1996 Mercury Grand Marquis: fire, smoke or burning smell

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 Dec 1, 2010 · Engine · 85,218 miles · SC

While driving my vehicle home from work in the evening, the car started to putter, then smoke came pouring out from under the engine hood blocking my view from the road causing cars to race around me and almost had an accident...also started coming in the vents of the car, making me nausea. Extreme danger and fear. I had to have the car towed $65.00 and the repair estimate came in at $900.00. Cracked plastic intake manifold. ??plastic?? Who does that? I have been unemployed and only able to get part time employment. I can't afford this repair so I had to have the car towed back to my house...another $65.00. The car only has 85,218 miles on it and has been kept immaculate. I contacted mercury/ford and they said there is nothing they can do. In researching, I spent hours reading hundreds and hundreds of postings regarding the same situation...and also, the same car, ford crown victoria has the exact same problem. I understand there was a "silent recall" where only government fleet/police cars were taken care of. How nice! The replacement was with a metal part, which it should have been from the beginning. This is an extreme neglect on ford/mercury part. I believe that the investigation and action should be based on the quantity of both the crown victoria and grand marquis combined, since they are the exact same car manufactured. Please help!

Filed Dec 27, 2009 · Engine · 113,000 miles · IL · fire

Car caught fire had no problems with the car in the past drove about 2 miles parked and turned car off and the engine caught fire.

Filed Oct 23, 2009 · Engine · 96,000 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. While parked in the residence carport, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the flames. The massive fire completely destroyed the vehicle and caused damages to the home. There were no personal injuries. At this time the cause of failure has not been determined. The manufacturer and insurance company were notified. The failure and current mileages were 96,000.

Filed May 1, 2009 · Acceleration · 220,000 miles · FL · fire

On tuesday night, april 28, my 1996 mercury grand marquis suddenly caught fire under the hood of the car and the engine was in flames in a matter of minutes. My car had been sitting for hours before I got in it and drove it home, approximately 2 1/2 miles. When I parked my car in the driveway I entered my house. Within five minutes my daughter screamed that smoke was coming out from under the hood. Within another 5 - 10 minutes the entire engine area was in flames. Fire rescue arrived and put out the fire, but not before my car was, for the most part, ruined. From what I have heard, and read, I believe it was something to do with the cruise control mechanism.

Filed Dec 6, 2008 · Acceleration · IN · fire

We owned a 1996 mercury grand marquis vehicle. This vehicle caught fire in july 2007 without any warning parked in front of our home while we were out of town. Luckily my daughter and granddaughter were home at the time to call 911. We did not receive a recall notice from ford motor company regarding a recall until 2 months later! Had we been able to know about the recall, this could have been avoided. My wife and I are senior citizens, me in my 80's and she in her 70's. Had this happened while we were driving we would have not made it out of the vehicle in time! My daughter did extensive research online and found there were many complaints prior to the safety recall #05s28. These automakers need to be held accountable for situations as this, especially when numerous consumer complaints were made prior to the recall. We're lucky to be alive and not burned!

Filed May 28, 2008 · Airbags · 187,000 miles · VT · crash · fire

Upon deployment of driver side airbag it caught fire and I had to put it out myself.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Electrical · 128,000 miles · TX · fire

Vehicle would not shift out of park. Inspected fuses and found blown 15 amp fuse. Replaced and vehicle worked properly. Parked in driveway. 30 minutes later, car is on fire. Vehicle is totaled.

Filed Dec 7, 2005 · Acceleration · 50,000 miles · FL · fire

Dt: the contact stated vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was turned off and parked for eleven hours. The fire department report concluded the fire started around the vehicle speed control:cruise control. A police report was taken, also, pictures were available. The vehicle was totaled.

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Engine · PA

While driving 55 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Engine · 84,000 miles · NC

While driving 50 MPH smoke came from underneath the hood. The dealer stated that the intake manifold cracked. *ak

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Engine · NY · fire

Flames shot from under the windshield wipers and the transmission area before the entire engine caught fire. *ph vehicle showed symptoms of having hose leaking with anti-freeze before fire went off. Also, the engine and fire wall was burned, consumer wasn't able to distinguish the cause of fire.