2006 Mercury Grand Marquis: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Aug 30, 2023 · Airbags, Seat belts · AR

Driver and Passenger side seat belt pretensioners failed and have resulted in airbags being inoperable.

Filed May 13, 2022 · Seat belts · CA

Around 12 years ago, when my 2006 Marquis, which I purchased brand new, had only approximately 40,000 miles on it, the seatbelt-airbag system warning appeared on the instrument panel and a warning bell sound went off with a 3 beep then 2 beeps/ring tone that would sound whenever the vehicle was started for the next two minutes of driving. It would then stop but the yellow warning icon stays on. On a trip, while driving, it will do this every hour or so or 60 miles of driving, and has done this ever since. (I'm retired and drive very little, my vehicle as of today (5-13-2022) has only 54,462 actual miles on it.) I did some research when it first occurred and learned that the 3 - 2 beeps is a "code 32, seat belt pre-tensioner failure warning and will need immediate service and replacement." So I then called Ford and explained it as above. They told me that it is not their problem and are not acknowledging any responsibility and it will be up to me to see a dealer, which I did. I was told that it would require replacement of both my seat front seat belts, and possibly more including airbag components to the tune of several thousand dollars! I asked them, as I did Ford: As I've had many Ford vehicles, personal and company, several of which I've driven over 200K miles, without ever having a seat belt or airbag component failure, how is this MY problem and not Ford's, especially after only 40K miles? I had asked Ford these two most important questions: 1- "What did I do to CAUSE THIS FAILURE?" and 2- "What could I HAVE DONE TO PREVENT IT?" They refused to answer and only told me that I need to take it to a dealer to have it repaired. I have not pursued it as I didn't have the thousands of dollars the dealer wanted to charge me. This is wrong as it is part of Ford's refusal to acknowledge the faulty components in their seat belt/airbag systems, which has been putting my life at risk ever since their components' failure and Ford needs to be held responsible!

Filed Nov 4, 2019 · Airbags · 53,000 miles · GA

Air bag light comes on and blinks code 3 3 then dings an alarm 5 dings x 5 times every 30 minutes, light stays on. I understand code 33 or 34 are seat belt pretentioners that are known to fail on mid 2000's ford vehicles. Mine is 2006 grand marquis. This appears to be a defect in materials causing a saftey concern for myself and passengers. The air bag system is disabled until repaired and the repair is very expensive. The vehicle has not been in an accident and it has been diagnosed as a driver side pretentioner high resistance failure. The mechanic suggested they replace both driver and passenger side since the passenger side will most likely also fail soon according to his experiance. This should be recalled to have pretensioners replaced since it is a known defect and safety hazard caused by ford parts.

Filed Jan 5, 2014 · Airbags · 56,000 miles · TX

While leaving my home I noticed the amber airbag lamp on the dashboard had remained illuminated; the warning chime also sounded periodically. Upon taking the vehicle to a dealership that day I was told the driver's side seatbelt and buckle had to be replaced, and that the airbag would not deploy until the necessary repairs were made. Since that time I have driven without having the repair done because of the cost (approximately $800). I have done considerable research on the internet about this problem and found numerous instances of this problem occurring on the mercury product line, primarily from repair forums, advice websites, etc. My search was by no means all inclusive, but I feel it representative of a systemic problem with, at least, the mercury product line, and may extend to other ford products. It certainly represents a serious safety issue concerning the use of airbags for passengers and driver. Thank you in advance for your consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 9, 2013 · Airbags, Seat belts · 38,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the driver's side pretensioner failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. The consumer was informed a small spring in the seat belt harness broke and the only way to replace it, was to replace the entire seat belt harness. Two months later, the failure happened again. Updated 04/01/14

Filed May 21, 2013 · Seat belts · 87,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt buckle would not latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercury grand marquis ls. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate on the passenger side of the vehicle. In addition, the cigarette lighter fuse would blow when used, which the contact was concerned could cause a fire. The dealer diagnosed that there was a wiring failure. The manufacturer was contacted and denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 71,000. Updated 11/10/11 *bf the consumer stated the air bag light illuminated and the warning bell rings 20 times when he started the vehicle. Also, the warning bell would ring 20 times every few minutes. The dealer refused to fix the problem. The dealer stated the problem was an electrical issue. The consumer was also informed the vehicle needed a seat belt pretensioner and buckle. The consumer also stated when he plugged his cell phone into the cigarette lighter, it blew a fuse. Updated 11/16/11