1997 Mercury Grand Marquis: ball joint or control arm failure

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 Oct 8, 2014 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mercury grand marquis. While driving in reverse, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and the suspension collapsed on the front driver side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower ball joint separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2010 · Suspension · 66,000 miles · FL

This happened while driving my 1997 mercury grand marquis. The lower control arm ball joint broke while driving, resulting in suspension collapse. This breakage resulted in a irrefutable total loss of vehicle control. There was not a crash because luckily I was driving at very low speed in a street while there were not other vehicles around. If this had happened a few minutes before when I was in the expressway I am totally sure it had resulted in a catastrophic multi car accident. Car is in a repair shop.

Filed Dec 30, 2008 · Suspension · 86,000 miles · NY

1997 mercury grand marquis. Mileage 86,000. Refer to ido investigation #rq 03-002 and recall #98v‑322. On 12/27/08, the front passenger-side ball joint suddenly separated while being driven, dropping entire right front end of vehicle to the ground and the body of the vehicle onto front tire. Vehicle came to an immediate stop. Thankfully, failure occurred at a low speed, in no traffic - at high speed or in traffic this could have been extremely dangerous, if not fatal. I have learned this is not an isolated incident - your office investigated this exact problem in the past as cited above. A recall was issued for grand marquis police and commercial vehicles due to similar complaints. I now know this vehicle is suspect. I request that the federal safety agency consider reopening this investigation because of the potential seriousness/danger involved, and the major expense required to repair this seemingly defective assembly. I believe other owners of this vehicle have also experienced this failure since the time the investigation was closed. Your previous investigation did not rule out a defect exists, and that further action would be taken if warranted. Please take further action. This vehicle passed nys inspection on 12/8/08. While the ball joint inspection is not required by nys to pass, my mechanic would have looked at it regardless as a general safety issue. Additionally, in the summary report, ford claimed there was ample warning of an imminent failure of this assembly (please read the summary report). Following the mechanic's inspection test drive, he reported none of the symptoms (loose steering, front end noise) which ford claims will warn of a potential imminent failure. I also noticed none of these symptoms. To correct this I have to go to a significant expense. I have contacted ford and they offer no responsibility for repair. Buyer and driver it seems, according to ford, beware. Part will be available for inspection.

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 Nov 1, 2004 · Suspension · PA

Driving right front wheel feel off car. Right front ball joint came apart and whole wheel assembly came off. *bf lower ball joint broke and pulled out of the socket. The technician replaced both lower ball joints. The manufacturer was contacted but refused to provide any assistance because the vehicle's warranty was expired.

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

Sudden failures of ball joints and steering linkages.

Filed Oct 15, 2004 · Suspension · PA

While driving at 2 MPH, the front passenger wheel separated from the vehicle. Vehicle was towed to the independent shop. The mechanic determined the lower ball joint had came apart.*ak

Filed Sep 24, 2004 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · MD

Ball joints separated when vehicle was on a floor jack and consumer was under vehicle.

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · IL

Ball joint on right front broke and made tire go flat.car was inoperable , and had to be towed to mechanic.

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Suspension · 76,000 miles · MO

While reversing in the driveway the lower ball joint fell off. The dealer replaced the lower ball joint.