1996 Mercury Grand Marquis: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 239 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (33% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 239 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH the instrument panel began started flashing off and on before going black. The contact stated that he was headed to an off ramp the head lights stopped functioning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle for several days and then tested the head lights and stated that the functionality had returned. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. While driving at various speeds, the headlights became very dim and hindered the contact's visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that there was no failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the transmission fluid leaked onto the gasket pan. There was no fluid visible on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter, transmission pump, and pan needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission rear main seal and drive shaft required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“A crack in my exhaust manifold behind the alternator causing coolant to spray all over under my hood and now my engine overheats..thanks for using plastic parts ford . *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis equipped with a duralast ball joint, part number fa2101. The contact stated that the stud on the front passenger side lower ball joint broke after being used for 253 miles. The parts dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the manufacturer would like to examine the ball joint because they believed it was installed incorrectly. The contact expressed concerns about the stud breaking, not the actual ball joint. The current mileage on the vehicle was 102,511. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2011
“The steering wheel has become very loose, and it squeaks alot. I am unable to adjust the steering wheel height any more. I believe this could be a potential hazard, and result in loss of control of steering for this vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2011
“The car all of a sudden felt different while driving one day, kind of sluggish and then the engine light went on. The temp rose and smoke started coming out from under the hood. When I pulled over to let cool down I couldn't start it up again. Had it towed to a mechanic who said that the engine was shot. Not worth repairing. Had it towed back home and its been parked in my driveway ever since. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact was driving 30 mph when a vehicle abruptly pulled in front of him. The contact applied the brakes and the brake pedal fell into the floorboard and did not engage. The contact was able to avoid crashing into the second vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the contact was advised that the entire brake line would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired by an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 81,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that there was steam emitting from the engine compartment. A mechanic advised the contact that there was a crack in the plastic intake manifold. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 85,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2010
“Car caught fire had no problems with the car in the past drove about 2 miles parked and turned car off and the engine caught fire. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Grand Marquis by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
NHTSA has 239 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 85,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.