VehicleVerdict

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 370 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 1997 model ranks #4 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 130 reports (35% of the total).

370

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

7

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13035%
Brakes3610%
Fuel System359%
Suspension329%
Speed Control246%
Steering236%
Lighting195%
Visibility & Wipers134%
Electrical System123%
Transmission123%
Other72%
Seat Belts62%
Body & Structure62%
Tires & Wheels51%
Latches & Locks51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Airbags21%
Seats10%

Does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

5 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH AND SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOSIE,LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED . DRIVE BELT WAS ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS A DEFECTIVE DRIVE BELT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 23, 1997 · crash

“DUE TO DESIGN AND THE SPACE FROM THE GAS PEDAL TOTHE BRAKE PEDAL, THE OWNER WAS INVOLVED IN AN MINOR ACCIDENT . MANFACTURER CONTACTED; HE STATED THAT THIS WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 8, 1997 · crash

“PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD RUPTURED CAUSING COOLANT TO FURTHER ENTER CYLINDERS AND MAY HAVE CAUSED CRACK IN ENGINE BLOCK-THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL CARED FOR INCLUDING OIL CHANGES EACH 2000 MILES-FORD & CO HAVE ESSENTIALLY SAID I'M ON MY OWN-THIS INTEGRAL PART SHOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 2, 2002

“DRIVING RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FEEL OFF CAR. RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT CAME APART AND WHOLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAME OFF. *BF LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE AND PULLED OUT OF THE SOCKET. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 1, 2004

“AFTER CHANGING GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HIT A CURB, AND WAS HEADING TOWARD A BUILDING. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER VEHICLE OUT OF ITS PATH, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER . DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 13, 1998 · crash

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 370 complaints put the 1997 model at #4 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (130 complaints), brakes (36 complaints), fuel system (35 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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 1997 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.