VehicleVerdict

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 282 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 1996 model ranks #6 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 88 reports (31% of the total).

282

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

7

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

24

Fires reported

17

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8831%
Brakes259%
Steering217%
Fuel System217%
Lighting207%
Speed Control197%
Electrical System186%
Transmission166%
Suspension166%
Visibility & Wipers104%
Airbags62%
Tires & Wheels62%
Body & Structure52%
Seat Belts52%
Other41%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%

Does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E082000SteeringOctober 6, 2015 · 1,767 units

Defect

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

Consequence

If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

08V051000Speed ControlFebruary 4, 2008 · 225,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

00V157001Seat BeltsJune 12, 2000 · 1,167 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

00V157002Seat BeltsJune 12, 2000 · 1,129 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

96V070000Latches & LocksApril 22, 1996 · 73,500 units

Defect

WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Consequence

THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING MANIFOLD CRACKED, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE FUEL TANK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHILE DRIVING THE MANIFOLD CRACKED WHICH CAUSED ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND THAT THEY REPLACED MANY OF THEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 2003 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE VALVE MELTED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 6, 2007 · fire

“TODAY WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE REFUELED THE CAR AND HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN I PARK THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE LOOKED WITH A FLASH LIGHT UNDER THE CAR (LEFT REAR BELOW THE TIRE RIM) AND I SEE GAS DRIPPING OUT OF WHERE A TUBING CONNECTS TO THE FUEL TANK. THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 25, 1999

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WANDERS,; ALSO, STEERING IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. WORSE WHEN WINDY OR RAIN ING. IN ADDITION, HOODE LATCH NEEDED ADJUSTMENT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. NOTES VEHICLE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 9, 1998

“THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT IS LIKE DRIVING WITH PARKING LIGHTSNOT ENOUGH LIGHT TO DRIVE BY. THE COMPANY IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND SEEN A LETTER FROM COMPANY SENT TO DEALERS EXPLAINING AND SAYING THEY MAY GET COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS. THEY OFFER NO OPTIONS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE GIVEN UP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 15, 1996

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 282 complaints put the 1996 model at #6 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (88 complaints), brakes (25 complaints), steering (21 complaints).

Does the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 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 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations 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.