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1996 Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems

21 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 134,000.

owner complaints
21
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
134,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    5
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    3
  • Rack and pinion
    1
  • Linkages
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    1
  • Gear box: shaft pitman
    1
  • Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
    1

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 steering problems in other years

19911995200020052011

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Apr 14, 2011 · Steering · 94,100 miles · NY

The steering wheel has become very loose, and it squeaks alot. I am unable to adjust the steering wheel height any more. I believe this could be a potential hazard, and result in loss of control of steering for this vehicle.

Filed Mar 14, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 134,000 miles · OR

I own a 1996 mercury grand marquis. The steering in the vehicle began locking up at a certain spot when turning. This would cause me to push the steering wheel into the turn a little harder which unlocked the steering causing me to veer left or right. I took the car several times to different shops. They would lift the car and check the suspension and give it a clean bill of health. The problem persisted and got much worse. I took the car to yet another shop and insisted they take it out and drive it a long distance. The mechanic didn't get out of the parking lot, came back and made me leave the car. He insisted it was a problem with the steering box and this was replaced. I picked up the car on a friday and on saturday drove over the mountains. It was a hairy ride, the problem was not fixed and the curvy roads made driving downright dangerous. I took the car to a mechanic at my destination and he inspected the car but this time he disconnected the tie rod ends so he could rotate the wheels with weight on them. One of the ball joints on the drivers side was nearly locked solid. The drivers side ball joints were replaced and that fixed the problem.

Filed Feb 25, 2008 · Steering · 85,000 miles · NE

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and right. The dealer suggested that the contact may want to have the tie rods repaired, although they were not covered under warranty. A local mechanic stated that the tie rods were fine and no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 03/26/08.

Filed Aug 7, 2005 · Steering · 1 miles · FL

I believe that there is a serious problem with the steering gear box in the mercury grand marquis 1996 and any other vehicles which use this same component in their vehicle. The problem is that there is excessive play inside the steering gear box. I am sure that this problem is the gear box not some other component of the system. The seriousness of the problem is that the play inside within the gear box is translated to the road in the form of poor handling,swaying etc. I changed my upper, lower ball joints,tie rods, pitman arm ,tires,sway bars,idle arm,and aligned and also replaced the gearbox with a rebuilt gearbox this completely different gearbox rebuilt mind you has the same problem as the previous gear box. This type of vehicle is driven by a lot of seniors, cab companies ,etc. The newer model vehicles of this type use a different gear box which I am pretty sure it does not have the same problem as the older models have. As far as having the old part I gave it to the company that I purchased the newly rebuilt one from as a core.

Filed Nov 4, 2002 · Steering · IN

Steering wheel fell off while driving..total loss of directional control. Managed to get to side of road with last bit of steering. I noticed that car was not responding to turning wheel. The wheel actually feel off of the column and rolled into the passenger seat when I took my hands off of the wheel. Dealership diagnosis: "steering wheel fell off. Dt

Filed Feb 7, 2002 · Steering · AZ

Pitman arm has broken five times. Part lasted for 2000 miles after last replacement.

Filed Feb 4, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · OH

While backing out of driveway left ball joint fell out of vehicle. Dealer contacted.*ak consumer also stated left tir rod end and ball joint failed, and also the right side is in poor condition, dealer replaced the outer and inner tie rod ends.

Filed Mar 6, 2000 · Steering · GA

While backing out , steering wheel disconnected and consume r lost complete control. Vehicle was towed to dealer for repairs.

Questions about the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis steering

Does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have steering problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 134,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Mercury Grand Marquis have bad steering?

The Mercury Grand Marquis model years with the most steering complaints are 2004 (65 complaints), 2003 (28 complaints) and 1995 (24 complaints).

Other 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Engine 86Brakes 23Fuel system 21Acceleration 19Lights 19Electrical 16Suspension 15Transmission 15Visibility 10Airbags 6Body 5Seat belts 5Tires 3Wheels 3Locks 1Seats 1

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