VehicleVerdict

1985 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted634 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 8 complaints1983: 14 complaints1984: 24 complaints1985: 29 complaints1986: 22 complaints1987: 57 complaints1988: 98 complaints1989: 69 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 106 complaints1992: 330 complaints1993: 178 complaints1994: 197 complaints1995: 222 complaints1996: 282 complaints1997: 370 complaints1998: 168 complaints1999: 202 complaints2000: 216 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 101 complaints2003: 449 complaints2004: 422 complaints2005: 634 complaints2006: 187 complaints2007: 111 complaints2008: 101 complaints2009: 35 complaints2010: 35 complaints2011: 11 complaints
Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1345%
Speed Control414%
Engine414%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)27%
Fuel System27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Transmission13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ABOUT, 2001, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SOMEONE ABOUT A PART DEFECT/1985 1/2 MERC.GR.MARQUIS 2DR.[KEEP STOPPING/CUT OUT WHEN I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT. CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THEY CALLED IT.] SENT IN FORMS-[STATED NOT TO CONTACT FORD MOTOR CO.], WELL I READ ABOUT THE SAME THING IN THE NEWS PAPER ABOUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 9, 1986

“VEHICLE HAS LOW POWER, STALLS, ALWAYS ON HIGH IDLE WHEN STARTED, TRANSMISSION JERKS, CHECKED WITH DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON RECALLS ALTHOUGH YOUR DATA BASE SHOWS NUMEROUS RECALLS CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM MY FATHER. HE HAS NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OF ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control

“WHEN ENGINE GETS HOT VHEICLE WILL STALL, CONSUMER MUST WAIT UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN TO RESTART. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER AND MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES, BUT CAUSE IS STILL UNKNOWN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“COOPER LIFELINER CLASSIC STEEL BELTED RADIAL TIRE P215 70 R15 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 28, 2000

1985 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (4 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).

Does the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Grand Marquis years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Marquis years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1997, 1992, 1996, 1995, 2000, 2001, 1999, 1994, 2006, 1993, 1998. The cleanest record among Grand Marquis years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.