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.
1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes problems
23 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,251. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 78,251
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings8
- Foundation components5
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3
- Power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
- Power assist: vacuum1
- Power assist1
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
- Foundation components: disc: rotor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Mercury Grand Marquis brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
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 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 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 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
What 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
2 brake line failures metal brake 1996 grand marquis within a year..this is a midwest car but spent half of its winter in az..brake lines seem to rust much faster than other vehicles we have owned..failure found driving at slow speed. Took vehicle for repair parts from second repair could be available.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began making a knocking noise and the contact noticed smoke rising from underneath the hood. She pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to the repair shop. The mechanic stated that the plastic intake valve melted. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 89,021. The dealer stated 1 set of disc pads, 2 new rotors, and clutch fan. Updated 09/25/07
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH on normal driving conditions, the vehicle would not stop. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The brake line blew and brake fluid was leaking due to a hole on the brake line. The design of the braking system was anti-lock. There were no warning signals prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, who determined that the rear and front brakes were defective resulting in the whole brake lines being replaced. The manufacturer was notified and offered reimbursement but the contact had not heard from the manufacturer since then. Updated 01/10/07.
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at 25 MPH on a suburban street, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle without warning. Although firm, constant brake pressure was applied, the vehicle continued forward until the emergency parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who determined the brake lines fractured and brake fluid was leaking. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 11/21/06.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and lowered to the floor. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle and drove it to the residence. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed the brake line had ruptured. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the brake lines were replaced. Updated 9/13/2006 - the brake lines were badly rusted. The rear end housing was also badly rusted.
Dt: while driving the brake lines failed and had to be replaced. The owner came outside and saw the brake fluid on the ground and realized that the brake lines failed. The owner drove the vehicle with no brakes to the dealership and they repaired it. Then the owner realized that the brake lines were rusted.*ak the left rear seat belt was replaced twice. The wiper motor, wiper switch, drivers side mirror switch and rotors were all replaced. The turn signal switch, driver window switch , tail light , catalytic converter were replaced. The consumer was told the ball joints and shocks were bad. The battery was replaced.
Brake failure, replacement of line. Brake line had corroded. *bf the brake warning light had come on. The brake was almost on the floor in order to stop the vehicle. There was leaking where the corrosion was. *sc
Rear brake failure.rear brake lines rusted and sprung a leak losing all brake fluid and the brakes to be able to stop.
I purchased a pre-owned,low mileage 1996 grand marquis mercury ls[xxx] from a local car dealer in january 2000. The car was in immaculate condition with only 57800 miles on the odometer. November,2003,while driving the car,I lost all braking.my local repair shop fixed the problem[brake line failure].while at my state inspection in march,04,the brake line "blew" out again while the technician was testing the brakes. I feel this is a very serious safety factor. I value my life and I feel there should be a re-call on this problem. So far,repair bills total over $500. This is a great automobile except for the brake problem I am experiencing. *ak updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes
Does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,251 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Mercury Grand Marquis have bad brakes?
The Mercury Grand Marquis model years with the most brakes complaints are 1992 (48 complaints), 1997 (35 complaints) and 1995 (30 complaints).
Other 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems
Engine 86Fuel system 21Steering 21Acceleration 19Lights 19Electrical 16Suspension 15Transmission 15Visibility 10Airbags 6Body 5Seat belts 5Tires 3Wheels 3Locks 1Seats 1
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