1997 Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 150,000 miles · MD

I am an automotive technician and I service many vehicles daily. I currently own a 97 mercury grand marquis ls and have noticed that practically most steering components on my vehicle are in need of replacing. Specifically the tie rod ends, control arms, ball joins all have blown bushings and a pitman arm.... The steering sways so hard on this vehicle. I have noticed that customer's vehicles that I have worked on that are similar to the crown vic, and the marquis are showing signs of steering component concern as well. I see more fords with steering issues than any other vehicle that I service. The vehicles also seem to have issues with anyone sitting in the back that the body will scrape the tires and there are multiple electrical issues. I have had to rig my vent door actuator and I have had to install a shut off switch due to a parasitic draw that I can not locate even with a volt meter. After researching on forums and watching countless youtube videos of owners stating these known issues I believe that it is beyond maintenance standards for these parts all to be faulty from this car manufacturer.

Filed Sep 15, 2016 · Brakes, Seat belts · NC

Recall while driving the steering wheel seems very loose as if its about to come off

Filed May 24, 2016 · Steering · NJ

I have to put it on neutral most of the time with emg brake on. Because the gearshift is hard to put in park. My car only has 92,000 miles.

Filed Jan 9, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 94,625 miles · OH

Dt: the consumer owns a 1997 mercury grand marquis. While driving and using the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic who suggested that there was no lubrication on the ball joints nor was there any way to lubricated them due to the design. The mechanic said that the ball joints should be alright for a while. No repairs or corrections were made at that time. On another occasion while driving 29 MPH uphill, the left front ball joint cracked and dropped to the ground damaging the tie rod and ball joint assembly and the left front tire. The vehicle continued to travel for approximately 20 to 30 feet after the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver lost directional control of the vehicle. This happened without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealer said that the other side was affected as well. The dealer repaired both front ball joints along with the tie rod assembly. *ak note: failed components are available for inspection upon request. *mjj (11/211/05) the consumer found the coolant crossover cracked on intake. *sc

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MN

Dt: contact states the tie rod on the drivers side of 1997 grand marquis fell off just before memorial day. It happened because there were no grease fittings on the tie rods . The car only had 63,000 miles on it. He had not been having any problems with the car prior to this problem. Had them both replaced. He went to a mercury dealer and they told him there was nothing they could do about it. He has not talked to the manufacturer.*ak

Filed Oct 16, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 65,000 miles · MA

Sudden failures of ball joints and steering linkages.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Fuel system, Steering · FL

Consumer dismayed to notice the smell of fuel as she drove and parked the vehicle. *ph the smell would be present when the vehicle was parked as well. The fuel was leaking into the brake line. *sc the idler and pitman arms were replaced.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Steering · 75,000 miles · GA

The steering wheel became very hot, while driving.

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Steering · SC

Vehicle handles with difficulty, not maintaining steering control, and changing directions upon wind gust. Owner has taken vehicle to a dealership, which was not able to detect cause of erratical steering. Please describe details.

Filed Feb 5, 2002 · Steering, Transmission · NC

In steering column bolts to the shift indicator fell out. Vehicle was hard to maneuver and there was no control of which gear vehicle was being shifted to. Dealer was notified.