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.
Mercury Grand Marquis steering noise problems
12 of the 3,703 owner complaints about the Mercury Grand Marquis describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 90,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20081
- 20051
- 20045
- 20001
- 19972
- 19961
- 19931
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 2Ball joint 2Wipers 1Headlights 1Fuel leak 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column. Upon inspection, it was determined that the clanking noise was caused by a defective steering linkage that was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. Hight ford inc., located at 242 madison ave, skowhegan, me 04976 and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury grand marquis. While driving 20 MPH on a residential road, the contact heard an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering wheel. While attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel detached without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that the steering column seized and made a clicking sound while driving 30 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised to call the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
"takata recall" when putting gas in my car the fuel leaks out before the gas gets into the tank by fuel filter. And the steering column makes a popping and winding sound when steering wheel is in use driving the car.
Severe steering problem. Noise in steering column, clunking sound. When turning left or right wheel locks up and does not return to center unless pulled hard. Called the federal safety agency on12/19/14. Was given complaint #10667316. I was told I would receive paperwork in mail, sign & return. Never received paperwork. Also called ford on same day 12/19/14. Spoke to donna. She gave me case# 5719627 never heard from ford either. Very dangerous. One mechanic told me it was rack & pinion. Paid $700. To have it replaced. Same problem
Power steering lost. Vehicle very hard to steer around corners. Added power steering fluid to min/max line. Thought problem was solved but steering very tight and hard to steer within 5 miles. Steering odd, not normal. Groaning noise accompanied steering issue. Was driving on street, medium traffic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact attempted to make a left turn and the steering wheel made a loud noise without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic suggested calling the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The current mileage was 158,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel, he heard a grinding noise. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 13v385000 (steering). The failure mileage was 40,000.
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.
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V‑385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
- Risk
- Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V‑385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Recall number 14V704000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
- Risk
- If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Recall number 13V385000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mercury Grand Marquis steering noise
Which Mercury Grand Marquis years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (5 complaints), 1997 (2 complaints) and 1993 (1 complaints).
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