Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis sits mid-pack among Grand Marquis years: 106 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 101, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (23), brakes (15), and airbags (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
106
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
15
Fires reported
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 15 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 12 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 12 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A PARK CAM WITH INADEQUATE SURFACE HARDNESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PARK DISENGAGEMENT OR NO PARK ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED IN PARK.
Consequence
IF PARK IS NOT ENGAGED AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS OFF, AVEHICLE ROLL-AWAY COULD RESULT.
Remedy
REPLACE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Defect
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Consequence
INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER PARKING VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY CONSUMER WAS EMPTYING THE TRUNK AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FIRE SOON ERUPTED FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD, AND WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED. AFTER CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE RESULTS, IT WAS DETERMINED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THAT THE…”
“THE CONSUMER RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE OPENED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UP 65 MPH, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK”
“DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE DURING ACCIDENT, ALSO CHEMICALS RELEASED FROM AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT INTO DRIVER'S FACE, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD”
“DURING COLD STARTUP SHIFTED INTO REVERSE VEHICLE SURGED REARWARD. WHEN PLACING SELECTOR GEAR INTO NEUTRAL SLIPPED TO DRIVE GEAR, SURGED FORWARD. RAN INTO HOUSE, AND WHEELS STILL SPINNING WITH BOTH FEET ON BRAKING PEDAL. *AK”
“WHILE IN THE STORE SHOPPING WALKED OUT, AND CAR LOOKED LIKE STEAM COMING FROM IT, FROM THE COLOR OF THE SMOKE. CONSUMER GOT CLOSER AND NOTICED BUBBLING IN THE HOOD AND DISCOLORIZATION. IT WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER FELT THAT FIRE STARTED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.*AK”
It is close to typical for the Grand Marquis: 106 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), airbags (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.