2003 Mercury Marquis: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
33
owner complaints
1
fire reports
42,378
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about Marquis years (#2 of 6, age-adjusted)Weak spot: exterior lighting (21%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)21% · 7 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)9% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)9% · 3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)9% · 3 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)9% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)9% · 3 complaints
“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.*jb”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2018
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2018
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Structure · May 2015
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2013
“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. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2012
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2011
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2011
“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.*jb”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2003 Mercury Marquis reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Mercury Marquis. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Mercury Marquis problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,378 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.