VehicleVerdict

1999 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 202 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 1999 model ranks #10 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (34), lighting (21), and suspension (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

202

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3417%
Lighting2110%
Steering189%
Suspension189%
Electrical System168%
Tires & Wheels147%
Transmission147%
Speed Control126%
Brakes105%
Fuel System73%
Seat Belts73%
Body & Structure73%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Other63%
Airbags52%
Latches & Locks31%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%

Does the 1999 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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

00V200000OtherJuly 18, 2000 · 875,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

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.

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE HESITATED AND IDLED BADLY AT A STOP. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED. WHEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER, THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED THE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER STATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 29, 2006

“DT: THE HEADLIGHT COVERS HAVE LOST THEIR PROTECTIVE COATING WHICH RESTRICTS OVER HALF OF THE LIGHT VISIBILITY DRIVING IN DARK CONDITIONS OR AT NIGHT. TOOK TO A DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS BEFORE THE TYPE OF PLASTIC WAS CHANGED ON THEM.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 28, 2005

“CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND LEFT CONTROL ARM BOLT BROKE IN HALF AND THERE WAS NO NUT. LEFT SIDE OF THE WHEEL COLLAPSED. VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN REPORTING THE PROBLEM TO FORD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 1, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CHANGED LANES AND THE STEERING BECAME ERRATIC. UPON EXAMINATION, THE IDLER ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING LINK ARM. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY PASSED A SAFETY INSPECTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 14, 2015 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS PARKING, TURNED VEHICLE OFF, AND THEN DECIDED TO PARK ELSEWHERE. CONSUMER TRIED TO START VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. THEN CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD, THEN FLAMES. CALLED 911 FOR HELP. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 12, 1999 · fire

1999 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 202 complaints put the 1999 model at #10 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), lighting (21 complaints), suspension (18 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.