkana, AR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
DT: THE CALLER STATES THAT WHILE HE DRIVING AT 65 MPH HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THIS CAUSED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. THE CALLER SAID A LOCAL MECHANIC DID A QUICK FIX WITH A SCREW AND SOME GLUE SO HE COULD GET HOME. DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST A LOT MORE TO REPLACE THE TANK WITH THEM AND HE WENT TO SOMEONE ELSE TO HAVE IT REPLACED FOR A CHEAPER PRICE. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10134646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesBark River, MI
EQUIPMENT
DT: THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE PEDALS ARE TO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE CONSUMER THINKS THAT ONE SHOULD BE UP HIGHER THAN THE OTHER. WHEN YOU WEAR WORK BOOTS, THAT IS MORE DANGEROUS. WHEN THE CONSUMER HITS THE BRAKE, IF YOU'RE NOT SITTING UP STRAIGHT, THE CONSUMER'S FOOT IS HITTING THE ACCELERATOR ALSO. THE CONSUMER IS TRYING TO REMEMBER TO KEEP HIS FOOT FAR ENOUGH OVER. *TT *SB
NHTSA complaint #10123968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesDE Land, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
GRAN MARQUIS LS DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER WILL NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE CLEARING OF RAIN OR SNOW UNDER NORMAL HIGHWAY ROAD SPEEDS. THE WIPER ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE ADEQUATELY TO PROVIDE GOOD VISIBILITY. THE PASSENGER SIDE ARM PROVIDES PROPER CLEARING UNDER ALL ROAD CONDITIONS AND SPEEDS. IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT CLEAR PROPERLY ABOVE SPEEDS OF 40 MPH; LESS IF THE WIND CONDITIONS ARE HIGH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVERS WIPER ARM ASSEMBLY WITH A 2002 ASSEMBLY WHICH HE INDICATED PROVIDES A HIGHER PRESSURE ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS THE TENSION WAS REDUCED IN 2003 MODELS. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS AT MY EXPENSE AND HAS NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. IT STILL PERSISTS. THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE WIPER BLADE SYSTEM OR A DEFECT IN THE CURVATURE OF THE WINDSHIELD ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT APPARENT THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10116191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,675 milesMishawaka, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND A COLLISION OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEAD RESTS WERE TO FAR FROM THE HEAD TO BE EFFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10101060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesQuincy, MA
STEERING:COLUMN
AFTER PARKING THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I GOT BACK IN AND THE STEERING COLUMN WOULDN'T TAKE THE KEY. IT WOULDNT TURN FORWARD OR BACKWARD JUST WOULD FIT IN THE KEYHOLE. STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE FIXED AFTER I HAD THE CAR TOWED. THE CAR (2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS) WAS 6 MONTHS OLD WITH 6,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD THIS PROBLEM IN THE MERCURY SABLES BUT NOT THE MARQUIS.
NHTSA complaint #10098636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
UPON GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER ALMOST LOST AN EYE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DOOR EDGES WERE VERY SHARP.
NHTSA complaint #10089572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.