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1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis is engine and cooling, typically around 85,218 miles. It has 2.5 times the complaints of a typical Grand Marquis model year.

Typical year2.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
239
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
119
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

Overheating 21Headlights 16Fire or smoke 12Ball joint 10Brake failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Check engine light 6Stalling 6

Recalls 5

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported February 4, 2008 · 225,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 08V051000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported August 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 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.

Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported June 12, 2000 · 1,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V157001 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported June 12, 2000 · 1,129 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V157002 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported April 22, 1996 · 73,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 96V070000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

Defect investigations

Rear brake line failureOpened July 25, 2003, closed April 11, 2005

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 electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi?s analysis showed higher complaint and warranty rates related to rear brake line failures in this population than in other subject vehicles and peer mid-sized passenger cars that were evaluated during the investigation.vehicles involved in ford?s program will have the rear brake lines inspected for contact with the floor pan stiffing rib.if there is contact, but no abrasion or leakage, the brake lines will be repositioned.if there is abrasion or a leak is evident the brake line will be repaired.if necessary, both of the rear brake lines will be replaced. Though ford does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise because the insufficient clearance in the routing of those brake lines may result in leaks in those lines that may result in increased stopping distances.odi is designating the campaign a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall no. 05v‑086).because of the low rates of brake line failures in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA03012

Rear brake line failureOpened March 11, 2003, closed July 25, 2003

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 for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.

RQ03004

Ball joint separationOpened January 3, 2003, closed June 3, 2003

See attached report.

RQ03002

Speed control deactivation switch firesOpened September 6, 2002, closed June 30, 2004

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 does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA02025

Fuel-fed firesOpened August 22, 2002, closed December 4, 2002

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 vehicles is set out in the closing report for sq 01-014 and that report is in the docket for this petition.after reviewing the petition and its supporting materials, as well as information furnished by ford and gm, and information within the agency's possession from previous investigations and other related actions,the federal safety agency has concluded that futher investigation concerning post-crash fires in the subject vehicles is not likely to lead to a decision that the vehicles contain a safety defect.

DP02007

Post rear end collision firesOpened November 27, 2001, closed October 3, 2002

There is no summary currently available

SQ01014

Improper height for head restraintsOpened July 28, 1998, closed September 28, 1998

The federal safety agency 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 received no other complaints of inadequate head restraint height for the subject vehicles.ford motor company's compliance data shows that the subject vehicles met the head restraint height requirement of fmvss no. 202, head restraints. Therefore, the petition is denied.

DP98007

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis 119

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 119 bulletins for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.6L 8‑cylRWD152318

What 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · 225,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · 210,000 miles · CA

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 became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2017 · Steering · 150,000 miles · FL

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

Filed May 31, 2016 · Lights · WA

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.

Filed May 4, 2016 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Apr 30, 2015 · Acceleration · 114,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that the dealer disconnected the speed control deactivation switch as an interim repair until the installation of a fused wiring harness became available for the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to complete the recall repairs; however, the dealer refused to honor the recall repair. As a result, the contact was unable to active the speed control activation switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v051000 (vehicle speed control). The failure mileage was 114,000. ....updated 07/22/15 *bf updated 10/11/2017

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Acceleration · 190,000 miles · VA · fire

On 9/17/2003 @ 11:23 pm, my 1996 grand marquis caught fire under the hood and was totally destroyed while sitting idle in front of my house. The henrico county fire department was called. I have the fire report, which indicates that no cause for the fire was determined. In june 2014, I received a notification from ford motor company stating that my 1996 grand marquis has a potential under hood fire risk. The issue as stated was that "ford cannot be confident that after many years in service, the speed control deactivation switch in your vehicle will not leak, posing the risk of an under hood fire. Until this repair is performed, a fire could occur at any time. A fire can occur even if the key is not in the ignition, and can occur even if the speed control system is never used." after receiving the letter, I filed a report with ford to possibly get some form of compensation for my car since I my car was insured for liability only. Ford responded back that my claim was closed due to the fact that I know longer owned the car, and they were unable to inspect it. I find this to be absurd since the car was totaled, and not available for inspection.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Lights · 130,000 miles · OH

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 lens clarity. I bought and used one of these products, but was unable to restore full lens clarity. I'm guessing that the cloudiness will return and I'll have to repeat the "restoration" process. I went to a nearby shopping mall and noticed numerous vehicles with cloudy headlights, all with plastic lenses. This safety issue was a non-issue when all headlights were required to use glass lenses. Please restore the requirement that, for safe nighttime driving over the life of a vehicle, all headlights use glass lenses. Or, require auto makers to replace or restore cloudy plastic lenses at no charge for the life of the vehicle. Thanks.

Filed Nov 11, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 106,243 miles · CA

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.

Filed May 10, 2012 · Engine · 122,000 miles · WI

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 .

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Questions about the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

Is the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

Owners have filed 239 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2.5 times a typical Grand Marquis model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis?

Engine and cooling, with 86 complaints, typically around 85,218 miles. Next is brakes (23).

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

5 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, seat belts and latches/locks/linkages.

What year does the Mercury Grand Marquis have bad engine?

The Mercury Grand Marquis model years with the most engine complaints are 1997 (126 complaints), 1996 (86 complaints) and 1999 (33 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.

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