RecallRepo

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 3,900,796 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 08V051000 2008-02-04 225,000 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 07V336000 2007-08-03 3,600,000 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

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…

SEAT BELTS 00V157002 2000-06-12 1,129 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

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.

SEAT BELTS 00V157001 2000-06-12 1,167 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 96V070000 1996-04-22 73,500 affected
Defect

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."

Consequence

THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

Complaints by component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
35
2fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
16
2fires
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
14
3fires
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13
2crashes3fires2injuries
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
9
1fires7injuries
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
8
Total complaints282

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2023-02-25

“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…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · reported 2023-02-25

“The contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · reported 2023-02-18

“The contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then…”

STEERING · reported 2023-02-18

“The contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · reported 2023-02-18

“When driving and turn to left vehicles steering wants to lock up”

STEERING · reported 2017-07-27

“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…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · reported 2015-10-01

“Plastic headlight lenses have become yellowed and cloudy. This has severely reduced nighttime visibility on unlit streets, which is a safety issue. Did some internet research and discovered that this is a widespread issue with numerous expensive aftermarket products that will supposedly restore…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · reported 2014-05-31

Defect investigations

Investigation DP02007 Opened 2002-08-22 · closed 2002-12-04

FUEL-FED FIRES

THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT…

Investigation DP98007 Opened 1998-07-28 · closed 1998-09-28

IMPROPER HEIGHT FOR HEAD RESTRAINTS

NHTSA WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ON JULY 28, 1998.THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH AT ITS HIGHEST POSITION TO PROTECT HIM FROM NECK INJURIES SUSTAINED DURING A REAR IMPACT COLLISION.OTHER THAN THE SUBJECT PETITIN, ODI HAS…

Investigation EA02025 Opened 2002-09-06 · closed 2004-06-30

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS…

Investigation EA03012 Opened 2003-07-25 · closed 2005-04-11

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO. 04B26) TO CORRECT A REAR BRAKE LINE CHAFING CONCERN IN APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS NON-FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH…

Investigation EA03012 Opened 2003-07-25 · closed 2005-04-11

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO. 04B26) TO CORRECT A REAR BRAKE LINE CHAFING CONCERN IN APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS NON-FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH…

Investigation EA03012 Opened 2003-07-25 · closed 2005-04-11

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO. 04B26) TO CORRECT A REAR BRAKE LINE CHAFING CONCERN IN APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS NON-FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH…

Investigation RQ03002 Opened 2003-01-03 · closed 2003-06-03

BALL JOINT SEPARATION

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Investigation RQ03004 Opened 2003-03-11 · closed 2003-07-25

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE…

Investigation RQ03004 Opened 2003-03-11 · closed 2003-07-25

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE…

Investigation RQ03004 Opened 2003-03-11 · closed 2003-07-25

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE…

Investigation RQ03004 Opened 2003-03-11 · closed 2003-07-25

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE…

Investigation SQ01014 Opened 2001-11-27 · closed 2002-10-03

POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES

There is no summary currently available

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.