VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis sits mid-pack among Grand Marquis years: 101 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 101, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (17), engine (12), and suspension (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

101

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1717%
Engine1212%
Suspension1111%
Electrical System1010%
Steering99%
Tires & Wheels77%
Brakes77%
Seat Belts77%
Lighting66%
Fuel System44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Other33%
Airbags33%
Transmission11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WATER HEATER IN THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES BUT THERE WERE MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 7, 2012 · crash

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. (ENCOMPASS INSURANCE) *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 27, 2002 · fire

“VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE SWAY BAR. WHEN CONSUMER CALLED FORD THEY STATED ALL 2002 MODEL VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE SWAY BARS. CONSUMER WAS IN ACCIDENT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED SOME VEHICLES DO, AND SOME VEHICLES DON'T HAVE SWAY BARS. PLEASE ADD VIN#. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 11, 2001 · crash

“SLIGHT WHITE SMOKE APPEARING THROUGH VENTS IN AUTO. THEN WHEN WE PARKED IT EXTREME SMOKE CAME INTO VENTS FILLING PASSANGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO EXTREME WHITE SMOKE MIXED WITH BLACK CAME THROUGH VENTS BETWEEN HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. I OPENED HOOD AND IT WAS APPARENTLY BETWEEN FIREWALL & DASH. HAD TERRIBLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 23, 2005 · fire

“THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END WHEN PARKING. THE DEALERSHIP PROVIDED A TEMPORARY FIX BY PUTTING SHIMS UNDER THE FRONT END. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING. THE CONSUMER HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · crash

2002 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand Marquis: 101 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (17 complaints), engine (12 complaints), suspension (11 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.