2008 Mercury Grand Marquis: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (24% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the wiring harness for the brake pedal sensor was faulty, causing the exterior brake lights to fail to illuminate. The failure almost caused a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2021
“I was driving in town and several times when I slowed down to stop at a stop sign or corner, after braking my car accelerated by itself. The engine revved up and made the car jump forward. I had to slightly release the brake snd brake harder to stop and avoid going into the intersection.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the headlights intermittently failed to operate without warning. The contact also stated that the instrument panel went blank while experiencing the failure. The contact stated that the headlights resumed normal operation a few minutes after failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to a local dealer to have the vehicle inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached and was hanging down underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, there was no assistance provided. The failure mileage was 63,824.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury grand marquis. While driving 20 mph on a residential road, the contact heard an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering wheel. While attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel detached without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2019
“My wife was driving and turning left at a slow speed when she heard a loud popping sound. It looks like a chunk of one of the steering column bearings fell out of the steering column.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2019
“The car will suddenly and without warning accelerate to 5000 rpm's. Had throttle body and mas replaced which seemed to help. However, it still happens once in a while (once every 3 weeks average). Usually happens after shifting from park to drive and driving forward at low speeds (around 5-10 mph). Hasn't happened at higher speeds. Was told by one mechanic that the computer is defective???.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2019
“Took car through car wash after winter and a large section of paint came off the hood..this is a florida car..it was the second winter in buffalo..also found other spots on car where paint is coming off...was looking for a newer grand marquis and a lot of them also had paint coming...all were the silver birch ...the paint doesn't appear to adhere to the primer...”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2019
“Odometer fades out most of the time...sometimes it will brighten up so you can see it..but soon fades out again..ford wants $600 to fix it...2008 is the only year that fits and there are 4 different ones that fit..can't find a used one”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2019
“Takata recall the passenger side of car, when a passenger is setting in the car seat and the car is moving, I have taken note that the airbag light on dash panel will go off and own. I have not seen the light go off and own.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The most complained-about area is steering (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,500 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:rack and pinion:pinion shaft. 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.