VehicleVerdict

2001 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 207 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 2001 model ranks #9 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 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (29), speed control (27), and seat belts (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

207

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

34

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

28

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2914%
Speed Control2713%
Seat Belts2412%
Airbags2010%
Electrical System168%
Brakes168%
Transmission147%
Lighting126%
Steering115%
Body & Structure105%
Tires & Wheels73%
Suspension73%
Fuel System52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Other31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seats10%

Does the 2001 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.

01V227001Seat BeltsJuly 16, 2001 · 1,400,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

00V412000AirbagsDecember 6, 2000 · 16,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES. A RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) OR A SIDE OR FRONT CRASH SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SCREWS THAT MOUNT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE HOUSING MISSING. IF SOME OR ALL OF THE SCREWS ARE MISSING, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINS COULD BE AFFECTED.

Consequence

IN SOME CASES, LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RCM AND CRASH SENSORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM.

00V270000AirbagsSeptember 13, 2000 · 18,500 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIMOUSINES, AND MINI VANS WERE BUILT WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM). IN SOME CASES, THE RCM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CERTAIN SYSTEM FAULTS THAT COULD RESULT IN AN AIR BAG OR SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATING DURING THE SELF-TEST SEQUENCE AT VEHICLE START-UP.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RCM IN THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 14, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY FATHER IN LAW WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN A GMC YUKON PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. MY FATHER IN LAW HIT THE SIDE OF THE YUKON AND ONLY ONE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHICH WAS THE PASSANGER SIDE,MY FATHER IN LAW WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BC OF NO FEELING BELOW HIS WAIST AND THE PARAMEDICS WERE UNABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 31, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND UPON BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY CONSUMERS FOOT SLIPPED OFF GAS PEDAL, COULD NOT FIND BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSUMER HIT A PARKED VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMERS FOOT BECAME ENGAGED WITH THE LEDGE OF THE GAS PEDAL AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON BRAKES WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 26, 2002 · crash

“ATTORNEY REPRESENTED THE FAMILY OF WALLACE PETRO WHO HAD DIED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING A 2001 GRAND MARQUIS THE ATTORNEY ALLEGED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED, AND CAUSED MR. PETRO TO BE EJECTED DURING THE ROLL OVER INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 30, 2003 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAD DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATED. THE RIGHT AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT LEFT BAD BRUISES ACROSS THE CHEST OF CONSUMER. GOING 30 TO 35 MPH, CONSUMER WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. A NEW SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“2001 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. FREQUENTLY A PLUME OF SMOKE COMES OUT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING POST. THERE IS ALSO A BURNING ODOR. IT ONLY LASTS FOR A SECOND. THERE IS NO EQUIPMENT FAILURE SO FAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON, DON"T WORRY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 3, 2008 · fire

2001 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 207 complaints put the 2001 model at #9 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), speed control (27 complaints), seat belts (24 complaints).

Does the 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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 2001 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.